The 20 Best Korean Restaurants in Illinois

Ttowa Korean Bistro offers a cozy neighborhood setting for classic and contemporary Korean dishes. Guests highlight flavorful buns, hearty stews, and seafood noodle soups, accompanied by a variety of traditional side dishes. The small dining room often feels lively, with attentive, personable service that contributes to its welcoming character.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ offers interactive Japanese-style grilling where guests cook meats and vegetables at the table. The cozy, welcoming dining room and attentive staff create an easygoing experience that appeals to groups and repeat visitors. Beyond the grills, options such as ramen, fried rice, and playful s’mores for dessert add variety to the meal.

Kogii Kogii Express serves casual Korean fast food with bold, satisfying flavors. Guests can customize bowls with their choice of meat and vegetables, including a hot stone option, or opt for street food–inspired items like kimchi fries and tacos. The unpretentious setting and quick service make it a convenient stop for a flavorful Korean meal.

PERILLA fare offers Korean cuisine with an American twist, showcasing bold, authentic flavors from vibrant side dishes to satisfying mains. Attentive staff guide guests through the menu, explaining preparations and key ingredients. A calm dining room with soft music and gentle conversation creates a relaxed backdrop for enjoying the meal.

Oriental Spoon offers a menu centered on Korean comfort dishes such as ramyun, bulgogi bowls, bibimbap, and kimchi-based specialties, with a few familiar appetizers like egg rolls and crab rangoon. Portions are generous and flavors are consistently satisfying, from savory mains to sweet potato desserts and fragrant teas. Attentive, prompt service and a clean, casual setting contribute to an easygoing dining experience for both eat-in and takeout guests.

Joong Boo Market combines a Korean grocery with a casual counter-service eatery in the back. Shoppers find a wide range of Asian ingredients, from fresh produce and seafood to an extensive kimchi selection and kitchen goods. The small dining area serves freshly prepared Korean dishes such as sashimi, soups, and kimbap. Service is efficient, with staff available to help locate specialty items.

Del Seoul Korean Barbeque offers Korean barbecue with a creative street-food twist, featuring tacos, sandwiches, hotpots, and wings. Guests order at the counter and relax while dishes with bold, carefully balanced flavors are brought to the table. The casual, unfussy space often fills with locals drawn to its inventive combinations and consistently satisfying food.

Chungkiwa Restaurant serves traditional Korean BBQ and classic dishes in a calm, comfortable setting. Guests highlight flavorful grilled meats, generous portions, and a wide array of housemade side dishes such as kimchi and seasoned vegetables. Attentive staff help explain the menu and grilling techniques, creating an inviting experience for both newcomers and regulars to Korean cuisine.

bopNgrill serves Korean-inspired American comfort food in a casual, counter-service setting. The menu highlights inventive burgers such as the mushroom-rich Duxelle and a kimchi-topped option, alongside bulgogi, BBQ chicken, and other rice plates. Diners appreciate the bold flavors and creative combinations that appeal to both burger fans and lovers of Korean dishes.

Amitabul Simply Vegan specializes in vegetable-focused cooking that highlights rich, layered flavors without meat. Diners choose their preferred level of heat, from mild to very spicy, with options like hearty soups and comforting noodle dishes. Soothing background music and attentive staff contribute to a calm, welcoming dining room, and house teas add to the experience.

San Maru Korean Restaurant serves homestyle Korean dishes with an emphasis on fresh, comforting flavors. Guests highlight classics such as squid pancakes, beef bulgogi, dumplings, and cold bingsu for dessert. The small plates of kimchi and other starters introduce the meal with bold, traditional tastes. Attentive, helpful staff and a casual setting make it suitable for both groups and families.

Jin Ju offers classic Korean dishes in a lively, intimate space. Guests highlight flavorful preparations such as bibimbap, marinated short ribs, and pork belly, complemented by fresh kimchi. Attentive, upbeat service and well-made cocktails, including fruit-forward options like lychee, contribute to an energetic dining experience.

SGD DUBU SO GONG DONG TOFU & KOREAN BBQ offers Korean barbecue and homestyle dishes in a clean, orderly dining room with comfortable seating. Guests highlight the flavorful bulgogi, short ribs, and bibimbap, along with customizable soup-based dishes. Generous, freshly prepared banchan and attentive, efficient service contribute to a satisfying, straightforward Korean dining experience.

Rice'N Bread combines homestyle Korean cooking with classic American diner fare in a modest Wrigleyville setting. Guests highlight flavorful staples such as dolsot bibimbap, squid bibimbap, kimchi, and seafood pancake, noted for their satisfying portions and comforting character. The dual menu creates a casual, versatile spot for both familiar and Korean-inspired dishes.