Scotland may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of K-cuisine, but the capital city has a growing number of Korean restaurants that offer delicious and gut-friendly dishes. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Korean BBQ experience, fermented sides, spicy stews, fried meats, or alternative street food, here are some of the best restaurants for Korean food in Edinburgh.
Best Korean Restaurants Edinburgh Has To Offer
Kim’s Mini Meals
- 5 Buccleuch St, Newington EH8 9JN
Pass by and you’d be forgiven for thinking this is someone’s living room, with its diminutive size, net curtains and homey interior. But you’ll also spy a Michelin Guide sticker in the window, a nod to the restaurant’s status as a nominee for four years running. As such this is a hidden gem for those in the know, yet found in plain sight on the Southside festival tourist trail.
It’s been open since 2010, serving up authentic fare in unpretentious and unfussy surroundings. Order dishes like pork belly (samgyepsal) with kimchi and a side of salad of Kim’s own spicy sauce, or beef short ribs (LA Galbi) served with lots of homemade kimchi and a portion of rice.
Lucky Yu
- 53-55 Broughton Street EH1 3RJ
From Thursday to Sunday, you can indulge in all things Asian fusion at this hip little eatery in the Broughton area. Gyoza, sandos, yakitori and wings are all part of the menu, as well as some delightful fluffy bao buns packed with the likes of sticky five-spice brisket, kimchi and crispy onions, and veggie options like Korean fried cauliflower with hot sauce, blue cheese and sesame.
We suggest you make a beeline for Lucky Yu if it’s Korean-style cocktails you’re after, as this place mixes up some spicy libations using ingredients from afar.
Korean Munchies
- 26 Nicolson St EH8 9DH
Pay a visit to the latest Korean eatery to land in the city. It launched on the 3rd April 2023, in the heart of studentville. Signature dishes to sample include Mini Cup Ramyeon, their famous instant cup noodles, cheesy Tteokbokki rice cake, homemade curry with the house kimchi and Dakgangjung boneless deep-fried chicken with dips.
This Nicolson Street joint is super casual, so a great choice for a quick bite with your mates, or a low-key business lunch when you have the munchies.
Ong Gie
- 22 Brougham Pl EH3 9JU
The packed lunch and spicy doshirak sets at Ong Gie make for a great value quickie lunch. Or come for dinner and linger awhile over some proper Korean home cooking. The team rustle up their own kimchi fortnightly and lovingly bake roll cakes (think the Korean version of mochi) for pud. And the extensive menu caters well for vegetarian and pescatarian diners, as well as carnivores.
Open every day except Sunday, Ong Gie is an Edinburgh veteran, having served hungry diners generous portions of their fresh East Asian food since 2010.
Mirin
- 9 Albert Place EH75HN
As this is fusion dining, you won’t be exclusively limited to K-food if you want more of a range. But do try the Korean-style fried boneless chicken thigh with Carolina Reaper and Gochujang glaze, nori mayo, chilli, green peppercorns, togarashi, puffed pork crackling and spring onion — it’s a showstopper.
Locals may remember the teeny property as its former guise, Gulp Ramen, now transformed into this sassy little space, with plenty of urban chic. Dine at the ramen bar, at a table inside, or one of a couple outside. As Mirin has limited space, it’s well worth booking ahead to avoid disappointment.
