Known for its multiculturalism, South Florida offers an unparalleled melting pot of diverse backgrounds and gastronomic experiences. There’s everything, from Colombian bakeries and Italian restaurants to Japanese and Chinese take-out spots. However, Korean food is one of the area’s best-kept secrets.
Korean cuisine is composed of ingredients like tofu, garlic, beans, their world famous kimchi and rice. In no specific order, we present the top five Korean restaurants in the area.
COTE Miami
3900 NE Second Ave.
Miami, FL 33137
(305) 434-4668
Opened in 2021 by Korean-born restaurateur Simon Kim, COTE Miami is one of two locations in the United States. The only Korean barbecue restaurant in the world with a Michelin Star. It offers an intimate experience with low light, delicious flavor combinations, and top-notch drinks. The menu offers a variety of wonderful dishes, including the fan-favorite butcher’s feast featuring four chef-selected cuts of beef, an egg soufflé, and a large portion of banchan (side dishes). A banquet that may cover your whole table for only $68.
KIMBOP
12578 N Kendall Dr.
Miami, FL 33186
(786) 270-9588
With delicious rolls, meat, and banchan. This spot is the perfect place to relax and enjoy Korean food in the heart of southwest Miami. Their menu is reasonably priced offering Seoul wings for $15 a variety of bibimbap from $18 to $21. Combo platters and party meals are also available. KIMBOP combines high-quality dishes with a cozy ambience, creating the perfect spot for students and locals to get a taste of South Korea.
Korean Kitchen
1661 NE. 163rd St.
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
(954) 766-5558
If you are searching for the most authentic Korean restaurant in Miami-Dade County, then this is the place for you. Located in North Miami Beach, Korean Kitchen is a small hole in the wall that offers a variety of authentic Korean meals and take-out. Their menu features a variety of delicious platters such as bibimbap, beef bulgogi, appetizers like Korean dogs, and dumplings. Their prices average from $15 to $25. Their dinner and special plates hover around $30 plus.
Gen Korean BBQ
1301 East Las Olas Blvd. #150
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 271-3343
Gen Korean BBQ offers a tasty all-you-can-eat barbecue experience like no other. Lunch for a price of $25, dinner for $30. It provides their guests with a wonderful experience and a limitless menu consisting of seafood, vegetables, fresh meat of your choice, as well as unlimited banchan. This great restaurant can have you turn into a Korean barbecue master, while enjoying a great ambience zipping fancy cocktails. It is definitely a must visit destination when in South Florida.
ARI Bakery Cafe (previously Paris Morning Bakery)
11679 City Hall Promenade
Miramar, FL 33025
(754) 260-5125
4900 S. University Dr.
Davie, FL 33328
(954) 234-2839
4840 N. University Dr.
Lauderhill, FL 33351
(954) 765-6666
Although it’s not a restaurant, this bakery has earned a spot in our top five. Koreans have an affection for cakes and sweets, and ARI bakery’s mission is to bring that love to South Florida. This cute boulangerie can be found in four locations across the area. Their menu offers delicious milk tea boba, Korean rice bowls, desserts and baked goods. Previously known as Paris Morning Bakery, Ari’s bakery cafe prices are affordable. For only $5.75 you can customize and make your own large boba tea and take pictures with the large BTS cut-out in the front.
