Korean culture has won the hearts of millions across the globe, from pop music sensations like BTS to binge-worthy Korean dramas on TV screens, and the food scene doesn’t fall far behind. With an uptick in restaurants, locals don’t have to stray far to get their fix of Korean barbecue, kimbap or kimchi. Here are some of the best Korean restaurants in Cape Town.
Maru Korean Steakhouse
Tucked into the buzz of Bree Street, Maru Korean Steakhouse by PAN Collection brings a sleek, contemporary take on Korean dining to Cape Town. The space leans into moody lighting, warm wood finishes and a lively social energy that makes it great for date nights and group dinners.
What sets Maru apart is the interactive Korean BBQ experience — premium cuts, including wagyu and marinated galbi, are grilled right at your table over charcoal flames, turning dinner into part theatre, part feast. Their Korean fried chicken is another standout, while traditional banchan and house-made sauces add layers of flavour throughout the meal. Maru truly offers one of the city’s more immersive dining experiences.
Location: 107 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00–22h30
Contact: 021 109 0039 | Book via Dineplan
maru.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Seoul Pocha Korean Restaurant
Seoul Pocha Korean Restaurant brings the vibrant energy of Korean street food culture to Rondebosch with colourful interiors, buzzing energy and a casual, social atmosphere.
Inspired by traditional Korean pochas (short for ‘pojangmacha’, which translates to ‘covered wagon’ – an essential part of Korean street food culture), the menu is packed with comforting favourites like bibimbap, tteokbokki and sizzling Korean BBQ cooked right at the table. Their Korean fried chicken and soju pairings are also crowd favourites, making it an ideal spot for group dinners or laid-back nights out with friends.
Location: 28 Main Rd, Rondebosch
Hours: Mon & Wed-Sat: 12h00–21h00 | Sun: 12h00–20h00 | Closed Tuesdays
Contact: 087 470 1260 | Book via Dineplan
Korean Kitchen
This Korean restaurant in Cape Town has a dedicated fan base. Visit Korean Kitchen for sensational Korean BBQ. Sit down for a spicy hot pot with dumplings, banchan (sides), corndogs, or a loaded bento box. Besides delicious food, they also sell K-pop merch and Korean snacks – guests can also book karaoke rooms to top off the dining experience. A fantastic spot for all.
Location: 103 Main Rd, Claremont
Hours: Mon-Sun: 11h30-20h00
Contact: 021 671 4604
koreankitchen.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Gogi Korean BBQ
Gogi has become a firm favourite for many locals, and for good reason. The stellar staff take the time to explain the menu, making it a fantastic introduction to Korean cuisine for first-timers. Indulge in mouthwatering mains like kimbap, bulgogi (beef) with rice, Korean fried chicken with pickled radish, or kimchi jjigae at their Newlands branch. They also have an Observatory branch, which is halaal-certified and caters to vegetarians with tasty dishes.
Location: Shop 8, 1 Dean St, Newlands | 1st Floor, St. Peters Square, 423 Main Rd, Observatory
Hours: Closed Mon, Tues-Sun: 11h00-20h00
Contact: 021 891 2222 or 076 581 6502 (Newlands) | 021 891 2222 or 076 580 8915 (Observatory)
KimChi BBQ Restaurant & Bar
Get your fix of Korean cuisine at KimChi BBQ Restaurant & Bar located in Green Point. Their offering is slightly more pricey than their competitors, but it’s well worth the visit. Customers have the option of grilling their own food or having the staff do it for them; vegan-friendly dishes are also available.
Set menu options and specialities include the La Kalby Set, a serving of marinated beef short ribs with steamed rice and sides of the day; as well as kimchi fried rice, and a tempting selection of crispy chicken. Their Woodstock branch is equally impressive; the ‘express Asian fusion’ restaurant offers an array of Asian-style dishes.
Location: Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village, Old Cape Quater, 15 Dixon St, Green Point | Double Tree By The Hilton Hotel, 31 Brickfield Rd, Woodstock (Kimchi Express Restaurant)
Hours: Tues-Thurs: 12h00–22h00, Fri-Sun: 12h00–22h30; Closed Mon (Green Point) | Mon-Sat: 11h00–22h00 & Sun: 11h00–21h30 (Woodstock)
Contact: 076 359 8074 (Sea Point) | 061 582 7793 (Woodstock)
kimchirestaurant.co.za | Instagram
Minari Korean Kitchen
With thoughtfully curated seasonal menus and an authentic selection of Korean cuisine, Minari keeps customers coming back for more. Enjoy refreshing dishes like gimbap (seaweed rice rolls) or ssam – wrapped lettuce filled with rice, marinated beef short rib and all the banchan (sides) fixings. For something belly-warming, load up on delicious curries and stews at their Stellenbosch and Simon’s Town branch. Somerset West residents can also order online with UberEats and Mr D.
Location: Shop 5, Simonsplein Centre, 61 Plein Street, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch | Boardwalk Centre, St. George’s Street, Simon’s Town
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12h00–21h00 (Stellenbosch) | Mon-Sun: 11h00–18h30 (Simon’s Town) | Mon-Sun: 11h00–21h30 (Somerset West)
Contact: 069 191 1202 (Stellenbosch) | 071 155 5796 (Simon’s Town)
Sepial’s in the meantime
Based in Woodstock, this Korean eatery has a steady fan base. Sepial’s offers an incredible menu of Korean cuisine. Their offering is more refined compared to other Korean restaurants in Cape Town. You can never go wrong with their dumplings, kimchi, beef short rib broth and incredible Korean fried chicken. We recommend trying one of their set menu options for the full Sepial’s experience.
Location: A046 The Palms Centre, corner of Sir Lowry Road & Selwyn Street, Woodstock
Hours: Wed & Thurs: 18h00–21h00 | Fri & Sat: 12h00–15h00 & 18h00–21h00
Contact: 071 497 3783 (WhatsApp)
sepialskitchen.com | Instagram
*All times and restaurant offerings are subject to change.
Want more? Check out our guide to Asian cuisine.
