Arirang Korean Restaurant
5232 S Macdill Ave, Tampa, FL, 33611
Arirang Korean Restaurant Menu
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Address :
5232 S Macdill Ave
Tampa, FL, 33611 - Phone (813) 837-1471
- Website https://arirangkoreantampa.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :Closed
- Mon : Closed
Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
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Erin S.
So, I hate to sound dumb or un-foodie like, but this meal was a tad confusing, but all I know for sure is.....i like. Never had Korean before, wasn't at all familiar with any dishes. My entrée was a bowl of pork belly, veggies, noodles and black bean paste. Amazing. Most meals come with a plethora of different korean side dishes, my favorite was the eggplant. The service was incredible. Our waiter was super friendly and helpful, explaining things and answering questions. I wish I had retained more of this information, but I was tired and hungry. Tungry. Just go. I left happy and full.
(5)Dena P.
Honest thoughts? I have had better. I agree with Coty that Arirang is really expensive and Korean food is overall an expensive cuisine in Tampa. We (boyfriend and I) started with an appetizer of Seafood pancake, which came out not as crispy or flavorful as Sa Ri One (the best in town in my opinion). It was soggy and the flavor was just off. We shared an order of dolsot bibimbap and wang galbi (which was a freaking $30 for the smallest portion ever). The dolsot bibimbap tasted plain even with the pepper sauce. I barely ate my portion. The galbi was what disappointed me the most, for $30 I expected a plate of delicious galbi but what arrived was skimpy dull meat. So you could say.. I was disappointed because the bill was hefty for a not so delicious meal. The service (whom I assumed was the owner) was nice and I enjoyed the cinnamon tea at the end of the meal. I really wish I could like this place because it's such a mom and pop's restaurant, but sadly flavorwise and bill wise I would rather visit Sa Ri One which is closer to me.
(2)Coty S.
Arirang is too expensive, and if the owner comes up to your table be careful what you agree to. Being a little familiar with cultures, I assumed that we were being given "service" by the items that were being suggested, as small tiny tastes to try the menu. On the other hand, items were being totaled up at full size and we were soon loaded with dishes and expensive teas on our table. The bill was in fact, as terrifying as I expected. Table of four for lunch $150.00 not including tip. For this kind of high cost, I would have expected something spectacular. That did not happen. The meat portions are pre-cooked and skimpy. Beef cooked until gray, not charred and bland. So, if you are a vegetarian, I recommend Arirang for you. Random noodle dishes were loaded with sugar, too sweet for any savory dish. For example; the Jajangmyun (Black Bean Sauce Noodles) and Bibimnaengmyun (Spicy Red Cold Noodles) were doused in corn syrup. It is very sad, but I could make better noodles at home and I am not even a good cook. The food at Arirang is the most "Americanized" Korean food I have had in Tampa Bay so far. I was previously warned about Arirang from my friends, but still wanted to try for myself. On a positive note, they do serve SamGyeTang--- whole chicken ginseng soup, the chicken is stuffed with tender rice. Like everything else; it is expensive $24.95, slightly Americanized, and sweet. By Americanized, I mean that the broth is punched up with additional flavorings, and salt and green onion is already added for you, and the chicken is dissected for you away from the table. Traditionally, the customer takes apart the chicken and the seasoning and onion is served on the side for you to add as you like. If I do return, it will be for the SamyGyeTang, because it is a rare find in Tampa. But, I will be very wary of the hospitality given. Maybe I can keep my lunch under $20 next time.
(3)Loreal D.
A nice little Korean gem in the south Tampa area. The service is really great and the food is as traditional as you can get. Their menu consists of many Korean favorites such as bulgogi, japche, and kimchi pancakes. They give an ample amount of side dishes and the dinner prices are average, ranging from $6-30 depending on what you order. The portion sizes are adequate for the quality of food. You can definitely tell the amount of love they put in their food. If you haven't tried this place what are you waiting for?!
(5)Brett N.
Why 5 stars? Because the food was great, but the people were better. --- --- --- My bulgogi was solid, and all of the sides were very good, but the people at Arirang were second to none. I asked the woman I assume to be the owner what in the world I do with the lettuce that was brought out to me. I couldn't figure out how to incorporate that into my meal, so how did she show me? By making me a little bulgogi lettuce wrap and literally feeding it into my mouth. That alone was probably worth the 5-stars. My girlfriend had a fried rice dish that I couldn't stop eating. Could. Not. Stop. Eating. I can't wait to return on a weekday, or weekend for dinner when they serve Korean BBQ! That's my absolute favorite, and I have a feeling Arirang will end up being my new go-to!
(5)Rachel M.
Trekked down to S. Tampa on a week day evening and had a great time spending it with great friends, great korean food, & great service with smiling faces. I tried the spiciest soup ever EVER called Kimchi jiggae w kim chi, hot dog, and noodles. It was a red colored soup. My mouth was on fire, & I mean FIRE, but yet I kept wanting more. We also had the seafood pancake, bulgogi, galbi, and jap jae noodles. There are so much banchan sides to go with everything, it's not even funny. The bibimbap in the hot iron pot was just alright to me and had ground beef. It was my least favorite. The best cherry on top was their tea made w fresh apples and cinnamon. Totally the best ever ever. I think I would like this place even more at lunch than dinner. I feel like the prices at dinner were higher than other places I've been to for the portion size. Nevertheless, still an excellent option in South Tampa.
(4)Anna M.
#250! I have decided to feature some of my favorite restaurants every 50th review and this one is way overdue. Ariang is undoubtedly my favorite Korean restaurant in the Tampa Bay Area. My dining experiences here have been top notch from start to finish. Ariang's owner Misook, puts her heart and soul into her restaurant and her food. Once you walk in, Misook and her staff, will warmly greet you and treat you like you are family. Ariang's lunch specials are a great value. Most restaurants will only give you at the maximum four ban chan side dishes. Ariang gives you six and not only that, they will refill them at no extra charge for you. For dinner, the meal prices increase somewhat, but Ariang takes it a step further with even more of a selection of ban chan, a side salad, soup, bigger portions, delicious cinnamon tea, and a dessert of fresh fruit. I have had the Bulgogi (chicken, pork, and beef), the Beef Galbi, Bibimbap (Mixed Rice with veggies in a stone bowl), and the Jjampong (spicy Seafood Soup). Everything was delicious, although, the soup was on the bit of the spicy side for me. The restaurant is clean and the service here is spot on. Misook and her staff (Yung, Amanda, Elizabeth, etc.) are attentive and efficient. I dine here often and I look forward to my next visit when I can try more of Ariang's Korean Cuisine.
(5)Jean W.
The best Korean food in Tampa. The fresh homemade meals will make you break out into a light sweat! Try the crispy kimchi pa jun, the bibimbap, the japchae, the bulgogi and andan chicken. You will not regret it. The service is delightful as well.
(5)Nancy P.
After reading all the yelp reviews, I eagerly arrived an hour early before the restaurant opened on a Saturday afternoon. The owner came outside and asked what I wanted as she opened the front door to let me look at a menu. She was so warm and beautiful. I ordered the seafood pancake, the bi bimbap, and omelette fried rice. Everything was delicious, fresh and lots of veggies. The meals included the ban chan sides. The kimchee was the best that I've eaten in a long time. The fried rice was so addictive that I could not stop until I was stuffed. The most incredible part of my experience was the service. I felt so cared about that I knew the food would be good! She even wrote on the Togo boxes a thank you! Thank you Arirang for exceeding my expectations which are already high. I live an hour away and will stop there again soon!!!
(5)Steve E.
Arirang is, in my opinion, the best of the Korean restaurants in the Tampa Bay area. I've eaten multiple times at all of the major Korean restaurants in town, and really enjoy the cuisine. Arirang was one of those places that had been on my bucket list for quite a while since it is a ways south on MacDill Avenue, and a good hike from Carrollwood. You'll find Arirang about midway between Gandy and Interbay on S. MacDill in the Ballast Point area of town. My frequent dining companion and very dear friend, Anna M, and I were in the mood to try something different for dinner, and after a quick look through our Yelp bookmarks we both decided on Arirang. The restaurant is small, but very cozy, beautifully decorated, and supported by a fantastic staff. Our server for the evening was named Young, and she spent some time welcoming us to the restaurant and telling us a bit about its name and its cuisine. This very delightful lady was quite helpful, and willing to answer all sorts of questions about their menu and their specials. "Arirang", pronounced AH-Re-Ang is the name of a Korean folk song, and is considered the unofficial national anthem of Korea. The food of the Korean peninsula is an interesting blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese flavors. After we looked over the menu, I decided to order something different from my usual Galbi short ribs, and so I placed an order for spicy pork Bulgogi. But first.... how about some appetizers? We ordered the fried Yaki Mandu dumplings which were filled with chopped pork, beef, chives, white onions, and green onions, and served with a spicy dipping sauce. We also ordered a small tasting of bacon-wrapped scallops topped with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Normally this is the point during your meal where you rub your tummy and wait for the main course, but at Arirang they have more surprises for you. Young was back with a trio of Korean tastes to put in front of each of us. We started with a small tossed salad topped with a miso dressing, a second bowl with some grilled pork floating in an herbaceous broth that's great over white rice, and finally a third bowl with their savory pumpkin soup. While we were busy nibbling away, Young brought out the traditional Korean banchan side dishes, and in this case we had nine different little bowls of greens, bean sprouts, radishes, pickles, kimchi, grilled onions and more. She also brought some Bibb lettuce wraps, a spicy paste, and a bowl of white rice. Next came our actual main dishes, and in my case the Bulgogi was a sizzling skillet filled with grilled strips of marinated pork. The Bulgogi was topped with sesame seeds and had a healthy kick of spicy heat which I really enjoyed. Young showed me the traditional way to eat Bulgogi which was to put a few pieces inside a lettuce wrap, add some of the savory paste, grilled onions, and then roll it up and enjoy. You would then take bites of banchan in between nibbles on the lettuce wrap. Thankfully I decided to stop after eating half of my main course, as Young was back again with a bowl of diced, fresh fruit that had been marinated in lemon juice and Sprite -- and it was fantastic! She also gave each of us a mug of their spiced cinnamon tea as a digestive aid after such a heavy meal. She very kindly refilled the banchan before wrapping up all of the leftovers, and she sent me home with plenty of Korean food for the next two days! All throughout our meal Young was checking with us, and answering lots of questions about Korean cuisine and cooking techniques. At the conclusion of our dinner we also met Misook, the owner, and had a great visit with both of these delightful ladies. After I reviewed all of the food, and the customer service, and the genuine hospitality that I received for the cost of my meal, I am convinced that these folks are the best in town! I really like Korean food, and so I'll gladly go back to see them again. My dinner was $25 for everything listed above, which included two Diet Cokes. If you're in that area for lunch, many of their lunch-sized portions are priced under $12.
(5)George W.
Bad vibes didn't eat here walked in smelled like sewer gas literally (I used to be a plumber) And they don't have a liquor license.
(1)Alex J.
Great service from all the staff! Drinks always filled up, sides kept coming, and our plates were nice and hot on arrival. The Bulgogi pork was so good! We order hot stone bibimbap! It's so good when combined with their spicy sauce. All the sides dishes were tasty and combined with the serving size, you'll leave totally stuffed!
(5)Fiona K.
My new favorite Korean place in Tampa. Everything was beyond satisfying and now every other Korean joint in Tampa that I've tried pales in comparison. I had the boneless beef ribs and the meat was very tender and had very little fat. The whole thing only had 2 bones and was superbly marinated even for my demanding palate. The meat was also plentiful for 2 people. I also had a spicy seafood soup that was finally spicy enough. Most restaurants skimp out on the spicy but this place finally heard my pleas and made the dish spicy enough that it was to my liking. One thing that stood out to me is that this place provides more ban chan (appetizer dishes) than a lot of other places I've frequented in Tampa. Every order includes all the little dishes as well as whopping plate of fresh lettuce for lettuce wraps.
(5)michelle l.
This is probably the best Korean food in Tampa. I had been skipping over this restaurant because they don't serve alcohol when I realized: I can bring my own! They are super nice about it too. As soon as my husband walked in with the wine bottle, our waitress showed up at the table with wine glasses and kept our glasses topped off. For dinner, this place isn't too busy. I'm told they are much more busy for lunch. We started off with the pan fried dumplings. My mother-in-law was in love with them, especially with the dipping sauce. I had the kimchee-pork belly. It was huge! I loved it. The cook actually came out to see how I liked it, must be a specialty of the house. My husband had the galbi, and he cleaned his plate. My father-in-law ate every bite of his fried rice. The cinnamon tea they served for dessert was the best cinnamon tea I've ever had. We had such a phenomenal night here with such attentive service and wonderful food. I will certainly return.
(5)Sya N.
My heart saddens when they told me they did not sell soju or any alcoholic beverages. I almost wanted to head straight out the door but my husband preceded to ask if we could bring in our own bottle of wine. The sweet waiter immediately approved. Our wine tasted so well with the korean dishes we ordered. We started with the seafood pancake and dear oh mighty, it was heaven. We ordered the beef ribs, spicy pork and chap chae (korean potato noodles) and the servers brought out 8 different side dishes to go with it. One side in particular was a potato salad which I was a bit skeptical as I have never had potato salad with Korean dishes. My husband made me try it and I was instantly pleased, it taste semi-sweet nothing like the old-fashioned country styled potato salad. Our friends never had Korean food, so this was a perfect place to introduce them. I'm glad I did not leave before ordering as all of our dishes were delicious and the service was spectacular. The waiter is extremely friendly. Whenever I'm on town again, this will be my first hit and hope I get the same waiter.
(5)Rosandra S.
I'm not one to write reviews very often, but Arirang is so deserving of one. The atmosphere in itself is wonderful. It's a quaint Korean restaurant that feels very homey! Misook is the absolute sweetest too-- I felt welcomed into her restaurant before I had even ordered. I came to the restaurant for budae jjigae, and it was EASILY the best I've had since I was in Korea. It was also the only place I've been to since I left that even made budae jjigae! The banchan (side dishes) were a great assortment as well! If you want authentic Korean food, then I highly recommend Arirang. It will not disappoint. I plan to spend much more time there.
(5)Charlie S.
Fantastic Korean cuisine, extraordinary service, very enjoyable meal. Best in central Florida!
(5)Allison N.
I really like the food at Arirang and I think it's reasonably priced at lunchtime considering all the food you get. I typically tend to get bulgogi while I'm eating Korean and have ordered it here several times during lunch. The price is pretty fair -- around $10, which is actually sort of a steal when you think of all the awesome sides you get with your meal! The pork bulgogi is my favorite. It's got a great flavor and has never been dry or too saucy every time I've had it. I've tried a few other dishes here when I've gone with my friends and pretty much everything has always been delicious. In terms of sides, I absolutely love the vegetable pancake served here and their kimchi is also really delicious! It seems like you always can get something different here which is really fun. Service is consistently friendly which is part of what makes coming here so great. The waitresses are willing to give recommendations and explain menu items should you need any help and always seem to be happy. I've never been for dinner, but I would love to try it out if it is as good as their lunch is!
(5)Jasmine R.
So I know I just had Korean food yesterday but I had a kickin' sore throat and wanted some good tea on my lunch break and Arirang did not disappoint! Their cinnamon tea is beyong amazing in flavor and throat feel. I ordered a kids sized pork dish that had enough heat that cleared my sinus right up but still had a great taste. The inside of this venue is very put together and welcoming. I have to second and third what other yelpers have said about the staff! They were so friendly that I forsee being back to chill with them over tea again this week!
(5)Daniel D.
This place is amazing! I started off with some fried Yaki Mandu and some of their in-house cinnamon green hot tea. I ordered the Kimchi Bokumbap (fried rice) and it was amazing! As authentic as my mom makes it which means it has to be perfect. The service by James and Misook was the best I've had in a very long time which says a lot! I cleaned my entire plate! The portions are very large so make sure you come here ready to eat. I definitely recommend this place if you're in the Tampa area. You can't get it any better than this in the South! Love it!
(5)Caitlin W.
My friend and I were looking for some authentic Korean food and we found it here. In order for that judgement call I had to order all my favorites and see if they were up to par. We ordered the seafood pancake for am appetizer which was delicious. Then we ordered dolsat bimbibop beef, beef bulgogi, chapchae, and jajamung. In non-Korean Foodie lingo, stone bowl rice dish with kimchee and fries over easy egg that you mix in your chili paste. Beef BBQ but Korean style not saucy. Chapchae is the thin clear noodles made in a wok, typically with a end taste of sesame oil. Jajamung is the black sauce over white noodles, sauce has onions, meat, and some kind of potato texture cubes. Of course with the bulgogi, you have the namuls (side dishes), so much variety! Also lettuce leaves and a small bowl of rice to make a beef bulgogi wrap. Definitely recommend and if I ever have a chance to go back I will.
(5)Pedro B.
The best authentic korean food in the área. It feels like back in korea seoul downtown.
(5)Helen L.
I have eaten here twice so far. Their yukgaejang is delicious. The spice level was perfect for me and the soup was so flavorful. Their soondubu on the other hand did not meet my expectations; the seafood tasted previously frozen. But that's just my personal preference for using fresh seafood when I make soondubu. They are generous with their banchan which is a plus. The service here is awesome. The servers are very welcoming and friendly. The interior of the restaurant is nicely decorated. The restaurant is on the smaller side so it makes for a nice dinner place for smaller groups.
(4)Marie W.
So I've been searching for a great Korean restaurant in the area (I'm half Korean, need some homeland food lol) and thought I found one until I tried this place. First and foremost, Misook is amazing. She's thr owner and greeted everyone that was there and made everyone feel welcome. The service is impeccable, probably thr most hospitable around. We've been treated like family each time we've gone. The food is amazing. They make mostly everything, if not everything, from scratch. The kimchi is hot and flavorful, the bulgogi is really good and not fatty, the soup, the portions...geese all the way down to the homemade soy sauce (if you even ask for any)! The place is clean and by far the best environment out of all the Korean restaurants I've been to in Tampa. The bathrooms are clean. There's ample parking too. The location is off the beaten path but I like that. Overall, this is a 2 thumbs up and a must try.
(5)Bobby K.
This restaurant was absolutely great! Atmosphere is very relaxed and the smell of great Korean food lingers in the air. Our dishes were fantastic. The pork bulgogi was out of this world, and all of the side dishes were so tasty to go with it. Chef Misook came out and introduced herself and was so incredibly friendly! I highly recommend trying this place!
(5)Paul A.
Extremely friendly staff, great selection on the menu, clean delicious tastes from the Korean Peninsula. I highly recommend, & will be back soon for more!!
(5)Anna P.
Went back two more times and was sorely disappointed. Their galbijjim was sugary overload with galbi scraps and mostly cartilage and bones. And their yangyum chicken (chicken wings) were boneless, dry, thick battered breading and covered in a thick sugary sauce. Nothing like true korean style wings. Couldn't eat but a few bites and felt sick afterwards. Also, their dinner entree portions are huge and for $25 bucks per person you could easily split an entree, but waitress always insists it's only for one person. Please make your portions smaller and your prices more reasonable so you don't have to pack up 8 styrofoam boxes full of leftovers.
(1)Daniel W.
I thought the jep chae was their best item. Although everything was good, it was a little pricey, but the portions were good. Also all the ban chan was really good, the Kim chi was really good too. I would say this is as good as any other Korean place in the area.
(4)Curtis B.
Hot stone bowl bi bum bop is simply amazing. Beef bulgogi with all the amazing homemade side dishes is outstanding. Cucumber kimchi, cabbage kimchi and radish kimchi is magical. This place is a hidden gem. Please make it a point to stop by. The staff is very helpful and amazing.
(5)Alexis V.
This has to be the best Korean restaurant in Tampa. The service is fantastic. My significant other had never eaten at a traditional Korean restaurant before, and the waitress took time to teach him about the family style serving and how to properly eat and wrap everything. The food is wonderful, but the homemade kimchi is to die for! If you're looking for Korean food in Tampa, you have to check Arirang out.
(5)Sam W.
Delicious food and menu, very kind and accommodating staff. The cinnamon tea was delicious. Menu indicates gluten free and vegetarian items. Will definitely come back. It's so nice to see another great Korean restaurant in Tampa.
(5)Kevin F.
I started out with fried dumplings and finished with the stone bowl Bibimbop. Both were super tasty. I also tried some of the spicy chicken bulgogi, which was great. Lastly, the cinnamon tea is quite good, but I am sure the ginger one would be tasty, too. Our waitress was super friendly and helpful. She gave tips to my wife about what she might like...and apparently they were spot-on from my wife's reaction. I really wish this place was located closer to my house, so I could come here more often.
(5)Pantana K.
This restaurant is very good! Very clean!! Very tasty!! Great service!! I will come back again.
(5)Viva C.
It was my first time here and service was really welcoming. The owner immediately suggested that I try their ginger tea which I gladly accepted. Since it was a "chilly" day, it was a welcome beverage. I ordered the soondubu and was expecting to get only 4 dishes of banchan (as listed in the menu). To my surprise, they generously brought out 6 dishes and even near the end of the meal, she brought out a huge vegetable banchan dish, encouraging me to eat it. Since I was eating on my own, I was so full that I apologetically told her I didn't want to waste it. Undeterred, she took my chopsticks and placed some pieces on a small empty plate just so I could try. I couldn't help but laugh feeling like I had a Korean mother enthusiastically stuffing me full of food. When I ordered the soondubu, she encouraged me to add seafood - which I didn't mind. I suspect one of their tactics is to suggest items to add to your dinner experience (and bill), but I didn't mind since I wanted to try this restaurant out. My soondubu was ok - more spicy than flavorful, but still chock full of ingredients. I was expecting to get a richer flavor, but all I could taste was spiciness. Sadly, half of my clams (although cooked) more sealed shut, so I couldn't eat them. I'll still definitely come back to check out all their other menu items. As I was leaving, the owner gave me a huge hug. Overall, the service is great. I can't wait to check out the other dishes.
(4)Bill P.
We went to this place for my Buds birthday. We were greeted by what seemed to be people in traditional Korean wardrobe. A very sweet and explanatory waitress helped with all the dishes of which we ordered a large assortment. All in all the food was excellent and the service even better we were hugged and kissed by the staff as we left which was the icing on the cake. Do try the cinnamon teas hot and cold they are excellent.....
(5)Whitney P.
Each time my husband and I have eaten here, everything has been perfect. The food is delicious, the portions generous, and the service exceptional.
(5)Keval K.
I've been here twice. I am a very critical person and I own my own restaurant in Tampa. This restaurant is above par! Apart from the location (which for me is convenient- but just seems a bit isolated) the service is great they were helpful with helping us with our to go order. The food quality is excellent, service is fast... By far the tastiest Korean/ Asian food I have had in Tampa. A must go to!!
(5)K S.
The food was great and the ajumma that makes the food was wonderful to us, explaining each dish. It was a great experience and we WILL be going back the next time we are in town! We even got a nice hug from her when we left!
(5)Lori L.
Went here for the 1st time today w/ my fam. My two children ordered the kids beef Bulgogi & rice & loved it, my husband ordered the sirloin steak salad which he said was good but the next time he'd just order the beef w/ a salad on the side because he's a meat eater. I ordered the beef galbi which came w/ a few traditional sides of lettuce, Wasbi onion, bean paste & rice. Of course we were presented w/ the traditional banchan (other traditional sides). My galbi was ok, the seasoning was good but the meat was tough. I was disappointed so will I go there again...probably but not sure if I'll order the galbi dinner again $24.99 & be disappointed again. All the apps, mandu & egg rolls were good as well.
(4)Lapis L.
One of my favorite restaurants in Tampa - Arirang deserves all the stars for beautiful, tasty food and a warm, wonderful atmosphere. Every time I come here, it feels like I'm coming home. The servers are so lovely and friendly and they are rightfully proud of their dishes. Love the seafood pancakes, dumplings, Neok Mandn Guk (rice cake and dumpling soup), Yang Nyum chicken and bulgogi - but everything we've tried is a winner. Bring an appetite because you will leave holding your full belly with one hand and the packed-up leftovers with the other - the portions are generous!
(5)Raf N.
Ok, my previous review was harsh. This place is growing on me. I've eaten here several times in the past few months; although I wasn't blown away at first, they've finally won me over through consistently good authentic food and TOP-NOTCH service. Their banchans are getting better and better. The owner and the staffs treat me as if I'm the only customer in the restaurant. I almost want to retract my previous review. But fellow Yelpers' trust is my top concern, so no matter how much improvement the business has made, I won't alter or remove my reviews.
(5)Matthew O.
It was a sunny day in South Tampa when I decided to try out a Korean restaurant I had never been to before. Upon entering the establishment, I was created by a very friendly waitress along with the owner of the restaurant. The interior of the restaurant was kinda small but had a very homey feel with pictures and some vases with flowers. Everything was very clean and very orderly. That particular day, going in at 1 in the afternoon, it was a very quiet day at the restaurant. The only sound was some Korean music playing in the background. Because there was no one else there, service was fast. I started off with some Korean Ginger Tea and Korean Barley Tea. The teas were well done, not too sweet and not too spicy from the ginger. Well worth it to try the tea if you are there. Next, a set of 5 Korean side dishes were served. These consisted of an assortment ranging from the traditional Kimchi to spinach dressed in a light sesame oil dressing with some toasted sesame seeds. For the main entree, I got the Korean Fried Chicken off of the lunch menu. It comes with a generous portion of white rice as well as a good amount of chicken. The pieces were lightly fried and covered in a sweet and spicy sauce. The chicken was done well with a nice crunch while staying decently moist. Some of the pieces were kinda big so it would have been nice if it was cut into a slightly smaller piece. But that didn't take away from the taste of the food. The sauce had a good balance of sweet, savory, and spicy without being too overpowering. I will definitely be back to try some of the other items on their menu.
(4)Asia L.
I don't think I've ever had as attentive a dining experience as I did today at Arirang. I'm 9 months pregnant, so I was feeling a bit queasy at lunchtime and didn't come in until around 3:30 and was the only customer there. I sat at the bar and was waited on in every sense of the word. A huge variety of dishes were brought out to me, tons of things to sample, and complimentary tea. I tried both the ginger and the cinnamon and even got some to take home :) This is a great lunch place, I would just shoot for a slightly later lunch to avoid the rush (after 12:00 you should be good). Everything I tried was great, and I try something different every time I go. I felt like I was a guest in someone's house and you just can't beat that kind of service.
(5)Lauren B.
Really good Korean food, with friendly and attentive staff.
(4)Amanda T.
Super friendly staff, amazing atmosphere and ULTRA DELICIOUS food! When you first walk in you are happy greeted and staff really tends to you. The food is fresh and you just feel very welcome and at home here. Will definitely be coming back.
(5)Joel E.
Truly spectacular. Everything is homemade and super fresh. We had yaki mandoo (which we watched them make fresh as we walked in), kimchi pancake, and pork galbi jjim. We also had ginger tea and cinnamon tea. Everything was perfect. Hands down best Korean food in Tampa. And the staff is super friendly and welcoming. Go here. Eat. Be happy.
(5)Maria C.
Flavorful, fresh Korean food. Excellent service. Clean & inviting atmosphere. Thank you, chef!
(5)Cynthia H.
So I had to add a review after our recent experience. Around 5 pm on a Friday night, we packed up our baby and headed to Arirang for dinner. I didn't want to cook and we were hungry. When we arrived the hostess greeted us half-heartedly and asked how many. We told her two adults and one high chair. She replied, "oh sorry, we don't have any." I said that they had a high chair last time we ate there. To which she responded that another family with two young children (the only other diners in the restaurant at the moment) were using the only TWO high chairs the restaurant had. We had no choice but to leave and eat elsewhere. A restaurant that size (not large, but with plenty of tables) should have more than two high chairs, otherwise they are sending the message that they are not family friendly. Perhaps they should trade in some of the unused tables in the front of the restaurant and buy some more.
(3)Deanna L.
I came in for a late lunch and really enjoyed myself here. The staff are super welcoming and because I was the only one in there, I got quite a bit of attention, haha. They're super friendly here. They have a lunch special and even though I came at the very end, they honored it which I appreciated. Ordered the galbi and it came with 6 banchan (SCORE! that's my fave part). It also came with lettuce and cabbage for wraps. Cabbage wraps were new to me but it was cool. They checked up on my a bit and made sure my water was filled. For those unfamiliar with Korean food, this would be a nice start since the placemats provide a bit of an introduction to the food and the server explained how to eat it. I'd come back to check out their other dishes and to chat with the server, haha.
(4)Dennis B.
We ordered the Galbi and Spicy Pork Ribs, it came with 6 korean sides, 2 pork and rice soup with boiled pork ribs and side salads. All the ingredients were fresh, i believe thats what we enjoyed most about the dishes. Their home-made ginger hot tea was delicious and a must try. The galbi had a good taste but the portion size seemed for only one person not enough for a family of 5. The Spicy Pork Ribs were delicious and the portion size was fitting for us. We had to order a beef bulgogi too to satisfy our hunger haha which was good too, unlike other surrounding Korean restaurants, Arirang's beef bulgogi was dry and not drenched is yummy sauce - it was a pleasant surprise. At the end they gave us fruit salads that have been marinating in sprite, sugar and lemon juice...it was a nice ending to a tasty dinner. Service was great too!!
(4)Brittany L.
Arirang is THE reason to venture south of Gandy. They have the freshest and tastiest Korean food in Tampa served by the kindest and most hospitable staff you can imagine. Happy 1yr Anniversary to everyone responsible for Arirang :)
(5)Joanna C.
Friendly and owner very caring. Very good meal. If you like spicy it's great! They will turn down the heat if you let them know. Steamed dumplings were different but light and yummy. We will come back next time we are in the area!
(4)Josiah G.
I've been really wanting to try this place and I enjoyed my experience even though it seems there are still a few kinks they need to hammer out as a newly opened business. I'm not sure what's going on with the ventilation, but it is a bit smoky throughout the dining area and that burnt oil smells seems to accompany it. The menu needs some work as it can be a little confusing. There isn't much for explanations of the dishes, but the waitress was able to help. We ordered the dumplings (because they were out of egg rolls) along with egg soup and we decided to split the pork ribs entree. The dumplings were delicious and were obviously handmade. They were stuffed full of fresh veggies, although I had a hard time discerning any meat. A very delicious and spicy dipping sauce was served with it. It was a nice portion and was around $4, so I was pleased with that. The egg soup was excellent. There were big, soft pieces of egg and the broth was delicious all by itself. The soup was only $3.50 per serving, so again, good value for good food. The entree threw me off a bit. The meat you order gets served with 6 sides. They actually came before the appetizer, so I tried all of them on their own and I enjoyed all of them. The bean sprouts and the spinach were especially delicious. We weren't told that they serve lettuce so you can make wraps with the sides and the meat. This would have been good to know because the lettuce leaves were served after we already began eating everything and also, we ordered ribs, so I wasn't sure how they expected someone to make wraps with ribs that were short on meat. I'm glad we chose to split the entree because with the sides, it was enough food and at around $20 for an entree, the price wasn't too bad when split. Even with the ribs being a bit skinny, I still had enough to eat. The flavor of the ribs was delicious, but there just wasn't much meat on them. A really nice surprise was the tea and fresh fruit they serve for free at the end of the meal. All the fruits looked and tasted as fresh as the vegetables from dinner and the tea has a wonderful cinnamon and spice taste. All in all, it was a pleasurable experience. They must not have their beer and wine license because no alcohol was available, so I hope they will obtain that soon as many people look forward to drinking Asian beers at Asian restaurants, myself included. I will definitely be back to hopefully try the egg rolls and some other entrees that I can actually make into a lettuce wrap. I assume the little kinks will be worked out soon.
(3)Esther G.
All I can say is WOW!! We are traveling from Austin, Texas and checked yelp for a yummy place to eat while in Tampa. The reviews are 100% accurate. The bulgogi, the sides, the yuki mata, and everything in between was incredible. Not to mention Misook, the owner is the friendliest woman I've ever met! We hugged it out as we were leaving and now I'm filled with sadness because we don't live here...every single time we come visit Florida WE WILL BE BACK! Thanks, Misook!!
(5)Bruce B.
This place is by far the best Korean restaurant in Tampa. Having been to all of them I have to say this place is so far above the others here in Tampa. Misook is one of the best chef/owners. She personally hand fed me food and made me feel like I was back at my grandmothers house eating Korean food with her friends stuffing food down my face. The experience is only out done by the food that is so good it will blow your mind. If you're looking for Korean food there is none better.
(5)Trevor L.
One of the best complete meals I've had in Tampa, from start to finish. Had the yaki mandu to start, then we shared the the pork and beef bulgogi. Between these 2 they gave us 8-10 banchan, I honestly can't remember because the table was covered with bowls and plates of food. Then when we were done they gave us cinnamon tea and fruit salad...a welcome surprise. I'm confident in saying this was probably the best Korean food I've had in Tampa. And by far some of the best customer service of any restaurants in Tampa. Everyone was helpful in helping us decide on what to get and especially helpful and nice to our young daughter. It makes a difference. When then the food tastes this good and the customer service is beyond expected I feel like I want to go back again and try more things on their menu. If it's out of your way, it doesn't matter, Arirang is worth the trip.
(5)Shuichi M.
First time visit..Beef and pork Korean.b.b.q.feast..so so good. especially 13 differents app.come with dinner nice!!! so much food and great test. I love you and best Korean food in Tampa Bay..;-)
(5)BooBooKatie M.
I would go so far as to say this is the best Korean food I've had since I left Korea a decade ago. Some folks have argued that other places in Tampa are better but until I've experienced it, I'm sticking with Arirang. The hospitality IS fantastic! It feels like everyone working there is family and all are outgoing. I have a tendency to stick with what I know I love so it's bulgogi for me everytime and it was so tender, I could bite right through it without having to tear and gnaw at it like beef jerky. I began to order a bunch of sides when the waitress waved me off and said "All of that comes with the meal". All of it? Yes, all of it. Rice, several different kinds of kimchi and other traditional flavorful sides to compliment the dish. I was so excited when I began to ask, "I know most folks don't make it but I don't suppose you have cucumber kimchi do you?" Yes, in fact that comes with your meal too. Whaaaaa?? It was a very generous amount of food for the price and ALL of it was delicious and authentic. I cant wait to go back again and again and again...!
(5)Windy C.
Arirang is the name of a Korean folksong and this restaurant sings! It is small and intimate and very welcoming. The owner, Misook, treats you like guests in her home. She is eager to explain the preparations offered and to instruct you in enjoying your experience in Korean dining. All the foods are served in homemade crockery befitting the beauty of the delicacies contained. The quality of the foods is better than any Korean restaurant I've been to. From the appetizers to the soups to the entrees and the side dishes, nothing was lacking and all was delicious. The bulgogi was marinated and grilled to perfection, not overwelmed in sauces. The banchan filled any empty space on the table and is noticeably homemade and delicious. The salad is not your usual iceberg lettuce topped with ginger dressing but a lovely blend of salad greens and a fresh citrusy dressing. The ginger and cinnamon teas are recommended as part of the experience. The entire meal is a unique and pleasurable experience and I will recommend it enthusiastically.
(5)Patrick C.
Don't let the outside appearance fool you! Once inside the restaurant was bright and clean. The service was fantastic as was the food. This was our first time eating Korean food and our waitress was able to help us decide what dishes to choose.
(4)P K.
I came to this place on a whim. I walked in and was the only person in the restaurant so I was a little skeptical on whether it was going to be good or not but I was not disappointed. The staff were very friendly, helpful and kind. Being the only person in the beginning part of my dinner, I had the pleasure of getting little bits of conversation with a handful of them before people started rolling in. I had the beef bulgogi. It wasn't the kind I was used to but it was still good. A lot of flavor and they gave pieces of lettuce if you wanted to make a wrap. I had enough food to feed about 3 people! Definitely a great choice.
(4)Paul M.
Finally made it here... Much better than Sa-Ri-Wan! The food was excellent. We went with a party of 5. All of us got different things along with 3 appetizers. No disappointments here! The flavors were traditional Korean!
(5)Jennifer S.
First time having Korean food and the staff was super helpful and excited to help us. Started off with tea. My husband had ginger and I had the cinnamon. Both were very good but I preferred the cinnamon tea. We had the seafood pancake as a starter. It was HUGE and probably my favorite part of the meal. I liked how crispy the outside was and the green onions and garlic sauce accompanied the seafood very nicely. For entrees, we shared the Bibimbab and the spicy tofu soup. Both were served with 4 sides which seem randomly picked. We had wilted spinach, kimchi, kimchi cucumbers, garlic radish, spicy radish, bean sprouts, garlic cucumbers and kimchi pancake. They were all good. The kimchi items were my favorite. Definitely will return but may stick to one entree and maybe an appetizer to share or bring more people. I think we have enough leftovers for the rest of the week.
(5)Chris B.
I am no stranger to Korean food and eat at Korean restaurants frequently. So when I heard that a new Korean restaurant opened in the area, I got excited and drove right over. It's a small place on S. MacDill and is very busy with both Koreans and Westerners. The food here is VERY good and most certainly authentic. In fact, I found out that Chef Misook previously owned restaurants in Osan, S. Korea - a huge plus in my book. I was surprised how they were able to replicate flavors using local ingredients. For starters, get the dumplings. Vegetarians need to try the bibimbap (it's truly the best I've ever had in this area) and be sure to get the fried tofu as one of your panchan. The bulgogi is excellent, and served in normal sized pieces so you can savor it, and even share with family and friends. Awesome. My only suggestion would be to play Kdramas and Kpop videos on the television screen. Other than that, all of our experiences at Arirang were very pleasant and we always leave with huge smiles on our faces.
(4)K S.
Best Korean food I've had in a long time! Placed an order to go and the staff was very helpful over the phone. The kimbap was as authentic as I've tasted in the States and the side dishes were delicious. The spicy kimchi was perfectly hot and the cucumber kimchi was crunchy and full of flavor. The fish cakes had great texture and just the right amount of fishy taste. I would choose the potato side dish over any potato salad any day. On top of it the employees were extremely warm and friendly. Will definitely be back when I am in town again!
(5)M L.
We had the most fantastic time at Arirang on a rainy Saturday late afternoon. We were greeted warmly, seated right away, and given hot ginger tea to start. The tea was delicious and sweet and a great way to kick things off. The owner gave us some recommendations for what kind of soups to try, and we ended up getting one order each of Yuk Gae Jang and Soon Dubu Jigae with seafood. We also had a seafood pancake to start. The pancake came out piping hot with some homemade soy sauce which put the whole dish over the top. Absolutely delicious, full of green onions, very tender octopus, little shrimp, squid, and all sorts of other tasty morsels. Unable to finish the whole pancake in one sitting, they very courteously wrapped it up to go for us. The soups came out shortly after in steaming hot clay pots. The Yuk Gae Jang was delicious, beefy, and not too spicy. The Soon Dubu Jigae was absolutely delicious, very spicy, and chocked full of clouds of silken tofu and delicious seafood. After fighting our way through as much of the soups as we could, they put everything in containers for us, and wrapped it all up in a bag with the leftover pancake. We finished up with a cup of warm and soothing cinnamon tea. It was the perfect way to end the meal. The whole thing was the best experience I've had in a Korean restaurant in a long time. The staff was so friendly and helpful. We'll be back in the future, without a doubt. If you're in the area, getting a meal at Arirang is definitely a must!
(5)James V.
Yaki mandu had broccoli instead of meat. Bulgogi was tough and had little favor. High prices for what you get.
(1)Deva B.
The food and the service are excellent here. I've had the bibimbap and the omelet rice, and both were perfect. Most Korean food is not vegetarian, but they have been great about modifying the dishes for me to cut out the meat. If you aren't used to Korean food, this place is perfect because the servers will explain what everything is and how to eat it. All of the little bowls can be intimidating if you haven't been to a Korean restaurant before, but your server will explain everything. Although I would not say it is a great place for kids, they were very accommodating and helpful when we brought our two young children.
(5)Michele D.
Food is great and deserves 4 stars. But the service and wait for it is terrible. If you don't mind waiting for the food check it. Try the spicy pork and galbi. Both great dishes.
(3)Berenice V.
Service was great but I am not sure if it was because I went during lunch but my portion size was small. I got the lunch special of bulgogi- it came with 3 thin strips of meat (beef jerky-like) a very small amount of rice and three kimchee/ pickled sides, but the sides were about one-two bites at the most. My friend ordered the same and we had to share sides. It was a bit of let down.
(3)Kt H.
Amazing! Service was excellent. Food was just as great. She took the time to explain everything on the menu. Sometimes dining at a new place can be overwhelming, but not here. By the end of my meal, I felt like family. I even got hugs when I left. Amazing!
(5)Matt H.
Great new Korean restaurant. Only thing better than the food was the service! On Mcdill, South of Gandy.
(5)Weatalo H.
Everything was delicious! I had pork bulgogi he had chicken. Spicy wasn't very spicy so don't hesitate if your thinking about it. Sevice, atmosphere, and parking were great! A classy place in a shady part of town. Make sure to visit if you are adventurous!
(5)Dawn M.
Food was fabulous and the owner and it's staff made us feel at home! More locals and military neighbors should try out this authentic Korean spot!
(4)Bridget M.
Probably the worst restaurant experience ever. I work in a restaurant and know Asian food. The food was alright, but the owner was so unprofessional. Yelling at her male server in front of the customer for a simple mistake. Then they walked into the back where she continued to scream at him for the whole restaurant to hear. Horrible.
(2)Michelle S.
It might have been that their foods were cooked differently than I'm used to. I ordered the Kalbi-tang and I'm used to a full egg cracked on the top of it, but this egg was stirred in with the soup. Which isn't the biggest of deals, but I'm half-Korean and was brought up that way. They also lacked a few Korean dishes that I'm used to, and/or beverages too. Per Trevor on 7/26, it MAY be the best in Tampa, because.. this isn't Koreatown, after all. But it's not the best, if you're used to truly down-home Korean food.
(3)Conor H.
We've been here a few times now and the food is great. I splashed out on the bulgogi last time and can highly recommend it, very well cooked and excellent quality meat - some of the best Korean food I've had since NYC. The location is pretty unprepossessing, but the restaurant is nice inside and the hostess is super nice (loud but extremely welcoming :).
(5)Will M.
Food awesome, service wonderful. Cinnamon tea was the perfect ending to an incredible meal. Come with an appetite.
(5)Josh W.
We love Korean food, so when we heard that a new place was here in Tampa, we had to come try it. You walk inside and it is a pretty cool décor/atmosphere, and the cleanliness, neatness, and organization immediately jump out at you. We went on a Monday afternoon, so there were only a few other people there. The staff is very friendly and sociable, which hasn't been the norm for most Korean restaurants we've been to (especially in K-town, Los Angeles and 1 of the spots here in Tampa). Our waitress came and answered questions and made suggestions on the menu, as well as general chit chat. The menu isn't that big, but has the main/most popular Korean dishes. Mostly grilled meats, as my wife commented that they didn't have a lot of the soups & porridges. I had the spicy chicken, she had a soup, and the little one had the kids omelet rice. We also shared some steamed dumplings. The dumplings weren't bad. Next they brought out the little side dishes. I really enjoyed the veggie pancake(something I don't normally eat), the potatoes in I think sesame oil, the bean sprouts, and the spinach. The wife ate the various kimchee dishes. Then the food came. My daughter's rice was pretty big and she only ate half, but she liked it. My chicken was spicy and came with lettuce and cabbage to wrap it with. It was good, especially with the bean paste that was on the table. Their chicken wasn't very saucy and not sweet like you get at a lot of the other places(I actually prefer this, but it's just a PERSONAL preference). My wife liked her soup, but she also said that it had a different taste from most Korean spots that we've been to. Overall I think it is a 3.5 because I prefer the taste you generally find at other places(our personal tastes), but the experience here was really good. Though we liked a number of things about here, I can't truthfully say that I'm a fan, which is why I rounded down. We may come back and eat here again, but if we don't it's because the other 2 Korean restaurants are closer to where we live(and one has sushi, which may or may not be considered Korean food). Do check this place out for yourself and feel free to tell me what you think.
(3)Odis G.
Amazing food and service, probably the best Korean food in town. Not much else to say other than this place is fantastic!
(5)Timothy S.
First time here at Arirang. Best korean food in Tampa or in Florida. Everyone should try it. Traditionally decorated. Service was really nice too.
(5)Jennifer H.
I'm so glad they finally put a Korean restaurant in my neighborhood. I love the authenticity of this place. The waitresses are all very polite and the food was very good. I only have one complaint and that is the smoke inside the building, which they told us they were building a vent for the roof so the smoke can escape. I hope that gets done soon!
(5)Julie C.
Delicious sides with every meal! I don't even like kimchi typically, but theirs was delicious. I had the tofu soup. I normally love spice, but the amount of spice kind of overwhelmed the dish, and downplayed the flavor in it. Overall, a great deal.
(4)Maria D.
I went with a group of girl friends and we started with the Dumplings, the spicy garlic sauce that comes with them is amazing and I asked for more to eat it with everything we had that night! Dumplings were good too! I had one of the soups and it was ok but not my favorite. My friend that got the spicy pork loved it. The portion was huge and we all passed it around and tried it. It was really tasty and the waitress did say it was her favorite. Another girl got the beef, forgive me I can't remember the name, it came in a huge portion and the waitress cut it up it was also delicious! I'm bad at Korean food and never know what to get but this far exceeded my expectations. And better than another place we tried in town. I would order the dumplings again with extra sauce. The amount of sides is ridiculous that we got, I liked a few of them and was plenty full when we left. BYOwine is great so don't forget your wine!
(4)Alexandra S.
Great Korean food addition to Tampa. Very good and pleasant service. Generous portions. We tried to the spicy pork bulgogi and the flavor was spot on. Craveable chili taste with a touch if sweetness. Also had the Mandu which were on target and a great seafood pancake which was tasty and came with a great sauce. The sides were plentiful and they offered to refill. Cinnamon tea at the end was a perfect ending! All in all better service than Sa Ri One in a much nicer setting. Recommend!
(4)Megan A.
The food here was soooooo delicious. The ginger tea was amazing and the pork bugogi was so fresh and had no fat on it at all like Matoi often does. I also had the fried dumplings and they were really good. The hot tofu soup was the best I've had in a long time here in south tampa. This place outs Matoi and Sari One to shame. My whole office is ordering lunch from here today!!
(5)MacDill W.
Waited eagerly for this restaraunt to open and have to say it was a disappointment. Long wait time, slow service, and a grill area that leaves the entire eating area smokey are only the better part of the experience. Food was not traditional as I experienced in Korea or at other restaraunts. If you are looking for really good and fairly priced Korean food, mkae the drive to Sa Ri One on Cypress and you will not be disappointed. I really wanted to like Arirang since it is very close to the base and could have been a nice change for something other than the normal restaruant chains, but sad to say, I don't think I will be going back. Has anyone ever seen Bulgogi being served in large slices with no sauce and vegetables not cooked with the dish? I know I sure haven't...Good Luck Arirang, I think you will need it.
(2)Elizabeth G.
My family loves ethnic. They were in from Charleston, a big foodie town, so the pressure was on. I saw Airang advertised and said lets try this. Wow, what a great surprise. My partner was stationed in Korean, so I knew we were in for a test. It was just fantastic, it surpassed everyones expectations! Food, presentation, and service and ambiance wonderful. We each had a different bulgogi which came with 6 side dishes. Each side dish came served in a charming handmade ceramic covered dish. We ordered an appetizer which we really didn't need because we were stuffed on the bulgogi and side dishes and small fruit dessert cup. The appetizer was wonderful though, a steamed type dumpling with spinach and meat. The staff was friendly, and attentive. It was extra charming as they were dressed in Korean traditional dress. The only thing you might find a bit funky is the music, and you would only understand it if you had been stationed overseas near an American base...but, for me it was fun as I was I taught on a Naval Base overseas. It is just a mix of old style romantic American songs. Me and my family rate this a 5 star all the way!!!!
(5)