KOREAN BOB RESTAURANT — Restaurant in Invercargill City

I genuinely want to see this place thrive because it’s clear that a lot of effort and attention to detail have gone into the food, which was authentic and true to Korean cuisine. I personally enjoyed it, but there are a few areas that could be improved to make the experience even better for a broader audience.

For those unfamiliar with Korean food or with a more Western palate, the menu might feel a bit inaccessible. Adding dishes like Korean fried chicken or other options that blend authenticity with a touch of Western influence could help bridge that gap. Additionally, some meals arrived lukewarm, which affected the overall experience—ensuring dishes are served piping hot would make a big difference.

The restaurant doesn’t seem particularly kid-friendly, aside from the ice cream dessert, so families might find the options a bit limiting. However, the customer service was absolutely superb. The man who served us took the time to guide us through the menu, which was incredibly helpful for those less familiar with Korean cuisine. His friendliness and attentiveness added a lot to the experience.

I also want to applaud the effort to create homely, well-portioned dishes that reflect Korean culture. With a few tweaks, I believe this place has incredible potential to become a local favorite and help introduce more people to...

For the best, Korean comfort food in Invercargill, New Zealand, you need to head to Korean Bob. The minute you enter, you get 70s Korean restaurant vibes, Kpop music playing on their TV, and their owner greeting you right away (fun fact, his name is not Bob LOL). His name is Joseph and he’s from Seoul, South Korea, who moved to Invercargill and wanted to bring authentic Korean cuisine to New Zealand. Him and his partner Jackie cook up some of the best bimbimbap, soybean soup, kimchi pancakes and more, reminding me of some of the Korean food that I’ll get in Koreatown in Los Angeles, and of course the food I get in Seoul itself. We got their:

Doenjjang-jiggae Veggie Pancake Spicy Pork Stir Fry Japchae Pork Belly and Kalbi BBQ Soju, Makgeolli, and Terra Beer

Jackie makes all the banchan and cooks all the food herself, and it literally taste like a home cooked meal that your mom would make. All the dishes are hearty, have great flavor, and you will absolutely leave satisfied and will want to come back for more. You can easily pair your email with their wide variety of sodas, beer, soju, makgeolli, and more, and top your meal off with their dessert. They’re located in the heart of Invercargill, and it’s definitely a must stop when visiting the most southern most city in...

I had an amazing experience at this restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious, full of authentic flavors and beautifully presented. The owner was incredibly warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home. But what truly impressed me the most was their kindness— I accidentally left my bag in the restaurant, and the owner went out of their way to chase after me and return it. Such a thoughtful and genuine gesture! I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great Korean food and outstanding...