We've pulled together our list of the best Korean eateries in the city centre.If you're looking for somewhere to celebrate, or just want to tuck in to some delicious Korean food, look no further than these delicious eateries in the heart of the city.

Pocha

Pocha Restaurant | 2A / 48 Courthouse Lane

“Pocha” is short for pojangmacha, which translates to “covered wagon”, in reference to the street food vendors in Korea who serve “anju”, sharing food to go along with Soju. At Pocha it’s all about the social drinking and eating experience, where groups can soak up the lively atmosphere while sipping Soju and chowing down on delicious Korean food. If you're dining at Pocha, you need to order one of their vast Korean fried chicken options - from sweet and spicy chicken, garlic butter, or almond crunch.

Pocha recently received an outstanding review in Viva, read it here.

Gochu

Gochu | 7/21 Queen Street, Commercial Bay

Fresh, flavour-filled Korean Cuisine, modern wines, cocktails and good times, Gochu draws on authentic Korean cuisines and flavours to bring you a new, New Zealand Korean experience like no other.

Kimchi Project

The Kimchi Project | 20 Lorne Street

Experience some great tasting 'Asian-infused' culinary delights on Lorne Street. It's easy to unwind in this laid back restaurant environment. The large secret outdoor courtyard utilises a traditional Korean inspired setting and great natural resources in its construction, including polished wood and bamboo, to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere for diners. Make sure you sample their Kimchi Waffle Fries with pan-fried kimchi, sriracha, yoghurt and crispy shallots and their range of Bao Buns, which make the perfect lunch or dinner option. 

Faro

Faro | 5 Lorne Street

Faro was established in 2009 and since then has attained a reputation for quality Korean cuisine in the heart of Auckland. The main dishes are all designed to be shared and the genius thing about Korean BBQ is the ability to cook your meat to your own liking. 

Hello Beasty

Hello Beasty | 5-97 Customs Street West

Serving up contemporary cuisine inspired by regions of Japan, Korea and China, Hello Beasty is a cult eatery on Auckland's waterfront. Hello Beasty’s kitchen offers a tasty and approachable sharing menu, providing an experience that delivers clean, bold flavour profiles with a touch of heat, from shucked oysters served with fresh wasabi, to spicy buns, slow-cooked Sichuan lamb, and their own creative take on KFC (Korean Fried Cauliflower).

Seoul Night

Seoul Night | 16 Fort Street

You need to visit this hidden gem located on Fort Street. At first sight, it looks like there is only a vending machine but if you venture behind, there is an amazing underground basement-like restaurant. Sip on soju while sampling Seoul Night's delicious street food menu that features fried chicken and crispy pork belly - it is sure to have you coming back time and time again.

Nol Bu Ne

Nol Bu Ne | 10 Wellesley Street East

Nol Bu Ne is a favourite amongst city centre locals with authentic Korean food at affordable prices. From hearty bibimbap and delicious kimchi to sizzling bulgogi and irresistible steamed dumplings, you will be spoilt for choice at your new local.

Mighty Hotdog

Mighty Hotdog | 47 Chancery Street

Located on Chancery Square, Mighty Hotdog serves super delicious and creative Korean-style deep-fried hotdogs. The menu includes a wide range of savory and sweet options: Mighty Kumara Hotdog (sausage & kumara), Mighty Potato Hotdog (sausage & potato), Mozzarella Hotdog (mozzarella cheese), Nacho Hotdog (cheese with nacho coated) to Rice Cake Hotdog (Korean rice cake), Choc Peanut Hotdog (Snickers chocolate).

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Hansik

Hansik Restaurant & Bar | 19 Drake Street

Hansik on Drake Street offers delicious and authentic Korean BBQ. The outdoor deck is a great place for a sunny afternoon with a colourful cocktail in hand. When it comes to a meal, we like to stick with the classic of Korean BBQ – the marinated beef. Coated in a marinade of ginger, Korean dark soy and garlic, plus finished with seasonal vegetables, this is a simply lip-smacking dish to dive into. 

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Red Pig | 2 Kitchener Street

Red Pig is located directly opposite the Auckland Art Gallery offering delicious, authentic Korean BBQ in an attractive and modern setting. This eatery offers more than just finger-licking delicious food - there's the added excitement of cooking your own meal using the built-in table grills. This is the traditional way to enjoy shared BBQs in Korean restaurants and definitely adds an element of fun to your dinner. The restaurant has an extensive menu of flavourful meat and side options; as the name suggests the pork section is the most popular. 

Last updated: 16 October 2023

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