In search of a new favorite Korean spot?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Korean spots around Cincinnati, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to satisfy your cravings.
1. Haru
Topping the list is Haru. Located at 628 Vine St. in Central Business District, the Korean spot is the highest rated Korean restaurant in Cincinnati, boasting 4.5 stars out of 78 reviews on Yelp.
Try the bibimbap with steamed rice topped with spinach, radish, carrot, bean sprout, zucchini, mushroom, your choice of beef, chicken or tofu, and a fried egg — plus homemade hot sauce on the side. If you're in the mood for fish, order the grilled fresh makerel. All meals come with six banchan (side dishes). See the full menu here.
2. iZen's Drunken Bento
CUF's iZen's Drunken Bento, located at 212 W. McMillan St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the sushi bar and Korean spot four stars out of 185 reviews.
Yelper John M. writes, "Drunken Bento has good sushi at a great price. We had maguro (tuna) nigiri as well as the yellowtail scallion, barbecued eel and Stay With Me rolls. All were delicious and a great deal for the all-day-every-day half price. I don't usually do specialty rolls, but the Stay With Me was a great choice with lobster tempura, spicy crab, avocado, etc."
3. Bibibop Asian Grill
Bibipob Asian Grill, an Asian fusion and Korean spot that offers salads and more in Corryville, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 49 Yelp reviews. Head over to 228 Calhoun St. to see for yourself.
Inspired by the traditional Korean dish bibimbap, which translates to "mixed rice," the restaurant allows diners to build their own bibibop, featuring choices of white or purple rice, which is a mix of white and black rice, and various toppings, such as black beans, bean sprouts, potatoes, spicy chicken, organic tofu, carrots, cucumbers and more. Check out all the offerings here.
4. 3501 Seoul
Over in Hyde Park, check out 3501 Seoul, which has earned four stars out of 84 reviews on Yelp. You can find the sushi bar and Korean spot at 3501 Erie Ave.
Order a Sapporo to drink with your Ex Girlfriend, shrimp tempura and cucumbers topped with steamed shrimp, avocado, eel sauce and wasabi mayo. Also try the Seoul chicken wings to start. See the full menu here.
