Auckland's food scene is buzzing with all sorts of amazing eats and for the past couple of years, Korean cuisine has been on the rise. From sizzling Korean BBQ to hearty bowls of kimchi stew, Auckland offers abundant options.
Whether you are a Korean food fanatic or just curious to try something new, I have rounded up some of the best Korean spots in Auckland.
This list will give you a taste of everything Korean cuisine has to offer - such as the iconic KBBQ experience to home-style dishes. In addition, this list includes options for every budget so whether you are looking for a gourmet meal or just grabbing a quick bite, this got you covered.
Please note, this list is not in a particular order.
1. Songdo Restaurant
7/12 Inverness Road, Browns Bay, Auckland 0630
A lot of popular Korean restaurants can be found in North Shore and Songdo is one of those hidden gems if you are not Korean. Famous for their stews, their Pork Bone Stew is a must-try. The portion size is generous this place has become one of those destination places where it is worth the travel.
For low $20s, you can enjoy a filling, hearty meal - perfect for both lunch or dinner
Highly recommend their Pork Bone Stew
2. Teolbo Korean Restaurant CBD
18 Beach Road, Northcote Point, Auckland 1010
The term "iconic" is thrown around a lot but Teolbo is one of the original, most iconic Korean restaurants in Auckland. For tens of years, they have been serving their famous Soondae Soup, which consists of various pork cuts, organs, soondae (Korean blood sausage) and hearty soup.
Soondae Soup is a staple in Korean cuisine and Teolbo is the OG when it comes to this. Even Korean tourists visiting Auckland praise how authentic and delicious Teolbo's one is.
Authentic soondae soup, beloved by many for tens of years
Price has increased by a fair amount over the years but the portion is still big
3. Sang Sang
8b/111 Bentley Avenue, Glenfield, Auckland 0629
A newly opened Korean restaurant in Glenfield, Sang Sang specialises in sotbap, which translates to "pot rice". In addition to the usual Korean stews you know and love, they offer sotbap sets, offering pot rice with a choice of main, soup and side dishes.
The sotbap experience is unique and if you are a fan of Korean cuisine, I highly recommend visiting them,
Highly recommend their seafood sotbap - comes with tender octopus leg
Tteok-galbi (i.e. Korean meat pancake) is great to add to your meal
4. Pocha
50 Kitchener Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
One of the oldest Korean eateries in New Zealand, Pocha has been the go-to place for university students, professionals and foodies to enjoy soju and delicious food at their vibey space since 2007. With well over 1,000 positive Google reviews, Pocha offered a high standard of food and service consistently all these years, turning thousands of first-time visitors into regulars.
Also one of the pioneers of making Korean fried chicken popular in Auckland by introducing many new flavours, Pocha is one place that you be at the top of your list. Their Albany location is also open so you can enjoy the Pocha you know and love without having to visit the City Centre now.
Korean fried chicken heaven - try their iconic Almond Krunch; some of my favourite picks are Basasak Chicken, Jalapeno Chicken and Volcano Chicken
A very fun place to visit in a group - perfect to drink and eat all night
5. Pig Big
14 Bishop Lenihan Place, East Tāmaki, Auckland 2013
If you love Korean BBQ but want to try something unique, Pig Big is for you. Famous for the pig/beef organ BBQ, this place is filled with the locals and beyond visiting regularly.
Portions are big and perfect to visit as a group, the staff at Pig Big will cook for you, ensuring everything is cooked to perfection. Despite being out in East Auckland, it is worth the drive.
Along with their BBQ platters, try their cold noodles - perhaps one of the best in town
Don't forget kimchi fried rice afterwards, cooked in flavour-packed fats from the BBQ prior
6. The Buffet
4/2 Tawa Drive, Albany, Auckland 0632
One of my personal favourite Korean BBQ buffets - The Buffet is considered on the pricey side when compared to other buffets however they have two main differences. The first is higher quality selections of food and second (and most importantly), they have marinated crab.
The BBQ grill is installed within the table and with a great ventilation system, you don't have to worry too much about smelling like cooked pork belly after your dinner.
Marinated raw crab is available here
High-quality selection of food
7. Onggojip
243 Rosedale Road, Albany, Auckland 0632
One of Auckland North Shore local's favourites, their lamb stew is a great alternative to the more well-known soondae soup. The broth is rich and fragrant, the meat portion is generous and the side dishes are delicious, too. If you don't eat lamb, they also have the beef option, too.
Another staple place, known for its Lamb Youngyang Tang (i.e. lamb stew)
Cheaper alcohol - perfect if you want to drink, too
8. KS Chicken
33F Triton Drive, Rosedale, Auckland 0632
With Korean fried chicken being one of the most popular Korean foods and despite so many Korean eateries selling it, I wanted to include one in this list that specialises in it. KS Chicken is located in Rosedale and they do Korean fried chicken extremely well.
Their flavour range may not be one of the biggest or innovative however they have all the essentials (e.g. original, hot & sweet and soy). Chickens are so crispy, even after leaving it for over 30 minutes (I've done it many times, from takeaways) and of course - juicy inside.
One of North Shore local's favourite Korean fried chicken specialists
Price is also on the affordable side when compared to close competitors
9. Gaja
4 Brown Street, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011
I am not the biggest fan of Korean fusion however there are two restaurants that are doing well - Gaja is one of them. The majority of their dishes (especially entrees) may seem like a far cry from traditional Korean cuisine but upon trying them, essential flavour and texture profiles are highlighted well.
Whether you are new to Korean cuisine or want to try a unique twist (done correctly), Gaja is a great place to visit.
Crispy Eggplant, Kimchi Fried Rice and Gochujang Ribs are absolutely amazing - get them
The Interior is modern, with subtle hints homaging back to the roots of Korea
10. Tokki
87 Kitchener Road, Milford, Auckland 0620
Another modern Korean restaurant I highly recommend. In my humble opinion, I consider Gaja more of an Asian Fusion restaurant whereas Tokki, while highlighting Korean cuisine well, the menu is curated with pleasing more European customers in mind.
Offering bite sizes and a smaller tapa-style menu, Tokki blends the best of Korean cuisine with a European dining experience. Yes, it is still good Korean food but modernisation is executed well.
Try their popular Flat Noodles - super wide house-made noodles perfect to share
Crispy Chicken Wing is another recommendation - it's very different because the wings are stuffed with tender prawns
Auckland has a fantastic array of options to satisfy your Korean food cravings and if you have not been to any of the places listed here, why don't you give it a go?