Want to enjoy Korean fine dining but can’t make it out of the country?
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.
Quick List
- California: Benu, Ssal, San Ho Won
- New York: Atomix, Jungsik, Meju
- Washington DC: Mandu, Anju
California
Benu
- 22 Hawthorne St., San Francisco, 94105, USA
- $$$$ · Asian, Contemporary
- Three Stars: Exceptional cuisine
The dining experience at Benu commences with a sequence of small bites, each showcasing remarkable technical prowess.
Chef Corey Lee consistently reinvents his nightly creations. Notable dishes, such as barbecued quail with house-made XO sauce and a contemporary interpretation of traditional Korean beef barbecue, exude a distinctive personality and embody a unique fusion of modern Asian influences.
Ssal
- 2226 Polk St., San Francisco, 94109, USA
- $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
- One Star: High quality cooking
Hyunyoung and Junsoo Bae, seasoned veterans in the realm of fine dining, embarked on a unique culinary journey to address the gap in San Francisco’s Korean restaurant landscape.
A standout in their repertoire, the beef short ribs are expertly cooked sous vide, followed by a precise searing process that imparts a delectable sweet-savory crust.
The dining experience concludes with desserts that exhibit a delicate touch, exemplified by a sorbet featuring magnolia berry atop a bed of green plum granita, elegantly garnished with a black sesame tuile.
San Ho Won
- 2170 Bryant St., San Francisco, 94110, USA
- $$$ · 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
- $$ · Korean, Duck Specialties
- Bib Gourmand: good quality, good value cooking
This dining haven revolves around the star attraction – a whole duck, masterfully roasted in a clay pot.
Stuffed with a delightful medley of chestnuts, sweet potatoes, rice, and herbs, the duck undergoes meticulous wrapping and hours of roasting, culminating in a presentation right before your eyes.
An accompanying spicy dipping sauce and a light broth infused with greens elevate the preparation to epic heights. While sharing this festive feast with a group is the ideal way to indulge, those dropping by can still relish the signature smoked treat, available at any hour.
Bansang
- 1560 Fillmore St., San Francisco, 94115, USA
- $$ · 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
- $$$$ · Californian, Korean
At this cozy retreat, the unlikely fusion of Basque and Korean cuisines feels remarkably natural. The exterior lacks signage, but a white building with firewood neatly stacked and a chimney emitting a plume of smoke serve as unmistakable markers.
The menu showcases exceptional ingredients including heritage Iberico pork from Texas. Even the kimchi fried rice receives a flavorful boost from Katz’s pastrami.
Quarters BBQ
- 3465 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, 90020, USA
- $$$ · 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.
Soowon Galbi
- 856 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, 90005, USA
- $$$ · Korean, Barbecue
Located conveniently next to a laundromat, Soowon Galbi consistently delivers on flavor.
The culinary journey commences with pancakes, steamed eggs, and banchan, but true to the essence of Korean barbecue joints, the spotlight is on the charbroiled and grilled meat.
Kinn
- 3905 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, 90020, USA
- $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
Chef Ki Kim brings a touch of distinction to the culinary scene with Kinn. Lost along a prominent thoroughfare in K-town, the sleek and modern space is completed with a blonde wood counter and tables.
The slow-braised pork shoulder, infused with apple cider, is adorned with a sweet glaze and is accompanied by kale kimchi.
Jeong Yuk Jeom
- 621 S. Western Ave., Ste.100, Los Angeles, 90005, USA
- $$$ · 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 Korean 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
- $$$ · Korean, Barbecue
Dining at this establishment exudes an air of reverence, a quality that enhances the authenticity of the Korean culinary experience. The servers, dressed in traditional garments, contribute to the ambiance while adding a touch of modernity with discreet earpieces.
The menu, although extensive and featuring familiar barbecue classics and banchan, transcends expectations through the kitchen’s meticulous care and skill.
Michelin Star Criteria
Ever wondered about the criteria for earning a coveted Michelin Star? According to the guide, judges remain completely anonymous, always footing their own bill. Notably, a Michelin Star is given out based on the merits of the food itself, with no consideration to a restaurant’s style, decor, or formality.
When evaluating the food, the judges take into account five key criteria:
- The quality of the ingredients.
- The harmony of flavors.
- The mastery of techniques.
- The chef’s personality as conveyed through their cuisine.
- Consistency, both across the entire menu and over time.
New York
Atomix
- 104 E. 30th St., New York, 10016, USA
- $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
- Two Stars: Excellent cooking
Atomix is another Michelin-starred restaurant in New York City that offers a multi-course dining experience and modern interpretations of Korean dishes.
Nestled discreetly within a Murray Hill brownstone, Atomix stands as one of Manhattan’s most coveted dining destinations.
Under the guidance of Chef Junghyun Park and his wife Ellia, the culinary team consistently pushes the boundaries of modern Korean cooking with creations such as the three-day salt-and-nuruk-cured kohlrabi and the rich Japanese butterfish adorned with XO sauce, served in a froth of white kimchi sauce.
Jungsik
- 2 Harrison St., New York, 10013, USA
- $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
- Two Stars: Excellent cooking
Jungsik, located in New York City, is known for its modern and innovative approach to Korean cuisine.
Jungsik’s “New Korean” culinary approach takes a westward-leaning stance. While some of the sauces crafted in this kitchen could grace the table of a grand French establishment, what truly sets it apart is how the incorporation of Korean elements elevates each dish to new heights.
The bibimbap, artfully composed with gochujang, crispy quinoa, and tender Wagyu beef tartare, is an experience not to be missed.
Meju
- 5-28 49th Ave., New York, 11101, USA
- $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
- One Star: High quality cooking
Tucked discreetly behind a banchan shop in Long Island City, Meju is more than a restaurant, it’s a culinary classroom. Chef Hooni Kim assumes the role of a knowledgeable guide, curating a profoundly personal menu rooted in traditional Korean ingredients meticulously wild-fermented and aged over the past decade.
The menu features dazzling renditions of doenjang, gochujang, ganjang, and ssamjang, each complementing dishes such as silky tofu, fried pancakes, and Niman Ranch pork.
The attention to detail extends to the service pieces, many of which are handmade from Korean clay. A seemingly unassuming bowl of rice with kimchi may appear ordinary, but its impact lingers long after the meal concludes.
Cote
- 16 W. 22nd St., New York, 10010, USA
- $$$$ · Korean, Steakhouse
- One Star: High quality cooking
Simon Kim opened Cote as a jubilant homage to his home country’s deep appreciation for beef, seamlessly blended with his admiration for the iconic American steakhouse.
You can head downstairs to marvel at the meats hanging in the aging room, setting the stage for a unique dining experience. Don’t miss their speakeasy, Undercote, downstairs.
bōm
- 17 W. 19th St., New York, 10011, USA
- $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
- One Star: High quality cooking
Situated behind its sister restaurant Oiji Mi, bōm unfolds as a spacious and contemporary marble counter, spotlighting the best of contemporary Korean cuisine. Premium beef, including tenderloin and Wagyu short rib to dry-aged ribeye, are the highlights.
Anticipate a showcase of flawless ingredients, exemplified by gamtae cradling sweet bluefin tuna decorated with delicate cubes of Hudson Valley foie gras. A single bite of baesuk featuring Baerii caviar, jujube, and tofu offers a symphony of flavors as well.
Jeju Noodle Bar
- 679 Greenwich St., New York, 10014, USA
- $$$ · 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.
Indulge in the enticing aroma of pork bone broth which heralds the arrival of the gochu ramyun. 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
- $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
- One Star: High quality cooking
Chef Brian Kim and his team have taken their expertise uptown to unveil Oiji Mi.
They offer a five-course prix fixe menu with notable highlights including the striped jack hwe, elegantly served in a wide glass bowl and finished with a nuanced and balanced citrus jang sauce.
The chili lobster ramyun is another standout, featuring tender lobster meat tossed in a vibrant gochujang sauce over springy noodles—a simple yet beautiful dish best enjoyed cold.
Mari
- 679 Ninth Ave., New York, 10036, USA
- $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
- One Star: High quality cooking
Mari, meaning “roll” in Korean, emerges as Hell’s Kitchen’s latest culinary destination under the skilled guidance of Sungchul Shim.
Tender strips of cured mackerel, and succulent slabs of pork belly marinated with ssamjang rest upon beds of rice cradled in seaweed.
Kochi
- 652 Tenth Ave., New York, 10036, USA
- $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
- One Star: High quality cooking
Chef Sungchul Shim draws on his Korean heritage and fine-dining expertise to craft a menu that is both solid and playful.
The focal point of the venue is the open kitchen, where a dynamic team swiftly churns out an array of grilled bites to be savored with your hands—after all, Kochi translates to “skewer”.
Jua
- 36 E. 22nd St., New York, 10010, USA
- $$$$ · Korean, Korean Contemporary
- One Star: High quality cooking
Amidst the Flatiron Building, Chef Hoyoung Kim and his team have consistently delivered on their promise of a well-balanced, modern Korean prix-fixe experience that strikes the perfect balance between familiarity and substantiality.
The jook featuring smoked eel and sesame embodies both comfort and refinement, while the luxurious start of crispy seaweed enveloping tuna tartare and rice crowned with caviar sets an opulent tone.
HanGawi
- 12 E. 32nd St., New York, 10016, USA
- $$ · 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.
Tong Sam Gyup Goo Yi
- 162-23 Depot Rd., New York, 11358, USA
- $$ · Korean, Contemporary
- Bib Gourmand: good quality, good value cooking
Features an exquisite assortment of banchan, including delights like pickled turnips, fermented bean paste soup, and the house’s specially aged kimchi imbued with a garlicky essence that’s a pure pleasure.
The kimchi pancake stands out with its delightful crust and sear, reminiscent of the satisfying crunch of a pizza slice.
Haenyeo
- 239 Fifth Ave., New York, 11215, USA
- $$ · Korean, Korean Contemporary
- Bib Gourmand: good quality, good value cooking
Named in honor of the legendary women divers of Jeju Island, this establishment leaves you with memorable culinary experiences.
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.
8282
- 84 Stanton St., New York, 10002, USA
- $$ · Korean, Fusion
- Bib Gourmand: good quality, good value cooking
At this playful little restaurant with the secret meaning of “hurry hurry”, in the Lower East Side, there are no culinary rules.
For those seeking the comfort of the familiar, the pan-fried scallion-parsley pancake makes for a superb start, followed by tender medallions of grilled Iberico pork galbi resting in a pool of spicy red chili paste.
Cho Dang Gol
- 55 W. 35th St., New York, 10001, USA
- $$ · 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.
Naro
- 610 Fifth Ave., New York, 10012, USA
- $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
The team behind Atomix and Atoboy is showing no signs of slowing down with their latest venture in the bustling Rockefeller Center. Paying homage to South Korea’s first successful rocket to space, the restaurant offers a more traditional perspective on Korean cuisine.
Guests can choose between two tasting menus—one of which is vegetarian—and anticipate a reimagined and refined take on familiar dishes like mandu, bibimbap, and shrimp pancake.
Hyun
- 10 E. 33rd St., New York, 10016, USA
- $$$$ · Korean, Steakhouse
Hyun elevates the Korean barbecue experience to a luxurious level, placing a focused emphasis on expertly butchered in-house wagyu grilled right at your table.
Dons Bogam
- 17 E. 32nd St., New York, 10016, USA
- $$ · 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.
Kick off your culinary journey with the fried pork mandu, perfectly executed and delightfully divine. The red wine-marinated pork belly features thinly sliced maeun and yangnyeom galbi, accompanied by meaty king trumpet mushrooms.
Seoul Salon
- 28 W. 33rd St., New York, 10001, USA
- $$$ · Korean, Contemporary
In what resembles an upscale arcade for adults, this Koreatown establishment features warehouse floors, gunmetal grey finishes, and vibrant neon accents.
Hailing from the same group behind Atomix, the cuisine here is a delightful fusion of influences including Korean rice cakes with basil and stracciatella, a block of cheese accompanied by shrimp fried in a delicate batter.
Atoboy
- 43 E. 28th St., New York, 10016, USA
- $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
Chef Junghyun Park, alongside his wife Ellia, captivates diners from start to finish at this sought-after Gramercy establishment.
Expect enticing dishes such as braised eggplant with snow crab and tomato, or crispy fried chicken brined in pineapple juice, coated with tempura batter, and served with a delectable ginger-peanut butter sauce.
Ariari
- 119 1st Ave., New York, 10003, USA
- $$$ · 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
- $$$ · Korean
Nestled within a sleek glass and steel structure adjacent to the High Line and facing Little Island park, Genesis House offers a stylish and modern escape from the bustling surroundings.
The culinary experience features a tasting menu crafted by chefs from Seoul’s Onjium, complementing a concise à la carte selection of small and large plates, rice, and noodles.
Washington DC
Mandu
- 453 K St. NW, Washington, 20001, USA
- $$ · Korean
Chef Yesoon Lee and her son Danny are reshaping the culinary landscape of this city. Their journey began with the original Mandu in Dupont Circle, now revitalized as Anju.
No visit to this Mount Vernon location 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
- $$$ · Korean, Contemporary
Anju, pays homage to Korean dishes best enjoyed with alcohol, featuring a medley of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors.
Chef/owner Danny Lee’s mother, Yesoon Lee, contributes comforting dishes such as dak jjim (sweet chili-braised chicken with potatoes and onions) or dolsot bibimbap, where crisped rice is harmonized with tofu and grilled veggies.
Chicago
Perilla
- 401 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, 60654, USA
- $$ · Korean, American
- Bib Gourmand: good quality, good value cooking
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.
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
- $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
Embracing well-sourced local ingredients, this cherished neighborhood gem presents a thoughtfully curated menu of comforting Korean classics meant for communal enjoyment.
Indulge in the generous heritage pork bossam platter or savor the 30-day dry-aged bulgogi featuring sirloin sourced from Slagel Family Farm. Cap off your meal with the highly recommended patbingsu—an artful creation of shaved ice highlighted with seasonal fruit, sweet beans, puffed rice, and ice cream.
Jeong
- 1460 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, 60647, USA
- $$$$ · Korean, Contemporary
This chic establishment brings a blend of complexity and authenticity to a sophisticated clientele. The restaurant, set in an elegant, intimate, and ultra-modern space, provides the ideal backdrop for a perfect foodie date night.
High-quality ingredients are transformed into inventive dishes such as salmon tartare topped with doenjang yuzu gastrique, miniature quenelles of crème fraiche, and crunchy rice crackers boasting a rich nutty flavor.
Georgia
Han Il Kwan
- 5458 Buford Hwy. NE, Atlanta, 30340, USA
- $$ · 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.
Florida
Cote Miami
- 3900 NE. 2nd Ave., Miami, 33137, USA
- $$$ · Korean, Steakhouse
- One Star: High quality cooking
Owner Simon Kim and his team exhibit their expertise in this meticulously styled Korean steakhouse, an almost temple-like space dedicated to exquisitely marbled and aged beef, much of it showcased in a nearby room.
As with the original location in New York City, impeccable ingredients, skillfully seasoned dishes, and engaging servers contribute to an exemplary dining experience.
Doshi
- 1040 N. Orlando Ave., Orlando, 32789, USA
- $$$$ · Korean, American
Situated in a shopping center, this Korean-American fine dining establishment offers a pleasant surprise with its modern and understated flair.
A recent menu, inspired by Joseon dynasty royal court cuisine, showcased culinary treats such as Patagonian scallop tartare paired with Peruvian uni and served on a seaweed-infused fried cracker. The grilled Wagyu, accompanied by black garlic and Kaluga caviar, finds balance with bright pear notes.
Shin Jung
- 1638 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, 32803, USA
- $$ · Korean
Established in 1993 and recently refurbished after a fire, this local gem is cherished for its delightful Korean dining experience. A mounted television adds to the ambiance with a 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.
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.
Did we miss anything?
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