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The Ultimate Guide to Korean BBQ in San Francisco

San Francisco is a spectacular city for Korean BBQ. If you’re looking for a place to cook your own meat at the table, Korean-inspired tacos from a hole-in-the-wall kitchen, or enjoy a multi-course meal in a fancy restaurant, you’re going to find something for your palate in The Golden City.

barbecue cut at san francisco korean bbq restaurants

San Francisco is a compact city with a lot to see, do, and eat.

Don’t forget to look for fun things to do in the city between meals.

This list of the best Korean BBQ restaurants in San Francisco features places near the Golden Gate Bridge, great beaches, and popular hiking trails.


Manna

845 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122
Phone: 415-665-5969
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Manna has that unique vibe of a restaurant that looks like it could have been a hole-in-the-wall years ago but has had a makeover to turn the small space into a crisp and clean modern eatery.

But don’t like the bright and open aesthetics fool you – the food is still very hole-in-the-wall delicious. This is a popular spot for locals and those visiting the nearby San Francisco Botanical Garden.

I recommend ordering Manna’s Kimchi Jaeyuk Bokum.

This dish features sautéed pork, kimchi, and tofu in an authentic Korean spicy sauce.

They don’t have a large drink menu, but they serve a sweet Korean raspberry wine that tastes amazing.


Daeho Kalbijim & Beef Soup

1620 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: 415-563-1388

There’s a lot of hype around Daeho Kalbijjim & Beef Soup, so be prepared for a wait.

It’s not uncommon for lines to start outside before they even open on Friday and Saturday nights.

This is one of those times the hype matches reality, and the food is worth waiting for.

Daeho Kalbijjum is a restaurant you’re going to drop some money in but walk about feeling stuffed and happy with your experience.

I recommend going with one of the restaurant’s namesakes and ordering the Kalbi Jjim.

This braised beef ribs dish comes with options of thick glass noodles, rice cakes, vegetables, cheese, and spice levels from none to delicious fire.


Han Il Kwan

1802 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: 415-752-4447

Han II Kwan is a perfect place to stop for lunch between outings at the nearby Presidio of San Francisco and Golden Gate Park.

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Bring family or friends because you’re going to eat a lot of food at this Korean BBQ. This is a perfect spot to order self-cook Korean BBQ.

I enjoyed the spicy beef ribeye, but they have a variety of beef types with different spice levels, so you won’t have an issue finding something for everyone in your party.

This isn’t where you go to have everyone get their own plate of food.

Come here to enjoy the company of who you are with, cook your food together, and share.


Jin Mi

366 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415-834-5007
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Look no further than Jin Mi for some down-home Korean comfort food.

I enjoy eating at a restaurant that looks simple on the surface but has amazingly-complex and flavorful food.

Jin Mi flies under the radar a bit by not being in a more popular part of the city, so you shouldn’t have to wait to sit and order.

I recommend ordering one of their chicken dishes.

You can get the spicy chicken with onion and cabbage in a house-made spicy sauce on a place or take that meal, throw it in a bowl with broth and potatoes and enjoy Jin Mi’s spicy chicken soup.

You can’t go wrong either way you choose to enjoy their perfectly-seasoned chicken.


Surisan

505 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: 415-771-8449
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Surisan is conveniently located near many popular attractions in the Fisherman’s Wharf District.

The Korean restaurant has something for everyone, with dishes ranging from authentic Korean BBQ to Asian-inspired American breakfast and brunch.

You have to try one of Surisan’s egg scrambles.

They have vegetarian options, a meat-filled scrambler for the carnivore, and a great-tasting seafood scrambler featuring crab and shrimp.

I recommend going with their namesake scrambler, which has the perfect balance of meat and more with bacon, red onion, tomato, avocado, and gruyere.

Head to the water when you’ve finished eating to enjoy a wonderful walk along the bay.


SAN HO WON

2170 Bryant St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: 415-868-4479
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San Ho Won perfectly blends elements of fine dining with a casual Korean atmosphere you’re sure to enjoy.

I highly recommend you make reservations well in advance of your planned visit, as their waitlist can span weeks.

They offer counter seats for walk-ins, but even if you’re eating so you may have to wait to get a seat.

I recommend going with their Prix Fix House Menu if you’re dining with a few people.

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This is a pre-pay set menu featuring appetizers, meats from their charcoal grill, rice, soups, banchan, and dessert.

This is typically perfect for two or three people, but you can add additional items if needed.


SF Honey Pig Korean BBQ Restaurant

4217 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone: 415-702-6565
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SF Honey Pig Korean BBQ Restaurant is a great hole-in-the-wall spot that cooks delicious Korean BBQ.

Street parking can be a bit scarce, but the restaurant isn’t far from Presidio of San Francisco if you don’t mind a bit of a walk.

The large park provides plenty of activities to burn off the massive amount of food you’ll eat at SF Honey Pig.

You can go to a restaurant with pig in the name and not order pork. I suggest getting their pork backbone stew.

This dish features pork backbone, vegetables and potatoes served with a savory and spicy sauce.

Make sure to bring a friend as the dish is made for two.


Cocobang

550 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415-292-5144

The inside of Cocobang is small, cramped, and a little dark. Which you know means the food is amazing.

Cocobang is one of those places that doesn’t get a lot of out-of-town visitors, but the locals eat at it frequently.

It is worth checking out if you’re a fan of delicious and simple food that accurately represents Korean cuisine.

I wouldn’t recommend limiting yourself to just one thing here.

Order the BBQ combo to choose two options of grilled beef, spicy pork, chicken bulgogi, and mild or spicy beef short ribs.

Take advantage of their variety of soju cocktails.

They serve this delicious Korean rice wine flavored with strawberry, lemon, peach, mango, apple, and yogurt.


Barnzu Korean Restaurant

711 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: 415-525-4985
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Barnzu is located in the popular Tenderloin district, just minutes away from plenty of hotels and other dining and drinking options if you’re interested in a night of hopping.

This bright and modern restaurant and bar gives off a strong hip vibe with walls of exposed red brick and unique lighting.

The food is delicious at Barnzu, but the drink menu is where this restaurant shines.

I suggest going with their Echigo Red Ale if you want to try a classic Korean beer.

Rice wine drinkers will be happy here as well.

They have a variety of soju, makgulli, and sake options for those who enjoy these traditional Korean and Japanese beverages.


Muguboka Restaurant

401 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone: 415-668-6007

Muguboka has that classic family-friendly feel. The unassuming restaurant may not look like much, but you’re there for the food anyway.

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You’re going to forget all about where you are when you take that first bite.

Spicy Korean food gets most of the shoutouts, and for good reason, but don’t sleep on the cuisine’s sweeter savory dishes.

I recommend trying the gal bee jim. This stew features beef ribs, vegetables, and potatoes in a delicious house sweet sauce.

Golden State Park is just a few minutes away once you’re done eating and remember where you are.


707 Sutter

707 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: 415-346-7979

707 Sutter is the perfect late-night spot in Downtown San Francisco.

The food is delicious any time, but the restaurant is popular with the night owls with its Monday-Saturday 2 a.m. closing time.

This place is perfect for those who enjoy a lively vibe with music and entertainment while they eat. Start with their beef and rice cakes before moving on to their kimchi fried rice.

This dish comes with your choice of beef, spicy pork, shrimp, spam, or chicken served with a fried egg top.

Unsurprisingly considering its popularity as a late-night stop, 707 boasts an extensive alcohol menu featuring a variety of Korean beers and cocktails.


Aria Korean Street Food

932 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: 415-292-6914
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The first thing you notice about Aria Korean Street Food is its artistic storefront featuring a graffiti design that you could honestly pass by and not know there’s a restaurant inside.

Plan to get your food to go since there is minimal seating inside. I honestly can’t recommend this entire menu enough.

Street food with a spicy Korean flare – yes, please. If I had to choose, I suggest ordering the Homies.

This Korean-Mexican taco sampler features Korean-friend chicken, gangjung-fried chicken, and a bulgogi beef taco.

Each one comes with a fresh chipotle aioli coleslaw that is amazing.


Shin Toe Bul Yi

2001 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA 94116
Phone: 415-566-9221

Shin Toe Bul Yi is a no-frills Korean diner located in the Sunset District, just a short distance from the Pacific coast.

Most of San Francisco’s Korean restaurants are on the bay side of the city, but this one is worth the trip across town.

Fried chicken is Shin Toe Bul Yi’s calling card. The chicken is perfectly-crispy with a nice bit of Korean heat without being too spicy.

Simple and flavorful sides of kimchi, cucumbers, and bean caviar perfectly complement the chicken without trying to steal the show.


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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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