Jessica W.
Yelp
Authentic Korean fare | Karaoke nightly
Blink and you'll miss it.
Restaurant Silla is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight gems -- tucked in the same shopping center as Marc's, yet I'd walked past it for years without noticing. A coworker finally nudged me to give it a shot, and I'm glad they did.
Inside, it's cozy but vibrant. Neon lighting dances off paper lanterns above, and there's a fish tank so boldly decorated it could double as an aquarium exhibit. (Shoutout to whoever's in charge of the underwater vibe.) Ordering is all done via touchscreen tablets at the table -- easy, fast, and gives you space to browse without pressure.
As for the food... let's break it down:
* Chap Chai ($16)
Stir-fried glass noodles with beef and veggies
This was my personal order -- and unfortunately, a one-bite fail. The noodles were clumped and glossy with a sauce texture I couldn't get past. I passed the dish off, and to be fair, the person who finished it texted later saying it was actually really good... but understood why I couldn't hang. Texture-sensitive eaters, consider yourself warned.
* Young-Ja Mandu (Large - $25)
Deep-fried dumplings with spicy sauce and a side salad
The dumplings themselves? Excellent -- crispy, flavorful, no complaints. The salad was surprisingly fruity, with chunks of apple, pear, and possibly mango tossed in. Super fresh, a little odd, but definitely not forgettable.
* Fried Dumplings ($8)
Pork and veggie, served with seasoned soy sauce
These were the winner of the night. Perfectly crisp outside, juicy and flavorful inside. Straightforward and well-executed -- I'd come back for these alone.
Before the entrees landed, we were served a complimentary spread of banchan (Korean side dishes) -- a mix of pickled radish, cucumbers, bean sprouts, a creamy slaw, something red and spicy that might've been seafood... who knows, but I'd eat it again. It was a thoughtful, generous touch and gave the meal a more immersive feel.
A few things to know:
- This is authentic Korean food, not Americanized. If something doesn't hit right, it's likely your palate -- not the kitchen.
- Prices had me expecting either larger portions or more premium ingredients. That wasn't always the case, so plan your order accordingly.
Final Thought:
Silla isn't trying to be everyone's favorite. It leans into traditional Korean flavors and textures unapologetically -- and I respect that. If you're the kind of eater who's curious, open-minded, and willing to explore beyond your usual go-tos, this place offers a real-deal intro to Korean dining.
Bonus points if you stay for karaoke -- or just bask in the glowing neon and aquarium glow while sipping on hot tea.