Classic Korean fare: stews, seafood pancakes, bibimbap
























"The chicken wings from this casual Korean spot are drenched in a thick, spicy-sweet sauce that pools at the bottom of the bowl like the world’s most delicious puddle. Even though each wing is well-coated, it still retains its crunch, which is one of the key factors to wing greatness. The other factor this spot nails? Meat that pulls right off the bone. We brave the line at this always-packed Sunset restaurant for this dish alone—and you should, too." - lani conway, julia chen 1, patrick wong
"We’ll do anything for excellent homestyle Korean dishes, including wait on the sidewalk with a dozen other spicy pork-loving people for our turn at one of the tables at Manna (even though they’re packed in, there aren’t a lot of them). But your reward for standing in a line is food that never disappoints. This constantly crowded Sunset restaurant serves barbecued meats and comforting classics, like bouncy japchae and spicy soondubu. Remember to tack on an order of chicken wings for the table—they’re well-coated in sweet-and-spicy sauce, and have a very respectable crunch factor." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong
"There’s no shortage of excellent Korean food in the city, especially in the Richmond and Sunset. Manna is one of the best options for homestyle classics, like bubbling tofu stew, sizzling plates of barbecue, and heaps of japchae. The walk-in-only spot is built for casual weeknight dinners that’ll end with leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch, since portions are massive and everything on the menu is under $20 (if you want a Korean restaurant that takes reservations, hit up Um.ma down the block). And a visit here isn’t complete until you get a round of spicy and sweet chicken wings for the table." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez

"This outdoor brunch place along Pacific Coast Highway started as a stopgap for chef Andrew Bachelier (previously of Jeune et Jolie and Cucina Enoteca) as he worked toward launching his larger restaurant partnership with pro skater Tony Hawk. It’s safe to say that this North County daytime cafe, Eater’s 2023 winner for Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year, has already become a beloved fixture in Leucadia. Diners have fully embraced Manna’s feel-good menu, which includes comforting savory pork belly congee, seasonal salads, and Turkish eggs with chili garlic butter. In the next couple of months, look for chef Andrew’s opening of Chick N Hawk with the Birdman up the street in Encinitas. Must-try dishes: Locals come for the unparalleled Turkish eggs and Manna bowl. Don’t skip on a vitality tonic, including ones made with Steady State coffee." - Candice Woo


"Inner Sunset residents turn to this Irving Street corner restaurant for its solid and extensive selection of Korean food — everything from spicy seafood stew to kimchi pancakes. You’ll likely see lots of diners digging into some variety of bibimbap, with the crispy rice buried under beef, vegetables, seafood, or a combo of all three." - Lena Park