The word ‘Korean restaurant’ in Arlington can mean a few things: a sizzling barbecue joint, a cozy bibimbap spot, or a bustling late-night soondubu house. And while each has its own specialty, they all serve food so authentic, you’ll consider moving to the DMV just for dinner. Arlington takes its Korean cuisine seriously—you’ll find places turning out perfect bowls of steaming stew, grilling marinated meats, and crafting delicate banchan. So, grab a seat and get ready to explore.
CHIKO
$$ | (571) 312-0774 | WEBSITE
CHIKO sits on a bustling Arlington street, but the fusion flavors are borderline too addictive for you to notice the neighborhood. The Orange Chicken is deeply satisfying with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, while their Pork and Kimchi Potstickers are crisp and juicy, filled with everything from savory pork to tangy kimchi, or green beans and smashed salmon for lighter options.
Don’t miss the wok charred wheat flour noodles, which teeter on the edge of smoky in the best possible way, or the half-a-cado salad for a fresh contrast. The bulgogi gets a final sear for extra texture, and the casual atmosphere makes it ideal for a night out with a couple of friends, though the space may feel cozy for larger groups.
Wagamama Clarendon
$$ | (571) 901-9242 | WEBSITE
Wagamama is legendary in the DMV area, and out of all their spots, Wagamama Clarendon is the standout. This must-visit restaurant turns out delicious food, like the Chicken Gyoza Ramen meal and freshly squeezed juices like Nourish Mint. Don’t miss the ‘Taste of Wagamama’ menu for $30, offering multiple full courses with drink pairings, including sake tastings. Before you leave, grab a bowl of ramen to go or a refreshing juice for later.
bb.q Chicken Virginia Square
$ | (703) 746-9940 | WEBSITE
The aroma of sizzling garlic and crispy fried chicken greets you immediately at bb.q Chicken Virginia Square, a cozy Korean spot in Arlington. We love grabbing a booth near the window for lively people-watching, or settling into the warm wooden tables in the back when we want a quieter meal. There are plenty of standout dishes, including the Nakey KFC with its perfect crunch-to-meat ratio and the Soy Garlic Fried Nuggies dipped in that addictive savory sauce.
Then there’s the Bulgogi Poutine—a generous heap of fries topped with tender marinated beef and melty cheese that’s so indulgent, you’ll swear the kitchen is hiding some secret ingredient. Owner Lydia’s friendly welcome and the attentive service make every visit feel special, whether you’re sipping a refreshing Tango Mango or sharing a plate of Corn Cheese with friends.
It’s the kind of place where even the complimentary Korean Birthday fish cake ice cream cake feels like a genuine gesture, not just a menu footnote.
BiBiMix
$ | (703) 387-0131 | WEBSITE
A bowl of hot stone bibimbap, served sizzling straight to the table, has frequently swayed our order at BiBiMix. This crispy, rice-based dish cracks open to reveal pools of spicy gochujang and rich vegetables. On top of that, you’ve got spicy tteokbokki, classic kimbap, and generous vegetarian options. Don’t leave without trying the creamy, sweet matcha iced latte—it tastes like a neighbor with a matcha obsession blended it fresh that afternoon.
The place buzzes with the sound of clinking dishes and the smell of kimchi fermenting, so it’s perfect for any quiet dinner or Korean cuisine outing.
SEOULSPICE
$ | (703) 419-5868 | WEBSITE
In addition to its quick service, SEOULSPICE has a great decor that makes the limited seating feel surprisingly inviting (speaking from experience). The Korean-inspired meals range from spicy pork bowls to japchae, but the standout is the customizable sauce and topping options—a flavorful, filling experience with generous portions. The small space also offers gluten-free choices and authentic Korean flavors, with staff like Destiny and Brian giving excellent recommendations.
Overall, it’s highly recommended for a tasty, satisfying meal, especially during busy lunch hours.
Oh K Dog Ballston Quarter
$ | (703) 567-3376 | WEBSITE
After exploring Ballston Quarter, make your way to Oh K Dog for a quick, indulgent bite. Everything here is fresh, hot, and designed to test your willpower. The highlights include the half-and-half hot dog with its melty cheese and crunchy fried shell, as well as the spicy rice cakes with their pleasantly chewy texture. There’s no formal seating in the food court setup, so grab your corn dog, find a spot nearby, and dig in.
Bonchon Arlington
$ | (703) 528-1011 | WEBSITE
There’s some real wing magic happening at Bonchon Arlington. It’s the type of place that flaunts all the Korean fried chicken awards they’ve won over the years, and the drumsticks are their crowning jewel—they’ve got a perfectly crispy coating and a garlic soy glaze that’s hiding in between the mountain of crunch. Holding one feels similar to cradling a baseball with a ridiculous amount of flavor—one bite and you’ll be scrambling to keep it all in.
Noonchi
$ | (571) 451-7030 | WEBSITE
If you find yourself in Arlington craving Korean flavors that hit you like a K-pop beat, make your way to Noonchi. Their chicken and Kimchi Udon Stir Fry are solid, but their Impossible Shumai steals the show (seriously). Imagine tender, savory dumplings filled with plant-based goodness, served steaming hot with a side of soy dipping sauce. They also offer classic options like original Kimbap and whole branzino, plus refreshing cocktails and mocktails where the Forbidden Rice horchata shines.
Enjoy everything at one of the vibrant indoor tables with street-food flair, or try to grab a spot on the patio outside the restaurant.