The worst Korean food I have ever had. Potentially the worst meal I have ever had (and I'm not a picky eater). My mom is Korean and my dad, though Chinese, grew up in Korea and speaks Korean fluently. Needless to say, they both know what good Asian food should be like. Well, they came here ~3 years ago and told me not to come because the food was bad. I guess curiosity eventually killed the cat... I came here with a friend and we split the tangsuyuk, sundubu jigae, and the donkatsu. Everything was horrible. Honestly, the best thing was the miso soup. The ban chan was also bad. The sundubu jigae tasted like water and the seafood was rubbery and overcooked. The tangsuyuk was dry and the sauce was too watery, nowhere near as thick as it should be. The sauce too was bland. The donkatsu was also dry and flavorless. I would not recommend at all. Please go somewhere else... anywhere else. read more

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Bleh why have they regressed :( It was good when they first opened, and then it became acceptable. I would go if we have a larger group and are focused more on the company than on the food. The quality is choppy, and there are some things that you would only know is askew if you've been to Korean places in Koreatowns or in Seoul. E.g., the dumplings in the army stew were overcooked and the soon dubu can come out lukewarm (their reason was "we didn't want to scald you" but we order stone pot things for the hot sizzles). Overall good in a pinch, but I would only go if it's the most convenient option. read more

The food and service at Kimchi was wonderful! Our server went out of her way to check in with our party of 4 and brought us extra side dishes for free. read more

An incredible experience with very tasty food. The only problem was I ate too much and was moaning all the way to the concert at the State theater. read more

Kimchi - Beef! - Korean Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Amazing authentic Korean food with amazing owners and cooks and staff. We loved everything bc the flavors were so good. The service was amazing even though it was very busy on a Friday night. The kimchi had excellent taste w a little seafood like shrimp paste and garlic and aged just right. And it was not spicy which I appreciate. The egg soufflé was fluffy and came out hot and was good. Enjoyed the BBQ grill bc it didn't burn all night and no smoke smell afterwards on my clothes! The temp was just right and made the meat just right. Everything was perfect. We will retun. read more

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I'm staying in Ithaca for the week and I noticed a small Korean restaurant when I was getting my morning coffee. I'm saying to myself, I'm a long way from K-Town but it looks good so I'm down to try something new. Once seated, we order drinks. The table is actually a hot plate and served up a massive Korean BBQ meal. Excellent portion size for the price point. Great tasting food, Kimchi was a welcomed dining spot during my stay in Ithaca. read more

Kimchi - Korean bbq - Korean Near Me - Ithaca, New York

This restaurant is located on the Commons, a short distance from the Hilton Garden Inn where we staying. My wife and I decided to share 2 entrees with her choosing panache noodles - stir fried wide yam noodles with mixed vegetables. My choice was bokkeumbap - stir fried rice with mixed vegetables and egg. Chicken was our designated protein choice in each dish. In addition we received cups of soup and banchan. The food was quite good with the service deemed even better. read more

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Our server was soooo kind and made us feel like home. While we were originally seated in a smaller table, they helped to move us to a bigger one and even brought all of our stuff over. Even when we were rushing to eat since the closing time was near, the server kept reminding us to take our time and that it was okay. She is adorable and I would honestly just go to see her again. The food was really good too. I really liked their budae jigae and takoyaki. The takoyaki was perfection -- cripsy on the outside but super soft and lava-y inside. Chapae was chewy and was so flavorful. Budae jigae was authentic and delicious. The chicken was also pretty good. Everything we had didn't disappoint. Overall, I had a really great experience! Probably one of my favorite restaurants in Ithaca read more

Kimchi - Japchae, budae jigae, yangnyeon chicken, takoyaki - Korean Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Amazing service and equally as amazing food! The restaurant itself is slightly small but that just welcomes the home cooking feel that the food brings. I have slight experience with all different kinds of Asian food but haven't gone to a Korean restaurant before this one. That being said the staff were very kind and even helped me pronounce the dish I wanted to order. The food was amazing and hit the spot for sure. I will definitely be going here quite a bit in the future. read more

Kimchi - Kimchi jjigae, pork gyoza - Korean Near Me - Ithaca, New York

The place is an easy find as it is in the town center right next to other restaurants. It is a stand out being one of the few offering Asian cuisines. We love Korean foods and the food they offer on their menu highlighted some of our favorites. For our appetizer, we got octopus fritter on the house. We opted to take the recommendation of our wait person for our lunch...their famous fried chicken and set the sauce on the side. It reminded me of our local chicken joy. It tasted right basing on my liking, not too spicy and not too bland. The special sauce is such a treat. It is a staple of the place. We ordered plain jasmine rice for our side order. You know that rice is an important of any Asian meal. The food pricing is very reasonable. The dining place is small yet homey. The wait staff is friendly and efficient. Definitely a place to try when you are in the area . read more

Kimchi - Korean Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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Pretty standard for Asian food in Ithaca. Interior was clean and service was quick. Food wasn't super flavorful and very oily. There are definitely better spots on commons. read more

Waited at the door for 40 minutes without anyone from the restaurant appreciating us. Ordered 80 dollars Korean bbq brisket and 70 dollars bbq steak. The brisket had frozen burn marks all over the meat. Not sure how old is the meat. The on the table BBQ steak was cooked at kitchen and the rib eye steak was switched to roast bottom beef. When I asked waitress for the meat quality, the chef threatened me with the ' F' word and won't stop cursing. So I have to call the police on them. read more

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Me, my sister and my wife decided to visit our niece and her boyfriend at Ithaca, and which better place to look for a good restaurant in the area? Ithaca commons. The five of us were famished as our niece just finished touring us at Cornell University. While walking around Ithaca commons, we decided to try out the food in this Korean restaurant, Kimchi. The place was not too big and not too small, the joint was clean and we were immediately accommodated by a very friendly wait-staff ( we later learned that he is Filipino) At first I was craving for a good Korean fried chicken, but basing on the recommendation of the wait-staff, I better order just the fried chicken and just put the Korean sauce on the side in case I am not satisfied with the taste of the sauce, so i did. What an excellent recommendation!!! I truly enjoyed the fried chicken without the sauce and matched it with white steamed rice. My companions ordered something different and they also were very satisfied with what they ordered. The food was great, an amazing wait-staff, wait time for the preferred food was excellent, food price was better than fair. A really good place to eat when you are looking for Asian food at Ithaca commons, try this place and you will never regret it. read more

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Came here with my father after I had just gotten back from training for the Army for nine months. The waitress, I'm not sure what her name was but she was older, was extremely kind and a great conversationalist. The food was incredible and was more than enough for the two of us. I would definitely suggest checking out this lovely establishment. read more

We came in around 2:00 on a weekday and we had the best time! We got the beef bulgogi Korean BBQ and it was the 4th best meal of my life. Not only is it fun for the meat to be cooked at the table, but they give you lots of other dishes to get started on. The soup was to die for... so good and I wish I knew what it was called. The egg bake was so yummy. And all of the side dishes and toppings were great. We added fresh garlic into the bulgogi while it was cooking. My favorite thing was the dipping sauce they serve with the meat- a fermented soy bean sauce- I asked them if I could have a container to go because I loved it so much. The service was excellent. Everything was excellent! read more

Kimchi - Beef bulgogi - Korean Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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We were impressed with the meals we had at Kimchi. Dolsot Bi Bim Bap was very tasty with a generous portion of meat. The service was great with friendly staff. If we return to Ithaca we will definitely return for a meal. read more

The food was delicious, the service was kind, and it was a all around good time. Even during rush hour there was no waiting time for a seating of four. read more

It town for couple days , we ordered different types of bibimbap to go. The foods were ready less in 10 minutes, rather quick . The tofu in bibimbap was cold , it didn't cook ( on the pan) and didn't add any seasoning, it seems like cold cut from the box or container, perhaps it was the way supposed to be . When mixed all foods together it tasted ok. Will not order from this restaurant for next trip . Didn't feel they care or love the foods... No need for pictures since it can be found online everywhere. read more

What a great find in downtown Ithaca Commons! I would describe this restaurant as a homey Korean style place; dishes have that next door neighbor feel; not too spicy/salty/doused up in sauces/MSG feel. Friendly people who run it and quick service. We ordered the Budae Army stew that feeds 2 people; we were starving so this dish did not disappoint in size. It was served in a hot pot over a small gas stove; a kimchi based stew w/ Spam, tofu, ramen, veggies, etc, it is what it sounds like. Imagine you were in the army/camping and you needed to throw everything in 1 pot; what you get is this concoction of everything thrown into 1. A mishmash of ingredients that makes a delicious upholstered version of Ramen but with more ingredients. Again, not too salty/spicy/strong, making me feel like an Ajuma next door invited me over to have some food. The Squid bimbim was also a flavorful dish of chewy squid that I feel goes nicely with the red gochujang and Korean flavors. Pair that with sunny side up egg and some Korean rice and this is a sure hit on a cool Fall evening. I think Squid goes the best with gochujang because it is such a strange texture that it should be hit with spices/flavors. You can't go to a Korean restaurant without ordering a soondobu dish- essentially a boiling hot tofu soup in a clay hot pot served with rice. I almost always get the seafood version because I like the contrasting textures alongside the silky smooth tofu. That's what makes a soondofu a soondobu; the tofu used isn't any kind of tofu but an incredibly smooth one. It is such a soul warming dish to have on a cold day, light but filling and you feel so clean and nourished afterwards. Clean service and warm hospitality. Same owner as the one who owns as So Poong I hear but this menu is more robust. highly recommend for anyone who wants a more home style cooking to avoid feeling heavy/greasy/fluid overloaded from a more heavy restaurant. read more

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Satisfying food. I got the bibimbap, although I was particularly craving the dolsot bibimbap. Since that is served in a hot stone bowl (= deliciously sticky and slightly crunchy rice!) and we were ordering to-go, I could only get the bibimbap. Also yummy so no complaints! Food prep time was good. We were able to get some extra hot sauce. Portion sizes are decent. Our stomachs were happy. read more

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Love their food, love their service, love the location. We've been there at least four times, and the place never disappoints. My husband always goes for Bibimbap, I am slightly more adventurous. On our last visit I had Ojingeo Bokkeum. Yum. Size-wise, the portions are huge; if you had an appetizer (fried pork gyoza is delish), be prepared to take stuff home, and have for lunch the next day. Kimchi serves Soju, a fruity and sweet alcoholic beverage, which is served chilled in shot glasses. Black raspberry wine is also an option. Both can enhance your culinary experience. Give those a try. ***If you have craving for kimball (Korean sushi rolls), the owner will refer you to their sister restaurant in Collegetown, https://www.sopoongithaca.com *** read more

I was sooo excited to see Koran food in Ithaca. I ordered the Sundubu-jjigae because literally, it's my favorite Korean dish. Overall the service was super sweet, even for takeout. The hostess was thoughtful and very into my ordering process. She made sure to give her opinion which helped me discover that I wanted to go back the next day for another appetizer. The stew overall was okay. I wanted it to be a little thicker and flavorful. It lacked the beautiful anchovy/seafood flavor that Korean stews have mastered. It also was a bit pricier compared to other places I've been. BUT If there were no other Korean options in the see, I would return for sure. read more

The waitress was very attentive. If she is not the owner, she had certainly acted as one! Great food and service!

The food and service of this place are amazing. Our server met our needs and kept bringing sides and water to our table. Definitely a stop if you are around. Also, you should try the kimchi pancakes. They are delicious. There is no picture because it was long gone. read more

Kimchi - Bibimbap - Korean Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Good food and authentic taste I enjoyed it very much and recommend it to everyone granted I am more of a sushi fan but it is very good food here. read more

The food here is delicious! They provide very generous portions for the price and it's flavorful without being too spicy. The servers are quick, friendly and professional. It's clean inside and they have nice music in the background. read more

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While the food was tasty do NOT try to disagree with the chef by sending something back!! My son order a stir fried calamari (squid) which he generally loves. He chocked trying to chew it so my husband tried it. One piece was cook fine and another was very chewy which totally indicates overcooking! We tried to explain this to the waitress who then had the owner & chef come out to speak to us. He proceeded to argue that it was his restaurant and his squid was never overcooked. At this point we were getting annoyed as it wasn't just my 14yr olds issue since my husband is a chef & he said it was overcooked. The guy got mad and agreed to take it off the bill but wouldn't let us order anything else! What kind of service is that?? Unbelievable. Please know reader that we are not simple uneducated American, but worldly and consistently eat Thai, Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Ethiopian and many other cultural foods from many countries. My best friend is Korean and I love her food. Theo review is just our unpleasant experience with an arrogant owner & chef. Too bad he ruined our time together. read more

A friend and I came here for dinner on a whim, and it was an excellent choice! The waitress was patient, attentive, and kind, and put up with our bad jokes. We took advantage of the outdoor seating because the weather was so nice, and started off with a set of tiny Korean side dishes (free with the meal, I think)--kimchi, mung beans, and Korean omelette. We then ordered the tako yaki (fried octopus balls) as an appetizer, and oh boy. Those were the most delicious things I've eaten in a long time. We felt bad about eating them because they were so pretty, too, but it had to done. After a long debate with myself because everything on the menu looked so good, I settled on the fried fish cutlet. It was absolutely delicious--a fried egg with a runny yolk set on top of tartar sauce, fried fish, and rice. It came with a little lettuce and tomato salad, some edamame, two slices of yellow pickled radish, and a bowl of miso soup. The serving size was pretty generous, too, I took the leftovers home for lunch! read more

Kimchi - Tako yaki, the fried octopus balls - Korean Near Me - Ithaca, New York

They were swamped tonight. I'm sure with this being Cornell's move in week, they were extra busy. Not sure how long the wait was for sit-in dining as we chose to take out. Take out order was estimated about 30 minutes. I do think it was ready earlier but the waitstaff was so busy that they didn't have time to check until I asked. The 2 waiters were running around taking orders, serving dishes and cleaning tables. Not sure how the diners felt but it did seem a little chaotic. Kudos to the waitstaff for hustling and trying to attend to everyone. Onto the food itself. We ordered bibimbap, budaejjigae and tteokbokki. The bibimbap was very tasty. We got the one with beef. There was a good amount of beef and vegetables. The budaejjigae was just okay. It was spicy but lacked in flavor depth. There were too many hot dog pieces and not enough of the beef. The tteokbokki was spicy but flavorful with a good amount of rice cakes and fish cakes. My favorite oddly enough was the bibimbap (I rarely eat this but decided to try some of my husband's). All in all, we had a craving for Korean food and this hit the spot. Only wish they had the kimbap tonight although then we wouldn't have ordered the bibimbap... read more

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I wish I could give more than 5 stars for this restaurant! The food is delicious, the waiter was charming, and the owner was very kind and helpful. I highly recommend this for Korean barbecue and tasty appetizers. read more

My wife and I decided to check out Kimchi b/c of all the rave reviews, but we were more than just disappointed. We were in the mood for some kalbi (galbi) and everywhere and anywhere I've ever had it it has been short ribs in a very light sweet and savory marinade Kimchi is developing a reputation for its outstanding authenticity, no?? Well their short ribs fall extremely short of authentic and borderline were inedible. I settled for just drinking water to fill my stomach even though this was my first meal of the day. Take a look for yourselves: Authentic short ribs or over-sauced, worse-than-American-BBQ- mass-produced bottled sauce that you would have to pay me to eat (and I still might refuse) on the entirely wrong type of meat?? Not saying don't go, but certainly don't go looking for authentic kalbi. read more

Kimchi - Korean Near Me - Ithaca, New York

The food portion is generous. The owner is very patient to show us how to cook And eat the bbq. She also served us with additional lettuces, side dishes, etc. we loved the food and service there. We will go back for sure. read more

Clean, efficient and tasty Korean food. We shared the Octopus Balls and each had a main dish. You can't go wrong with Bibimbop. And my fiancé got a tofu based hot dished. Simple and filling! read more

My lunch plans in ithaca were derailed by covid restaurants hours, so we stumbled upon Kimchi and got some korean takeaway instead! The spicy pork kimbap ($7) was decent. My first timer to korean food bf was skeptical about this at first, but really liked it, so I think it's a great option for newbies to korean food. For me, the kimbap could have beenore sesame oil-y and a bit less dry. I also thought it was just a bit pricey for the portion. The spice wasn't really there but the fillings made the flavours well balanced. We also got the edamame ($4), jjamppong ($12), and udon ($10). We ordered way too much so didn't end up finishing anything (the portions are huge!!) but the udon was the highlight of the meal! The broth was umami and the noodles were springy. The jjamppong was very overshadowed by the udon. It tasted fine at first, but after trying the iron, it felt like it was missing the OOMPH factor - not quite spicy, not quite savory. read more

Kimchi - a picnic table with a variety of foods - Korean Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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Excellent Korean restaurant. Small inside but nice atmosphere. I believe the owner a Korean lady was serving us. She was extremely kind and friendly. Nice to talk too. Great service overall. Food was excellent. There was 6 of us we all ordered different dinners. Everything was excellent. Definitely recommend if your in Ithaca. read more

Kimchi - a bowl of food on a table - Korean Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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Waitress confronts me for leaving a smaller tip and demands more even though she ignored me multiple times and gave me faulty take-out tupperware. read more

Pretty good food. Ordered the Tonkatsu and Takoyaki. Love the pork chops. The service is nice too. read more

Kimchi - Tonkatsu - Korean Near Me - Ithaca, New York

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The food was delicious and there was a great soup for vegetarian. The workers were very nice and your food was out very fast. Lastly, it was a very authentic place to eat. Highly recommend read more

I had been craving Korean fried chicken wings all week. These didn't exactly hit the spot. First, the positives. The wings were absolutely enormous and reasonably priced. The folks at the restaurant also seemed really nice. Now the negatives. Rather than being really crispy like Korean fried chicken is supposed to be, these were frankly soggy. There were two issues-- the batter is way too thick and they were absolute drenched--nay, swimming-- in a very thick sauce. The sauce itself wasn't anything spectacular, either. It had no kick at all. When I went to pick them up, the manager told me that there are three levels of spice and that they had given me mild. This wasn't mentioned on the menu or on the phone, which is a pity since it would have helped. I'm not sure I'll be back, though. Even with a spicier sauce, the wings would still have been way too soggy. read more

Came for a quick lunch! The place was clean and well-spaced! The owners were so nice, checking in on us, making recommendations and overall providing such a warm atmosphere! The portions were so big! You could easily share an entree and appetizer if not too hungry! We got both the jajangmyeon and jjampeong! Both were really good! The jjampeong broth was particularly good! We ordered the beef kimbap too but i would skip next time. Although big it could have used more flavor and better beef. read more

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