Top 18 Best Korean Food Near Vancouver, British Columbia

Korean food is one of the most exciting parts of eating in Metro Vancouver. The region has one of the largest Korean communities in Canada, and that shows on the plate: you can grill premium beef at a smokeless tabletop barbecue in East Vancouver, eat royal court set menus on Robson Street, slurp jajangmyeon at a family-run spot on Victoria Drive or book a Michelin-recommended dinner in Mount Pleasant, all in the same week.

This guide brings together the 18 best Korean restaurants near Vancouver, British Columbia, covering the City of Vancouver plus Burnaby and Coquitlam, where the North Road strip is known as Metro Vancouver's Koreatown. Each pick links to a full Vancouver Page listing with hours, menu highlights, maps and contact details.

Looking for another cuisine? Browse our full guide to the best restaurants in Vancouver by cuisine.

How We Chose These Korean Restaurants

We focused on restaurants with a proven track record: recent wins at the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, Michelin Guide recognition, years of consistent reputation in the Korean community, and dishes that are genuinely worth travelling for. We also aimed for variety, so the list covers Korean barbecue, modern Korean dining, royal court cuisine, home-style comfort food and Korean-Chinese favourites, at price points from budget-friendly to special occasion. Every restaurant was checked against its official website or published details at the time of writing.

Best Korean Restaurants in Vancouver at a Glance

Top 18 Best Korean Restaurants Near Vancouver, BC

1. Zoomak Korean Tavern – Gastown, Vancouver

Zoomak is the restaurant Vancouver Magazine's judges keep coming back to: it took gold for Best Korean in 2023, 2025 and 2026. The name refers to the old Korean roadside taverns that fed travellers, and the Gastown room delivers that same generous, social energy. This is not a barbecue spot. The focus is on big, deeply seasoned stews, braised and boiled pork, seafood and sharing plates, backed by one of the better Korean cocktail lists in the city.

What to order: Spicy seafood stew, pork belly ssam or bossam, galbi lettuce wraps and makgeolli-steamed shellfish.

Why it made the list: Consistently the city's top-rated Korean restaurant, open late on weekends, with a weeknight happy hour.

Address: 52 Alexander St, Vancouver | Price: $

2. Nui – Main Street, Vancouver

Nui takes the warmth of Korean home cooking and refines it. Its name comes from an old Korean word for mother or older sister, and that caring, homey spirit runs through the menu. The signature gomtang, a rich bone broth served with rice using the traditional toryeom pouring technique, is the dish people talk about, and the rest of the menu adds thoughtful modern plates. Vancouver Magazine awarded Nui silver for Best Korean in 2026.

What to order: Signature gomtang, Hokkaido scallop crudo, pork jowl sooyuk, seafood jeon and galbi over uni-butter rice.

Why it made the list: A fresh, modern take on Korean food that still tastes like home, with lunch service most days.

Address: 4811 Main St, Vancouver | Price: $

3. Kook Korean BBQ – East Vancouver

If you want the full tabletop barbecue experience, Kook is the place. Every table has a Shinpo smokeless grill, the ventilation is designed so you don't leave smelling of smoke, and the premium cuts arrive with around 15 banchan. Staff can grill for you or let you take control. Kook won bronze for Best Korean from Vancouver Magazine in 2026 and is one of the most-booked Korean restaurants in the city.

What to order: A premium beef combo, galbi, pork collar and brisket, plus a stew and rice.

Why it made the list: The best all-round Korean BBQ experience in Vancouver for quality, service and atmosphere.

Address: 2800 E 1st Ave #211A, Vancouver | Price: $$

4. Jeju – Mount Pleasant, Vancouver

Jeju began in Tofino in 2021, where it made enRoute's list of Canada's Best New Restaurants, and its owners Sung and Dylan Kim opened this Vancouver location on East Broadway in November 2025. In 2026 it became the first Korean restaurant recognised in the Michelin Guide Vancouver, as a Recommended restaurant. The cooking blends Korean technique with West Coast ingredients, and the central bar pours a seasonal cocktail list built on Korean flavours.

What to order: The 35-day-aged galbi, sakura pork belly, gochujang fried chicken and octopus with aged kimchi.

Why it made the list: Michelin-recommended, polished and the best choice for a celebration dinner.

Address: 540 E Broadway, Vancouver | Price: $$

5. Sura Korean Royal Cuisine – West End, Vancouver

Among the dozens of Korean restaurants on Robson Street, Sura stands out for specialising in Korean royal court cuisine. Set menus bring a progression of small dishes to the table, from porridge to japchae, pancakes and grilled meats, which makes it an ideal introduction for anyone new to Korean food. Its lunch sets are among the best-value sit-down meals downtown, and it earned a Vancouver Magazine honourable mention in 2025.

What to order: A royal set menu, or à la carte japchae, seafood pancake, herbal bossam, galbi and royal rice cakes.

Why it made the list: The best place in the city to experience Korean royal court cooking, with vegetarian options.

Address: 1518 Robson St, Vancouver | Price: $

6. JEON – West End, Vancouver

JEON is the newest restaurant on this list, opened in September 2025 by Chef Tom Jeon of Tom Sushi and Tozen Sushi Bar fame. Here he cooks the food of his own Korean upbringing, from traditional dishes to what is trending in Seoul now, with refined presentation and strong cocktails. The centrepiece is the Woodae galbi, prime rib sous-vide for 12 hours and served with wraps, which the chef calls Korea's answer to steak.

What to order: Woodae galbi, kimchi jeon, yukhoe, truffle japchae and kimchi arancini.

Why it made the list: A stylish modern Korean dinner on Davie Street with standout signature dishes.

Address: 1160 Davie St #110, Vancouver | Price: $$

7. Sumi Korean Restaurant – Victoria Drive, Vancouver

Sumi is a family-run neighbourhood favourite with big portions, friendly service and a long menu of comfort food. It is especially good for Korean-Chinese dishes such as jajangmyeon and jjambbong, along with hearty soups, crisp pancakes and fried chicken. It won bronze for Best Korean from Vancouver Magazine in 2025 and an honourable mention in 2026, and it is one of the most affordable picks on this list.

What to order: Jajangmyeon, spicy seafood jjambbong, gamjatang, seolleongtang, seafood pancake and tangsuyuk.

Why it made the list: Outstanding value, generous portions and the best Korean-Chinese dishes in this guide.

Address: 5628 Victoria Dr, Vancouver | Price: $

8. Keumsan – Marpole, Vancouver

Keumsan opened in Marpole in July 2025 and quickly built a following for two comfort dishes: sizzling soft tofu stew and sotbap, rice cooked to order in individual iron pots with toppings like abalone, eel or beef. The menu is short and focused, and the cooking is precise. Vancouver Magazine gave it an honourable mention for Best Korean in 2026. It is also handy for anyone coming from Richmond or the airport.

What to order: Abalone or eel sotbap, soft tofu stew and a grilled meat plate to share.

Why it made the list: The city's best sotbap and a top choice for a satisfying solo meal.

Address: 8363 Granville St, Vancouver | Price: $

9. So Hyang Korean Cuisine – Fraser Street, Vancouver

A Fraser Street restaurant with a big menu of cold noodles, bibimbap and stews.

What to order: Naengmyeon or a stew.

Why it made the list: A 2026 Vancouver Magazine Best Korean finalist.

Address: 6345 Fraser St | Price: $

10. Yook Korean Grilled BBQ & Bistro – Nanaimo Street, Vancouver

A relaxed neighbourhood bistro for grilled Korean barbecue.

What to order: A BBQ combo.

Why it made the list: On Time Out's list of Vancouver's best Korean restaurants.

Address: 2408 Nanaimo St | Price: $

11. JINMI Korean Cuisine – Downtown, Vancouver

A traditional Korean restaurant steps from BC Place.

What to order: Soy-marinated crab.

Why it made the list: Highly rated by OpenTable diners.

Address: 782 Cambie St | Price: $

12. Hanwoori Korean Restaurant – Burnaby

Hanwoori has been cooking in Burnaby since 1997 and has won Vancouver Magazine's gold award for Best Korean eight times. It sits in an unlikely spot on Imperial Street just off Kingsway, but inside you will find traditional décor, private rooms for family gatherings and tabletop grills. The cooking is generous and home-style, and a late-night menu runs until 1:00 a.m. Monday to Saturday.

What to order: Beef bulgogi or pork belly for the grill, dolsot bibimbap, pan-fried kimchi and spicy pork with noodles.

Why it made the list: A true Metro Vancouver Korean institution, with private rooms and late-night hours.

Address: 5740 Imperial St, Burnaby | Price: $

13. Arisu Korean BBQ – Burquitlam, Burnaby

A well-known Korean BBQ spot on North Road in Koreatown.

What to order: Marinated galbi.

Why it made the list: A Koreatown favourite open until midnight.

Address: 203-4501 North Rd | Price: $

14. Stone Korean BBQ – Lougheed, Burnaby

A Korean barbecue restaurant near Lougheed Town Centre that opened in 2025.

What to order: A BBQ set to share.

Why it made the list: One of the newer Korean BBQ openings in Burnaby.

Address: 310-3778 Grand Promenade | Price: $

15. Insadong Korean BBQ Restaurant – Coquitlam

Coquitlam's North Road is Metro Vancouver's unofficial Koreatown, and Insadong is one of its longest-standing restaurants. The spacious room handles big groups easily, and the menu covers tabletop barbecue, fresh seafood, stews and classic rice dishes, so everyone at the table can find something. It is a short walk from Lougheed Town Centre and Burquitlam SkyTrain stations.

What to order: A Korean BBQ combo, bokkeum gamjatang, seafood pancake and ttukbaegi bulgogi.

Why it made the list: A reliable Koreatown classic for group dinners, close to SkyTrain.

Address: 403 North Rd #301, Coquitlam | Price: $

16. Kosoo Korean BBQ – Coquitlam

A Korean barbecue restaurant near Coquitlam Centre.

What to order: Table-grilled meats with banchan.

Why it made the list: Often called an overlooked gem by local food writers.

Address: 105-1123 Westwood St | Price: $

17. Mr. Bro Korean Bistro & Izakaya – Richmond

A brother-run, izakaya-style Korean restaurant.

What to order: Korean bar snacks and barbecue.

Why it made the list: A popular Richmond spot for a fresh take on Korean BBQ.

Address: 2000-8580 Alexandra Rd | Price: $

18. Dolpan Seoul BBQ – Richmond

A family-style Korean BBQ restaurant in Continental Shopping Centre.

What to order: A shared BBQ spread.

Why it made the list: Known for authentic family-style Korean barbecue.

Address: 3779 Sexsmith Rd | Price: $

Korean Dishes to Know Before You Go

• Banchan: the small side dishes, such as kimchi, seasoned vegetables and pickles, that come free with most meals and are usually refilled on request.
• Galbi: marinated beef short ribs, the classic order at a Korean barbecue.
• Samgyeopsal: thick slices of pork belly grilled at the table and wrapped in lettuce.
• Bulgogi: thinly sliced beef in a sweet soy marinade.
• Ssam and bossam: lettuce or perilla leaf wraps; bossam is boiled pork served for wrapping.
• Bibimbap: rice topped with vegetables, meat and egg, often served in a sizzling stone bowl (dolsot).
• Sundubu jjigae: a spicy stew of silken soft tofu.
• Gomtang and seolleongtang: long-simmered beef or ox bone soups, mild and comforting.
• Gamjatang: spicy pork bone and potato stew.
• Jeon and pajeon: savoury pancakes; haemul pajeon is made with seafood and green onion.
• Jajangmyeon and jjambbong: Korean-Chinese noodles in black bean sauce or spicy seafood broth.
• Sotbap: rice cooked to order in an individual iron pot.
• Soju and makgeolli: Korea's clear distilled spirit and its cloudy, lightly sparkling rice wine.

Where to Find Korean Food in Metro Vancouver

Gastown, Vancouver

Home to Zoomak Korean Tavern.

Main Street, Vancouver

Home to Nui.

East Vancouver

Home to Kook Korean BBQ.

Mount Pleasant, Vancouver

Home to Jeju.

West End, Vancouver

Home to Sura Korean Royal Cuisine and JEON.

Victoria Drive, Vancouver

Home to Sumi Korean Restaurant.

Marpole, Vancouver

Home to Keumsan.

Fraser Street, Vancouver

Home to So Hyang Korean Cuisine.

Nanaimo Street, Vancouver

Home to Yook Korean Grilled BBQ & Bistro.

Downtown, Vancouver

Home to JINMI Korean Cuisine.

Burnaby

Home to Hanwoori Korean Restaurant.

Burquitlam, Burnaby

Home to Arisu Korean BBQ.

Lougheed, Burnaby

Home to Stone Korean BBQ.

Coquitlam

Home to Insadong Korean BBQ Restaurant and Kosoo Korean BBQ.

Richmond

Home to Mr. Bro Korean Bistro & Izakaya and Dolpan Seoul BBQ.

Tips for Eating Korean Food in Vancouver

• Book barbecue ahead: premium Korean BBQ restaurants fill up fast on weekends, so reserve a few days in advance.
• Order to share: Korean meals are designed to be shared. Pick a few dishes for the table plus rice and a stew.
• Let staff help with the grill: at full-service barbecue restaurants, servers often know the ideal cooking time for each cut.
• Pour for others: in Korean drinking etiquette, you pour for your companions rather than yourself.
• Ask about spice: many stews and sauces can be made milder or spicier on request.
• Dietary needs: fish sauce and soy are common ingredients, so mention allergies and vegetarian requirements when ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Korean restaurant in Vancouver?

Zoomak Korean Tavern in Gastown has won Vancouver Magazine's gold award for Best Korean in 2023, 2025 and 2026, making it the most consistently awarded Korean restaurant in the city. Jeju in Mount Pleasant is the only Korean restaurant recognised in the 2026 Michelin Guide Vancouver.

Where is the best Korean BBQ in Vancouver?

Kook Korean BBQ in East Vancouver is the top pick for premium, full-service Korean barbecue. In the suburbs, Hanwoori in Burnaby and Insadong in Coquitlam are long-running favourites with tabletop grills.

Where is Koreatown in Metro Vancouver?

The North Road area on the border of Coquitlam and Burnaby, near Lougheed Town Centre and Burquitlam SkyTrain stations, is known as Metro Vancouver's Koreatown.

Is there a Michelin-recognised Korean restaurant in Vancouver?

Yes. Jeju, at 540 East Broadway, was named a Recommended restaurant in the 2026 Michelin Guide Vancouver.

Where can I find affordable Korean food in Vancouver?

Sumi Korean Restaurant on Victoria Drive is one of the best-value options, with large, home-style portions. Keumsan in Marpole and the lunch sets at Sura on Robson Street are also good choices on a budget.

Which Korean restaurants in Vancouver have vegetarian options?

Sura Korean Royal Cuisine has dedicated vegetarian dishes, including vegetable bibimbap and vegetable royal rice cakes. Most other restaurants can adapt dishes like bibimbap if you ask.

What Korean food should I try first?

Start with Korean barbecue (galbi or pork belly), a bibimbap and a seafood pancake. For something comforting, try a soft tofu stew or a bone broth soup like gomtang.

Do I need reservations for Korean restaurants in Vancouver?

For popular spots like Kook, Zoomak, Jeju and Nui, yes, especially on weekends. Casual restaurants such as Sumi and Keumsan are mostly walk-in.

Explore More Vancouver Food Guides

Hungry for more? See our complete guide to the best restaurants in Vancouver by cuisine, covering 69 cuisines across Metro Vancouver, or browse all restaurants on Vancouver Page.