Top 10 Korean Restaurants in Melbourne

Melbourne’s love affair with Korean cuisine is as fiery as a bowl of kimchi stew. From sizzling Korean BBQ aromas drifting down CBD laneways to the crispy crunch of Korean fried chicken paired with an ice-cold beer, this city can’t get enough. (Fun fact: Melbourne even designated an official Koreatown in the CBD’s Healeys Lane, a nod to our thriving K-food scene.) If you’re hunting for the best Korean food Melbourne has to offer, whether it’s late-night Korean BBQ chicken feasts or a quick bibimbap lunch, we’ve got you covered. Below is our tasty tour of the top ten Korean restaurants in Melbourne, starting with the local favourite that rules them all.

1. Buza Chicken – Melbourne’s #1 Korean Restaurant

Buza Chicken isn’t just another Korean restaurant in Melbourne, it’s the city’s go-to spot for authentic, finger-licking Korean flavours. Founded in Melbourne in 2017, Buza is a homegrown brand that has earned a cult following among students, families and foodies alike. Step inside and you’ll find a vibrant, casual atmosphere buzzing with energy (and the sounds of K-pop). It’s the kind of place where you can roll up your sleeves with some mates or family, crack open a cold drink, and dig into a Korean fried chicken feast.

Menu Highlights: Buza’s menu takes Korean comfort food to the next level. Our fried chicken, marinated for 12 hours and double-fried for that shatteringly crispy skin, is the stuff of Melbourne legend. Choose from signature flavours like the house-special Soy Smoke, spicy-sweet yangnyeom, or even a cheeky Snow Cheese dusting for the adventurous. And it’s not just chicken on the menu; you’ll also find Seoul-style street food faves like BBQ beef loaded fries (inspired by the night markets of Hongdae), bubbling army stew hot pots, and cheesy corn on the side. We even serve a range of Korean-infused burgers that give Melbourne’s best a run for their money (check out our take on the best burgers in Melbourne). Vegetarians in your crew? Buza’s got them covered too, with addictive crispy cauliflower bites that might convert even the staunchest carnivore.

Local Vibes & Experience: Buza Chicken brings a slice of Seoul to Melbourne’s CBD, with multiple convenient locations (including Melbourne Central and Queen Street). The decor and vibe are warm and unpretentious, think modern Korean diner meets local pub. You’ll often see groups of friends sharing plates of fried chicken and banchan (side dishes) over laughter, or couples on casual date nights bonding over bulgogi and beer. The staff are friendly, and service is quick enough to satisfy a weekday lunch rush yet welcoming enough that you’ll want to linger for another soju or two. It’s this mix of genuine Korean hospitality and Aussie casual comfort that keeps diners coming back.

Buza Chicken also understands that Melburnians crave variety. Craving a classic charcoal grill experience? While Buza doesn’t do DIY tabletop grills, We capture those Korean BBQ flavours in dishes like our spicy pork bulgogi and grilled chicken platters. (For a deeper dive into all things barbecue, here’s a handy Korean BBQ guide to up your grill game.) And if you’re in the mood for something different, the Buza Chicken menu has plenty to offer, from hearty bibimbap bowls to refreshing kimchi slaw, so everyone leaves happy. You can even view the full menu online to plan your feast.

It’s no surprise that when locals grab their phones and ask for the “best Korean restaurant near me in Melbourne,” Buza Chicken often tops the list. With its central locations, outstanding food, and that extra pinch of local soul, Buza has rightfully earned the title of #1 Korean restaurant in Melbourne.

2. Hwaro Korean BBQ

Hwaro is basically a Melbourne K-BBQ institution. Open since 2006, this Little Bourke Street spot is known as the OG charcoal grill house and still packs out nightly with smoke and sizzle. The premium wagyu cuts and marinated beef ribs (galbi) here are top-notch, delivering that unbeatable charcoal-kissed flavour. Pro tip: they’re open late on weekends (hello, 2 AM Korean BBQ fix!), so it’s a favourite for late-night authentic Korean dining in the CBD.

3. ChangGo Korean BBQ

ChangGo is a local favourite Korean BBQ joint tucked down Little La Trobe Street, you’ll often spot a queue of hungry students and families (some trekking from as far as Springvale!) out front. Why? The famous ‘Palsaik’ set features eight pork belly strips marinated in eight different flavours, a grill experience you won’t forget. It’s walk-in only, so arrive early or late to beat the rush. The vibe is casual and fun, and with all the classic banchan sides, you’ve got an authentic Korean BBQ feast on your hands.

4. Mansae Korean BBQ

Mansae (which literally means “hip hip hooray”) lives up to its name, a meal here feels like a Korean BBQ celebration. There’s usually a line outside the A’Beckett Street location, and for good reason. Once inside, you’re treated to top-quality Aussie Wagyu and pork sizzling over charcoal grills, with endless banchan refills and maybe some K-pop pumping in the background. It’s modern, loud and a load of fun. They don’t take bookings and limit sittings to 90 minutes, but the efficient staff keep things rolling throughout your feast.

5. Gami Chicken

When it comes to Korean fried chicken, Gami has cemented itself as Melbourne’s go-to. With multiple locations from the CBD to Highpoint (Maribyrnong), this casual chain draws crowds for its crispy chook and cold beer combo. The chicken is double-fried to crackly perfection, crunchy outside, tender and juicy inside, and you can choose from sauces like soy-garlic, sweet chilli or hot spicy. Grab some mates, order a combo (boneless if you like), and dig in. It’s the perfect comfort food whether you’re winding down after work or a night out.

6. Jang Gun

Jang Gun is the savior of Melbourne’s late-night Korean food scene. This unassuming Koreatown eatery might be small, but it dishes out huge flavours and portions. Better yet, it’s open till 4 AM daily, so you can satisfy those 2 AM fried chicken or spicy stew cravings with ease. Regulars love the cheese buldak (fire chicken) and bubbling army stew on cold nights – proper comfort food. Despite the wee hours, the staff stay friendly and the vibe stays cosy, making Jang Gun a real hidden gem for Korean eats after dark.

7. JanChi Korean Feast

JanChi (meaning “feast” in Korean) brings modern Korean dining to Richmond with tapas-style plates that showcase authentic flavours for the modern Aussie palate. Instead of grilling your own meat, you’ll be sharing dishes like tender bulgogi, crispy Korean fried chicken bites, and other creative bites that go beyond the usual kimchi. The vibe is casual yet chic, and the bar serves up crafty soju cocktails. It’s perfect for a group dinner when you want to mix Korean tradition with a modern Melbourne twist.

8. Bornga Korean Restaurant

Bornga in Chinatown is a must-visit if you’re after authentic Korean BBQ. The marinated beef and pork belly here are truly incredible, grill them to caramelised perfection and you’ll understand why this place is famous. You also get a great spread of banchan (side dishes), with self-serve refills to keep the feast going. The atmosphere is lively and bustling, and the staff are attentive (and helpful if you’re a K-BBQ newbie). It can get busy, especially on weekends, but that’s all part of the fun at this Korean BBQ hotspot.

9. Hansang

Hansang is a cozy Korean restaurant that’s a hidden gem in West Melbourne (and handy for folks around North Melbourne or Maribyrnong). “Hansang” means “a table full of food” in Korean, and they deliver on that, your table will be covered in homely Korean dishes and unlimited banchan (side dishes). It’s unpretentious and welcoming (don’t be shy if you’re new to Korean cuisine), and the food is as authentic as it gets. From hearty stews to sizzling platters, every bite tastes like a home-cooked Korean comfort meal.

10. Guhng The Palace

Guhng The Palace offers a slightly upscale twist on the classic K-BBQ experience. Tucked in a McKillop Street laneway, this multi-level restaurant has a chic-meets-traditional vibe, picture heritage brick walls and brass BBQ exhausts over every table. Yet it’s still all about communal grilling fun. Their Angus set feeds four diners with ease and comes with a mix of premium cuts to grill over charcoal. It’s a popular spot for team dinners and special occasions (don’t be surprised to see a crew from Southbank toasting with soju), and it delivers a memorable, smoky feast.

Each of these spots offers something unique, be it charcoal-grilled meats, traditional stews, or late-night fried chicken, and together they paint a rich picture of Melbourne’s dynamic Korean dining scene. But if you ask us which Korean eatery stands out above them all, Buza Chicken is the ultimate must-try destination for a delicious, authentic taste of Korea in Melbourne.