There used to be a divide between those who craved authentic Korean flavors and those who settled for whatever was nearby. But now a kind of passive acceptance has settled over Oakland’s dining scene. In other words, no one can be arsed to hunt down real kimchi jjigae or perfect bulgogi anymore. Enter these 17 spots—where the banchan flows freely and the only effort required is choosing which one to visit first.
To The Moon
$$ | (510) 907-3182 | WEBSITE
A go-to for Korean food in Oakland, you can now get To The Moon’s signature hot stone bibimbap to enjoy at the restaurant. The dish is the equivalent of the special (with both flavorful tofu soup and refreshing jjeolmyeon) and comes with fantastic banchan, stir fried gopchang, and steamed egg, all in their cozy atmosphere. Order here.
Oori Triangles
$ | WEBSITE
Korean rice triangle specialists Oori Triangles are serving up spicy salmon, unagi, short rib, spicy chicken, and ahi plates all over Oakland. You can choose between rice triangles or delicious plates, or a mixture of both. There are also some typically quick-service kiosks as well. Order here.
Tin & Pig – Kang Tong
$$ | (510) 658-2998 | WEBSITE
Tin & Pig – Kang Tong is an always-reliable spot when you need a bowl of something hot and nourishing in lieu of a hug from your mum. Thankfully they’ve got those private booths along the walls available for when you need this with family or friends. Every visit comes with their rich kimchi stew with pork or a hearty bulgogi with rice & egg, depending on your order, plus fresh Korean side dishes, and the rest.
Dan Sung Sa Restaurant
$$ | (510) 663-5927 | WEBSITE
Correct us if we’re wrong, but we think the odds of you whipping up kimchi fried rice, or hot pot with tteokbokki at home, are reasonably low. You can order both to enjoy at Dan Sung Sa though, alongside corn cheese and juicy wings as well. Dine in your own little room, perfect for groups, any night until 2am.
Gogi Time
$$ | (510) 834-5757 | WEBSITE
Gogi Time is offering Korean BBQ essentials, but you’re here for the Grill-It-Yourself experience, which features a generous selection of meats like bulgogi, galbi, and garlic sesame pork belly. They’ll even provide you with appetizers such as seafood pancakes, veggie pot stickers, and cheese corn if you so desire.
MUGUNGHWA Korean Restaurant
$$ | (510) 876-9988 | WEBSITE
We once described this standout Korean spot as “consistently delicious”, and now they are serving up some impressive-looking sharing platters. Each combo highlights a specific Korean specialty and is available in a fried, grilled, or cold version. Currently, there’s a BBQ feast with kalbi and ssam, or a fried chicken feast with half spicy and half garlic. Order at your table tablet for delivery across Oakland.
Oori Triangles – College Ave
$ | (510) 250-9833 | WEBSITE
How do gluten-free rice triangles, quick friendly service, and the knowledge that you could grab Oori’s spicy ahi tuna onigiri on the go sound? Pretty great, right. This Korean spot is serving up chicken teriyaki triangles, unagi onigiri, edamame, and those delicious affordable sets. Hurry, they’re only open in that convenient downtown Oakland location.
Pyeong Chang Tofu House Oakland 오클랜드 평창 순두부
$$ | (510) 658-9040 | WEBSITE
Pyeong Chang Tofu House Oakland is a restaurant that doesn’t hold back on authenticity, nor generous portions, and now you can bring both into your own dining experience. The Korean restaurant is serving standout dishes like sizzling dolsot bibimbap, bulgogi, and kimchi tofu soup, with favorites such as the kimchi pancake and Korean fried chicken with soy and fresh garlic sauce. The tofu soup arrives steaming hot in a clay pot, and the mung bean pancake is a must-try.
Order for pickup or delivery.
EM Deli Catering
$ | (510) 834-3651 | WEBSITE
You might have not heard of EM Deli Catering before this sentence. But you’re definitely going to want to get to know them after it, because the kimbap at this Korean take-out and grocery store is excellent. And they’re serving up fresh, ready-to-eat meals in Montclair village. You can enjoy their bibimbap, sushi-style rolls, pork buns, and jap chae while taking in the street views from the dining table at the front.
There’s a wide array of banchan as well, from spicy rice cakes to various rice bowls and spicy chicken bowls. The pre-made food is fresh and delicious, and the friendly staff provides thoughtful service, even when the store is close to closing. It’s a convenient option for quick meals, picnics, or stocking up on snacks and drinks, especially for students and busy individuals.
Bento & Bowls
$ | (510) 350-7137 | WEBSITE
Not in the mood to cook up some Korean? No worries, because you can get Oakland’s best Korean take-out straight to your door instead. Bento & Bowls has joined the delivery platforms (along with lots of other great spots) so that you can enjoy their famous bulgogi bowl, sides of banchan, shrimp, and pickles. There are a few bento options, including a chicken teriyaki one, this way.
K Banchan x Vons chicken
$ | (510) 988-7773 | WEBSITE
Anyone who has tried to recreate Korean fried chicken at home with a basic batter and some hot sauce knows it never quite hits the mark. Leave the crispy perfection to the experts and make your way to K Banchan x Vons chicken for their signature wings, which arrive piping hot with that satisfying crunch and a savory dipping sauce that complements them perfectly.
The spicy pork plate and Korean lunch box come generously portioned with flavorful meat and an array of sides like japche, rice, and pickled cucumber, all for around $15–$20 per entrée. Inside, the space is clean and unpretentious, with simple wooden tables and warm lighting that makes the slightly rough neighborhood outside fade away. The laid-back staff keeps things moving smoothly, ensuring you leave with a full belly and often a takeout box of leftovers.
Order here for a reliably satisfying Korean meal that delivers on both flavor and value.
Gangnam Jajang
$ | (510) 891-1335 | WEBSITE
The Korean-Chinese comfort food spot in Oakland is serving all manner of noodle and rice dishes, from the Black Bean Noodles with Pork and Veggies, to a half-and-half jamjamyeon collaboration with crab, meat, and squid, to a whole load of crunchy fried chicken for you to enjoy on-site. Check out all the options during weekday visits.
Moo Bong Ri (MBR Oakland)
$$ | (510) 654-4606 | WEBSITE
Korean restaurant Moo Bong Ri in Oakland was planning on expanding this year, but until that can happen they’re serving authentic Korean dishes that you can enjoy in their cozy dining room. Simple. The menu includes blood sausage, pork rib soup, acorn cold noodle, and assorted pork soup, which are hard to find elsewhere in the Bay Area. Their signature fried chicken not included.
The Bento House
$ | (510) 251-1300 | WEBSITE
We once called The Bento House’s bibimbap ‘Oakland’s most satisfying bowl of comfort’. And although the satisfaction may not be as complete if it’s being assembled by you – a distracted diner who eats rice straight from the container – how can sizzling beef bulgogi over purple rice, with fresh vegetables and gochujang sauce taste anything other than seriously delicious? Grab your bento box here.
Yuyu Za Zang
$ | (510) 653-2288 | WEBSITE
The closest you’ve ever come to ‘authentic Korean-Chinese’ is that time you tried instant noodles with black bean sauce. Luckily, Yuyu Za Zang makes it pretty foolproof. As well as their signature Combination Zazang and Jjampong, they’re also serving those poached dumplings everyone raves about. Plus, there’s chewy noodles and flavorful sauces too.
Jong Ga House
$$ | (510) 444-7658 | WEBSITE
If you aren’t the type to hunt down a specialty market for the perfect cut of short rib, or track down a seafood vendor for fresh squid, then let Jong Ga House make things a little more straightforward. They’re delivering all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ, banchan, cold noodle soups, and more—all ready to be grilled and enjoyed.
Seoul Gom Tang
$$ | (510) 597-9989 | WEBSITE
Take the meaning of comfort food to an entirely different level with one of Seoul Gom Tang’s nourishing soups. The family-owned spot is doing a signature ox tail soup that includes a full-bodied, collagen-rich broth, perfectly cooked rice, and crunchy banchan. Or the regular menu has things like seafood pancake, thin and crispy and loaded with seafood, and the legendary bone soup known as Gomtang.
For those feeling under the weather, the Samgyetang is said to have healing properties, while the Gamjatang and Yuggaejang hot pots are filling, warming, and delicious. The kimchi is also praised as the best. Overall, this homey restaurant offers incredible traditional Korean food with great service, making it a must-visit for both hangover fixes and authentic vibes.
