The Best Korean Restaurants In London

London has quietly become one of Europe's best cities for Korean food. While Japanese restaurants have long dominated the capital's dining scene, Korean cuisine has steadily earned its place, bringing with it sizzling tabletop barbecues, comforting stews, crisp seafood pancakes and some of the city's most memorable communal dining experiences.

From Soho and Fitzrovia to Chelsea and beyond, the capital's Korean restaurants range from lively barbecue houses to intimate family-run kitchens serving recipes that have been perfected over generations. Whether you're craving charcoal-grilled galbi, homemade kimchi or a perfectly balanced bibimbap, these are the restaurants that deserve a reservation.

If you're exploring London's East Asian dining scene, don't miss our review of Kanpai Classic Japanese Steakhouse, where premium wagyu and theatrical tableside cooking offer a different perspective on the region's culinary traditions.

Best Korean BBQ Restaurants

Koba

Best for: Authentic Korean barbecue in Fitzrovia

Few Korean barbecue restaurants in London have earned the loyal following that Koba enjoys. A favourite among locals and Korean food enthusiasts alike, the Fitzrovia restaurant specialises in premium cuts of beef and pork grilled tableside, accompanied by an abundance of traditional banchan that are replenished throughout the meal. The relaxed dining room strikes a balance between contemporary comfort and authenticity, making it equally suited to casual dinners and celebratory gatherings.

Beyond its barbecue, Koba's menu showcases many of the dishes that define Korean home cooking, from bubbling kimchi jjigae and seafood pancakes to perfectly balanced bibimbap served in sizzling stone bowls. Service is warm and knowledgeable, making it an excellent introduction for first-time diners while still satisfying those already familiar with Korean cuisine.

Location: 11 Rathbone Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1NA

Olle

Best for: Premium Korean barbecue and charcoal-grilled meats

With sleek interiors and an emphasis on high-quality ingredients, Olle brings a more contemporary approach to Korean barbecue while remaining firmly rooted in tradition. The restaurant is particularly renowned for its carefully sourced cuts of beef, pork belly and short rib, all grilled over charcoal at the table. It's the kind of place where the cooking becomes part of the experience, encouraging diners to slow down and enjoy the ritual of sharing a meal together.

Alongside the barbecue selection, Olle serves an impressive range of classic Korean dishes, including silky japchae, spicy kimchi jjigae and freshly prepared seafood pancakes. Attentive service and generous portions make it a reliable choice whether you're discovering Korean cuisine for the first time or returning for familiar favourites.

Location: 88 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 6NH

Arang

Best for: Traditional Korean barbecue in the heart of Soho

A fixture of London's Korean dining scene for more than two decades, Arang has built its reputation on consistency rather than reinvention. Tucked away in Golden Square, just moments from Piccadilly Circus, the restaurant has long been a favourite for those craving authentic Korean barbecue without leaving central London. Tables are fitted with built-in charcoal grills, allowing diners to cook marinated beef, pork and seafood exactly to their liking, while an endless procession of colourful banchan completes the experience.

Beyond the barbecue, Arang offers an extensive menu that showcases the depth of Korean cuisine, from hearty stews and noodle dishes to crisp seafood pancakes and comforting bowls of bibimbap. The atmosphere is lively without feeling rushed, making it an excellent choice for everything from after-work dinners to weekend gatherings with friends.

Location: 9 Golden Square, London W1F 9HZ

Daebak

Best for: Casual Korean dining with generous portions

Bright, welcoming and consistently popular, Daebak has become a go-to destination for comforting Korean food in central London. While barbecue remains one of its biggest attractions, the extensive menu also caters to diners looking for everything from bubbling stews to crispy fried chicken and flavour-packed noodle dishes. The lively atmosphere makes it particularly popular with groups, who can sample a variety of dishes designed for sharing.

One of Daebak's strengths is its accessibility. First-time visitors will find familiar favourites such as bibimbap, bulgogi and tteokbokki alongside more traditional specialities, making it an ideal introduction to Korean cuisine. Combined with friendly service and reasonable prices, it's easy to see why the restaurant continues to attract both locals and visitors alike.

Location: 316-318 Kennington Ln, London SE11 5HY

Best Traditional Korean Restaurants

Imone

Best for: Authentic Korean home cooking

For many Londoners, no guide to Korean restaurants would be complete without Imone. Located in New Malden—widely regarded as London's Koreatown—the family-run restaurant is celebrated for serving the kind of comforting dishes more commonly found in Korean homes than modern city restaurants. Rather than focusing on elaborate presentation, Imone lets traditional recipes and carefully balanced flavours speak for themselves.

The menu features classics such as handmade dumplings, bubbling kimchi jjigae, hearty soups and beautifully prepared bibimbap, alongside an ever-changing selection of seasonal dishes. Warm hospitality and an unpretentious dining room only add to its appeal, making it one of the capital's best places to experience authentic Korean cooking.

Location: 169 High St, New Malden KT3 4BH

Sodaeng

Best for: Regional Korean specialities

Sodaeng has quietly earned a devoted following thanks to its focus on regional Korean cooking, introducing diners to flavours that extend well beyond the familiar barbecue dishes found elsewhere. The menu highlights comforting soups, stews and seafood specialities alongside an impressive range of traditional side dishes, creating a dining experience that feels both authentic and refreshingly different.

The relaxed atmosphere reflects the restaurant's neighbourhood roots, while attentive service ensures newcomers feel just as welcome as regular customers. For anyone keen to explore the diversity of Korean cuisine, Sodaeng offers one of London's most rewarding dining experiences.

Location: 283 Putney Bridge Rd, London SW15 2PT

Chung'dam

Best for: Refined Korean cuisine for special occasions

Chung'dam offers a more polished take on Korean dining, pairing elegant interiors with beautifully presented dishes that showcase both traditional flavours and modern technique. It's an excellent choice for date nights or celebrations, where the quieter atmosphere allows diners to savour the experience at a more leisurely pace.

While grilled meats remain a highlight, the kitchen also excels at seafood dishes, delicate starters and seasonal specialities that reflect Korea's rich culinary heritage. Every dish arrives thoughtfully presented, demonstrating that Korean cuisine can be every bit as refined as any of London's leading international restaurants.

Location: 35-36 Greek St, London W1D 5DL

Miga

Best for: Traditional Korean favourites

Miga is one of those restaurants that locals return to time and again. Located in the heart of New Malden, it combines a welcoming atmosphere with a menu that celebrates the comforting flavours of Korean home cooking. From sizzling bulgogi and hearty stews to crisp seafood pancakes, every dish is prepared with simplicity and authenticity at its core.

Like many of New Malden's best restaurants, Miga excels through consistency rather than spectacle. Friendly service, generous portions and a loyal local following make it an excellent destination for anyone looking to experience Korean cuisine beyond central London's more tourist-focused dining scene.

Location: 42 Aberconway Rd, Morden SM4 5LF

Best Korean Comfort Food

Kimchimama

Best for: Comfort food and homemade Korean flavours

Kimchimama is the kind of neighbourhood restaurant that instantly feels welcoming. Inspired by traditional Korean home cooking, the menu is filled with nourishing dishes prepared from family recipes, placing an emphasis on rich broths, slow-cooked meats and perfectly fermented kimchi. It's an ideal spot for anyone seeking authentic flavours without the formality of fine dining.

Alongside classics such as bibimbap and kimchi fried rice, diners will find comforting stews and generous sharing plates that encourage leisurely meals with family and friends. Honest cooking and warm hospitality make Kimchimama one of London's hidden gems.

Location: 28 Upper Tachbrook St, Pimlico, London SW1V 1SW

Bibimbap

Best for: Quick, affordable Korean classics

As its name suggests, Bibimbap specialises in one of Korea's best-loved dishes, serving colourful bowls of rice topped with vegetables, marinated meats and a perfectly cooked egg. With several central London locations, it's become a reliable option for anyone looking for a fast yet satisfying introduction to Korean cuisine without compromising on flavour.

The menu extends well beyond its signature dish, offering favourites such as bulgogi, japchae, Korean fried chicken and warming soups, making it an excellent choice for lunch, pre-theatre dinners or casual meals with friends. Accessible, consistently good and reasonably priced, Bibimbap proves that quality Korean food doesn't have to be reserved for special occasions.

Location: Various Locations