Sam AlvarezWhile Nashville’s hot chicken often steals the spotlight, the city’s evolving food scene has seen a significant rise in high-quality international flavors.
For those looking to move beyond the tourist staples and explore authentic stone-pot stews or premium tabletop BBQ, finding the best Korean restaurants in Nashville requires looking at the technical skill behind fermentation and grill work.
Lucky for you, I’ve evaluated the city’s top-rated kitchens to help you bypass the marketing fluff and head straight to the most consistent spots for a traditional or modern Korean meal. Read on!
How much does dining in a Korean restaurant cost in Nashville?
When dining in a Korean restaurant in Nashville, expect to pay between $15 and $30 per person.
The total cost will depend on your meal choice, with casual lunches costing less and interactive tabletop barbecue dinners on the higher end of the spectrum.
| Dining Style | Estimated Cost |
| Casual/Lunch | $15–$20 per person |
| Dinner/BBQ | $25–$30+ per person |
| Appetizers | $8–$15 per item |
1. Onda Korean Restaurant
Website: https://www.ondanashville.com/
Address: 101 17th Ave S
Contact: (615) 678-8893 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–9:30 PM; Fri-Sat: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–10:30 PM
Walking into Onda Korean Restaurant feels like stepping into a cozy neighborhood secret that serves up both authentic tradition and modern creativity.
They excel at pairing classic staples like traditional mandoo with inventive surprises such as crispy Kimchi Arancini.
I recently had dinner here with a friend, and the spicy pork bulgogi tasted incredibly rich and complex. You can pair your meal with a creative Espresso Dalgona cocktail for a surprisingly perfect flavor match.
It’s worth noting that they actively engage with the local community through food drives and cultural festivals, creating a genuinely welcoming vibe.
Do note that getting a table during the peak dinner rush often involves a long wait, and the high volume of guests can occasionally result in rushed service.
Customer Reviews:
You definitely get your money’s worth here.
This is a nice Korean restaurant that offers great value for the money. The portions are generous, and the food tastes fresh and flavorful. You definitely get your money’s worth here. The service was friendly and the atmosphere felt cozy and relaxed. A solid spot if you’re craving Korean food without breaking the bank.
- Manoj M | Google Review
Korean food is absolutely delicious.
This restaurant is amazing! The atmosphere is stylish and modern, and the Korean food is absolutely delicious – full of rich, bold flavors that really stand out. The staff is incredibly welcoming and friendly, making you feel right at home. It’s the perfect spot for a great meal, good vibes, and a memorable dining experience. Definitely five stars!
- Hankoroke | Google Review
2. Ollè Korean Eats
Website: https://ollekoreaneats.com/
Address: 70 White Bridge Pike
Contact: (629) 202-4207
Hours: Wed-Mon: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Finding an exceptional Asian restaurant that easily accommodates strict dietary needs is a reality at Ollè Korean Eats.
Their primary draw is a thoughtful menu featuring handcrafted banchan made fresh daily alongside clearly marked gluten-free options like savory Japchae.
The culinary team brings a creamy contemporary twist to beloved street food with their deliciously rich Rosé Tteokbokki.
I personally love exploring the extensive kimbap menu, choosing from unique fillings like kimchi cheese and savory tuna.
Furthermore, aesthetically pleasing beverages like the Yuzu Mojito and passionfruit hibiscus refresher complete the vibrant dining experience.
Their doors close at 8:30 PM, though, so they’re not a viable option for late-night cravings or delayed evening dinner plans.
Customer Reviews:
Most definitely will be back without a doubt!
WOW! I am a bit of a korean food snob and this place blew it out of the water! Everything we had we so good! Most definitely will be back without a doubt! Taro Matcha Latte (non dairy options!) Bulgogi bowl, Chicken Mandu, Tteokbokki, and Japchae. Plus they have all the banchan you could want!
- Caroline Garner | Google Review
Good times, good vibes!
We loved the selection of Korean and Japanese drinks, snacks and Banchan! Then we ordered one Gimbap each (Bulgogi and Ollé OG) and shared an order of mini taiyaki and it was a perfect lunch! The staff was very attentive and kind (and quick!) We can’t wait to go again and try more things from the menu! Good times, good vibes!
- Rebekah Rodarte | Google Review
3. Babo Korean Bar
Website: https://www.babokorean.com/
Address: 1601 A Riverside Dr
Contact: (615) 750-5847
Hours: Mon-Sun: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Nightlife enthusiasts looking for bold flavors should absolutely check out Babo Korean Bar in East Nashville.
They operate primarily as a bar-centric venue focused on proprietary sauces, serving highly addictive Korean Fried Chicken coated in unique RC Cola soy garlic glaze.
Aside from that, the kitchen consistently delivers cult-favorite comfort foods like intensely flavorful kimchi fried rice with a perfectly crunchy texture.
However, the loud and energetic bar atmosphere makes it poorly suited for a quiet family dinner.
If you’re a regular, though, take full advantage of the dedicated VIP program and happy-hour specials to secure amazing quality at an affordable price.
Overall, this is the perfect spot if you’re looking to pair hearty bites with a curated beverage list.
Customer Reviews:
The food was delicious.
This place is The best korean barbecue bar i’ve been to. The server was amazing.She was so polite and nice.I will go back because of her. The kimchi was delicious. The kimchi Fried Rice was burnt in some places. However the food was delicious. The egg on top was so good.
- hello brain | Google Review
One of the best Korean food spots in Nashville.
I love this place. It’s a modern day hole in the wall in all the right ways. The food is stellar. It’s got a cool little bar. Friendly staff with punk rock vibes. One of the best Korean food spots in Nashville. Veggie/ vegan friendly too.
- Matthew Quinet | Google Review
4. Nashville Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
Website: https://nashvillekbbqandhotpot.com/
Address: 5855 Charlotte Pike
Contact: (615)-902-3999 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Sat: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM; Sun: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Gathering a massive group for dinner requires a spacious venue, and Nashville Korean BBQ & Hot Pot delivers on an epic scale.
This massive 13,800-square-foot facility stands out among local restaurants by offering a dual-dining experience in which guests enjoy tabletop barbecue and bubbling hot pot simultaneously.
When I visited last month with a large party, the sheer variety at the sauce bar and meat stations kept everyone completely satisfied.
The communal cooking setup encourages fun social interaction. Afterward, we had fun with over 20 interactive claw machines located right near the dining area.
Another positive aspect worth noting is their large plaza lot, which helps avoid downtown parking nightmares. The self-serve style takes some getting used to, though, and it can feel intimidating for absolute beginners.
Customer Reviews:
So many options and you can pick whatever you want.
The best hot pot and Korean bbq buffet in town! Just make sure you go with an empty stomach. I like the fact that there’s so many options and you can pick whatever you want.
The staff was great, the restaurant is pretty big and they have it well decorated and clean.
- Julina Kanhalikham | Google Review
I will happily come here as often as I can.
Ive never been to a korean hotpot before and its been an amazing experience, our server was super respectful and i didnt feel pushed, Talarin was super nice and welcoming. Will happily come here as often as i can
- teen foxy | Google Review
5. Seoul Garden
Website: https://seoulgardennashvilletn.com/
Address: 4928 Edmondson Pike #101
Contact: (615) 445-3613
Hours: Tue-Fri: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Sat: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sun: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Comforting home-cooked flavors take center stage at Seoul Garden, a relaxed spot perfect for casual lunches and business meetings alike.
The kitchen prepares a comprehensive array of traditional stews and soups that easily outperform smaller fusion locations.
Their dedicated focus on classic elements shines through specialized hot pots like spicy braised monkfish and immersive table-side grilling for premium Bulgalbi.
Diners are consistently treated to huge portion sizes that guarantee satisfying leftovers and an excellent overall value. They provide a generous assortment of banchan to accompany deeply nostalgic dishes like their sizzling Dolsot Bibimbap.
I’m just disappointed to hear some complaints about small tables sometimes receiving neglected, slow service when the staff is rushing to manage larger dining parties.
Customer Reviews:
This location did not disappoint.
We came to this place after wanting to try out different Korean BBQ places in Nashville. Let me tell you this location did not disappoint. The food was great, from the start the service , the food the seasoning and again the service was just phenomenal. Will definitely be coming back again.
- Amadeo Gomez | Google Review
Great service.
Dropped in for lunch. Had the spicy pork bulgogi, very delicious. Accidentally ordered the “one” level of spiciness instead of the highest level of “four”. Next time I’ll make the correct choice. Refilled the banchan when the plates were emptied. Great service.
- Michael Torbit | Google Review
