KOBA Korean BBQ — Restaurant in New York

Service is phenomenal and fast.

Food was salty. I needed something to break up the saltiness of the marinated galbi and asked for radish and kimchi on the side in my box. Usually white radish is pickled and cut up, but this was just soggy radish with no flavor at all. The lunch meat portion was decent, but didn't fill up the entire area of the box it was in instead they put spinach or lettuce leaves underneath to compensate. The kimchi should be cold or at least have a good acidic bitter bite, but it was just saltwater. It was all salt.

I got pork mandu on the side, but it's mandu that's the most similar to an empanada which is not what I really wanted. The outer shell was a bit dense while the traditional mandu style is more on the translucent skin (steamed or pan fried). It's my personal preference, but just warning that this is the kind of dumpling they offer. I can't knock them for that because it is still a dumpling, but a forgettable one. I also got a soup on the side, but haven't tried because I need to recover from all the salt.

I would also recommend for the business to put their Chocopie's in the fridge during summer as mine was all melted when it only had to make it a block and a half from the restaurant.

For $23, the lunchbox is nowhere near as good as KTown lunchboxes I have had. I know it's convenient to the fancy Midtown East workers, but bite the bullet and take the train down if you want actual Korean food. One example of the same exact lunch box for less... Miss Korea BBQ for $15, $17 w/tax. You could even go to Woorijip and just stack all the ingredients and still spend less for a fresher bite.

I had been waiting to go here, and besides the service.... I'm a bit disappointed. Great people and I hope they can relax with the salt a bit and save some fridge space for those goodies...

I wish I could give Koba more than 5 stars for not only their food, but everything they have and do is of highest authenticity and quality with a modern NYC style. The owner is just a fantastic person as every person that works at Koba is the kindest and is genuinely happy working together in the busiest kitchen I’ve seen. First regarding their food, my mother gets her cancer treatment at nearby hospital by Koba and has a really hard time eating most foods and keeping her weight up but when we found Koba, it literally was a life saver for her as it was one of few things she can digest. The reason is their quality is of the freshest best ingredients that brings out taste so naturally good it is easily palatable anc digestible for her. The protein (beef, etc) is lean and vegetables are perfect every time. We also love all their sides such as their kimchee and tofu. Not to mention their japchae noodles and Kimbap rolls are so addictive. For vegetarians I love the tofu, soup, veggies Sam bap, and multigrain rice and veggie only Koba bowl. Also I have really picky kids and they love it here because they have simplistic dishes for my child that just likes meat, eggs and rice and then my other children they want all veggies and another that wants everything spicy. Every time my mother has to go to the hospital, she looks forward to eating at Koba. She feels at home because no matter how crowded and busy they are they are patient with each order to make sure it’s what she wants and goes out if their way to courteous and thoughtful whether we dine in or have to pick up. Also love the clean tasteful decor. Super! I wish they would open more...

I don’t understand how this place is not more famous?! I absolutely love Koba for their authentic Korean food, price, friendly service, and top notch quality! I wish this place is closer to my work so I can get this for my lunch everyday. I’ve come here numerous times and tried most of their menu. Everything was superb.

Be aware, their portion size is HUGE. Bibimbap is only $15 and I cannot finish it in one seating. My bf and I each ordered bibimbap and appetizer size japchae and we took almost half of this food home. Did I mention authenticity? Bibimbap has so many vegetables cooked in Korean way (don’t worry I promis you’ll love it too) that I almost cried when I first had bibimbap - in the middle of midtown! Their soybean soup is also legit. It’s not your normal miso soup - it’s got veggies, tofu and full of umami soy bean flavor. Just like how mom likes it!

Their ssambap has bouquet looking like fresh veggies with roasted garlic, dipping sauce and scallion salad… again, hard to believe I can find this kind of food in the heart of midtown with this price tag. It’s crazy! Oh they also give you cute little Korean snack to finish your meal 😋 - included in the meal. I cannot understand the economics of this price tag. How is this not double the price?

They have an unassuming casual take out restaurant vibe but I have no problem dining in. The restaurant is squeaky clean and staff are nice! Highly highly recommend this restanrant for anyone who’s hungry, looking for a healthy meal option, and wants to try authentic...