31 Michelin Starred Korean Restaurants in the USA

Want to enjoy Korean fine dining but can’t make it out of the country?

No problem!

There are more Michelin starred Korean restaurants in the USA than in the motherland.

From rustic adult arcades to swanky establishments overlooking the city, there’s no shortage of Michelin starred or reviewed Korean restaurants.

Here are all the Michelin starred restaurants in North America.

California

Benu

• 22 Hawthorne St., San Francisco, 94105, USA
• $$$$ · Asian, Contemporary
• Three Stars: Exceptional cuisine

Benu stands as a serene sanctuary amid the urban hustle.

The dining experience commences with a sequence of intricately crafted small bites, each showcasing remarkable technical prowess. While these delicacies could stand alone among the nation’s most ambitious tasting menus, Benu offers more.

Chef Corey Lee consistently reinvents his nightly creations. Notable dishes, such as barbecued quail with house-made XO sauce and a contemporary interpretation of traditional Korean beef barbecue, exude a distinctive personality and embody a unique fusion of modern Asian influences.

Ssal

• 2226 Polk St., San Francisco, 94109, USA
• $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
• One Star: High quality cooking

Hyunyoung and Junsoo Bae, seasoned veterans in the realm of fine dining, embarked on a unique culinary journey to address the gap in San Francisco’s Korean restaurant landscape. The culmination of their efforts is a distinctive tasting menu that embraces familiar flavors while distinguishing itself through a refined simplicity.

A standout in their repertoire, the beef short ribs are expertly cooked sous vide, followed by a precise searing process that imparts a delectable sweet-savory crust.

The dining experience concludes with desserts that exhibit a delicate touch, exemplified by a sorbet featuring magnolia berry atop a bed of green plum granita, elegantly garnished with a black sesame tuile.

San Ho Won

• 2170 Bryant St., San Francisco, 94110, USA
• $$$ · Korean, Contemporary
• One Star: High quality cooking

Marrying the exceptional talents of esteemed chefs Corey Lee and Jeong-In Hwang, this culinary venture promises nothing short of extraordinary.

With a kitchen employing meticulously honed techniques, the fusion of traditional Korean flavors with a touch of innovation takes center stage. The menu boasts a range from barbecue fare to home-cooked delights, featuring robust stews like the cross-cultural kimchi jjigae pozole.

Exclusive lychee wood charcoal, specially crafted for the restaurant, imparts a unique quality to grilled offerings such as the succulent galbi.

Dha Rae Oak

• 1106 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, 90006, USA
• $$ · Korean, Duck Specialties
• Bib Gourmand: good quality, good value cooking

This dining haven revolves around the star attraction – a whole duck, masterfully roasted in a clay pot. For those who appreciate that the finest things require time, spontaneous diners should note that this delectable platter demands a bit of foresight: it’s best to place an order at least a day in advance.

Stuffed with a delightful medley of chestnuts, sweet potatoes, rice, and herbs, the duck undergoes meticulous wrapping and hours of roasting, culminating in a presentation right before your eyes.

An accompanying spicy dipping sauce and a light broth infused with greens elevate the preparation to epic heights. While sharing this festive feast with a group is the ideal way to indulge, those dropping by can still relish the signature smoked treat, available at any hour.

Bansang

• 1560 Fillmore St., San Francisco, 94115, USA
• $$ · Korean, Contemporary
• Bib Gourmand: good quality, good value cooking

The establishment’s name pays homage to the age-old tradition of communal Korean dining, rooted in the Joseon royal court. However, there’s nothing antiquated or formal about the dining experience here.

The culinary approach boldly embraces a contemporary perspective on Korean cuisine, seamlessly incorporating unconventional ingredients like parmesan cheese and chorizo into dishes such as kimchi fried rice or crispy rice cakes. These modern elements coexist harmoniously with more traditional offerings like mulhwe, raw seafood in a chilled fermented chili broth.

Animo

• 18976 Sonoma Hwy., Sonoma, 95476, USA
• $$$$ · Californian, Korean

At this cozy retreat, the unlikely fusion of Basque and Korean cuisines feels remarkably natural. The unassuming exterior lacks signage, but a white building with firewood neatly stacked and a chimney emitting a plume of smoke serve as unmistakable markers.

Chef Joshua Smookler tends to a lively fire that imparts a smoky essence to his robust and rustic creations. Meanwhile, his wife, Heidi He, ensures that the hospitality matches the warmth emanating from the crackling central hearth.

The menu showcases exceptional ingredients including heritage Iberico pork from Texas. Even the kimchi fried rice receives a flavorful boost from Katz’s pastrami.

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Quarters BBQ

• 3465 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, 90020, USA
• $$$ · Korean, Barbecue

Navigating LA’s extensive barbecue scene can be a challenge, given the wealth of options available. However, when you see the lines wrapping around this well-established and upscale gem, rest assured you’ve made a discerning choice.

Aptly named, the menu organizes meats into quarter-pound portions, allowing patrons to explore a diverse selection of marinated cuts.

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Soowon Galbi

• 856 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, 90005, USA
• $$$ · Korean, Barbecue

Nestled conveniently next to a laundromat, Soowon Galbi may not please interior design aesthetics, but boasts two decades of authenticity, consistently delivering on flavor.

The culinary journey commences with pancakes, steamed eggs, and banchan, but true to the essence of Korean barbecue joints, the spotlight is on the charbroiled and grilled meat.

Kinn

• 3905 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, 90020, USA
• $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary

Chef Ki Kim brings a touch of distinction to the culinary scene with Kinn. Lost along a prominent thoroughfare in K-town, the sleek and modern space is completed with a blonde wood counter and tables.

The slow-braised pork shoulder, infused with apple cider, is adorned with a sweet glaze and is accompanied by kale kimchi.

Indulge in the sweet potato cake crowned with an orange caramel sauce and served alongside vanilla chantilly for a delectable finale.

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Jeong Yuk Jeom

• 621 S. Western Ave., Ste.100, Los Angeles, 90005, USA
• $$$ · Korean, Beef

In this neighborhood full of Korean barbecue options, you might wonder what distinguishes this particular establishment. The answer lies in its generous array of banchan, premium meats, and attentive service.

The brainchild of brothers Andrew and Jaeyong Son, this spacious venue maintains perennial popularity, thanks in part to its inviting ambiance and sleek design.

With a name that translates to “butcher shop,” it’s no surprise that they offer only the finest quality beef.

Yong Su San

• 950 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, 90006, USA
• $$$ · Korean, Regional Cuisine

Standing out from the K-town crowd, this Seoul-based chain specializes in the historic dishes once served to Korea’s royals. The hanbok-attired servers and private rooms, complete with a spacious foyer featuring a counter and carved wooden seats with plush cushions, add to the unique experience.

Most diners opt for set menus at various price levels in large groups, but à la carte dining is also a great option.

Parks BBQ

• 955 S. Vermont Ave., Ste.G, Los Angeles, 90006, USA
• $$$ · Korean, Barbecue

Praised as one of the city’s cherished destinations for Korean barbecue, Park’s has been drawing patrons for ages, evident from the photo wall of famous chefs, actors, and politicians near the front door.

The interior is simple, with efficient, friendly servers handling most tasks related to grilling and meat preparation. From bulgogi to galbi, the meat is of prime quality and often lightly marinated.

For those willing to spend more, the pricier American Wagyu is available, and the acclaimed garlic-soy-brown sugar marinade pairs perfectly with short ribs.

Chosun Galbee

• 3330 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, 90019, USA
• $$$ · Korean, Barbecue

Dining at this establishment exudes an air of reverence, a quality that enhances the authenticity of the Korean culinary experience. The servers, dressed in traditional garments, contribute to the ambiance while adding a touch of modernity with discreet earpieces.

The menu, although extensive and featuring familiar barbecue classics, transcends expectations through the kitchen’s meticulous care and skill.

A noteworthy highlight is the impressive variety of banchan, showcasing the culinary prowess of the eatery.

New York

Atomix

• 104 E. 30th St., New York, 10016, USA
• $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
• Two Stars: Excellent cooking

Atomix is another Michelin-starred restaurant in New York City that offers a multi-course dining experience, presenting modern interpretations of Korean dishes.

Nestled discreetly within a Murray Hill brownstone, Atomix stands as one of Manhattan’s most coveted dining destinations. The space unfolds to reveal a chic bar and a subterranean dining counter covered with dark stone, soothing earth tones, and captivating views of the kitchen’s inner workings.

Under the guidance of Chef Junghyun Park and his wife Ellia, the culinary team consistently pushes the boundaries of modern Korean cooking with creations such as the three-day salt-and-nuruk-cured kohlrabi and the rich Japanese butterfish adorned with XO sauce, served in a froth of white kimchi sauce.

Jungsik

• 2 Harrison St., New York, 10013, USA
• $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
• Two Stars: Excellent cooking

Jungsik, located in New York City, is known for its modern and innovative approach to Korean cuisine. It has held Michelin stars, showcasing a fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors.

Jungsik’s “New Korean” culinary approach takes a westward-leaning stance. While some of the remarkable sauces crafted in this kitchen could easily grace the table of a grand French establishment, what truly sets it apart is how the incorporation of Korean elements elevates each dish to new heights.

The bibimbap, artfully composed with gochujang, crispy quinoa, and tender Wagyu beef tartare, is an experience not to be missed.

Meju

• 5-28 49th Ave., New York, 11101, USA
• $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
• One Star: High quality cooking

Tucked discreetly behind a banchan shop in Long Island City, Meju is more than a restaurant, it’s a culinary classroom. Chef Hooni Kim assumes the role of a knowledgeable guide, curating a profoundly personal menu rooted in traditional Korean ingredients that he has meticulously wild-fermented and aged over the past decade.

The menu features dazzling renditions of doenjang, gochujang, ganjang, and ssamjang, each complementing dishes such as silky tofu, fried pancakes, and Niman Ranch pork.

The attention to detail extends to the service pieces, many of which are handmade from Korean clay. A seemingly unassuming bowl of rice with kimchi may appear ordinary, but its impact lingers long after the meal concludes.

Cote

• 16 W. 22nd St., New York, 10010, USA
• $$$$ · Korean, Steakhouse
• One Star: High quality cooking

Simon Kim opened Cote as a jubilant homage to his home country’s deep appreciation for beef, seamlessly blended with his admiration for the iconic American steakhouse.

You can head downstairs to marvel at the meats hanging in the aging room, setting the stage for a unique dining experience. The ambiance itself defies norms—dark, moody, and atmospheric. (Don’t miss their speakeasy, Undercote, downstairs.)

First-time visitors are encouraged to opt for the “Butcher’s Feast,” a culinary journey featuring various cuts of beef, an egg soufflé, and an abundance of banchan that generously adorns your table.

bōm

• 17 W. 19th St., New York, 10011, USA
• $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
• One Star: High quality cooking

Situated behind its sister restaurant Oiji Mi, bōm unfolds as a spacious and contemporary marble counter, spotlighting the best of contemporary Korean cuisine. Premium beef, including tenderloin and Wagyu short rib to dry-aged ribeye, are the highlights.

Anticipate a showcase of flawless ingredients, exemplified by gamtae cradling sweet bluefin tuna decorated with delicate cubes of Hudson Valley foie gras. A single bite of baesuk featuring Baerii caviar, jujube, and tofu offers a symphony of flavors as well.

Jeju Noodle Bar

• 679 Greenwich St., New York, 10014, USA
• $$$ · Korean
• One Star: High quality cooking

Jeju is famous for its seafood and local delicacy, black pork which are well-represented at this upscale noodle bar.

Get comfortable at one of the tables, or even better, at the engaging counter where you can witness the artistry behind each dish. If the visual spectacle isn’t enough to tantalize your taste buds, the kitchen’s unique offerings at an affordable price point surely will.

Indulge in the enticing aroma of pork bone broth which heralds the arrival of the gochu ramyun, a bowl teeming with curly noodles, bean sprouts, and pickled cabbage. The Pyunche salad, a harmonious blend of sushi-grade amberjack, is a simple yet scrumptious wonder.

Following closely is the toro ssam bap, a delightful surprise showcasing the namesake fatty fish alongside scrambled egg, tobiko, and toasted seaweed.

Oiji Mi

• 17 W. 19th St., New York, 10011, USA
• $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
• One Star: High quality cooking

Chef Brian Kim and his team have taken their expertise uptown to unveil Oiji Mi.

They offer a five-course prix fixe menu with notable highlights including the striped jack hwe, elegantly served in a wide glass bowl and finished with a nuanced and balanced citrus jang sauce.

The chili lobster ramyun is another standout, featuring tender lobster meat tossed in a vibrant gochujang sauce over springy noodles—a simple yet beautiful dish best enjoyed cold.

Mari

• 679 Ninth Ave., New York, 10036, USA
• $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
• One Star: High quality cooking

Mari, meaning “roll” in Korean, emerges as Hell’s Kitchen’s latest culinary destination under the skilled guidance of Sungchul Shim. Patrons are in for a delightful surprise as Chef Shim transforms the genre into a captivating tasting menu, enriched with high-quality ingredients and infused with Korean flavors.

Tender strips of cured mackerel, and succulent slabs of pork belly marinated with ssamjang rest upon beds of rice cradled in seaweed.

Kochi

• 652 Tenth Ave., New York, 10036, USA
• $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
• One Star: High quality cooking

Contrary to the notion that tasting menus are lengthy and ostentatious, this place offers a lively atmosphere.

The focal point of the venue is undoubtedly the open kitchen, where a dynamic young team swiftly churns out an impressive array of grilled bites designed to be savored with your hands—after all, Kochi translates to “skewer” in Korean.

Chef Sungchul Shim draws on his Korean heritage and fine-dining expertise to craft a menu that is both solid and playful.

Jua

• 36 E. 22nd St., New York, 10010, USA
• $$$$ · Korean, Korean Contemporary
• One Star: High quality cooking

Amidst the Flatiron Building, Chef Hoyoung Kim and his team have consistently delivered on their promise of a well-balanced, modern Korean prix-fixe experience that strikes the perfect balance between familiarity and substantiality.

The jook featuring smoked eel and sesame embodies both comfort and refinement, while the luxurious start of crispy seaweed enveloping tuna tartare and rice crowned with caviar sets an opulent tone. The banchan, minimalist yet impactful, is a unique highlight you likely haven’t encountered before.

HanGawi

• 12 E. 32nd St., New York, 10016, USA
• $$ · Korean, Vegetarian
• Bib Gourmand: good quality, good value cooking

Hidden behind an unassuming facade, this tranquil retreat invites you to leave your shoes at the door and immerse yourself amidst traditional low tables, Korean artifacts, and meditative music. A pot of royal green tea from Mt. Jiri stands out as a fitting accompaniment, resonating with the soothing ambiance.

HanGawi is a gentle, vegetarian-only haven that not only cares about what you eat but also how you feel. The ssam bap offers a delightful DIY experience, presenting a long platter filled with an array of ingredients.

Dark leafy lettuce and slender, herbaceous sesame leaves serve as the base for creamy avocado slices, crunchy bean sprouts, pickled daikon, carrot, cucumber, radish, and three rice options—white, brown, and a nutty, purple-tinged multigrain. Topped with miso ssam sauce, each bite becomes a harmonious burst of uplifting textures.

Tong Sam Gyup Goo Yi

• 162-23 Depot Rd., New York, 11358, USA
• $$ · Korean, Contemporary
• Bib Gourmand: good quality, good value cooking

Features an exquisite assortment of banchan, including delights like pickled turnips, fermented bean paste soup, and the house’s specially aged kimchi imbued with a garlicky essence that’s a pure pleasure.

The kimchi pancake stands out with its delightful crust and sear, reminiscent of the satisfying crunch of a pizza slice. What truly sets this place apart is the personal barbecue grill adorning each table, where slices of flavorful duck sizzle alongside miso, garlic cloves, and bean sprouts.

Haenyeo

• 239 Fifth Ave., New York, 11215, USA
• $$ · Korean, Korean Contemporary
• Bib Gourmand: good quality, good value cooking

Named in honor of the legendary women divers of Jeju Island, this establishment is the type that leaves you with such memorable culinary experiences that you’ll find yourself yearning for the same flavors long after your visit.

The kitchen is renowned for surprising diners with unexpected twists, exemplified by dishes like the tteokbokki—spicy rice cake adorned with Oaxacan cheese and chorizo.

While some items may deviate from traditional Korean fare, the likes of the fiery tofu stew, brimming with seafood and served alongside grilled ciabatta with seaweed butter, are equally delectable.

Conclude your culinary journey with warm, light, and fluffy beignets paired with a delightful selection of sparkling spirits.

8282

• 84 Stanton St., New York, 10002, USA
• $$ · Korean, Fusion
• Bib Gourmand: good quality, good value cooking

At this playful little restaurant with the secret meaning of “hurry hurry”, in the Lower East Side, there are no culinary rules.

A scoop of honey-infused vanilla cream with grated Parmesan cheese. An entire orb of creamy burrata paired with rice cakes and gochujang-marinated chicken. Nothing is taboo and it all works somehow.

The team builds on a sturdy foundation of Korean flavors and fearlessly ventures into uncharted culinary waters. For those seeking the comfort of the familiar, the pan-fried scallion-parsley pancake makes for a superb start, followed by tender medallions of grilled Iberico pork galbi resting in a pool of spicy red chili paste.

Cho Dang Gol

• 55 W. 35th St., New York, 10001, USA
• $$ · Korean
• Bib Gourmand: good quality, good value cooking

For a refreshing change in the lively atmosphere of K-town, Cho Dang Gol beckons those fatigued by barbecue to delve into the charms of rustic Korean cuisine.

The house specialty, soft tofu, takes center stage for good reason—it’s downright delicious. The menu also features favorites like flaky pajeon, satisfying bibimbap, and marinated meats.

The interior exudes a simple, homey appeal, with a cozy dining room adorned with close-knit wood tables. Occasional bursts of raucous music from the upstairs noraebang promise a touch of post-dinner fun.

Naro

• 610 Fifth Ave., New York, 10012, USA
• $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary

The team behind Atomix and Atoboy is showing no signs of slowing down with their latest venture in the bustling Rockefeller Center. Paying homage to South Korea’s first successful rocket to space, the restaurant offers a more traditional perspective on Korean cuisine.

Guests can choose between two tasting menus—one of which is vegetarian—and anticipate a reimagined and refined take on familiar dishes like mandu, bibimbap, and shrimp pancake, featuring mild-mannered flavors and high-quality ingredients.

Hyun

• 10 E. 33rd St., New York, 10016, USA
• $$$$ · Korean, Steakhouse

Hyun elevates the Korean barbecue experience to a luxurious level, placing a focused emphasis on expertly butchered in-house wagyu grilled right at your table.

Diners can anticipate additional indulgences, including imported truffles and caviar. For those eager for a bit of culinary hedonism, an all-you-can-eat option including luscious Wagyu is available.

Dons Bogam

• 17 E. 32nd St., New York, 10016, USA
• $$ · Korean, Barbecue

If you find yourself in Midtown, Dons Bogam offers a fantastic culinary experience paired with a lively bar and two-tops equipped with blazing grills. This is not your average Koreatown establishment. Inside, a high-quality venting system creates a smoke-free environment, allowing diners to relish an evening of exceptional grilled meats.

Kick off your culinary journey with the fried pork mandu, perfectly executed and delightfully divine. The red wine-marinated pork belly is both smoky and incredibly tender, but for the ultimate dining experience, the beef platter is the way to go. It features thinly sliced maeun and yangnyeom galbi, accompanied by meaty king trumpet mushrooms.

Seoul Salon

• 28 W. 33rd St., New York, 10001, USA
• $$$ · Korean, Contemporary

In what resembles an upscale arcade for adults, this Koreatown establishment features warehouse floors, gunmetal grey finishes, and vibrant neon accents.

Hailing from the same group behind Atomix, the cuisine here is a delightful fusion of influences including Korean rice cakes with basil and stracciatella, a block of cheese accompanied by shrimp fried in a delicate batter. The mala pork belly stands out as a dish that captures the essence of the place though.

Atoboy

• 43 E. 28th St., New York, 10016, USA
• $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary

Chef Junghyun Park, alongside his wife Ellia, captivates diners from start to finish at this sought-after Gramercy establishment. Their genuine commitment to creating a deeply welcoming atmosphere, free from city pretense, only enhances the restaurant’s allure.

Expect enticing dishes such as braised eggplant with snow crab and tomato, or crispy fried chicken brined in pineapple juice, coated with tempura batter, and served with a delectable ginger-peanut butter sauce.

Ariari

• 119 1st Ave., New York, 10003, USA
• $$$ · Korean, Regional Cuisine

This Korean establishment exudes a cool, vintage ambiance with its wood paneling and comfortable banquette seating. The framed artwork featuring a maritime theme pays homage to the seaport city of Busan. Every section of the menu showcases seafood specialties, including a unique bibimbap crafted with uni cream.

Don’t miss the scallop DIY gimbap, featuring thinly sliced raw scallops presented alongside squid jeotgal, scallion mayo, apple kimchi, and crispy gim or seaweed squares for assembling.

Genesis House Restaurant

• 40A Tenth Ave., New York, 10014, USA
• $$$ · Korean

Nestled within a sleek glass and steel structure adjacent to the High Line and facing Little Island park, Genesis House offers a stylish and modern escape from the bustling surroundings.

The culinary experience features a tasting menu crafted by chefs from Seoul’s Onjium, complementing a concise à la carte selection of small and large plates, rice, and noodles.

The chamchi doenjang muchim is a refreshing yet spiced dish featuring diced raw tuna dressed with fermented soybean paste. Meanwhile, the gamja dububap, with its centuries-old roots, presents a bowl of rice cooked with seaweed and potato, accompanied by pine nut tofu, seaweed broth, and seasonal kimchi.

Washington DC

Mandu

• 453 K St. NW, Washington, 20001, USA
• $$ · Korean

Chef Yesoon Lee and her son Danny are reshaping the culinary landscape of this city by proving that Korean cuisine extends beyond bibimbap and barbecue. Their journey began with the original Mandu in Dupont Circle, now revitalized as Anju following an unfortunate fire in 2017.

This Mount Vernon location preserves the essence with pointed, spicy stews and broths. From plump, steamed beef and pork mandu to vibrant banchan, the offerings exude a comforting, homely warmth.

No visit is complete without savoring the elusive gamjatang—a bubbling-hot soup featuring tender, bone-in pork ribs and potatoes immersed in a devilishly red broth intensified with gochugaru and perilla seeds.

Anju

• 1805 18th St. NW, Washington, 20009, USA
• $$$ · Korean, Contemporary

Anju is adorned with brick walls, vibrant artwork, and wooden floors, complemented by touches of greenery. The name itself, Anju, pays homage to Korean dishes best enjoyed with alcohol, featuring a medley of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors.

Embark on your culinary journey with banchan delights like Brussels sprouts and apple kimchi, paving the way for the indulgence of perfect pork mandu. For those yearning for a taste of home, Chef/owner Danny Lee’s mother, Yesoon Lee, contributes comforting dishes such as dak jjim (sweet chili-braised chicken with potatoes and onions) or dolsot bibimbap, where crisped rice is harmonized with tofu and grilled veggies.

Chicago

Perilla

• 401 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, 60654, USA
• $$ · Korean, American
• Bib Gourmand: good quality, good value cooking

Established in a prime location, Perilla welcomes patrons with a cozy yet sophisticated ambiance, blending urban simplicity with elements of art, greenery, and contemporary lighting fixtures.

Chef Andrew Lim showcases his culinary prowess through a modern interpretation of traditional Korean cuisine. Tables are adorned with a delectable array of banchan, followed by highlights such as Wagyu beef tartare with a hint of Korean pear.

The menu boasts inventive twists on classics, including kimchi stew with glass noodles, fire chicken with Chihuahua cheese, and a reimagined fried chicken served with ranch and pickled radish.

For a unique conclusion to your meal, opt for the thoughtful tea menu in lieu of traditional desserts.

Parachute

• 3500 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, 60618, USA
• $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary

Embracing well-sourced local ingredients, this cherished neighborhood gem presents a thoughtfully curated menu of comforting Korean classics meant for communal enjoyment. Traditional dishes receive a contemporary, seasonal twist, exemplified by the delicate onion-seafood pancake that serves as an appetizing prelude.

Indulge in the generous heritage pork bossam platter or savor the 30-day dry-aged bulgogi featuring sirloin sourced from Slagel Family Farm. Cap off your meal with the highly recommended patbingsu—an artful creation of shaved ice highlighted with seasonal fruit, sweet beans, puffed rice, and ice cream.

Jeong

• 1460 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, 60647, USA
• $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary

This chic establishment brings a blend of complexity and authenticity to a sophisticated clientele. The restaurant, set in an elegant, intimate, and ultra-modern space, provides the ideal backdrop for a perfect foodie date night.

High-quality ingredients are transformed into inventive dishes such as salmon tartare topped with doenjang yuzu gastrique, miniature quenelles of crème fraiche, and crunchy rice crackers boasting a rich nutty flavor.

Another standout is the earthy kimchi truffle emulsion that accompanies a precisely cooked bavette of beef and sunchoke croquette.

Georgia

Han Il Kwan

• 5458 Buford Hwy. NE, Atlanta, 30340, USA
• $$ · Korean

Located on Buford Highway in Doraville, this establishment distinguishes itself with a standalone structure and distinctive pagoda roof.

The menu is a journey through the offerings of Korean cuisine. From appetizers like haemul-pajeon, a crispy pancake made with vegetables and seafood to invigorating stews such as kimchi jjigae, served piping hot with strips of pork belly and cubes of soft tofu, you’ll sure to be satisfied.

For those craving barbecue, there’s a selection of sliced and marinated certified Angus beef, or opt for the vegetable platter for a delightful alternative.

Florida

Cote Miami

• 3900 NE. 2nd Ave., Miami, 33137, USA
• $$$ · Korean, Steakhouse
• One Star: High quality cooking

Owner Simon Kim and his team exhibit their expertise in this meticulously styled Korean steakhouse, an almost temple-like space dedicated to exquisitely marbled and aged beef, much of it showcased in a nearby room.

As with the original location in New York City, impeccable ingredients, skillfully seasoned dishes, and engaging servers contribute to an exemplary dining experience.

Featuring an array of banchan, various beef cuts, and two types of stews, the butcher’s feast is an easy choice. Conclude the meal with the kimchi Wagyu paella—a true marvel in its own right.

Doshi

• 1040 N. Orlando Ave., Orlando, 32789, USA
• $$$$ · Korean, American

Situated in a shopping center, this Korean-American fine dining establishment offers a pleasant surprise with its modern and understated flair.

A recent menu, inspired by Joseon dynasty royal court cuisine, showcased culinary treats such as Patagonian scallop tartare paired with Peruvian uni and served on a seaweed-infused fried cracker. The grilled Wagyu, accompanied by black garlic and Kaluga caviar, finds balance with bright pear notes.

However, the hot pot steals the show with its savory broth teeming with octopus, meatballs, tofu, pork belly, shrimp, and vegetables.

For a delightful family-style experience, a generous serving of hand-pulled noodles accompanies the ensemble.

Shin Jung

• 1638 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, 32803, USA
• $$ · Korean

Established in 1993 and recently refurbished after a fire, this local gem is cherished for its delightful Korean dining experience. The interior boasts dark tile floors, wooden booths, and white walls, with tables featuring a central console for grilling meats. A mounted television adds to the ambiance with a continuous stream of K-Pop videos.

The menu encompasses all the classics, ranging from stews and noodles to an assortment of rice and barbecue dishes. A tempting start includes banchan with offerings like kimchi, fish cake, pickled daikon, and potato salad.

Grilled meats make for a festive group activity, while those with smaller appetites can savor dishes like dolsot bibimbap. This hot stone bowl arrives filled with crispy rice, charred ribeye, abundant vegetables, mushroom caps, and a fried egg to complete the ensemble.

Canada

156 Cumberland

• 156 Cumberland St., Toronto, M5R 1A8, Canada
• $$$ · Korean, Fusion

Situated on a bustling street amidst a mosaic of stores, this eclectic Yorkville eatery defies categorization, and that’s precisely its charm.

Patrons seeking a blend of familiarity and refinement should opt for the beef short ribs, bathed in a sweet kalbi soy marinade and accompanied by grilled maitake and spinach namool. Enjoy fried tofu skin pockets cradling gochujang-infused beef tartare and crowned with crispy onions.

The space exudes minimalism with strawberry-pink walls and white kitchen tile on the ground floor, transitioning to a darker, more business-friendly ambiance upstairs.

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