Newcastle’s Korean food scene is smaller than the city’s Chinese, Indian or Japanese options, but what’s here is genuinely good — from tabletop BBQ houses on Dean Street and in Jesmond to a university student union stall that’s built a following well beyond campus. Here are the best Korean restaurants in Newcastle worth seeking out in 2026.

Soju & Gogi trades from Dean Street in the heart of Newcastle city centre, built around tabletop Korean BBQ with a hot plate set directly into the middle of each table. It’s one of the most consistently well-reviewed Korean restaurants in the city.

Diners grill their own meat and vegetables to order, giving the meal a genuinely interactive, sociable format rather than a plated-up main course. It’s a strong pick for groups wanting to share a long, unhurried meal together.

Soju & Gogi — 46 Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1PG

Mannaza describes itself as the only traditional Korean BBQ restaurant in Newcastle, run by professional Korean chefs who specialise in bulgogi alongside a wider grill menu. It’s the most reviewed Korean restaurant in the city, with close to 1,000 Google reviews.

The traditional format sticks closely to classic Korean BBQ conventions rather than a modernised or fusion take, giving it a slightly different character to some of the newer, more design-led restaurants elsewhere in the city. Its Monk Street location puts it just off the city centre’s main restaurant strips.

Mannaza — 5-7 Taylor Court, 1 Monk Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5XE

INSA Korean BBQ brings tabletop grilling to Osborne Road in Jesmond, a leafy North Newcastle neighbourhood better known for its cafes and bars than destination dining. It’s open six days a week and has quickly built one of the highest average ratings of any Korean restaurant in the city.

The format follows the same self-cook tabletop principle as the city centre’s Korean BBQ houses, giving Jesmond residents a proper Korean BBQ option without a trip into town. Its smaller size compared with the city centre spots gives it a more neighbourhood, low-key feel.

INSA Korean BBQ — 34 Osborne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2AJ

Kimchi Planet trades from inside Newcastle University’s Students’ Union building, serving Korean street food to a mix of students and visitors who’ve heard about it well beyond campus. It’s built a cult following on the strength of its food alone, in a setting most visitors wouldn’t expect to find it.

The menu focuses on Korean street-food staples rather than a full sit-down restaurant format, priced and paced for a quick, satisfying meal. Worth noting before visiting: as a student union outlet, it’s best checked in advance for current hours and access, particularly outside term time.

Kimchi Planet — Students’ Union, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8QB