The best Korean restaurants in Manchester

Nestled on the edge of Chinatown near St Peter's Square, Ban Di Bul has been part of Manchester's culinary landscape for over ten years. This authentic Korean eatery features a contemporary interior bathed in natural light. Patrons can browse a diverse selection of traditional Korean fare, encompassing everything from soups and hotpots to chicken dishes and barbecued specialities, with set menus also on offer.

OKitchen in Didsbury Village merges Japanese and Korean culinary traditions in an attractive setting adorned with pink hues. The menu features Japanese favourites such as an array of sushi and sashimi rolls, alongside Korean classics like traditional soup casseroles, stir-fries, BBQ dishes, bibimbap, and more. Additionally, the restaurant provides al fresco dining options, and patrons can enjoy a cocktail in the bar area while awaiting their table.

Koreana, a family-run restaurant in Manchester since 1985, offers a genuine Korean dining experience with its blend of modern and classic Korean decor. The menu showcases Korea's culinary heritage with diverse options like sizzling grilled meats, bibimbap in hot stone bowls, and vegetarian dishes, catering to various tastes and dietary needs. Additionally, Koreana accommodates different events, offering special menus for business lunches and banquets.

Azuma, a group of Chinese and Korean dining establishments, serves a range of specialities from both countries in a laid-back, modest ambience complemented by modern decor. The menu presents a wide variety of traditional dishes, but the highlight are the barbecue and hotpot buffet options, providing an opportunity to indulge in authentic, tasty cuisine at great value for money.

Seoul Kimchi in Manchester is a tiny corner eatery that started out as a Korean food store – you can still pick up a few remaining odds and ends such as instant noodles here. The main draw nowadays, however, are the Korean delicacies served up by the kitchen – Korean fried chicken, Korean pancakes, kimchi, and more. The cosy shop doesn't offer much seating, but you can also get your food to-go.

Chimaek, situated in the centre of Manchester, is a prime destination for Korean fried chicken. This straightforward, fast-service eatery lets patrons personalise their signature double-fried chicken with a variety of sauces and sprinkles. Alongside, they serve an array of Korean street food like tornado potatoes and kimchi burgers, complemented by classic sides such as chips or steamed rice. Takeaways are also available.

Annyeong, a modern Korean restaurant located near Market Street, boasts an atmosphere enhanced by mood lighting and plush leather seating. This stylish establishment offers a wide range of traditional Korean cuisine, including hotpots, tabletop BBQ, and an assortment of banchan sides. Set menus are also on offer, and patrons can enhance their dining experience with a selection of cocktails, Korean wines, and various other beverages. You can also book a karaoke session here.

Baekdu Korean BBQ Restaurant, located in Stockport, offers a laid-back dining atmosphere with modest decoration, set behind a red brick exterior. Specialising in charcoal grilling, the restaurant prepares an assortment of Korean BBQ favourites for tableside cooking. Baekdu also serves rice bowls, soups, hotpots, and a variety of traditional Korean side dishes.

EatGoody, a humble Korean dining spot, is popular among students from the nearby University of Manchester. Catering to both dine-in and takeaway customers, it operates during lunch hours and reserves evenings for larger groups and pre-booked gatherings. The menu at EatGoody features a selection of boxes filled with homemade Korean cuisine, complemented by daily specials.

Bunsik sparked a craze for Korean corndogs with its debut in London in 2021. Since then, it has grown to several outlets, including a prominent location right in the heart of Manchester. The main attraction are the highly-Instagrammable corndogs, but the Piccadilly Gardens branch also serves up Korean fried chicken, ddukbokki rice cakes, Korean chicken burgers, and a variety of other tempting street food delights.