Get ready to embark on a journey of culinary delight as we take you on a tour of Tampa Bay’s vibrant Korean food scene. Korean cuisine is renowned for its bold and spicy flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan of this kind of cuisine or a first-timer, you’ll be blown away by the wide range of dishes on offer. Dive into the fiery depths of kimchi stew, slurp up some steamy ramen, or indulge in some Korean fried chicken (the real KFC). And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try some of the lesser-known delicacies such as bulgogi or bap bowls? Trust us, your taste buds will thank you for it. We’ve handpicked seven restaurants that are guaranteed to leave you feeling satisfied + craving more.
Tampa
Sa Ri One | 7525 W. Hillsborough Ave.
- From cozy ambiance to fire all-you-can-eat BBQ beef, this Korean joint will make you feel right at home. Must try: the Dol Sot Bi Bim Bop + “Korean Pizza.”
One Family Korean Restaurant | 7030 W. Hillsborough Ave. Suite B
- One Family combines traditional flavors with quirky karaoke for a fun dining experience that’s been kickin’ for over 20 years. Plus, it even has the New York Times’ mouth-watering. Must try: Put your bib on and dive into the barbecued short ribs.
Soul of Korea | 7612 N. 56th St.
- Straight from Seoul, Soul of Korea offers a mix of traditional and modern dishes in a cozy setting. Must try: Sip some kimchi stew and take a bite of some cloud-like pork belly bao buns.
Gangchu Chicken & Beer | 6618 N. Nebraska Ave.
- Craving some finger-lickin’ good Korean fried chicken? Owned by the same folks behind Ichicoro Ramen — this spot offers super crispy chicken wings and a full liquor bar with Soju-based concoctions, beer towers, and cocktails on draft. Must try: Don’t be a chicken — get the Kimchi-Brined chicken sandwich.
St. Petersburg
JinJu Korean Grill & Sushi | 2700 34th St. N.
- Skip the hassle of hosting a barbeque and have your next cookout atop JinJu’s charcoal grills. Must try: Get the bap bowl. It’s served steaming hot with meat, rice, veggies, kimchi, and an egg + paired with the volcano roll.
Wild Child | 2710 Central Ave.
- Take a stroll down Central, and you’ll run into this international cuisine melting pot. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy some drinks and bites while taking in DTSP’s vibrant energy. Must try: Get the bacon kimchi omelet with the decadent yuzu hollandaise sauce.
Anju Korean Gastrotruck | around Pinellas, location changes frequently
- Once you spot this kitchen on wheels, order the hand-battered jumbo Korean fried chicken wings. Must try: The real star of the show is the sweet Japanese BBQ sauce tossed tots.
Pro tip: be careful with the soup portion size at these places, Korean restaurants tend to serve monster-sized bowls of soup.
Did we miss one of your favorite spots? Let us know.
