After weeks of scrolling through reviews, debating group chats, and making silent promises to your stomach, you’ve decided—tonight’s the night for Korean food. But that means finding a spot that’s not too intimidating, loud, or so quiet you can hear your own doubts about ordering the spicy pork. It also wouldn’t hurt if the kimchi was life-changing. It’s a tall order, but we’ve done the work.
From sizzling barbecue joints to cozy bibimbap havens where the banchan alone might make you swoon, these are Hillsboro’s essential Korean restaurants.
Kings Bento
$ | (503) 430-7575 | WEBSITE
If the phrase “Korean restaurant in a Hillsboro strip mall” doesn’t immediately scream “culinary destination,” we completely understand. On paper, Kings Bento sounds more like a quick lunch spot you’d hit between errands than a place for a genuinely satisfying meal. But once you step inside, the warm atmosphere and friendly owner make you feel right at home.
We love the gochujang pork belly bento or the kimchi ramen with its flavorful broth, but if you’re not that hungry, stick to the chicken katsu bento or some dumplings from the appetizer selection.
Stir Crazy Kitchen
$ | (503) 848-8155 | WEBSITE
A meal at Stir Crazy Kitchen tells your friends that you know where to find comfort food with character. This bustling, welcoming spot in Hillsboro stands out from the crowd, with its spacious dining room, cheerful chatter from happy families, and the satisfying sizzle of dishes coming from the kitchen. It’s somewhere you can settle into a cozy booth and feel so content you won’t worry about rushing through your meal.
And it also won’t hurt if you order a plate of the Korean house chicken and generous sides, like the free kimchi that’s a perfect complement to every bite.
Gangnam Korean BBQ
$$ | (503) 690-9551 | WEBSITE
Gangnam Korean BBQ in Hillsboro is the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure group dining spot. If you want the full experience, grab one of the spacious tables in the center and order a feast, with dishes like sizzling bulgogi, spicy pork bulgogi, and an excellent dolsot bibimbap served in a hot stone bowl.
But if your group is on a tighter budget, it’s just as easy to share a few plates of tteokbokki and banchan like white radish and fish cakes, enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, and still leave completely satisfied.
Umma Korean restaurant
$ | (503) 746-6163 | WEBSITE
Umma Korean restaurant is a cozy neighborhood spot with fantastic Korean food in Hillsboro that’s become our go-to for comfort meals near the city center. Tucked away in a quiet area, it’s the perfect little hideaway where you can enjoy some of the region’s best bibimbap and bulgogi on comfy wooden chairs without feeling rushed.
The move is to order their spicy cold noodles with a side of kimchi, then share the last bite of bonchon—this little act of generosity might just make you feel like you’re eating a home-cooked meal made by a caring mother.
Goong K-BBQ
$$ | (971) 371-4960 | WEBSITE
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that Korean BBQ will always bring the heat. But some K-BBQ joints (the overly complicated ones) have a tendency to overdo it. Not Goong K-BBQ. This lively spot keeps things straightforward in a welcoming, no-frills space in Hillsboro. The food features standout dishes like spicy chicken bulgogi, beef bulgogi, and perfectly cooked Kalbi short ribs, and their draft beer selection is a great addition as well.
If you’re looking for something to share, you should order the seafood pancake, plus the cheese corn side, just to be safe.
Two Hands Corn Dogs
$ | (503) 430-1999 | WEBSITE
As anyone who’s tried a Korean corn dog knows, crispy coatings and gooey cheese are the ultimate combo. Which is why we love Two Hands Corn Dogs, a small spot that offers a cool and unique dining experience. You’ll find delicious options here, like the popular half sausage/half mozzarella dog, plus crunchy coatings such as rice crispies, hot cheeto powder, and bean powder with various sauces.
Grab a takeout order for two or more, then do something fun and tasty, like share a Stubborn Soda and try all the different sauces.
Seoul Grill
$ | (503) 747-3375 | WEBSITE
Because of its slightly tricky entrance for first-time visitors, entering this Korean restaurant in Hillsboro is like stepping into a cozy Seoul alleyway: everything has a warm, bustling energy to it, and the satisfying aromas are palpable. In addition, all of the food is amazing (get the bibimbap), and the menu is full of traditional and customizable dishes like spicy chicken, fried rice, and japchae that will hit the spot.
