Friend's House Korean — Restaurant in San Diego

AUTHENTIC KOREAN FOOD!

Oh my gosh!! They’ve got everything here! The menu is so well put together; it isn’t big but they’ve got it all! Walked in and we were seated quickly! They said we could sit where ever which is great cuz I always prefer a booth. The servers are so amazing, so tentative and professional and don’t act like you’re bothering them when you need something! Always on top of my water cup and even brought me out a pitcher of water! The inside had older candid photos taken in Korean that made the whole place feel welcoming.

So I’ve been a few times already. We’ve ordered the BBQ Short Ribs, the Army Stew (Budae Jjigae), Steamed Dumplings, Spicy Rice Cakes, Spicy Chicken and Kimchi Pancake.

I’ll start off with my absolute favorite.. the Army Stew! It was so authentic! Had everything in it from hot dogs to spam to kimchi! It was loaded!! My only complaint is the consistency.. the first time I had it, it was perfect, had ramen noodles and bubbling on the burner at our table. The second time they have us wheat noodles with it which is not the traditional way of eating Army Stew.. and it was extra spicy, I still ate it and it was still so so good! But my preference is ramen and not loaded with jalapeños making it super spicy.. so if you come here and have a preference ask these questions so you’re not surprised.

BBQ Beef Short Ribs were delicious! Perfectly cooked and perfectly seasoned over sautéed onions. It did not disappoint. The spicy chicken had rice cake slices in it with onions carrots and other veggies. It was perfect over some rice. The spicy rice cakes were cooked perfectly and were true to their name.. spicy! But just the right amount of sauce and rice cakes! Best I have ever had! The steamed dumplings were pretty good and loaded, authentic Korean dumplings with a good sauce for dip! The Beef Bulgogi was top 3 I have ever had and that’s only because I have spent some time in Korea before but it was well seasoned, perfectly cooked and perfect with rice! The Kimchi Pancake was delicious as well and so large! Bigger than my chopsticks! Great flavors and so enjoyable. The sides (bonchon) they gave before the food came out was also enjoyable; enough to hold you over before the food came out and each side dish is made to perfection. I even asked for more of them!

Friend’s house is the best Korean restaurant I have had in the states! Authentic flavors, great service and just a nice chill spot for dinner. I regret all the times I’ve ever walking past this place and not walked in! I know Convoy has such good foods but trust me when I say this isn’t one you...

Worst korean place I’ve ever been to by far. Whoever says that this is “authentic” doesn’t know what authentic korean food is at all. Charging 20 bucks for a nasty dish when there’s so many better korean restaurants near here such as Prime Grill and DJK korean bbq. For this place there are pictures displayed outside of the restaurant and most of them aren’t even on the menu but they still have it. So the menu isn’t even updated. I asked the waitress if they still have the shrimp dish i ordered a while ago, that is also displayed outside with the pictures. She said yes they still have it. I ordered that and when my dish came it was a completely different dish. When I asked the waitress if it was a different dish she starts arguing with us saying “no no it’s the EXACT same dish displayed on the picture, we used to have bigger shrimp but now we just have these smaller ones”. So tell me why there is a picture of it displayed outside that is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT from the dish I received. The picture of the dish displayed outside was deep fried shrimp, no veggies, and the head and shell was still on it and it was huge shrimp and it wasn’t just completely drenched in sauce. The dish I received was already pealed shrimp, no head, the SMALLEST SHRIMP YOU CAN IMAGINE, 90% veggies, and drenched in sauce that wasn’t even good. There was probably a total of 10 tiny little shrimp in the whole dish. Never coming back here ever again, I don’t know what happened to this place, it used to not be this bad. Go to Prime Grill or DJK instead. Much better food quality and they know what they’re actually doing and talking about. This place is a complete...

Honestly, with keeping in mind price and portion size, this place is okay. My friend recommended this place as having good food. I wanted to try it out and honestly, I can only take away two good things from here: the service (kind of) and the candies they offer near the front.

When I arrived (they said the order would be ready in 20 minutes), I looked at a nearby menu and was confused with the prices because it had looked as though they overcharged us. The woman in front was quick to explain and it all made sense. I don't mind how much I pay for food, as long as the taste justifies it (and as long as they don't scam the prices too much with online ordering). I took a little candy from the bowl they had and the woman in the front said I could take more if I want (I forgot to do so, but I thought that was sweet). Well, they almost gave me the wrong bag, and had I not checked before leaving, it would've just been that. Ambiance was chill in this place. Things were tidy but still looked semi busy.

Getting home, my friend mentioned that the soup was a smaller portion than before. I can appreciate how they have different sides compared to other Korean spots, but they weren't necessarily better.

The sausages in the rice cake dish were of the store brand kind you buy when you don't want to spend money on the good sausages. Really disappointing.

The sauce was good but too watery. The soup was pretty good. Tasted just like one you'd make at home.

All in all, I would not recommend this place. You can get the bang for your...