[Where to Eat:] Four Recommended Korean Restaurants in Shanghai

Welcome to Shanghai, a vibrant metropolis that weaves together the past and present, offering a tapestry of cultural experiences for travelers from around the globe. Among its many charms, the city's culinary scene boasts a diverse array of international flavors, with Asian cuisine taking pride of place. For foreign visitors eager to embark on a gastronomic adventure, Shanghai's Korean restaurants are a must-try.

Offering a taste of the vibrant and flavorful cuisine, these four restaurants are highly recommended. So, whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply curious about Korean food, indulge your senses and savor the flavors of Korea in Shanghai.

 

1.PADO

Rating: 4.5/5 (1535 reviews, Source: Dianping)

Per capita: 400 RMB

Business Hours: 17:30-24:00

Address: A101, No.1107 Yuyuan Road (Main entrance on Fenggang Road, opposite the East Gate 2 of Yuyuan Mansion)

(1) Google Map    (2) Apple Map

Listed as one of the Best 50 Asian Restaurants, PADO offers innovative dishes that break away from traditional Korean cuisine, ensuring a thoroughly satisfying and delightful dining experience. The flavors are spot on, with the only minor drawback being the relatively small portion sizes, but conveniently allows you to sample a variety of dishes. The dimly lit tavern-like ambiance is perfect for intimate gatherings with friends or partners over drinks.

Raw Beef Tartare: Top recommendation of the restaurant. The seasoning is rich and flavorful, incorporating pear, eliminating any trace of gaminess. Served with seaweed, it's a delightful combination.

Black Truffle Beef Steak: With a slightly sweet profile, the beef steak is grilled to tenderness, perfectly complemented by the aroma of black truffle slices.

Creamy Sea Urchin Pasta Sheets: The sea urchin flavor is subtle, but the creamy soup base is truly delightful!

Yuzu Black Sesame Burrata: The Burrata's rich, creamy flavor beautifully blends with the nutty aroma of sesame and the refreshing scent of yuzu, shattering my preconceptions of Burrata and delivering a stunning taste experience.

PADO Island: A masterpiece of creativity, this dish boasts a soup base that resembles a smoothie made from kimchi broth, a truly unique and innovative presentation.

 

2.Professor Lee (K11 Art Mall Store)

Rating: 4.2/5 (20263 reviews, Source: Dianping)

Per capita: 155 RMB

Business Hours: 11:30-14:00, 17:00-21:00

Address: 406, 4th Floor, K11 Shopping Art Center, No.300 Huaihai Middle Road

(1) Google Map    (2) Apple Map

A longtime popular restaurant that has recently undergone renovations and introduced some new dishes. The service adopts the Haidilao model, with dedicated waiters responsible for several tables.

Spicy Yellow Curry Rice with Charcoal-Grilled Chicken: Reminiscent of Tom Yum risotto, it boasts a delightful blend of coconut and curry flavors, truly unique.

Seaweed and Spicy Pepper Eggplant Strips: Resembling tempura but with a thinner and crisper exterior, each bite unleashes a burst of juicy eggplant flavor.

 

3.Qing He Gu (Pudong Branch)

Rating: 4.5/5 (6,144 reviews, Source: Dianping)

Per capita: 204 RMB

Business Hours: Saturday & Sunday 11:30-21:30 | Monday-Friday 11:30-14:00, 17:00-21:30

Address: Unit 403, Guangnianhui, No.588 Zhangyang Road

(1) Google Map    (2) Apple Map

A top-rated Korean BBQ restaurant in Shanghai, even celebrities are known to visit. Offering an abundance of complimentary appetizers such as honey-glazed pumpkin, creamy macaroni, and possibly up to 7-8 dishes, along with free ice cream and coffee. The Pudong branch is less crowded, providing a pleasant dining environment with private rooms available for advance reservations.

Both pork chops and beef steaks are exquisitely marinated and grilled to perfection, tender and delicious, often enjoyed plain or paired with vegetables without the need for sauce. The pork belly is expertly prepared, with a perfect balance of fat and lean, all grilled to your liking by attentive servers.

Soft Tofu Soup: This soup is not bland nor purely spicy Korean chili paste-based. Enhanced with clams, it imparts a more delicate sweetness and freshness. The egg is cooked to perfection, medium-boiled with a semi-liquid yolk.

Mixed Cold Noodles: Perfect for summer, offering a refreshing and satisfying meal.

 

4.IMO Auntie Soup Rice • 아줌마국밥 (Nanjing East Road Branch)

Rating: 4.1/5 (2341 reviews, Source: Dianping)

Per capita: 90 RMB

Business Hours: 11:00-22:00

Address: No.513-3, Tianjin Road

(1) Google Map    (2) Apple Map

Experience the ambiance reminiscent of the beloved Korean drama "Reply 1988," warm and tinged with a touch of romance. If you're strolling around Nanjing Road, make sure to stop by for a cozy pit stop. For an even more immersive Korean cultural experience, head to their branch in the Korean Street of Hongqiao Town, located in the Jingting Mansion.

Stir-fried Octopus & Pork Platter: Overflowing with spicy stir-fried octopus, boiled pork slices, bean sprouts, shredded scallions, and kimchi, this dish is incredibly generous in portion. Wrap it all up in a lettuce leaf for a mouthful of pure bliss!

Beef Soup Rice: Packed with flavor, the chili powder-tinged broth is brimming with ingredients like beef slices, enoki mushrooms, mung bean sprouts, and bracken fern. Give it a good stir before digging in, and watch your rice bowl disappear in no time!