Top Korean Restaurant in San Leandro
JP Seoul Tofu House
14393 Washington Ave J, San Leandro, CA 94578, United States
When this place first opened, it was lackluster with limited menu. Today it is a beautiful restaurant with delicious food served with a vast array of banchan. I no longer have to leave San Leandro to find authentic Korean food, this place is wonderful!
Brothers BBQ
1292 Davis St, San Leandro, CA 94577, United States
A decent Korean restaurant in the middle of San Leandro. What I really like about them is that they open until 3pm for lunch, so when I got stuck on a late or meeting or something I can still swing by here for a bite to eat.One thing I like is they serve naeng myun, which is the buckwheat cold noodle. And when they say its cold, theyre not kidding around. Youll see ice cubes floating on the soup. Its so refreshing during hot summer (yall know how hot summer in the East Bay can be).Their other menus are standard korean dishes like bi bim bap, pork bulgogi, etc. Theyre all delicious and served with plenty servings of banchan (side dishes). Love it.
Maejoo Wings
185 Pelton Center Way, San Leandro, CA 94577, United States
Sue is one of the most incredibly talented chefs weve ever met. Her cooking combines traditional Korean recipes with the precision that comes from classical training as a chef, and it shows in every bite of her food. Maejoo is a place where the heart and soul come to rest.Our go-to dish is the Hot Stone Bibimbap, which has amazing crispy rice underneath a bed of tender vegetables and deliciously marinated meat. The egg is also perfectly runny, and the entire dish combines for a flavor explosion in your mouth. I prefer the Spicy Pork, and my partner goes for the Beef; no choice is a bad one!As an appetizer, theres no dish that stands out more than Sues Korean Fried Chicken. These wings have exactly the right texture with the bread remaining crispy while the sauce emenates flavor. Ditch BonChon or Buffalo Wild Wings and go here for your chicken fix instead!Were also huge fans of the Short Rib Bulgogi, though again theres no wrong meat choice. Order it with the Pork Gyoja Salad, which is a beautiful take on a classic appetizer, adding vegetables on top of gyoja to really bring the dish together.The Japchae is our sneaky pick; despite usually being only a vegetarian dish, it comes with the same delicious beef you can get on other dishes. Ask for it spicy for a nice surprise!Maejoo doesnt try to overwhelm you with banchan (the side dishes). They generally serve four distinct dishes instead of the standard dizzying array. While all are tasty, there are two standouts:1) Kimchi - Sue makes the freshest kimchi youll ever taste in your life! The flavor profile is a little less heavy on the palate, which allows the spices to really brighten up your mouth.2) Kale & Carrot Salad - I know, I know, its kale. I *hate* kale. But I *love* this dish! This is quite literally the only form of kale Ive ever truly enjoyed, and I love it so much that weve even asked to take some home with us before!Overall, Maejoo is exactly the kind of hometown restaurant you want around. The meals are reasonably priced, and the staff are always extremely friendly. This is quite simply our favorite any-night restaurant in the San Leandro/Hayward/Castro Valley area, if not the entire East Bay!
Bonchon
1275 Washington Ave, San Leandro, CA 94577, United States
I have not had Bonchon before but the other day I had a severe craving for some Korean food and decided to ultimately give the place a try. I tried all 3 varieties of chicken, and a few different dishes which include the japchae, bulgogi, and pork buns. For starters the staff here is so awesome and friendly, they were incredibly inviting and let me know about their dining room opening back up as restrictions are lifting. The area around the restaurant is a bit interesting in its own way, but I will certainly have to come visit again some day soon.Chicken- huge portions, full wing, and fried to crispy perfection. I love all the chicken here and I think when you compare the size and price to your other chicken spots, this place takes the mark. The japchae was classic and delicious, but I do wish I got a bit more out of my experience with the pork buns and bulgogi. The pork buns are so tasty and could do with a bit more pork belly, probably a thicker cut would be great. I felt like after two bites it was all gone and what was left was a bit of slaw and the bun! Though, please know that does not discount the flavor which is perfect, just wanted a bit more. The bulgogi flavor reminded me closer to kalbi or maybe even gyudon, which is a bit lighter in its sweetness. As well (this is due to takeout and not being able to serve on a sizzling plate) but the bulgogi was missing that smoky, caramelized finish you get on the sauce. I ended up tossing the it in my wok and stirring it up until the juices had fully cooked down and the meat was beginning to char- at that point it was perfect!Anyway, I much enjoyed my first visit here. There are some things I would fix a bit from my perspective, but the one trouble I have when ordering at Korean restaurants is wanting a bit of everything while all the dishes are prized for groups of people or parties. Fortunate enough, I can get some Korean fixings at Bonchon for a reasonable price that goes well for 1 or 2 people to eat. Thanks for good experience I will certainly try again in the future!
Top other services in San Leandro:
Drakes Brewing Company
1933 Davis St #177, San Leandro, CA 94577, United States
We have some unfortunate news and are disappointed to announce Drakes Brewery has pulled their sponsorship, only three days before Fans Fest. LDB/68's have incurred expenses purchasing sponsor banners, a digital marketing package and had rented equipment to set up a Drakes beer booth but are now left with no Drakes beer to serve and banners we will have to be recreated and printed just days before the event. They were our first beer sponsor, and we were so thrilled to announce them. The announcement of their support and sponsorship of Fans' Fest was very well received by the Oakland 68's and Last Dive Bar's combined 30k+ followers across social media platforms. Unfortunately to see that support not come to fruition is very, very disheartening. These fans don't deserve another beloved “community favorite” turning their backs on them.Our coordinating team were only provided with “unforeseen circumstances” as a reason as to why they were pulling their sponsorship.They have not provided any further details despite us seeking further clarification via email.For every sponsor supporting Fans Fest a digital media package is created for each one. Posters and banners were made. For beer sponsors, equipment is rented as well.#2024FansFest #Bloc15Oakland #JackLondonSquare #Oakland #FansFest #Bloc15 #LastDiveBar #Oakland68sA post event coffee table memory book is already in production and will now have to be edited, re formatted and submitted again.
Fifth Wheel Food
898 San Leandro Blvd, San Leandro, CA 94577, United States
Growing up in San Leandro, the Fifth Wheel was always a favorite spot and would be my traditional breakfast spot for my birthday each year. Decades later, this iconic restaurant still exists and they still do a fantastic job. The other morning I stopped by for their Traditional Breakfast with Korean BBQ pork and I was beyond impressed. The breakfast was full of savory flavor and they even offered to toss in some sauteed jalapenos which sealed the deal. The service is bright, bubbly and great at making sure youre well taken care of, particularly on the coffee. Cant wait to head back for some of those flapjacks!
Saigon House Restaurant
15001 Farnsworth St, San Leandro, CA 94579, United States
I recently tried out Saigon House and really enjoyed my meal. The seating outside seemed nicely covered and cool, while the interior has a lot of personality from its classic all wood counter to the many plants hanging around the windows and sills.The service was prompt and friendly. The owners seem to generally be taking orders or hanging around and are friendly, funny and talkative. I found that to make for a good dining experience personally as it added to the local, mom/ pop vibe present at this restaurant.We ordered a spread of food- the pho is really good. The brother is on the lighter side and not overly savory/ aromatic with a slight sweetness, so if that fits your palette, I believe you would enjoy it. The herbs and added items were generous and I got a good amount of meat in the bowl too. The bun bo hue was equally delicious, with a good flavor though did not have the trotter or pork blood which I always love to see as an add-in. The Korean BBQ Garlic Noodles surprised me and so I had to give them a try- the meat was perfectly cooked and flavorful, and the noodles were good, albeit slightly dried out over the course of our meal. The Vietnamese coffee here is really great, and the banh mi was also delicious and had a nice sweetness to them.Overall, I loved eating here from the atmosphere and service to the pretty solid meal too. If you are thinking of trying out this place, I would recommend doing so.
Original Giant Burger
750 Doolittle Dr, San Leandro, CA 94577, United States
We drove past this place countless times... I think we were actually a bit afraid to try it and it did look closed to us most of the time (you wont see many cars there, unless you drive past during lunch time).Yelpers helped us make the decision and boy we didnt regret it in the least. Their food is awesome, the owners are super nice, the wait time is not that long and we keep on coming back for more. My (before) fav burger place was either In-N-Out or 5 Guys (depending which was closer and cause they both have a lettuce burger wrap), but not anymore. These burgers are phenomenal. The value/price is also amazing (for this price you wont get this *big* of a burger anywhere else).Husband always orders a cheese burger combo (burger, fries and a drink) and is never disappointed. The meat is juicy and properly grilled, the fries are nothing special, but we like the fact that they are not salty as they usually are everywhere else.My favourite is the grilled chicken burger. I dont think Ive encountered a tastier chicken in any of the burger joints so far. I skip the bun (and pickles), cause Im gluten intolerant and I dont really like sweet and soft bread buns, but thats my own personal preference.We havent tried anything else from their menu, cause we just love those two things so much, but maybe the next time Ill dive into it and choose something else.Dont let the looks deceive you, they are more than worth the visit!
Kanda Ramen & BBQ
145 Pelton Center Way, San Leandro, CA 94577, United States
There are approximately over 100 Ramen eatery/restaurants in Bay Area (Sonoma County, Marin County, San Francisco, Eastbay and Southbay).After reviewing, Kanda Ramen with 4.7 rated so we decided to try out this place on Saturday at 12:30pm. Out of dozen different ramen menus, we ordered shoyu ramen which are most favorite ramen in Kanto Region (Yokohama and Tokyo area) in Japan. Make a long story short, presentation of toppings 2-stars, taste of soup 1-star, temperature of soup not hot enough and not clear and noodles are too thick and over cooked, only good quality was friendly waitress (she might be the owner) services, 5-stars.Out of over 100 Ramen eatery/restaurants, every single eateries are owned, operated and prepared by Non-Japanese so do not expect good quality ramen in Northern California (save money and eat a Nissins cup noodles instead) !!!!!Have suggestions; make a ramen taste so that Japanese would like it, not Americans taste. Secondly minimize ramen menus, (1) Shoyu Ramen, (2) Chashu Ramen, (3) Miso Ramen, (4) Shio Ramen and (5) Tantan-men.Eastern Japanese (Tokyo/Yokohama area) people doesnt care much for tonkotsu style ramen which are originated in Southwest Japan (Kyushu area). Lastly, noodles to be thinner egg (yellowish color) noodles cooked not too soft or not too hard and soup broth to be clear and tasteful (no fishy taste).
SONS OF LIBERTY ALEHOUSE
150 W Juana Ave, San Leandro, CA 94577, United States
Mother of god. Why have they hidden one of the most killer joints I've ever eaten and drank at in my life in some place called San Leandro, California? Probably because it would be overrun and cause riots if more easily accessible to a Texan like me. First off, the decor is dynamite; reclaimed wood, painted glass bar, glazed concrete floor, exposed joists overhead. Then the service is immediately recognizable as not screwing around (met the owners, insanely nice beyond measure [Canadian!?!?!] since you would think they must be militant lunatics as hard as the servers work.) Now as for food and drink… The large group I was with stuck with apps and drinking, and it was magnificent. Brussels sprouts so good I was willing to eat nothing else but of course still did, fries so perfect I could have kept eating them all night long if nobody would have pulled me away, artichoke dip so irresistible I was concerned it contained illicit substances, then brisket nachos and crispy ribs that are actually two different items on the menu but I'm treating them as basically one thing which is me finding myself somewhere between confused, heartbroken, and surprisingly proud that I wasn't being served them in my great Lone Star State of Texas because they're stupefyingly tasty, especially the ribs. (O, beloved ribs, how I miss you so much already!) As far as drinks, well, let's call them so criminally mouth watering as to comfortably qualify for a felony. Numero uno, the Blood Orange Margarita is just a banger, a winner anytime every time, no literary embellishment necessary. The Real Killer is a refreshing murderer so slick it makes you think it was your decision to be assassinated. And Fallin' For Ube is a cocktail so extravagantly delicious that four (or was it five? six?) of them will make the woman you love tell you she loves you literally more than any other time in history as you gracefully place her petite body in bed for a nice, long night's sleep. Bless you, Sons of Liberty Alehouse. And for a closer—and reminding you you're reading the words of a Texan here—bless Canada for bringing us such spectacular proprietors, Teresa and Tom.Having said all that, you're likely not surprised we went back for brunch two days later. What can I say about brunch at SOLA that hasn't been said about the moment you realized a recent friend you made would be one of your best friends for the rest of your life? Just as incredible as dinner if not more so. Biscuits? Look, I already told you I'm from Texas so don't get out of han… Oh, my god. Wow. These biscuits, is this real? Wait, have I died and gone to biscuit heaven? Wait, Duck Carnitas Hash, you say? Yes, please. And why is the meat the most tender and flavorful ever? Oh, it's confit for an astounding amount of time. Of course it is, SOLA, of course it is. And these chilaquiles, did you kidnap my woman's Mexican mother? Goodness gracious how good! Oh, and thanks for the best Bloody Mary I've ever had, which I probably could have continued to have had without anything else, food or drink, but fortunately your superb coffee provided the clarity to see past my short term pleasure and avoid being punched in the ribs by my darling lady by my side. Besides, I would've missed out on the chicken and waffles with maple butter and maple butter syrup, and I'm pretty sure you dosed that dish with something that would get me in trouble if I was on probation because it was divine. What a place, Sons of Liberty Alehouse! And shout out again to the owners, Teresa and Tom, who take more pride in their place than most people take in anything in their life!