Koreana Restaurant

Just an FYI, Koreana burned down completely at the end of March. At this point, all that is left is a sign and a forlornly empty slab of concrete.
Koreana, I hardly knew ya, but I liked your Bulgogi and elegant dining room. Godspeed, gentle restaurant, godspeed.

Straight up — my first experience with Korean and I was not impressed. Ordered the recommended the beef bulgogi lunch as a good basic Korean dish. The meat was ok, very seasoned, but not so flavorful and a little tough. Liked the little side dishes that came in the bento box-​ish serving platter; some were good and some were just ok, many were fried/​tempura style veggies. Nothing was bad, but sadly, there was no yummy new discovery of a culinary delight.
Too pricey for just ok lunch, won’t be back.

I would consider starting to eat seafood again just for their Gleaming Mussel Feast. That appetizer is fantastic. I also remember their spider roll fondly, as well as their eel hand rolls (I’m not sure what that sauce is that they put on the eel, but I’m sure it contains crack). It’s been a while since I’ve been, due to suffering from the vegetarian affliction, but if I give up on this habit, I will be back here immediately.

I’ve been on a hunt for the best Dolsot Bi Bim Bop and Galbi in Austin.
This place is REALLY nice. There were a bunch of nice looking rich people here it felt like. TOO nice for me. When I eat korean I want to be in a livlier place. In general I hate places that aren’t lively, makes me feel like the general population went to a better restaurant than I did.
Galbi was $ 17.00. Whoa! Pretty expensive compared to the Korean grill from $ 11. I don’t think that the taste is a $ 6 dollar difference. I definitely think that what you are paying for is the décor. First off, the galbi here was good, my boy friend really liked it. I tried some and the meat was tender and flavorful. They cut up all the meat for you, so there aren’t any bones. Personally I like the bones, where my boyfriend said he liked it without because it was «convenient» which is true. I prefer the galbi at korean grill, so does he, this is because of the price difference and the galbi there is also fantastic.
Dolsot Bi Bim Bop: My biggest complaint about this dish is that the raw egg wasn’t cracked in my bowl. It was cooked in a pan and wasn’t yolky at all. I think they do this because people are afraid of the raw egg. But the point is the cook the raw egg in the claypot… so yeah. The server was super sweet, I probably could have asked her to give me a raw egg, but I didn’t know that a raw egg wasn’t the norm. Overall this dish was good. Price was around $ 14, whereas I could have gotten this at korean grill for $ 10.
Side dishes: They gave us about 6 side dishes. They were all pretty good, but I found it to be slightly saltier and the potatoes were getting a little tiring to eat because of the strong flavor. Sometimes I felt like their vegetables didn’t give that yummy CRUNCH. At korean grill you get like atleast 10 small side dishes. All of the their sides taste really refreshing and LIGHT.
Vegetable Tempura: Tempura batter isn’t the best I’ve had. Not as light and airy and crunchy as I’ve had before.
Anyway, these taste differences are really SLIGHT. If money wasn’t a factor, I’d still be eating at Korean Grill because their taste still surpasses the taste of Koreana. I’m not really impressed with this places food.
When you factor in the $ 10 difference, I DEFINITELY would be at Korean Grill with the superb food and the good prices.
I will say that the staff is amazingly nice. They’re good people. It’s a family runned restaurant.
I think people might be coming here for sushi. For korean food though, try Korean Grill.

The Yuk Gae Jang Soup at this place was good, spicy, good strips of beef. The sides were decent, non of the more exotic types were served, but they did refill them for free.
Our waitress was very nice, but even though there were only two tables seated she tired to put us right between these folks. At the end of our meal we where the only people in the place but had to go up to the counter to pay our bill.

For there things go down hill rapidly.
The place is over priced and under par.
My friend paid over $ 11 for a very small bowl of barely edible kimchi pork stew.
The $ 13 Chop Chae my brother ordered tasted like oily chinese food from Panda Express.
The atmosphere at this place is very odd.
The décor is «upscale» in inoffensive if cheesy but it is trying too hard. They need to put the effort into the food not there appearance.
The menu is confusing and looks like some sort of PF chang’s fru-​fru fusions place not a Korean restaurant.
Perhaps the sushi is better but given the price I would not try it.
This place is clearly aiming to be some sort of dating scene for 45 + North Austin Yuppies (aka the kind of people you care more about appearance than quality and assume that if a place is expense if must be good).
The music was the killer, some horrible sat radio channel that was a worst of the worst of sappy 1990s soft jazz, R&B, Michael Bolton crap played at top volume.

The first time I came here, I was very impressed with the atmosphere. It looked very classy, especially the booths that had the grill for cooking. In fact, the grill itself looked pretty classy too! The waitress who served my boyfriend and I was very pleasant, and it gave me a great impression on the waitstaff that serviced the restaurant. The price is pretty good for the amount of food that they give you! However, I notice that they never give you the same «extras». Each time, they add on something different. For example, they gave me complimentary miso soup with salad. On another day, they gave me another type of salad. So, I guess they pick and choose what they can offer on a daily basis.
The meat they offer for the BBQ portion is delicious! It’s definitely pricey, but if you split the check, it’s well-​worth it. You should try to the bacon and marinated beef, they’re really good. They don’t normally give you rice right away, so you have to ask for those. It’s unlimited rice and sides. The sides doesn’t have an abundant variety that Korea House does, but their sides are pretty good. Mmm.
I read somewhere that they have a tea room, but I’ve never asked about it. :) Another factor that it’s a good place to go? There’s a lot of Korean families there, haha. So you know it has to be good food!

I remember back when Koreana was one of the only two Korean restaurants in town. It has always been expensive for what you get. I guess they have to pay for the upscale décor and place settings somehow. If you are looking for a nicely appointed dining room for a date, Koreana certainly looks the part. Unfortunately, the Korean food has always been really, really boring. On a recent visit, I tried their bibimbap, and everything about it was bland. Even the hot sauce was very, very mild. I’ve had much better bibimbap in Austin for a lot less money.

I want a love boat, too!
Every time the bf and I come here, there are a number of other couples dining here. And at least half of them have ordered the love boat.
It’s a sushi special served in a giant boat (hence the name, not sure where the looooOoovvvvvee part comes into play — do you get laid afterwards?).
Anyway, I’ve not been deemed worthy of sharing a love boat with, but one day… maybe…

I’ve been here twice, and both times it satisfied what I had, which was a craving for some tasty korean food, with quality side dishes to go with it. This place is nicer in terms of décor, from the walls to the silverware on your table, and the higher price is part of it.
I’ve tried a couple of sushi rolls here, and both passed my standards, but the more important thing is korean food. Their bulgolgi and galbi are as good as anywhere else, always served hot and tender. The bim-​bim-​bob rice pot was good as well, i like the hot stone pot that makes the bottom rice all crispy and yummy. Both times I went they served 7 side dishes, all of them enjoyable, but I long for more choices like other korean restaurants offer for their customers, even at a lower prices.
This would be an ideal place for a nice dinner for a date if you want something that is closer to «upscale romantic» atmosphere for your fill of epicurean korean goodies. It’s not nearly as expensive as high profile restaurants but shows that you gave thought about your significant other. Sure there are cheaper delicious places out there, but it’s nice to sit on table-​clothed, nicely decorated setting too. The staff here has always been very hospitable and there when you need them.
P.S — I just noticed another Tri N. posted a review of this place, I have seen more Tri N’s on Unilocal the past month than I have in all my life, haha.

I USED to think the place was decent. I have IN THE PAST enjoyed a few meals there.
However, today I had a poor experience — to be frank, there are way too many great places to consume in Austin go back.
In short, I ordered the Spicy Trio — sushi — and about ¹⁄₃ the way into it had a piece of something that my body simply rejected — it did not make it down the pipe people… PEOPLE!
Ok, I did not actually regurgitate, but I did not swallow — went outside with a mouth full of water and let it go.
What’s worse?
Well, I kindly told the waiter something wasn’t ok — he took it away, did not offer to replace, change, etc. and indeed charged me full price — even added gratuity for me — such a tender heart :)
Anyway, the waiter was actually REALLY nice, polite etc. outside of what I would consider to be a less than stellar finish in not offering some variety of consolation.
Well, that’s the review — not a good one — kinda feel bad… not really sure what happened… but I don’t think I’m returning :(

This place has got to be consistently my favorite place to dine sushi. Maybe i’m treated like gold cause i dine there more than my budget allows but its always feels worth it. When in doubt about where to take that special someone, special guest, i always aim for Koreana. The NY roll is probably my favorite roll across Texas. I believe it is a variation of a Spicy Susan. Alex and Suk (sorry if I spelled it wrong) always treat me and my guest with sincere hospitality. I’m so glad i live like 5 mins away now. I just wish they opened 1 hr later, i’d be there for every major event in my following years.

This is amazingly good Korean food. The owner, Alex, is incredibly friendly and the atmosphere is immaculate. If your looking for a great place to impress a date and try something a little exotic, this is it. I recommend getting the Bibim-​bap, its the best in town hands down.
Expect to pay 30 – 50 for a two person date without wine/​drinks.

Arguably the best Korean in Austin — rather, it’s Korean with more of a gourmet twist in a very nice atmosphere — but you’ll pay a little more for this. If you want possibly more authentic, more food for less money in a divier atmospher, try Korea House — but this place is great.

First impression is the atmosphere — romantic, elegant and dimly lit. Bozai Tree and Orchids add to the ambiance.
This place serves up my very favorite Roll it contains all my favorites in 1 Roll. The Koreana Roll combines Eel, Tuna, Salmon, cucumber and Avocado. It might sound expensive at 12 bucks but since it contains all my favorites no need to order anything else. The sushi and sashimi are a bit cheaper than my other favorites by 1 or 2 bucks.
The Salmon Bulgogi is very very good and includes steamed rice and vegetables.
I highly recommend this place for the ambiance, quality and prices.
They also have a cozy tea room in the back for after dinner tea, drinks or dessert.
They also also have Happy Hour 5−7PM 20% off sushi

Go for dinner as it is a romantic place with good food and good service. I like the bulgogi and the Singapore-​style noodles (don’t see that on the menu anymore) and the Eel. The eel is very tasty. It is more Americanized than more traditional Korean places like Korean House or Korean Garden, but it beats those two in atmosphere. Not too pricy either. Sushi isn’t much different than most places. Go for it.

It’s more like Americanized Korean food. I heard that from my Korean friends.
but I like one dish, I think they put seafood into hollow cucumbers. Very interesting. And it’s quiet and romantic restaurant. I didn’t see many people every time I went there.

If you like Korean food, this is the restaurant for you.
Although it’s a bit north, even for people who live north, I feel like it’s worth the drive. It’s in a quiet location with a good-​sized parking lot, easily accessible off of Mopac next to a Corvette dealership.
The restaurant itself is nice on the inside, and especially quiet, which makes it a really great date location — so long as your date likes Korean food, of course.
The Bulgogi is great. The Yakki Mandoo is GREAT. And last but not least, the HOT AND SOUR SOUP is out of this world. And the next world, too. I used to make the trek up to Koreana’s by myself, just to sit with a book and spend several hours slurping away at several big bowls of hot and soup. It will keep you coming back, that’s for sure.
This place is truly a diamond in the rough. Check it out, and you, too, might just become a regular. And then you’ll become part of the family.

To a Californian, restaurants in Texas look pretty gawdy and scary from the outside, hardly inviting, and one is justifiably suspicious when those restaurants purport to serve a number of different ethnic cuisines. In Texas, a lot of restaurants are pan-​Asian, and not in a hip fusion kind of way, more like, they serve Korean food primarily, but thought it would be cool to throw some sushi your way to lasso a few extra patrons. However, I found that although scary from the outside, many of these restaurants were surprisingly nice on the inside and serve pretty good food. Well, this is one such restaurant. From the outside as you cruise down the highway, this place looks foreboding and scary enough, but its a whole different vibe inside, almost classy, and the food is pretty decent. Good lunch specials too.

Slightly pricey korean restraunt off Mopac in North Austin. The food here is okay but for standard korean mom and pop fare it might be too pricey so you might want to look elsewhere.