Top 2 Korean Restaurants in Kona, Hawaii

There are not too many food options in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, but if you are craving delicious Korean food, I have two great places in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii to recommend. The first is Kona Korean BBQ and the second is Seoul Cafe BBQ.  They are by far the best Korean restaurants in town.

UPDATE (11/27/17):  Just checked yelp recently, and turns out that Seoul Cafe BBQ has closed. This is so unfortunate because their food was really good. 🙁 

1) Kona Korean BBQ 

Kona Korean BBQ is located on 74-5540 Kaiwi St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Kona Korean BBQ is a casual eating spot and is located next to a liquor store. The eating area has a roof overhang and there are a few tables inside. The prices are relatively cheaper than Seoul Cafe BBQ. You order first and they will give you a restaurant pager to let you know when you order is ready. It’s almost like a self-serve restaurant, but on some occasions I see the owners of the restaurant  bring the food to a customer’s table.

I like their Meat Jun, Kimchi Fried Rice and Bibimbap. The Bibimbap would have to be my favorite because there is a lot of veggies meat, and rice. The Bibimbap has a balanced portion of carbohydrates, proteins and vegetables. I also recommend their Korean BBQ plates. The Korean BBQ plates (Bulgogi, Spicy Pork, BBQ Chicken) come with two scoops of rice and a choice of either mac salad or green salad. I like ordering their BBQ plates because you get a good portion of meat and it’s not too expensive. I also heard that their chicken wings are good, but I haven’t tried it yet.

I’ve also tried the Soft Tofu Soup Pork, but I think it is mediocre and a little pricey. So I would stick to the Korean BBQ plates and rice dishes (Bibimpbap and Kimchi Fried Rice). In addition to the Korean Food, they also serve Ramen, Philly Cheesesteaks, Burgers and Fries.

The eating area may be small, but the tables have quaint flower tablecloths, and I love the music that plays at the restaurant. Being outside listening to good music and eating good Korean food definitely enhances your eating experience at Kona Korean BBQ. Kona Korean BBQ has its own charm and grace. Go give them a try!

Recommendations: Bibimbap and BBQ Plates

2) Seoul Cafe BBQ

Seoul Cafe BBQ is located on 75-1027 Henry Street, Suite 104, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. The place opens from 11AM to 2:30PM and reopens again at 5:00PM-9:00 PM. I visited the restaurant during dinner time. The restaurant serves both Korean and Vietnamese food. I have only tried the Korean food so I will focus on my experiences with the Korean food. The owner of the restaurant is named Kim. She was the main person taking the orders, cooking the food, and working the cash register. She is such a nice and friendly lady. Considering there are not too much workers at the restaurant, the wait for the food will take a while. Please be patient!

My favorite dish is the Soft Tofu Soup. The flavor is so rich and spicy, and it contains a lot of mussels and seafood. It was not watered down and there was also an egg inside the tofu soup. In most of the Korean restaurants I have visited in Hawaii, there is no egg in the tofu soup soo that was a big plus for me. It’s the best Soft Tofu Soup I’ve had in Hawaii.  My other recommendations would be the Meat Jun and Kalbi. The Meat Jun had carrots and onions too, which I liked. The Kalbi is well seasoned, marinated and tender. The BBQ meats (Kalbi, Spicy Pork, Bulgogi)  are a bit pricey, but the portions are big, and I would suggest sharing the plate with one other person.

In addition, Seoul Cafe BBQ also has To-Go specials that are under $10.00. So if you want to order takeout, the prices for the To-GO specials are a good deal, but the portions are less than if you were to dine in. On top of the main dishes, I also enjoyed the side dishes. There is sweet potato, kimchi, mac salad, cabbage and more. It’s so tasty. Seoul Cafe BBQ is just great!

 Have any of you tried these restaurants? Let me know what you think! Leave additional comments or thoughts below.