The Best Korean Restaurants in Dubai: From Kimchi to BBQ

From luxurious restaurants on Palm Jumeirah to cozy family spots—let’s explore the flavors of Seoul right in the heart of the Emirates.

Just yesterday, it seemed like Dubai spoke every language except Korean. But today, the aromas of kimchi and sizzling galbi grill resonate in the Emirates as confidently as the muezzin’s calls. The powerful cultural wave of “Hallyu” from Seoul has brought not only K-pop and dramas but also an insatiable appetite for all things Korean. Today, Dubai offers an incredible variety of dining options: from sizzling tabletop grills with premium meat to bowls of soul-warming kimchi jjigae. But how do you find that one perfect spot among dozens of choices? This guide will help you navigate Dubai’s Korean gastronomy scene and choose a restaurant that suits you perfectly—whether it’s a luxurious dinner with views of the city lights, a lively gathering with friends, or a quiet family meal.

How to сhoose the perfect spot: 3 questions to ask yourself

To prevent you from getting lost among dozens of establishments with hard-to-pronounce names, we’ve broken everything down neatly. Our guide is built around three simple questions that will help you make the perfect choice:

• What’s the occasion and your budget? From exclusive fine dining to affordable food halls, we consider the value and experience each venue offers.
• How authentic an experience are you looking for? We highlight restaurants that stay true to traditional recipes as well as those offering unique, niche concepts.
• What kind of atmosphere do you need? We help you figure out where to go for a romantic date, where to enjoy a family dinner, and where it’s best to spend an evening with friends.

Seoul-Style Fine Dining: Restaurants for Special Occasions

In this segment, Korean cuisine reaches the level of high art. Here, the signature approach of renowned chefs, stunning interiors, and, of course, impeccable service reign supreme, turning dinner into an unforgettable gastronomic spectacle.

HANU: artful cuisine and views of the Palm

A fresh addition to Dubai's culinary scene (February 2024), HANU, located on the rooftop of the prestigious St. Regis Gardens complex, is a true gastronomic theater. The restaurant's concept was developed by Chef Kyung Soo Moon, who honed his skills at such celebrated projects as SUSHISAMBA and Attiko. At the heart of his menu is a modern interpretation of Korean traditions, with an emphasis on premium ingredients. The airy, minimalist interior featuring light wood and panoramic windows offers breathtaking views of Palm Jumeirah. The performative presentation is particularly impressive, such as when premium Hanu-Wagyu steaks are sliced right at your table.

• Perfect for: a romantic evening, an important business meeting, or anyone looking to experience high-end Korean cuisine.
• Atmosphere: refined, elegant, and prestigious.
• Dress code: Smart Casual.

Smoki Moto: energy and premium BBQ

Smoki Moto isn't just dinner—it's a party where Korean barbecue takes center stage. Located at the Marriott Resort on Palm Jumeirah, this venue embraces the "vibe dining" concept: loud music, trendy crowds, and an atmosphere where socializing and fun are just as important as the food itself. It's Dubai's first restaurant with built-in open BBQ grills in every table, turning dinner into an interactive show. The dim lighting punctuated by neon flashes and lively DJ sets immediately set the right tone—this is a place you come to not just to eat, but to soak up the city's energy.

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• Perfect for: a fun gathering with friends, a birthday celebration, or a vibrant dinner before heading to a club.
• Atmosphere: dynamic, trendy, lively, and social.
• Dress code: Smart Casual.

The Soul of Seoul: Authentic and Family-Friendly Restaurants

Here we’ve gathered places where Korean cuisine appears in its true, unadulterated form. These restaurants are cherished for their dedication to tradition, cozy home-like ambiance, and incredible hospitality. It’s here that Dubai’s Korean diaspora comes to savor the taste of home.

Sonamu and Manna Land: guardians of tradition

If trendy novelties don’t appeal to you and your soul craves something genuine, head over to the “old guard”—Sonamu at the Asiana Hotel (operating since 2010) and Manna Land (opened in 2007). These spots are true legends, whose reputation has been earned not through fashionable advertising, but through decades of impeccable cuisine and thousands of satisfied guests. Don’t look for designer interiors or views of skyscrapers here. All the luxury is right on the plate: in perfectly marinated BBQ meat, in a generous spread of complimentary side dishes (panchhan), and in that very atmosphere for which the Korean diaspora comes here to feel right at home.

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• Perfect for: family dinners, discovering authentic Korean cuisine, lunch with friends.
• Atmosphere: welcoming, cozy, "just like home."
• Dress code: Casual

Seoul Garden: a great balance of price and quality

Seoul Garden is a popular spot among both tourists and locals alike, thanks to its excellent value for money. The menu focuses on the main hits of Korean cuisine, including BBQ and hearty soups, while the service stands out for its speed and friendliness. Don't let the modest interior fool you—the real show happens right on your plate.

For Every Foodie: Niche and Affordable Concepts

This section proves that Korean cuisine in Dubai can satisfy any palate. Here you'll find both specialized establishments catering to sophisticated foodies and multi-format concepts offering quick and affordable introductions to gastronomy.

The Sky and Love Mukbang: their unique niches

These two restaurants stand out from the crowd with their distinctive features:

• The Sky Korean Restaurant & Bar: Finding an authentic Korean restaurant (not attached to a hotel) with a liquor license in Dubai is quite a challenge. The Sky is exactly such a rare and valuable spot. It's the place to go if your dinner of bulgogi or kimchi stew is unthinkable without a bottle of ice-cold soju or Korean Hite beer. This makes it a magnet for expats and the perfect venue for lively gatherings with friends.
• Love Mukbang Korean BBQ and Seafood Restaurant: Tired of the eternal debate "meat or fish"? Love Mukbang elegantly solves this dilemma by offering a fusion rare for Dubai: here, on a single grill, you’ll find both marinated beef ribs sizzling away and the freshest tiger prawns. It’s the perfect spot for those who want to get it all in one dinner.

Sobahn, Shabu Shabu, and Weasian Food Hall: fast, tasty, affordable

These formats make Korean cuisine accessible to the widest possible audience:

• Sobahn and Shabu Shabu: The ideal compromise for a group where one person dreams of Korean BBQ while another craves Japanese sushi. These multi-Asian restaurants offer an extensive menu where hits from both cuisines peacefully coexist, allowing everyone to find something to their liking.
• Weasian Food Hall: The most democratic format, where you can quickly grab an affordable snack without unnecessary formalities—adapted versions of Korean dishes. A great option for lunch at a shopping mall or getting acquainted with the cuisine in a "light" format.

Summary and Quick Choice: Comparative Table

To help you make a final decision, we’ve compiled key information into one clear table.

Planning Your Gastronomic Journey

A few practical tips to ensure your visit goes perfectly.

To avoid being left without dinner: a word about reservations

• Premium segment (HANU, Smoki Moto): Booking is essential, especially for Thursday, Friday, or Saturday evenings. This can be done online or by phone.
• Traditional and other restaurants: For larger groups (4-5 people or more) or during peak dinner hours, booking is highly recommended to avoid waiting.

Parking, taxis, metro: solving the transportation issue

• Restaurants on Palm Jumeirah (HANU, Smoki Moto): The most convenient way to get there is by taxi or private car. Both establishments offer valet parking.
• Restaurants near the metro: Sonamu, Seoul Garden, and Shabu Shabu are located within a 5-7 minute walk from metro stations, making them easily accessible by public transport.
• Parking: At restaurants located in hotels and shopping centers, parking for visitors is usually free. For standalone establishments, paid RTA city parking is available.

Your Korean adventure in Dubai awaits

So what exactly is Korean cuisine in Dubai? It’s a theatrical dining experience at a restaurant on Palm Jumeirah, as well as a cozy dinner at a family-run spot where you’re welcomed like family. It’s the fiery spice of kimchi and the tender melt-in-your-mouth quality of marbled beef. This guide is just a map—your real journey will begin as soon as you hear that cherished sizzle of the grill and inhale the aroma of spices. Choose your adventure and enjoy your meal! Or, as they say in Korea, Jal meokkesseumnida.