SUNGHO

I saw this on the Michelin website as recommended. Food: Menu was limited, likely focused on their specialties. I ordered the pork bone soup and kimchi pancake. The soup was hot and flavorful. Quite filling. This soup is good as a full meal. It comes with a side of white rice so you should think it through if you’re getting another dish in addition. The fried kimchi was not memorable. The edges were a bit burnt. Probably ok as a street food, not so much as an appetizer. Drinks: the drinks were priced at city prices. Their makgeolli drink was exorbitant at $16 for a 750 ml plastic bottle. Not recommended. Service: It was a slow Monday night. The dinner crowd was thin so I got a lot of attention. The server was helpful and pleasant. Location and facilities: The restaurant was cozy with a modern vibe. The place was clean and you’re not overwhelmed by the odor of food or smoke from the cooking. That’s a plus. The staff were dressed professionally and looked quite competent. That said, this restaurant is in the heart of the tenderloin. The immediate perimeter did not exude sophistication and cleanliness, let alone a feeling of safety. I don’t recommend lingering in this area late at night or do what I did, walking from Union Square to this restaurant. Not a good idea. Parking can also be a safety issue so probably best to do ride-share. Overall: Flavorful Korean food, cozy venue, good enough for a night out. I would’ve added another star if there were more options and if you can ignore the surroundings.

Food is 10/10. I lowered my rating by a star due to service. Our order got lost and no one seemed to notice our empty table even after an hour. We eventually got our meal after I mentioned it. I think the waiters just need more training overall. Despite the hiccup, I would come back because the food is that good.

Walked in on a Friday night at 7:30 pm not expecting to get in but was pleasantly surprised when we were offered a seat at the counter. We ordered the kimchi pancake, bossam, and the pork bone broth soup. It was a total pork fest and I was full for hours after. Had I done it again I would have gotten the beef rib soup, just to mix it up. Kimchi pancake was thin and crispy. Bossam was super flavorful and very tender. The pork bone broth soup stole the show - so simple yet deeply satisfying and herbaceous. Service was great!

We ordered the beef short rib soup (갈비탕), spicy pork bone soup, and kimchi pancake. The 갈비탕 is the best I’ve had in the Bay Area and their kimchi pancake came out extra crispy. The staff were incredibly kind despite having an issue with the WiFi this week and being cash only (temporarily). I hope people will continue to support this small business operating in a difficult area in the city. The food is absolutely delicious.

Very soothing soup! If you enjoy something light yet layered with flavor, this is the place to go. I especially liked the beef soup, though the pork version is also quite good. The kimchi pancake is nice and crispy, but I wish the flavor were a bit bolder.