Did you know Washington DC has the third-highest concentration of Korean restaurants per capita among major U.S. cities? The nation’s capital has become an unexpected hotspot for authentic Korean cuisine, with over 70 dedicated Korean restaurants serving everything from traditional tabletop BBQ to innovative fusion dishes that blend Korean flavors with American culinary traditions.
Getting to Washington DC
Washington DC is served by three major airports: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Reagan National is closest to downtown, just a 15-minute drive or Metro ride from the city center, making it the most convenient option for visitors focused on exploring DC’s Korean food scene.
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DC’s Korean Food Scene
Washington DC’s Korean culinary landscape has evolved dramatically over the past decade. While Northern Virginia has traditionally been the epicenter of Korean cuisine in the DMV area (DC, Maryland, Virginia), the District itself has seen a surge in high-quality Korean restaurants, particularly in neighborhoods like Shaw, Columbia Heights, and Northeast DC.
The city’s Korean restaurants range from traditional family-owned establishments serving recipes passed down through generations to modern, chef-driven concepts that blend Korean flavors with local ingredients. What unites them is an unwavering commitment to bold flavors, quality ingredients, and the communal dining experience that makes Korean cuisine so special.
Korean Food Neighborhoods
While acclaimed Korean restaurants can be found throughout the DC metro area, certain neighborhoods stand out as hubs for Korean cuisine:
Annandale, VA
Often referred to as DC’s “Koreatown,” Annandale in Northern Virginia boasts the highest concentration of Korean businesses in the region. Just a 20-minute drive from downtown DC, this suburb is home to dozens of authentic Korean restaurants, markets, and bakeries.
Shaw
This trendy DC neighborhood has become a hotspot for upscale Korean dining, including the District’s first dedicated Korean BBQ restaurant with tabletop grills. Shaw’s Korean establishments tend to blend traditional flavors with contemporary presentation.
Columbia Heights
This diverse neighborhood is home to several popular Korean restaurants, including all-you-can-eat BBQ spots that attract young professionals and students from nearby universities.
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Top Acclaimed Korean Restaurants in Washington DC
From traditional BBQ to innovative fusion concepts, these restaurants represent the best of Korean cuisine in the nation’s capital:
Anju
Location: 1805 18th St NW, Washington, DC
Specialty: Modern Korean cuisine with creative twists on traditional dishes
Anju, which means “food consumed with alcohol” in Korean, elevates Korean cuisine to fine dining status. Executive Chef Angel Barreto, a James Beard Award semifinalist, masterfully blends traditional Korean techniques with local ingredients. Don’t miss their renowned pork and kimchi dumplings, crispy pancakes (pajeon), and innovative small plates. The restaurant’s warm wood tones and open kitchen create an inviting atmosphere for both casual diners and special occasions.
Price Range: $$$
Signature Dish: Kimchi and Pork Mandu (dumplings)
Gogi Yogi
Location: 1921 8th St NW, Washington, DC
Specialty: Authentic Korean BBQ with tabletop grills
As DC’s first dedicated Korean BBQ restaurant with built-in tabletop grills, Gogi Yogi offers an interactive dining experience where guests cook premium cuts of marinated meats at their table. The restaurant provides both all-you-can-eat options and premium à la carte selections like dry-aged New York strip and New Zealand lamb chops. Their creative drink menu features soju slushies and “towers” (lager mixed with soju) that perfectly complement the smoky, savory flavors of the BBQ.
Price Range: $$-$$$
Signature Dish: Galbi (marinated short ribs)
Iron Age Korean Steak House
Location: 3365 14th St NW, Washington, DC
Specialty: All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ in a lively atmosphere
Iron Age brings Korean BBQ to Columbia Heights with its popular all-you-can-eat format. The restaurant’s energetic atmosphere, with K-pop music and modern industrial decor, makes it a favorite among young professionals and groups. Diners can grill unlimited portions of marinated meats like lemon chicken thighs, garlic pork steak, and Hawaiian bulgogi. The comprehensive banchan (side dishes) selection and attentive staff who help with the grilling process enhance the experience.
Price Range: $$
Signature Dish: Spicy pork belly (Jeyuk Bokkeum)
Mandu
Location: 453 K St NW, Washington, DC
Specialty: Home-style Korean cooking with award-winning dumplings
Named after the Korean word for dumplings, Mandu offers authentic family recipes in a cozy setting in Mount Vernon Triangle. Chef Danny Lee and his mother Yesoon Lee create dishes that showcase the depth and variety of Korean home cooking. Their menu features exceptional appetizers like seafood pancake (haemul pajeon) and grilled cauliflower, but the star attractions are the handmade dumplings filled with kimchi, pork, or vegetables. The restaurant’s warm atmosphere and generous portions make it perfect for family-style dining.
Price Range: $$
Signature Dish: Kimchi Mandu (kimchi dumplings)
BUL Korean Bar & Restaurant
Location: 2431 18th St NW, Washington, DC
Specialty: Korean comfort food and creative cocktails
BUL offers a contemporary take on Korean cuisine in the heart of Adams Morgan. The restaurant specializes in comforting dishes like Kimchi Jjigae (kimchi stew) and crispy Korean fried chicken, paired with innovative soju-based cocktails. The relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for both casual dinners and date nights. Their Spice Popcorn Chicken, glazed with a sweet and spicy sauce, has developed a cult following among DC food enthusiasts.
Price Range: $$
Signature Dish: Spice Popcorn Chicken
Korean Fusion in DC
Washington DC has embraced innovative Korean fusion cuisine that blends traditional Korean flavors with other culinary traditions. Several acclaimed restaurants are pushing boundaries with creative combinations:
When to Visit
While DC’s Korean restaurants welcome diners year-round, certain times offer enhanced experiences:
Practical Tips for Korean Dining in DC
What is banchan and is it free?
Banchan are the small side dishes served with Korean meals. They typically include items like kimchi, pickled vegetables, and seasoned spinach. At most Korean restaurants in DC, banchan is complimentary and refillable, though some upscale establishments may charge for premium banchan options.
Do I need to make reservations?
For acclaimed Korean restaurants in DC, especially BBQ places with limited tabletop grills, reservations are strongly recommended. Restaurants like Anju and Gogi Yogi often book up weeks in advance for weekend dinners. Weekday lunches typically have better walk-in availability.
What’s the proper etiquette for Korean BBQ?
Korean BBQ is a communal experience. While staff will help with the grilling process, it’s customary for diners to participate. Use the provided scissors to cut meat into bite-sized pieces, and wrap grilled items in lettuce leaves with sauce and garnishes. It’s also polite to cook meat for others at your table before serving yourself.
Are there good options for vegetarians?
Yes, many Korean restaurants in DC offer vegetarian options beyond just banchan. Look for dishes like bibimbap (rice bowl) without meat, vegetable pajeon (pancakes), and dubu jorim (braised tofu). Just be sure to specify no fish sauce or shrimp paste, as these are common ingredients in Korean cooking.
Where to Stay for Korean Food Enthusiasts
Downtown DC
Staying in downtown DC puts you within walking distance of Mount Vernon Triangle’s Korean options and a short Metro ride to Shaw’s Korean restaurants. The central location also makes it easy to explore the city’s other attractions between meals.
Columbia Heights
This vibrant neighborhood offers more affordable accommodation options while providing easy access to Iron Age and other Korean establishments. The area’s excellent public transportation connections make it simple to visit Korean restaurants in other parts of the city.
Arlington/Annandale
For serious Korean food enthusiasts, staying in Northern Virginia puts you closer to the highest concentration of authentic Korean restaurants. While you’ll need a car or rideshare to get around, the trade-off is access to dozens of specialized Korean establishments within a small area.
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Beyond Restaurants: Korean Food Experiences in DC
Extend your Korean culinary adventure beyond restaurant dining with these immersive experiences:
Explore More DC Experiences
Discover activities and tours to complement your Korean food adventure in Washington DC.
Getting Around DC’s Korean Food Scene
Navigating between DC’s Korean culinary hotspots is relatively straightforward:
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Experience the Soul of Seoul in DC
Washington DC’s acclaimed Korean restaurants offer a remarkable journey through one of the world’s most exciting cuisines without leaving the nation’s capital. From the sizzling tabletop grills of Gogi Yogi to the refined flavors of Anju, the city’s Korean food scene provides authentic experiences for every palate and budget. Whether you’re a Korean food aficionado or a curious first-timer, DC’s diverse Korean restaurants promise memorable meals filled with bold flavors, communal joy, and culinary traditions that span generations.
Plan your visit to experience these acclaimed Korean restaurants in Washington DC and discover why the city has become an unexpected destination for some of the best Korean food in America. Your taste buds will thank you for the adventure!
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