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Nara Korean Cuisine

4.7 (30 reviews)
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NARA KOREAN CUISINE · YELP ASSISTANT

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an open takeout container
James V.

Unexpectedly wonderful food in the back of Arirang Korean grocery! You order and pay at the front cash register than bring your ticket to the kitchen and relax as goodness awaits. It was a full house on a Saturday afternoon. We got the last table and we're told it'd be up to a 30 minute wait for our food (there's three people working hard in the kitchen). No problem. We browsed the grocery store until our order was ready. Though it looked relatively unassuming in the styrofoam carry out containers, everything was fantastic. Seafood pancake: steaming hot, crunch + crispy, with a variety of fillings. Tasty dipping sauce. Stir fried pork: spicy and flavorful, stir-fried with cabbage. It all came out to less than $24 for two people! Recommended experiences. Looking forward to trying more of their menu.

the dining area of the restaurant
Life Is Journey C.

This is a small Korean restaurant (cannot say it is a food court, although they claimed it) inside Korean grocery store. They serve variety authentic Korean food at reasonable price. If you like to know what the taste like home cooked meals in South Korea, this is the restaurant you can experience. One of the chefs reminds me like my mother and she does everything (she makes side dishes to serve and sell). That being said, their dishes' taste can be a bit different depending when and how she cook (she does not measure nor has a fixed recipe for each dish). I watched her cook and that is how most Korean mothers would cook. The restaurant itself, it is like a fast food and self service restaurant. Although Korean grocery store opens on Wednesday, they close the restaurant on every Wednesday (two chefs still works on Wednesday to prepare side dishes though). Here are tips: - Parking: plenty - Service: self-service (fastfood restaurant style) - bathroom: shared with Korean grocery store - Ambiance: This is far from a fancy restaurant and does not offer Korean BBQ on the table

Kimchi Radish Naengmyeon (Cold Buckwheat Noodle)
Namaste' T.

This morning we started watching the new Netflix series, (Korean Cold Noodle Rhapsody) which instantly sparked our desire for a foodie adventure !! We've been to Nara inside the Arirang Oriental Market on Bethel Rd several times but we've never tried their Kimchi Radish Naengmyeon (Cold Buckwheat Noodle) * WOW * We were captivated at the first sip the soup comes to the table with a delicious icy-slushy goodness you won't soon forget ! The broth has such a rich kimchi radish umami flavor, cold chewy buckwheat noodles and crunchy pickled veg .... We loved it ! We also had my personal favorite, Tteokbokki Combo (Spicy Stir-fried Rice Cakes) and the braised pork rib bowl which were wonderful ! But today's Naengmyeon experience was exceptional ! #naengmyeon #koreanfood #arirangorientalmarket #narakoreancuisine #614eats #asseenincolumbus #columbusfoodies #614 #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal #columbus #614foodie #columbusohio

Seafood pancake with various complimentary banchan
Suzanna L.

I love Nara so much. I sometimes struggle between wanting to tell everyone about this wonderful little family eatery, and not telling a soul so that there's always an empty table for me. The matriarch of this authentic Korean diner in the back of a grocery store, is Michelle. She named this restaurant after her daughter, who often can be seen helping out during weekends. The food is something you would probably get if you visited a friend in Korea and got invited to stay for dinner, or you stumbled across a food market while visiting Seoul. I've been here numerous times. Pre-Covid, they used to have free barley tea and the utensils and sauces were all set out for you to serve yourself. They also consistently had purple rice (preferred over the white rice). They no longer have the tea, and the purple rice is only offered during the weekends. However the menu and the quality of food has remained top-notch. Food is cooked to order, but somehow always comes out in expedited fashion. It's also a great value because you get a good variety of complementary banchan (Korean mini side dishes that are typically pickled or marinated veggies - think kimchi!) with your meal. The portion sizes are pretty darn good too! You will leave stuffed for sure. I haven't had anything I don't like yet and I've tried most of their menu. However, my favorites are: hot stone bibimbop, pork neck soup, mandu dumplings (the sauce is fire), bulgogi and kalbi ribs. I've shown picks of some of these from my last two visits. Now, this place is definitely not somewhere you need to get dressed up for, or impress a first date with, or celebrate something grand at (unless you're cool like that), but it'll warm your heart and belly on a cold Ohio winter's night & give you a taste of what comfort food is for many Koreans. While you're here, you can also browse this unique grocery store and pick up some soju and homemade kimchi to recreate some of this yumminess at home. It won't be as good as Michelle's cooking, but it'll hold you over till you come back again...& you will. There's plenty of parking in front of the strip mall and don't forget to order at the front cashier station in the grocery store first. You pay for it and take your ticket to the back diner area to get your food. 'jal meokkessumnida'

Budae-jjigae (Sausage Stew), Banchan (Variety of side dishes) and Kimbap
Tami M.

This is my husband and I's favorite Korean place to visit when we are in Columbus. This place shows that Korean food does not need to be expensive to be delicious. It's a small cafeteria style restaurant in the back of Arirang Oriental Market. We got so much food and only paid around $20. We ordered Budae-jjigae and Kimbap. It comes with side dishes. Normally this stew is expensive in other restaurants, but here it's less that $12! They have water available, but we like to also buy drinks inside the market. After we eat, we like to go shopping around the market.

All of this food for $22

I literally activated my account to post this review, that's how excellent the food at Nara was. It's tucked into the back of Ararang Market on Bethel, and despite having been to that shopping center dozens of times I never noticed its existence before today. After trying it I can't recommend it enough. We ordered two entrees, both of which came with rice as well as pickled daikon radish and kimchi. All of this together was $22, and came to us in a cardboard box at the counter. I got the spicy chicken stir-fry, which came lathered in a rich, spicy gochujang sauce. It's not intensely spicy, but is packed with a ton of flavor. Lots of cabbage, jalapenos and onions in the mix as well. I definitely see this place entering regular rotation for me as a cheap weeknight meal. They also seem to have a bunch of their side dishes and entrees in a cooler available to quickly grab and go. I saw japchae, different soups, homemade kimchi, pickled bean sprouts, etc.

Exterior of building/Nara.

Located inside and rear of Asian grocery store. Food was delicious and with a good price. I was looking for a sign of 'Nara' outside, but upon arrival realized its a restaurant inside of an establishment. The best chopchae I've eaten so far in Columbus.

Bibimbub and spicy rice cake combo
Kiki D.

I have been to this home made feeling before Nara. It was the same concept and it was closed. When I found out they opened Nara, I was trilled. It's very close to my house and food is great with affordable price but tastes like food from restaurants. I come here when I crave for Korean food and want something quick. It's located in the back of Arirang Korean grocery. You pay at the front cashier then bring a receipt to the back (Nara) and wait for your order.

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3 years ago

I love the Bibimbap, the Japchae and the ladies in the kitchen who prepare the delicious dishes

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4 years ago

Very well-seasoned hot dishes and a great spot for lunch. My friends and I are all regulars here.

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6 years ago

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7 years ago

First time trying authentic Korean food! Affordable, no frills. Don't forget to get some snacks from the grocery on your way out!

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5 years ago

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5 years ago

Great Korean comfort food in town. Have to get Kimbup rolls. Shop inside the market for groceries whilst waiting on the orders.

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Restaurant Silla - Cheese Bul Dak

Restaurant Silla

4.0(283 reviews)
0.8 mi•Northwest
•$$

If you want to ACTUALLY go to "9 and 3/4," then here it is!…read more 아주머니.... Thank you for bringing me back home when I'd sit on the floor at my mother's third oldest brother's house... mom had eight brothers and sisters and the oldest was as old as her father could be... almost 20-30 years older, actually...she was pretty lonely with no close-in-age sibling around... It was my first visit to Korea and have not been back. But it brings me back. 해물 순두부찌개 (Spicy soft tofu stew with seafood Haemul sundubu-jjigae)...it has the dashi-approach around the fringe of its flavor profile... dimensions! This week was the week I was supposed to get married but my ex Fiance backed out of the whole proposition all together... before you ask. Yes. "Marriage" was actually his idea... me? Well. I just wanted a true fried for life--no binding obligations to the "for life" part... So here I am. Back home. Back to the beginning... I'm not waiting for Vizzini. But please... father I have failed you for 20 years, please I need you to to guide my sword and I cannot do it alone. It's the broth. Before anyone says "high prices for non premium ingredients"... I say hold on... it comes down to: labor and love. Korean cooking is not just ingredients alone. It is the salt. It is the hand kneading, flavor, and marrying of such (pun). There is more than a spirit in the cooking. More than just the soul. But emotion. Maybe Koreans feel this in our blood. Google the word "Han" and maybe you'll get just a drop of taste on the tongue to taste and see. This is a one woman show. Plus her kitchen staff or just one helper in the whole restaurant. Please come here ready to put patience to action and feel full and whole from doing so. Your good deed of the day. I would come here for comfort. Because I missed something I could not explain... or define... or I'd come here in time of overt failure. Auntie said hi to me. She asked if - I was Korean - saying I must be. We never were truly accepted. Even just visiting the first time in 22 years in Korea. If you don't see family for 22 years... I suppose ... you couldn't easily accept me either? Maybe she saw the Satori. Maybe she saw some Cheju. Maybe she saw some of Gramma. You know most people would turn away but you count on the hope that there will be that -one- who will read it, and stay. So yes, you.. dear one. I am so glad you heard about it... P.s. The Yuk-Gae Jiang has real bone broth. Like Cow knuckle, dude. It solidifies into one pure block of collagen when you fridge the takeout into the next day. ::mic drop::

Authentic Korean fare | Karaoke nightly…read more Blink and you'll miss it. Restaurant Silla is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight gems -- tucked in the same shopping center as Marc's, yet I'd walked past it for years without noticing. A coworker finally nudged me to give it a shot, and I'm glad they did. Inside, it's cozy but vibrant. Neon lighting dances off paper lanterns above, and there's a fish tank so boldly decorated it could double as an aquarium exhibit. (Shoutout to whoever's in charge of the underwater vibe.) Ordering is all done via touchscreen tablets at the table -- easy, fast, and gives you space to browse without pressure. ‍ As for the food... let's break it down: * Chap Chai ($16) Stir-fried glass noodles with beef and veggies This was my personal order -- and unfortunately, a one-bite fail. The noodles were clumped and glossy with a sauce texture I couldn't get past. I passed the dish off, and to be fair, the person who finished it texted later saying it was actually really good... but understood why I couldn't hang. Texture-sensitive eaters, consider yourself warned. * Young-Ja Mandu (Large - $25) Deep-fried dumplings with spicy sauce and a side salad The dumplings themselves? Excellent -- crispy, flavorful, no complaints. The salad was surprisingly fruity, with chunks of apple, pear, and possibly mango tossed in. Super fresh, a little odd, but definitely not forgettable. * Fried Dumplings ($8) Pork and veggie, served with seasoned soy sauce These were the winner of the night. Perfectly crisp outside, juicy and flavorful inside. Straightforward and well-executed -- I'd come back for these alone. Before the entrees landed, we were served a complimentary spread of banchan (Korean side dishes) -- a mix of pickled radish, cucumbers, bean sprouts, a creamy slaw, something red and spicy that might've been seafood... who knows, but I'd eat it again. It was a thoughtful, generous touch and gave the meal a more immersive feel. A few things to know: - This is authentic Korean food, not Americanized. If something doesn't hit right, it's likely your palate -- not the kitchen. - Prices had me expecting either larger portions or more premium ingredients. That wasn't always the case, so plan your order accordingly. Final Thought: Silla isn't trying to be everyone's favorite. It leans into traditional Korean flavors and textures unapologetically -- and I respect that. If you're the kind of eater who's curious, open-minded, and willing to explore beyond your usual go-tos, this place offers a real-deal intro to Korean dining. Bonus points if you stay for karaoke -- or just bask in the glowing neon and aquarium glow while sipping on hot tea.

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Restaurant Silla - Stage and displays

Stage and displays

Restaurant Silla - Chicken Bul Dak

Chicken Bul Dak

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Don Pocha

Don Pocha

4.2(101 reviews)
1.0 mi
•$$

Our group was craving some Korean BBQ and I wanted as close to authentic as I could find and…read morewell... We found it! They had so many dishes you would find if eating in Korea and I found myself immediately impressed. The staff was absolutely fantastic and attentive! I told them my party was on the way but not sure exactly when they would arrive. They took the time to set up a table for us and secured it for so when we walked in everything was ready. Seriously when do you find that?! It has a great warm feel as you enter with very clean feeling and appearance. I highly recommend this spot when you are in town.

Dom Pocha has been in Columbus for a while and I had tried it about five years ago and liked it a…read morelot, but with the increased amount of Korean barbecue in the area, I had not been back since a few weeks ago. The experience is very authentic with the meat options being plentiful. I do wish that the menu had a little bit more flexibility, since it seems like the options for two people are much different from the options for four people. We came for a friend's birthday and we were a party of three and we ordered the most expensive option. It was way too much food and could easily feed 4 to 6 people depending on how hungry you are, and the quality of the meat was excellent. Everything was displayed beautifully and it had so many options of meats and veggies. It is definitely (obviously) better quality than the AYCE options in the area. I will say that it was expensive though. That may be our fault because we were splitting it for three people, and if we split it for 4-5 people, that would have been less expensive but was still a bit more expensive than what I would want to pay for a Korean barbecue in Columbus, Ohio, but you do pay for the quality and the service so I'd definitely be back for a special occasion. I also really want to try out their karaoke room!

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Don Pocha
Don Pocha - Squid bibimbap

Squid bibimbap

Don Pocha

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Tiger + Lily - Rice bowls and noodles

Tiger + Lily

4.2(531 reviews)
7.7 mi•Downtown
•$$

Fantastic place, great atmosphere and service. Delicious food! They have several options for vegan…read moreand GF. We ordered Matcha and a fruit tea. Both were great, especially if you like matcha! We tried the Pop fries and dumplings. Both were favorable and delicious! I got the Tofu Vermicelli noodles, are first I didn't think the sauce on side would be enough, but it was and perfect. The Firecracker was very favorable and spice was great! The place was clean and reminds me of dinner seating. The music playing was loud but not too loud. We will come again!!!

Right downtown, Tiger+Lily is close by to the Palace Theater and works for pre-show dinner as it…read moredid for us on our first visit. Hip informal vib with ample but not big dining room. Quick and attentive service. We started with crispy dumplings (6), crispy egg rolls (2), and a scallion pancake. Bing, their crepe, wasn't available our night. My dining companions loved the pancake - for me perhaps a bit too much drizzled sauce. It was helpfully quartered when brought to the table so sharing was easy. The dumplings were indeed crispy and probably my favorite with a standard dark dipping sauce. The egg rolls were standard and perhaps a bit undersized and over fried, but a good creamy dipping sauce was a pivot away from the sweet chili sauce that usually accompanies such apps. Ramen is clearly the focus of the menu and three of us had ramen with chicken and one with pork. They spoke favorably of the broth and the combos of mushrooms, boiled egg, greens. I had the rice vermicelli with chicken that they called a salad. I was expecting the classic Vietnamese staple but this one had some adaptations, perhaps to a fusion or one might say less ethnic nod. Small things but the ample portion served in a small bowl made it hard to mix the rice noodles, lettuce, carrot, cucumber and chicken that is a common approach to the dish after drowning all the ingredients in both sweet sauce (nuoc cham), siracha and/or hoisin sauce. It only came with the nuoc cham. They brought Siracha when I asked for it, but I'm a fan of having these condiments on the table standard. Again, had the sense that the business lunch crowd that is probably the primary audience isn't likely to be as focused on the more authentic ingredients. The chicken was also not grilled and sliced but had a pleasant preparation. Just know it won't be the charred flavor that is so common. Finally, not to obsess on this one dish, but cutting the lettuce leaves more would enable easier chop sticks combos of the ingredients in single bites. Overall it worked for us. I am definitely the most focused on (my companions would say obsessed) on connection to what these dishes should be. If adaptations work well for you, Tiger+Lily likely will as well.

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Tiger + Lily - Signature ramen

Signature ramen

Tiger + Lily - Miso ramen

Miso ramen

Tiger + Lily - Craft cocktails

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Craft cocktails

Nara Korean Cuisine - korean - Updated November 2026

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