Korean food in London ranges from the traditional to trendy, whether Korean fried chicken, Insta-worthy snacks, traditional noodle dishes, or Korean BBQ that’s often cooked by diners at their tables.
Enjoy this unique style of Asian food at the London Korean restaurants below.
1. Bunsik
Insta-famous for its picture-pretty corndogs, Bunsik brings Korean street food to the West End at its Charing Cross Road outpost – which is easy to spot due to the queue. Other dishes include cupbap rice bowls with a choice of toppings, and ddukboki fried rice cakes.
Where: Camden (230 Camden High Street, NW1 8QS), Embankment (19 Villiers Street, WC2N 6ND) and Leicester Square (62 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0BU)
2. Kimchee
Seductive interiors draw you in to contemporary Korean eatery Kimchee, in King’s Cross. Enjoy authentic dishes prepared in the open kitchen and chargrilled meats from the charcoal grill. The small but varied menu features classics such as bibimbap, hot pot and fluffy buns.
Where: King's Cross (2 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG)
3. BiBimBap
If you hadn’t already guessed by the name, Bibimbap specialises in one of Korea’s most famous dishes: bibimbap. Take your pick from various toppings, from spicy pork to tofu and mixed mushrooms with tongue-tingling accompaniments. Other Korean specialities such as noodles and soups are also worth a try.
Where: Soho (11 Greek Street, W1D 4DJ), Leadenhall Market (39 Leadenhall Market, EC3V 1LR), Cannon (13 St Swithin's Lane, EC4M 8AJ) and Spitalfields (123 Middlesex Street, E1 7JF)
4. Dotori
Can’t decide between a meal at a Japanese or Korean restaurant? Have both at Dotori. This Finsbury Park favourite has a set menu full of classics from both cuisines or opt for individual dishes or snacks. Korean specialities here include stews, fried rice with kimchi and a range of bibimbap options.
Where: Finsbury Park (3 Stroud Green, N4 2DQ)
5. YORI
Mini chain YORI has locations across London, including near Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden. Expect affordable, authentic dishes spanning the whole spectrum of Korean cuisine. BBQ, hot pot, fried chicken, soups, stews… whatever your favourite Korean meal, you’re bound to find it on the menu.
Where: Piccadilly Circus (6 Panton Street, SW1Y 4DL), Covent Garden (15 Catherine St, WC2B 5JZ), King's Cross (126 King's Cross Road, WC1X 9DS) and other locations in London
6. Jinjuu
Carnaby hotspot Jinjuu draws in the crowds with its weekend bottomless brunches, cocktails full of Asian flavours, and modern fusion cuisine: think tacos, sliders and Carnita Fries loaded with Korean ingredients. Sharing platters are perfect to enjoy with friends, while kids are catered for with their own special menu.
Where: Soho (15 Kingly Street, W1B 5PS)
7. Olle
Let your taste buds be tantalised by the variety of dishes on offer at Olle, in the heart of the West End. The food here is inspired by the island of Jeju in South Korea, with stews, pancakes, hot pot, rice, and noodle dishes on the menu. But it’s BBQ that takes centre stage – and if you’re feeling flush, splash out on some wagyu beef.
Where: Soho (88 Shaftesbury Ave, W1D 6NG)
8. Koba
Let the smell of BBQ lead you to Koba, which has been serving Fitzrovia locals for more than 15 years. Grab a spot and cook meat, prawns, and vegetables to your liking on the table grill. If you’d rather not trust your own cooking skills, order other specialities such as bibimbap rice bowls or bulgogi casserole.
Where: Fitzrovia (11 Rathbone St, W1T 1NA)
9. Jin Go Gae
Family-run Jin Go Gae is headed up by Chef Cho, who uses secret recipes and time-honoured techniques to recreate food from his homeland. Expand your knowledge with lesser-known dishes, test Korean classics, or opt for the main attraction BBQ: everything from mushrooms to seafood is put on the grill here.
Where: New Malden (272 Burlington Rd, KT3 4NL)
10. Chick and Beers
New Malden hasn’t missed out on the Korean fried chicken craze. Chick and Beers’ halal chicken wings come either crispy or glazed with a choice of sticky sauces, and in different cuts, from wings to breast and nuggets. The perfect pairing with a cold beer, as the name suggests.
Where: New Malden (282 Burlington Rd, KT3 4NL)
11. Wing Wing
The owners’ devotion to wings is left in no doubt with this popular hangout's name. Wing Wing's restaurants are known for their signature wings and drumsticks paired with beers – giving a nod to traditional drinking and dining “chimaek” eateries in Korea.
Where: Charing Cross (47 - 49 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0AN) and Tavistock Square (30 Woburn Place, WC1H 0JR)
12. On the Bab
Get your Korean street food fix at On the Bab. Bao buns, rice bowls and fried chicken dominate, with zingy sides for a little extra. The Yangum fried chicken comes in 12, 24 or 36-piece sets – ideal for friends and family sharing – and with a choice of up to four flavour coatings.
Where: Shoreditch (305 Old St, EC1V 9LA) and St Paul's (9 Ludgate Broadway, EC4V 6DU)
