Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Little Korea

    4.0 (174 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Little Korea Photos

    LITTLE KOREA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?

    You might also consider

    More like Little Korea

    Recommended Reviews - Little Korea

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Self serve hot food area
    Au'Breana S.

    I'm visiting from out of town and had to leave a review because this Korean BBQ spot was amazing! I loved how homey it felt. Everything about this place exceeded my expectations the food, the price, and the quality were all incredible, especially compared to a lot of KBBQ I've had in San Diego. It's all-you-can-eat and more of a help-yourself style, which I really liked. Everything was fresh and constantly stocked. All of the banchan were delicious, but my absolute favorite was the cucumber kimchi. It was so crisp, flavorful, and refreshing. For the price, the quality of everything was seriously impressive. I had such a great experience here and will definitely be coming back the next time I'm in town. Highly recommend!

    Annie S.

    Had to give this place a try after seeing it on social media. Definitely not your typical Korean bbq restaurant that you'd see in the Bay or LA but good nonetheless. The self serve bar was pretty awesome. So many good sides that you can try and get full off of. There were some meats that you can self service as well such as pork belly and bulgolgi. There were a couple other things that you have to order off the menu (specific meats). Overall, good experience. I would definitely come back if I'm in the area and craving Korean food.

    Sheri M.

    We came here last Thursday for our 27th Anniversary. This place use to be the Japanese restaurant...funny thing is it's the same owners. Food: Fresh, delicious and tasty. Service: Friendly & knowledgeable staff Ambiance: Love the decor and feel of the place. I was surprised hubby enjoyed the food. I've been to many Korean BBQ places and this place was more subtle and cozy. The food wasn't overly marinated and salty. I know this because I hardly drank anything to wash down my food-which is a good sign. Overall, we will definitely be coming back.

    Banchan and table grill.
    Stef D.

    I was really excited to visit Little Korea, and it does seem like a good value with the all you can eat. Service was friendly and prompt. The vibe is laid back buffet, but our booth benches kept sliding around whenever we got up or sat down which was a little awkward, and the flow of the restaurant is a little off. It feels like you're frequently in someone's way as you get to where you're trying to go. Soft drink is included in the price, which is amazing for AYCE. We arrived right as they opened for dinner and were the first people to come in. Service was really quick. Kimchee was good, but a lot of the other banchan was a little disappointing. Japchae was a little hard in the noodles. Tteokbokki was overcooked and gooey. Some of the other banchan I had never seen before (I am part Korean). Lots of fried items. Few fresh banchan items I was hoping to find. The flavors of those chosen didn't really seem to go together. Trays didn't really support multiple banchan either. Sauces for the meat were lacking too, and none of the meat seemed very marinated in flavor, even basics like bulgogi. They also kept turning our grill down so we couldn't get any caramelization or char on the meat, and when we asked to keep it up the guy basically said no. There was no grill sizzle and it took forever to cook the meat because of this. The best way that I can describe the food experience: It felt like a Korean restaurant trying cater to an American who had never had Korean food. So maybe that's why I keep hearing so many good things. That seems to be a trend locally. If you are looking for large portions of Korean-esque food, this is a great spot. If you're hoping to eat a meal that feels like Auntie is spoiling you, you're out of luck. They are still in the opening phase, so I hope to try again once they are more established, but for now I'm a little sad that this was not the AYCE KBBQ place to rival those in San Jose. I will have to keep buying my Banchan from local Korean stores or making it myself for now.

    Banchan: japchae, corn, rice cakes, daikon, kimchi, fish cakes
    Merlissa A.

    Who said there was a Korean bbq place in Marina?? Well my cousin and I just discovered it! Nom nom! The price for AYCE KBBQ was really affordable. Lunch Time on a weekend: $30 + tax (um, excuse me yes please) You got the meats, the cuts! All your KBBQ staples (beef brisket, pork belly, marinated steak, short rib)! + different ones I don't normally see like cow tongue. Don't expect the meats to be high up there in quality..- expect to be FULL though lol. Now.. for the main attraction imo: the Banchan that you carry on the gold plates. There is a legit bar place where you can get all the banchan and some other meats, plus soup! I liked how you can get up and readily get your sides without having to wait! That's a bonus! Plus meat comes out faast so you're gucci. Little Korea, I'll be back again with more "optimistic" things to say about you!

    Side bar at noon
    Bella N.

    TL;DR: Decent KBBQ option if you don't want to drive to San Jose for such an experience. About $40 per person for dinner, good service, and fresher sides/meats if you go earlier in the day. Grill can run uneven, and it gets hot inside, but for the price and location it's not bad. I've been here three times now, and as a local I was really excited to have a Korean BBQ spot close by instead of always heading up to San Jose - where I love Gens. For the area, I'd say it's a pretty good deal. If you're looking for truly top-tier Korean BBQ, you'll probably still want to go north, but for Monterey this place is currently I believe the only proper BBQ place. When they first opened, the prices felt a little steep for what you got, but they've since adjusted. Now it's about $40 per person for dinner on the weekends - their highest pricing per person from what I remember, which I think is much more reasonable. You do need at least two people in your party, and there's a two-hour time limit. The grills work ok - though every time I've been there one side of the grill seems hotter than the other. The grill space is also smaller than some places I've been, but it works. They have a self-serve station for sides and some marinated meats (like bulgogi), and you order other cuts--like brisket, pork belly, and short ribs--through your phone, usually three at a time. That setup feels pretty standard for KBBQ. I do recommend going earlier in the day if you can. At opening (or even midday), the sides are fresher and the selection is fuller. By late evening, it's clear they're winding down for the night and working with what's left. Service has always been good each time I've visited. The staff are attentive, quick to replace tongs, swap out the grill, or check in if you need anything. Tonight, Ignacio and Richard helped us and were both super pleasant--even though we stayed really late (about 9:40, close to closing) due to a late start. They were accommodating and didn't make us feel rushed, which I really appreciated. Non-alcoholic drinks are self-serve, and I can't speak to their alcoholic options since I haven't tried them. Expect to spend about $40 per person with drinks, sides, and meat, and you'll definitely leave full. One note: it can get pretty hot inside. I noticed tonight there weren't any windows open, which made it stuffy, though that might just be because we came later in the evening. Overall, for a local spot, this is a solid choice if you're craving Korean BBQ without the long drive. Fair prices, good service, and a convenient location make it worth it.

    Pork belly (order from QR code)
    Michael S.

    Ugh I was hoping for more from this spot but the low ratings were accurate, unfortunately. Very thin kalbi, none of the meat from the mobile selections were premarinaded, only 1 order PER person (2 kalbis) with additional charge if you desire more kalbi, musical chairs that slide, sauce holders that can easily tip over (which it did for me), bland taste compared to so many other KBBQ spots I've been to, and here's the kicker - DO NOT bring your young kids with you to this restaurant. $20 for kids younger than 9, which includes 3 and 4 year old! $20 for the very small amount they eat?? Gotta be kidding me. Oh and be sure not to go past 90 minutes or you'll be asked to leave. Service was great, location is prestine in the mall with plenty of parking nearby, and ambience was fantastic. Order from the QR code the server gives you so your orders placed are directed for your table. Thing is, when you go to KBBQ you go for the food. This spot isn't it and is a far cry from other restaurants like Blue House, Red Castle, and Gen. Hard pass from my wife and I, definitely won't return unless plenty of much needed improvements are implemented. Highly doubt it!

    Lunch $19.99 M-F
    Tim Y.

    Delicious lunch at this new all-you-can-eat buffet. The owner makes the side dishes from her recipes and there are lots of options. Drinks comes with unlimited meats, crispy appetizers, sides, soup and drinks. We will come back for sure

    Entry

    This is what I'm used to seeing in Korea for BBQ buffet. I was really happy with the side dishes! My favorite things: Tteok-bokki, fried chicken, Japchae... Most places don't get the flavor right on those things, but they nailed it here. The owner came out and chatted with me and she's such a nice lady. 10/10 will come back for all my scuba trips.

    Melissa N.

    Absolutely incredible. I've been dying for a buffet to open up in town, I couldn't even dream of a Korean BBQ buffet!! Yet here it is!! The staff were super helpful and made sure everything was taken care of. They answered all my questions and guided us through the process..which by the way, was WAY more simple than I thought it would be. Scan the QR code at the table and they take care of the rest! Self serve rice and other sides with delicious fresh meats available along with the meats you order for your table. My favorite was the beef brisket, I was told that's a fan favorite..I can see why! The bulgogi in the buffet area was divine too. Definitely recommend trying this place out.

    Buffet meats section

    See all

    22 days ago

    Food was awesome! Will definitely be coming back. Service is great & owner is super nice!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sheri M.
    4
    166
    710

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 hour ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 4
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    10 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Steeny E.
    128
    59
    20

    1 month ago

    Food and service are great. We really enjoyed our time here. I wish we lived closer so we could come here more often! 10/10!!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mark S.
    2
    122
    12

    1 month ago

    Dirty place, lousy quality meats and surly, robotic service. One and done, will definitely not return.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tim Y.
    137
    483
    360

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ken A.
    0
    12
    2

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    16 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Carly L.
    0
    91
    122

    9 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Aaron R.
    313
    14
    42

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Joy
    0
    2
    0

    12 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Iron C.
    2
    56
    32

    1 year ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 4
    Love this 0
    Oh no 14

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Justin T.
    386
    31
    4

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 5

    Little Korea Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Little Korea

    Is it worth it if you are a pescatarian?

    No. Shrimp and squid only. But it'll take forever to cook on the electric grill. At least the squid will take a while. Shrimp don't take too long to cook.

    View All 3 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Korean 2,836 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Ttobongee

    Ttobongee

    4.5(306 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    This place was definitely a hidden gem!!…read more The service was excellent and super friendly. We only had 4 people--so when our server brought out the food and noticed we ordered a lot for 2 adults and 2 kids, she was kind enough to add another table so we'd be comfortable. The Food Lineup: * Chicken Fried rice for my daughter and it was so adorable because they made it into a shape of a heart. Love the attention to detail! * Sodduk Sodduk - 10/10! I'm a sucker for tteok so to have it in skewer form with mini sausages was a treat. The outside was kinda crunchy and the inside was nice and chewy. Loved it! * Dduk Bok Gi - not spicy so I absolutely loved it. The sauce I was slathering on top of my rice and dipping some of my K-Honey chicken in it. Yum! * K-Honey Chicken was so good! The chicken had a super crunchy outside and the inside was so juicy. I kept scraping up the sauce from the tray to get every bit. Definitely a 10/10! I loved this place and would definitely come back. Also thought the bathroom art work was hilarious. IYKYK.

    Just kinda found ourselves at Ttobongee's out of our need to get something in our guts…read more There good, we over ordered being on the hungry side. So we got a lot of tasty food all at once. Service was great but a bit lacks. We had one dish that was turned into the kitchen wrong. The waiter hadn't written anything down. Placed by memory. He didn't add it to our tab... nice. Korean fried chicken that's what they do. And it was tasty. We had one dish that was so hot not spicy hot, 700 degree Fahrenheit hot in a stone dish. Be warned...bruh. Last words... I I'll be back.

    Photos
    Ttobongee
    Ttobongee - K honey chicken

    K honey chicken

    Ttobongee - Water container.

    See all

    Water container.

    Jeju Kitchen - Kimchi fried rice arancini

    Jeju Kitchen

    4.0(360 reviews)
    2.4 mi

    JEJU Kitchen in Carmel Plaza is truly one of the best additions Carmel has had in years. Located…read moreright in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, inside Carmel Plaza off Ocean and Mission, this family-owned and family-run restaurant opened in early 2024 and has quickly become one of my family's favorite places to eat. I am an absolute foodie, and over the years I have honestly become harder to impress. I've been disappointed many times by restaurants that look great but do not deliver when it comes to quality, flavor, consistency, or service. JEJU Kitchen is different. From the first time we tried it, it felt special. The food is fresh, creative, flavorful, and made with care. It has a new and exciting twist on Korean food, with touches of California and even a little Hawaiian influence mixed in. In my opinion, it is the best twist on Korean food in Monterey County. One of the absolute standouts is the coconut shrimp. These are not your average coconut shrimp. They are the largest coconut shrimp I have seen since the late 1990s at Chart House. I believe they use a very large shrimp count, something like 8/12 count shrimp, which means only about 8 to 12 shrimp per pound. These are extra, extra large, and they are incredible. Even though they are technically an appetizer, several members of my family order them as their main dish because they are that good. My family absolutely loves them. The kimchi is also excellent, and they have so many other great dishes, but one of my personal favorites is their kimchi burger. It is such a fun and delicious twist on a classic burger. The balance of flavors is exactly what makes JEJU Kitchen so unique. I have also uploaded photos of the jalapeño smashburger and the jalapeño chicken sandwich, both of which are outstanding. You can choose onion rings, fries, or a side salad, and honestly, you cannot go wrong with any of them. The staff is another big reason this place stands out. Everyone is friendly, welcoming, and always there to help. You can tell they care about their customers and take pride in what they are building. The service feels genuine, not forced, and that makes a big difference. In a town with so many restaurants, it is refreshing to find a place that combines great food, warm hospitality, and a family-run atmosphere. My family has lived in Carmel for over 12 years, and I have personally been visiting Carmel Plaza for more than 35 years. JEJU Kitchen is one of the best additions I have seen come to the plaza. It brings something fresh, creative, and much needed to the area. One thing to know before going: this place gets very busy. I highly recommend making a reservation. If you do not have one, they do have bar seating that is first come, first served. You can also order through DoorDash or directly through their website, which I do regularly. Just keep in mind that on busy weekends, they may be too backed up to take online orders, which is completely understandable given how popular they have become. JEJU Kitchen is warm, flavorful, creative, and sincere. Whether you are local, visiting Carmel, or just walking through Carmel Plaza, this is a restaurant worth trying. I hope they continue to grow, and I would be very excited to see them open more locations around the Peninsula.

    Awesome spicy chicken burger and fries. I ordered the cider too, really refreshing!…read more The vegan chocolate dessert is out of this world! Love these guys!

    Photos
    Jeju Kitchen - Inside dining area - 1/2/2024

    Inside dining area - 1/2/2024

    Jeju Kitchen - Kalbi: Korean Beef Short Ribs w/ rice, banchan | $40

    Kalbi: Korean Beef Short Ribs w/ rice, banchan | $40

    Jeju Kitchen - Jajangmyeon: Korean black bean noodles (good, bouncy QQ chew)

    See all

    Jajangmyeon: Korean black bean noodles (good, bouncy QQ chew)

    Bada Kitchen - King pork cutlet

    Bada Kitchen

    3.9(68 reviews)
    3.3 mi
    $$

    We had such a great experience for lunch yesterday at Bada Kitchen!…read more The Korean fried chicken was hands down the best we've had in Monterey--seriously 10/10. We tried the Yangyum flavor (sweet and spicy), and while it leaned more sweet than spicy, it was still absolutely delicious. Next time we'll definitely ask for a higher spice level. The Honey Garlic was also amazing--super flavorful, and the chicken itself was perfectly fried, crispy on the outside and still moist and juicy inside. It could've used just a little more sauce, but honestly still so good. We also ordered the pork and veg gyoza, which were tasty, and edamame, which was good but pretty standard. I had the Spicy Tuna Roll and really enjoyed it, and my husband got the Shrimp Tempura Roll, which he said was great too. The portions are huge--we definitely had leftovers! I also got a side of white rice to go with the chicken, and it was just chef's kiss. A couple small notes: the restaurant is a little tricky to find since it's tucked into a shopping area, and the music was a bit loud for my taste. But the service was great, and when we went (around 12:30-1:00 on a Friday), it wasn't too busy, which was nice. We'll definitely be back a few more times!

    Calm and peace ambiance, my family had a great experience here, food are delicious and taste like…read morehomemade meal, honestly to say, even their side dishes that come with the tofu soup and rice are good too. I didn't ask the waistress name but she is really nice and helpful. Definitely coming back if we visit Monterey again.

    Photos
    Bada Kitchen - I think this place used to be a different and seafood based restaurant, but reusing decor lol

    I think this place used to be a different and seafood based restaurant, but reusing decor lol

    Bada Kitchen - Spicy rice cake with ramen.  Bulgogi.  Korean fried Chicken.

    Spicy rice cake with ramen. Bulgogi. Korean fried Chicken.

    Bada Kitchen - Fried Mandoo,pork&Vege (5pcs) x 2 orders

    See all

    Fried Mandoo,pork&Vege (5pcs) x 2 orders

    Toribashi - Tonkotsu Ramen

    Toribashi

    4.0(465 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$
    Healthy dining
    Established in 2018

    We had a craving for ramen while on vacation in Monterey, and Toribashi came thru for us!…read more This restaurant was located in a downtown area, so there wasn't a dedicated parking lot, but it was fairly easy to find street parking. I ordered the Shoyu Ramen which was flavorful with a rich broth. I also know my kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves because there was nothing left in their bowls :) Thank you, Toribashi!

    Welp.. We finally had the chance to return to Monterey.. As we were squeezed for time, we chose to…read morecome to Toribashi tonight. Parking was only mildly challenging, as a space opened up after only a single lap around the block. Inside here, you'll find a busy place with a few tables and individual bar-style (partitioned!) paired seating along the walls adjacent to the kitchen in the middle part of the restaurant. Order up at the self-serve order kiosks, tap in your table/counter number, and they bring out your order in a couple of minutes. We had six of us in our party, and most of us kept it simple by ordering the default Tonkatsu Ramen with different customizable options. Most all of the ingredients in this order were on point - The Chasu Pork Belly was tender, thick and delicious, ramen noodles nothing special, but generally stil on point, as were the bamboo shoots. However, the co-star/centerpiece of the Tonkatsu Ramen other than the Chasu Pork slab should be the broth, but sadly the broth was far far TOO salty which overpowered the other flavors in the broth. Chasu Pork 4.8/5, Tonkatsu Ramen 3.1/5. Service was good as everyone was hustling hard in the kitchen, along with attentive bussers/waitstaff to quickly turn tables. They take good care in wiping down the tables here. If I return, I'll just get the Paitan Ramen like I did in years past, as that seemed less salty. Then again the Paitan soup base begins with the same chicken+pork soup base as the Tonkatsu Ramen. I hope Toribashi will step back up to their former glory.

    Photos
    Toribashi - Beef Rice Bowl

    Beef Rice Bowl

    Toribashi - Tan Tan

    Tan Tan

    Toribashi - As ahi for the win

    See all

    As ahi for the win

    Kuma - Apollo, Spicy Paula, California Roll

    Kuma

    4.3(429 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    If you're ever in Monterey County, be sure to check out my absolute favorite sushi bar called Kuma!…read moreThis is our 2nd time coming to this restaurant and we will keep coming back. The "Lover Plate" for 2 is an especially good deal that features Chef's Choice of a special roll, 8 pieces of Nigiri, 2 hand rolls, 4 pieces of gyoza and wakame seaweed salad -- all for $65! You let the server know what you like and don't like and they will customize the meal for you! Kuma gets 5 stars for SAFAV: Service Ambiance Food Alcohol Value for Money For more food recommendations of restaurants rated 5 stars for SAFAV, check out my IG: https://www.instagram.com/cindythechomper?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

    Really good sushi in Monterey. This is located in downtown Monterey and we stopped in because our…read moreoriginal destination had a huge wait. Kuma had a few minute wait. This place is really family friendly, and there were a lot of people with loud kids on a Saturday night around 6. It was also really packed, so the servers were running around getting everyone everything pretty quickly. I thought they were very pleasant and energetic. They have an interesting variety of sushi rolls, including some vegetarian and vegan selections. I felt like the serving size was pretty large, and I ended up taking some home. All the fish was fresh and high quality. A very enjoyable dinner!

    Photos
    Kuma - Bar View

    Bar View

    Kuma - CARMEL VALLEY ROLL - @rayz

    CARMEL VALLEY ROLL - @rayz

    Kuma - SPICY SCALLOP HAND ROLL - @rayz

    See all

    SPICY SCALLOP HAND ROLL - @rayz

    Little Korea - korean - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...