In search of a new favorite Korean spot?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Korean eateries around Pittsburgh, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to satisfy your cravings.
1. Bae Bae's Kitchen
Topping the list is Bae Bae's Kitchen. Located at 951 Liberty Ave. in downtown Pittsburgh, the airy, casual eatery is the highest-rated Korean restaurant in Pittsburgh, boasting 4.5 stars out of 119 reviews on Yelp.
Look for seasonal ingredients as you build your meal with a base of rice or salad, an assortment of meats (grilled, marinated rib-eye, Korean fried chicken, roasted pork belly) and either kimchi or vegetable tempura as a side. Vegan options are also available.
2. Soba
Next up is Shadyside's Soba at 5847 Ellsworth Ave. Located in a restored Victorian row house, per its website, you can sit in its soft-lit lounge amid decor like a trickling slate water wall, glass-and-steel staircase and hand-painted murals.
With four stars out of 294 reviews on Yelp, the Korean fusion spot has proven to be a local favorite. Check out classic dim sum plates like pork dumplings dipped in sweet vinegar sauce. Or look for fusion items like lobster tacos stuffed with Asian pear, avocado, cucumber, green chile vinaigrette and Kewpie mayo.
3. Oishii Bento
Oakland's Oishii Bento, located at 119 Oakland Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the counter-service eatery four stars out of 255 reviews. With a menu offering Japanese and Korean fare, start off with soup, kimchi or tempura, then move on to a bento box, rice bowl, udon dish or sushi.
Standout items include the bulgogi bento with thinly sliced beef and marinated vegetables, the unagi bowl (barbecue eel), the Oishii roll (smoked salmon, shrimp tempura and house sauce) and the 48-piece party sushi set.
4. Sumi's Cakery
Sumi's Cakery, a Korean bakery and dessert spot in Squirrel Hill, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 71 Yelp reviews. Look for red bean shaved ice, taro milk bubble tea and strawberry mango cake. Head over to 2119 Murray Ave. to see for yourself.
5. Chick'n Bubbly
Over in Central Oakland, check out Chick'n Bubbly, which has earned four stars out of 121 reviews on Yelp. The spot offers bubble tea and customized Korean fried chicken, which can be made with either sweet and spicy sauce or soy garlic sauce. Or check out Chick'n Bubbly's specialty: a breaded and deep-fried ground meat cutlet. You can find the Korean spot at 117 Oakland Ave.
