10 Korean restaurants in Buenos Aires

Run by a Korean family, all the dishes on Mr. OH!'s menu are South Korean classics with a homely touch that truly stands out. Super abundant and flawless, whatever you choose, you'll leave super happy.

What to order? If you like spicy food, their tteokbokki are some of the best you'll try. Among the favorite dishes, the bulgogi deopbap definitely stands out.

The restaurant: The space is large and very comfortable. With a very family-friendly atmosphere, it’s ideal for going with friends, as a couple, or with family.

Tip: Since you can't make reservations, it's common to have a 20 to 30-minute wait during peak hours.

Address: Paraguay 884.

One of the Buenos Aires restaurants recommended by the Michelin Guide, run by Marina Lis Ra, the absolute leader of the new wave of Korean gastronomy in Argentina. With many traditional dishes reinterpreted in a small venue, it stands as the most original place for those looking for preparations with a twist.

What to order? The Michelin Guide recommended their mussel ceviche with kimchi tiger's milk, and it's undoubtedly a must-try.

The restaurant: "Nanum" means sharing in Korean, and the restaurant's dining room is true to that concept; modest and very comfortable, you can sit at the bar area and watch the chefs at work.

Tip: They offer takeaway service, so if you’re short on time, it’s an excellent option.

Address: Roseti 177.

Just like kimchi, fried chicken is one of the preparations that have become part of the DNA of Korean gastronomy. Becoming an after-office classic and a comfort food, its versatility is absolute and offers different flavors that cater to all tastes.

What to order? If you're up for spicy food, the best option is to try one of the combos where you can sample crispy chicken, red chicken, black chicken, and snowy chicken.

The restaurant: Modern and very trendy, the restaurant is a comfortable space ideal for going with friends. On nice days, eating at their outdoor tables is a great plan.

Tip: All their sides are great, especially the jalapeno and pink radish.

Address: Terrero 1525.

One of the latest additions to Korean gastronomy in Buenos Aires, run by a mom and her two daughters, who offer a very interesting dosirak proposal (lunch boxes with rice, a protein, and six side dishes). Ideal for grabbing a quick bite while exploring downtown.

What to order? If you're just passing by, the best option is to customize your dosirak. But their bibimbaps or incredible haemul pajeon (a seafood and scallion pancake) are also great choices.

The restaurant: With a very clean aesthetic and comfortable tables, it’s a cozy spot to enjoy lunch. Everything is very well-maintained, and it’s a place that invites you to return many times.

Tip: Located in an office area, most of their customers are in the middle of their workday. It's best to avoid peak hours, typical of work breaks.

Address: San Martín 687.

Another classic of Korean cuisine is the barbecue, which, unlike what Argentinians are used to, has the grill installed at the table, and each person cooks the different ingredients. With a super varied banchan (small dishes with various ingredients and rice) offering, the price per person is justified by the great diversity and volume of food.

The restaurant: Very trendy and with spacious tables, the table service is spectacular, and the efficiency with which they bring the sides and meats is excellent.

Tip: They have several branches in different parts of Buenos Aires, so it's best to check Google Maps to find the one closest to you.

Address: Gorriti 5675.

Perhaps one of the most popular and well-known restaurants for those who love Korean cuisine. "Una canción coreana" is one of those foodie spots that went from being a niche place and the favorite of the community to becoming a hot spot of great popularity among those who want to learn more about typical South Korean dishes.

What to order? Super abundant, it’s the perfect place to go full traditional and order some of the classic dishes. That's why you shouldn't miss their dwenjang kalguksu (kalguksu with kimchi and dwenjang soup).

The restaurant: With the classic structure of Korean restaurants, the atmosphere is very family-friendly and super cozy. If you get distracted for a few seconds, you'll feel like you're in South Korea.

Tip: With a nod to series fans, the restaurant's name is a tribute to the documentary by Argentinians Gustavo Tarrío and Yael Tujsnaider.

Address: Av. Carabobo 1549.

Buenos Aires is experiencing a special boom in specialty coffee and tea, and this new spot has taken advantage of this trend to give it a Korean touch (remember that South Korea is a big coffee and tea-drinking country).

What to order? Treat yourself to a cold American coffee and feel like you're in your favorite K-drama for a little while. Don't miss their pastries and dare to try whatever catches your eye on the menu because everything is delicious.

The restaurant: With a very clean aesthetic and super bright spaces, it’s a lovely place to make a stop during the office day or, if you're sightseeing, while exploring downtown Buenos Aires.

Tip: The café is across from the Korean Cultural Center, an incredible and beautiful place to learn a bit more about the culture and see one of the prettiest mansions in Buenos Aires.

Address: Maipú 979.

If you're looking for a more nocturnal plan and a night out with friends, Buenos Aires has the only soju bar, located in Villa Crespo. With a very different flavor from the classic drinks Argentinians consume, soju is an incredible distilled spirit that -once you try it- you'll love forever. But if you're not ready for it, go for a classic: somaek (30% soju, 70% blonde beer).

What to order? As expected, soju is the star of this bar, and they have a wide variety of this classic South Korean spirit. Flavored and original, dare to pair it with a spicy dish.

The restaurant: It has a very trendy decoration and aims to create a small homage to different elements of Korean culture. Moreover, it's a game bar where you can spice up the night with some board games.

Tip: The bar is within the Asian street of Mercat Caballito, one of the latest markets opened in Buenos Aires, making it a destination in itself.

Address: Thames 745.

Another great spot to enjoy classic Korean fried chicken. With the classic fried chicken offerings you see in every K-drama, it's a great place to go and share with friends.

What to order? If you already know the classic Korean fried chicken, Maniko has two specialties that are truly unique. The first is kanpung (a spicy sweet and sour sauce made with traditional Korean chili oil), and the second is their scallion sauce that gives a fresh touch to the boneless chicken pieces.

The restaurant: With a very modern touch and well connected with Buenos Aires' foodie mood, it’s a great spot for a night out with friends. Also, their delivery works great, and the food arrives perfectly.

Tip: The chef behind Maniko is named Andrés Chun and is one of the few certified in this specialty in Argentina. He trained at the Daejeon Chicken School in Seoul (South Korea).

Address: Ruperto Godoy 733.

If you want to enjoy a typical Korean barbecue, there’s no better option than this restaurant, which is one of the classics in the Asian circuit of the neighborhood. With one of the best and most abundant banchan you’ll try, combined with excellent Argentine beef... it's an absolutely magical combo!

The restaurant: It’s the typical place to go to eat well, in abundance, with traditional flavors, and -in fact- it's one of the community's favorites. In true porteño eatery style: you go for the food, not for the decor.

Tip: While the price per person might seem a bit high, the food is very abundant and worth every penny.

Address: Avenida Carabobo 1575.