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Top 5 Korean Restaurants in Manchester

Top 5 Korean Restaurants in Manchester

  • Menu offerings: We considered the overall quality of both the variety and quality of their menu.
  • Facilities: We checked the restaurant's accessibility and their overall ambiance and cleanliness.
  • Service: We also considered the quality of their service as this can make or break your dining experience.
  • Pricing: We assessed their overall pricing structure. Korean restaurants may vary in price range, from more affordable options to higher-end establishments.

Alright, fellow foodies! Let’s take a tasty tour through Manchester’s Korean culinary scene. From mouthwatering BBQ to soul-warming stews, this city’s got some serious Korean flavour to offer.

In this review, we’re dishing out the lowdown on the top Korean restaurants that’ll teleport your taste buds to Seoul. So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to explore the sizzle and spice of the best Korean joints in Manchester!

1. Ban di Bul

1. Ban di Bul

Services: Korean cuisine, restaurant, alcohol, barbeque

Website: https://www.bandibul.co.uk/

Address: 77 Princess St, Manchester M2 4EG, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 236 9733

Operating Hours: 

Monday 12–10 PM

Tuesday 12–10 PM

Wednesday 12–10 PM

Thursday 12–10 PM

Friday 12–10 PM

Saturday 12–10 PM

Sunday 12–10 PM

Trip Advisor Rating3.5 / 5
Google Reviews3.6 / 5
Total reviews 3.5 / 5
Score consistency 5 / 5
Menu Offerings5 / 5
Quality5 / 5
Variety5 / 5
Facilities5 / 5
Cleanliness5 / 5
Ambiance5/ 5
Service 5 / 5
Pricing(A higher score means better value)4 / 5

Pros

  • Offers authentic korean dishes
  • Excellent service levels
  • Wide range of choices available

Cons

  • Doesn’t accept advance bookings
  • Usually crowded even on off days
  • Higher priced compared to others

Ban di Bul is a Korean restaurant within the central district of Manchester. We love that this Korean restaurant stands out not just for its delectable dishes but also an extensive wine menu that caters to the discerning palates.

When you visit them, the inviting aroma and the subtle notes of kimchi greet you, setting the stage for you and many. The menu has a variety of Korean delights, from traditional bibimbap to their more trendy seafood pancakes and chicken dishes.

Photo credits happygirl_eats

However, it’s worth noting that this comes with a price tag that might be a bit steeper than your average Korean restaurant. 

From what we’ve seen, Ban Di Bul caters to a niche that appreciates the finer nuances of Korean delicacies. And we don’t think that this is a dealbreaker. 

We found that their portions are generous to say the least. Also, after surveying some of their customers most of them claim that the higher price tag is money well spent.

What we do think customers should keep in mind when visiting them is that their space is tad limited. This means that they’re usually crowded even on off days which makes the entire dining experience less intimate.

Overall, we still think Ban Di Bul is worth a visit if you’re looking for a satisfying and authentic Korean meal. With their extensive menu, generous portions and authentic flavours, they might just be your next go-to!

2. Chimaek 

2. Chimaek

Services: Korean cuisine, restaurant, alcohol, barbeque

Website: https://www.chimaek.uk/ 

Address: Unit 8, The Quadrangle, Hulme St, Manchester M1 5GL, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 236 0188

Operating Hours:

Monday Closed

Tuesday 12–9 PM

Wednesday 12–9 PM

Thursday 12–9 PM

Friday 12–9 PM

Saturday 12–9 PM

Sunday 12–9 PM

Trip Advisor Rating4 / 5
Google Reviews4.2 / 5
Total reviews 4 / 5
Score consistency 4 / 5
Menu Offerings4 / 5
Quality5 / 5
Variety3 / 5
Facilities5 / 5
Cleanliness5 / 5
Ambiance5 / 5
Service 5 / 5
Pricing(A higher score means better value)5 / 5

Pros

  • Highly raved for their chicken dishes
  • Near the central district
  • Affordable pricing

Cons

  • Limited range of dish offerings
  • Doesn’t offer online bookings

If you’re looking for a craving for Korean Chicken then Chimaek might be the perfect place for you. Known for their Korean chicken menu and delicacies, it stands out as a Korean restaurant within Manchester.

The first thing we love about this place is the ambiance. Their cosy interior, subtle Korean decor, truly creates an ambiance of a small warm restaurant you might stumble upon walking in the streets of Korea.

Furthermore, what sets them apart is its dedication to showcasing their Korean fried chicken. The menu might be limited but it delivers a powerful impression of flavours.

Many of their regulars have raved about the great quality of their chicken dishes which speaks a lot since this is their specialty. 

In addition, Chimaek also offers a selection of classic Korean sides to complement their main dishes. From the usual french fries to kimchi, there’s surely something for everyone!

On the flip-side, we think their limited menu might disappoint those seeking a broader range of Korean culinary experiences. We do think their focus on making a few signature dishes is commendable, though.

Finally, we must emphasise that their menu does not cater well to vegetarian or vegan customers since the focus is primarily on chicken-based dishes.

3. OKitchen

3. OKitchen

Services: Korean cuisine, restaurant, alcohol, barbeque

Website: https://okitchendidsbury.co.uk/ 

Address: 43 Barlow Moor Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6TW, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 434 1854

Operating Hours: 

Monday Closed

Tuesday 5–10 PM

Wednesday 5–10 PM

Thursday 5–10 PM

Friday 5–10 PM

Saturday 5–10 PM

Sunday 5–10 PM

Trip Advisor Rating4.5 / 5
Google Reviews4.6 / 5
Total reviews 4.5 / 5
Score consistency 2 / 5
Menu Offerings5 / 5
Quality5 / 5
Variety5 / 5
Facilities4.5 / 5
Cleanliness5 / 5
Ambiance4 / 5
Service 3 / 5
Pricing(A higher score means better value)5 / 5

Pros

  • Wide range of menu offerings
  • Affordable prices
  • Offers online reservations
  • Offers authentic korean dishes

Cons

  • Far from the city centre
  • Limited seating
  • Reports of inconsistent service levels

What initially caught our attention about Okitchen is their amazing menu spread. We’re pleased to find that they offer everything from classic bibimbap to some more niche Korean dishes. 

Plus, they’ve got options for vegetarians, making it a good shout for a varied taste of Korean cuisine!

Another one of OKitchen’s upsides is their affordability. We love how they’ve managed to keep the prices reasonable, considering the variety on the menu.

So, if you’re after a taste of Korea without burning a hole in your pocket, this is a place worth considering.

As for their service, we feel iffy that it’s a bit hit-and-miss. From our surveys, we found that there have been a few occasions of slow service and moments when customers were left waving for attention.

Despite this, there were some customers who praised some of the friendly staff. Furthermore, we like that they’ve got an online booking option, so you can plan ahead and dodge the wait. 

Lastly, we noted Okitchen is a bit of a trek from the city centre, so if you’re relying on public transport, it might be a bit of a mission. 

Also, when the place is buzzing, the seating is a tad limited, which can take away from the whole vibe. If you’re up for it, though, it’s worth a shot for a casual taste of Korea.

4. Azuma

4. Azuma

Services: Korean, chinese, asian cuisine

Website: https://www.theazuma.com/ 

Address: 73 Cavendish St, Manchester M15 6BN, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 226 1776

Operating Hours: 

Monday 12–10:30 PM

Tuesday 12–10:30 PM

Wednesday 12–10:30 PM

Thursday 12–10:30 PM

Friday 12–11 PM

Saturday 12–11 PM

Sunday 12–10 PM

Trip Advisor Rating4.5 / 5
Google Reviews4.4 / 5
Total reviews 4.5 / 5 
Score consistency 3 / 5
Menu Offerings5 / 5
Quality5 / 5
Variety5 / 5
Facilities5 / 5
Cleanliness5 / 5
Ambiance5 / 5 
Service 4 / 5
Pricing(A higher score means better value)5 / 5

Pros

  • Wide range of options offered
  • Friendly and attentive staff
  • Serves big portions

Cons

  • Menu isn’t available on their website
  • Records of language barriers with their servers

We totally fell for Azuma Restaurant, mainly because their Korean barbecue is a game-changer. The meat is all tender and grilled to perfection, and the marinade is top-notch. 

And can we talk about their hot pot buffet? It’s like a flavor explosion!

Overall, we love how their menu is all fancy-schmancy, giving off those fine dining vibes. But don’t worry, it’s not the kind of place where you’ll get tired of the grub. 

Even if you’re a picky eater, there’s something for everyone! We also love how chill and clean the place is – like having a feast at your granny’s house, but without the fuss.

And we also want to give props to the staff. Regulars we spoke with sang praises about how they’re super friendly and helpful in picking out the right combo of foods. 

Another plus in our books is that Azuma’s prices won’t make your wallet cry. On weekends from 12:00 to 2:30 PM, you can snag a meal deal – main dish, side, and soda – all for just £9.8!

They also have a buffet that’s perfect for big diners! Just a heads up, though – finish your plate or pay a little extra for leftovers. Small bummer, but the overall vibe is still five-star.

5. The Thirsty Korean

5. The Thirsty Korean

Services: Korean cuisine, restaurant, alcohol, barbeque

Website: https://www.thethirstykorean.co.uk/ 

Address: 127 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9PG, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 7467 793064

Operating Hours: 

Monday Closed

Tuesday Closed

Wednesday 5–10 PM

Thursday 5–10 PM

Friday 5–11 PM

Saturday 12–11 PM

Sunday 4–10 PM

Trip Advisor Rating5 / 5
Google Reviews4.7 / 5
Total reviews 4.5 / 5
Score consistency 1 / 5
Menu Offerings5 / 5
Quality5 / 5
Variety5 / 5
Facilities4 / 5
Cleanliness4 / 5
Ambiance4 / 5
Service 4 / 5
Pricing(A higher score means better value)5 / 5

Pros

  • Offers advance orders on their website
  • Affordable pricing
  • Serves authentic korean alcohol beverages

Cons

  • Small dining space
  • Records of poor customer service

From what we’ve seen, Thirsty Korean is a proper gem, boasting a fantastic atmosphere and sleek interiors. We think this aspect puts them right up there as one of the top Korean joints in the area!

Let’s talk about the vibe and interiors first. They’ve got tunes playing while you’re digging into your grub, setting the scene for a cracking time!

And one cool thing that stood out is that the owner is often around, filling customers in on the ins and outs of the cuisine. We think this aspect is great for those especially new to the scene!

Furthermore, we think the interaction  gives the whole place a homely feel. The staff are also warm and friendly, making sure each customer’s dining experience is spot-on.

Now, they say good food comes at a cost, and we can’t deny it’s a bit pricey with the individual dishes. It’d be ace if they could sort out some bundled deals for families or groups after a decent, wallet-friendly feast.

But, what really won us over is their freshly made dishes that are spot-on tasty. Their kimchi pancake is a winner, and the garlic and soy chicken are perfect with soju or draft beer!


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