If you’re looking for the best Korean restaurants in Atlanta, the list won’t be a short one. Home to many international cuisines, Atlanta is no stranger to high-quality Asian food of many varieties – but you may not know that the Korean-American population of the city is one of the largest in the United States. With this comes a popularity for the cuisine of Korea in the city.
In Georgia, Korean is the third-most spoken language. Much of the population of Georgia’s Korean-Americans live in Gwinnett County, which is part of the Atlanta metro area. While several of the best Korean restaurants in Atlanta are located in this area, there are truly spots all across the city and suburbs worth checking out. We’ve rounded up a shortlist for some of the best Korean restaurants in Atlanta to satisfy your craving.
Blossom Tree
In the heart of downtown, Blossom Tree stands out as a well-known and loved Korean eatery with a combination of “East meets West” flavors. Their menu includes bibimbap, Korean tacos, rice dishes, kimchi rice dishes, curry dishes and various Korean sides including dumplings, kimchi, Korean pickles and more. This spot is a favorite of Georgia State University students and visitors alike and a perfect place to get a variety of affordable Korean delicacies.
Address: 64 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Char Korean Bar & Grill
In the past 4 years, Char Korean Bar & Grill in Inman Park has grown to be a favorite for residents and visitors alike in this hip neighborhood. Its great location is just steps away from the Atlanta BeltLine with a great menu to match. If you dine in, then you can grill your selections right in the middle of your table. There is a range of meats to choose from, and all choices come with kimchi, lettuce, sauces and rice. If you get more than 12 oz. of meat, you get a complimentary banchan as well.
Address: 299 North Highland Ave NE, Unit S, Atlanta, GA 30307
D92 Korean BBQ
Another great spot for Korean barbecue is located in the heart of downtown Decatur, and also features tabletop grills with indoor tables. For good weather, there is also outdoor seating available at this bustling authentic spot also known for its spirits including Soju, craft cocktails, and draft beer. Beyond barbecue, guests can also order homestyle dishes like beef japchae and Korean fried chicken.
Address: 225 E. Trinity Pl., Decatur, GA, 30030
Gaja Korean Bar
For a wide range of Korean delights and drinks at reasonable prices, head to the heart of East Atlanta to Gaja Korean Bar. The menu is divided into two primary sections: bento box and a la carte. Bento boxes come with a choice of protein ranging from tofu stir fry to pork bulgogi, two rotating banchan and steamed rice. You can also add kimchi for just US$1. The a la carte options include Korean favorites like the scallion pancake, hedo bap and bibimbap.
Address: 491 Flat Shoals Ave SE, Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30316
Hankook Taqueria
One of the most popular fusion styles for American Korean food that’s taken off recently is Korean-Mexican fusion – specifically Korean tacos. These delights consisting of Korean staples served in taco form are at the heart of Hankook Taqueria’s menu. Chef Tomas Lee brought the menu to life in westside Atlanta, and this low key spot has been an insider’s delight ever since. Hankook has tacos, burritos and bowls, but they’re possibly most well known for their sesame fries.
Address: 1341 Collier Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Honey Pig
Right in the heart of Koreatown is one of Atlanta’s most authentic and delightful Korean spots. It’s also one of the longest-running for the city, established in 2007. Honey Pig was the first Korean barbecue in the area and still offers the best Korean food in Duluth, attracting visitors from all over the South. They’re known for using the iron-cast lid (Ssot-Dduk-Kung) method of grilling with meats and other sides grilled directly on the large “upside-down wok” shaped lid. The restaurant also uses pork from the famed Berkshire pig keeping the meat juicy and tender.
Address: 3473 Old Norcross Rd, Suite #304, Duluth, GA 30096
Kwan’s Deli and Korean Kitchen
Heading back downtown, you can find another long-running eclectic Korean staple in Kwan’s Deli and Korean Kitchen. At Kwan’s, you can get a range of traditional Korean dishes like Galbi (short ribs marinated in traditional Korean barbecue sauce), Bulgogi (sliced beef marinated and cooked in Korean barbecue sauce) and Korean spicy chicken. You can also find classic deli sandwiches at Kwan’s, so there’s really something for everyone on the menu.
Address: 267 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Mukja Korean Fried Chicken
One of the only Korean spots in the Midtown area is the newer Mukja Korean Fried Chicken. The brand serves Korean fried chicken with a Southern flair and strives to bring a family atmosphere to their customers. There are some great twists on Southern cuisine available like chicken and waffles and macaroni and cheese – both with Korean flavors and elements included. If you’re looking for some delicious fried chicken with an Asian flair, then Mukja will not disappoint.
Address: 933 Peachtree St, Suite 951, Atlanta, GA 30309
Whether you are looking for traditional dishes, chicken, the best Korean barbecue in Atlanta or a mix of all three – somewhere on this list has you covered. If you weren’t hip to Atlanta’s thriving Korean cuisine scene before, then now you know. Let this list guide you as you seek out your next best Korean restaurant in Atlanta to add to your dining favorites.
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