Best Korean Food in North York 2026: Top 8 Spots Ranked
North York's Yonge Street corridor between Sheppard and Finch is one of the densest Korean food neighbourhoods outside of Korea. From premium BBQ and braised pig trotters to $18 unlimited-refill daily specials and artisan kimbap, this guide covers the full Korean food spectrum. For a deep-dive into Korean BBQ specifically, see our Best Korean BBQ in North York guide (7 spots ranked with AYCE deals).
Quick answer: The best Korean food in North York right now is at Meokja Meokja (390 Steeles Ave W, best non-AYCE BBQ, $45–$65pp), Nakwon Kisa (4895 Yonge St, viral daily specials from $18), and Hanyang Jokbal (6016 Yonge St, best pig trotters, $30–$45). For a quick bite, Karah On at 5925 Yonge St has premium beef kimbap from $12.
Top 8 Korean Restaurants in North York
Meokja Meokja
- Address
- 390 Steeles Ave W, North York
- Price
- $45–$65 per person
- Style
- Premium Korean BBQ (Non-AYCE)
- Proof
- Reddit: "Best non-AYCE KBBQ" (140+ upvotes) · TikTok: 82K views
Meokja Meokja is the gold standard for Korean BBQ in North York. Reddit's r/FoodToronto voted it the "Best non-AYCE KBBQ" with 140+ upvotes, and a @torontofoodie TikTok hit 82K views. The "Essentials" combo — corn cheese and fluffy steamed egg included with every meat order — means you're getting the full experience without ordering extras. Expect 1+ hour waits on weekends.
What to order: Special Beef Combo (the signature — premium cuts with all the sides), Corn Cheese (the table staple — bubbling and sweet), Fluffy Steamed Egg (the palate cleanser everyone fights over).
Nakwon Kisa
- Address
- 4895 Yonge St, North York
- Price
- $18 lunch; $28 dinner
- Style
- Korean Home-Style (Gisa Sikdang)
- Proof
- BlogTO: "so hit it has a customer limit" · TikTok/Instagram: 85K+ views
Nakwon Kisa is the breakout hit of 2025–2026. The "gisa sikdang" (taxi driver diner) concept offers high-quality, unlimited-refill meals for under $20 at lunch — unheard of in today's market. BlogTO wrote that it's "so hit it has a daily customer limit," and TikTok/Instagram clips of the daily rotating specials have hit 85K+ views. Get there early or plan for a wait.
What to order: Daily Rotating Chef Special (the whole point — different every day), Unlimited Salad Bar (included — load up), Spicy Pork Bulgogi (the consistent favourite).
Hanyang Jokbal
- Address
- 6016 Yonge St, North York
- Price
- $30–$45 per dish
- Style
- Korean Specialty (Jokbal & Bossam)
- Rating
- 4.4★ Google (1,200+ reviews) · XiaoHongShu: 1.2K+ likes
Hanyang Jokbal is the undisputed local favourite for jokbal (braised pig trotters). It's the top trending Korean food post on XiaoHongShu under #北约克美食 with 1.2K+ likes, and Reddit's r/FoodToronto thread says it's "legit better than most jokbal in Korea." The depth of flavour and generous portion sizes make this a must-visit for anyone who appreciates Korean pork dishes.
What to order: Original Jokbal (braised pig trotters — the signature), Spicy Bossam (pork belly wraps with kimchi — the perfect pairing), DIY Rice Balls (fun, interactive, great for groups).
Cho Sun Ok
- Address
- 7353 Yonge St, Thornhill
- Price
- $25–$35 per dish
- Style
- Traditional Korean
- Rating
- 4.4★ Google (2,300+ reviews)
Cho Sun Ok is the heritage pick. Famous for its arrowroot mul naengmyeon (cold noodles), it's the go-to for traditionalists and those seeking dishes made from scratch. Reddit's r/askTO calls it "the only place for authentic cold noodles" in the GTA. Their homemade soondae (blood sausage) is another standout — rarely found at this quality level outside of Korea.
What to order: Mul Naengmyeon (arrowroot cold noodles — the signature, especially in summer), Soondae (homemade blood sausage — the connoisseur's pick), Galbi Tang (short rib soup — the winter comfort choice).
Omiwol
- Address
- 153 Yorkland Blvd, North York
- Price
- $45–$75 per person
- Style
- Premium Korean
- Proof
- Toronto Life: "Best New Restaurants 2025" · Google: 5★ recent reviews
Omiwol is the premium date-night pick. Featured in Toronto Life's "Best New Restaurants 2025," their triple-aged short ribs use a proprietary aging process that sets the beef apart from every other Korean spot in the area. The sophisticated interior and curated cocktail menu make it ideal for special occasions when you want Korean flavours in an upscale setting.
What to order: Triple-Aged Short Ribs (the showpiece — melt-in-your-mouth aged beef), Knife-Cut Noodles (handmade, chewy perfection), Premium Kimchi Fried Rice (the shareable closer).
Karah On
- Address
- 5925 Yonge St, North York
- Price
- $12–$18 per dish
- Style
- Korean Street Food (Kimbap & Tteokbokki)
- Proof
- Reddit r/FoodToronto: "Best kimbap I've ever tried" (verified by Korean users)
Karah On is the budget champion. Reddit's r/FoodToronto features a post calling it "Best kimbap I've ever tried" — verified by Korean users in the thread. Their Premium Beef Kimbap is tightly rolled and generously filled, and the tteokbokki is the perfect spicy snack. It's quick, affordable, and authentic — exactly what the Yonge Street corridor does best.
What to order: Premium Beef Kimbap (the star — hearty and satisfying), Spicy Pork Kimbap (the gochujang kick), Tteokbokki (the essential pairing — chewy rice cakes in spicy sauce).
Bonjuk
- Address
- Yonge & Sheppard Centre, North York
- Price
- $18–$26 per bowl
- Style
- Korean Porridge (Juk)
- Rating
- 4.5★ Google · First Canadian mall location (opened 2025)
Bonjuk is Korea's largest porridge chain, and this is their first Canadian mall location (opened 2025). The buzz is real — 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their abalone porridge is silky, comforting, and loaded with whole abalone pieces. It's the ideal spot when you want something warm, gentle on the stomach, and deeply satisfying — a category that barely exists elsewhere in North York.
What to order: Abalone Porridge (the signature — whole abalone, slow-cooked), Spicy Seafood Porridge (the bold option), Beef & Vegetable Bibimbap (if you want something heartier).
Bakery Gateau
- Address
- Bayview Village, 2901 Bayview Ave, North York
- Price
- $4–$35 (pastries / cakes)
- Style
- Korean Artisan Bakery
- Rating
- 4.6★ Google · @bayviewvillage: "Hidden gem artisan bakery"
Bakery Gateau is the sweet ending to this list. Tucked inside Bayview Village, it was featured by @bayviewvillage as a "hidden gem artisan bakery" in December 2025. Their pastries and cakes draw from Korean baking traditions — think sweet potato, chestnut, and black sesame — with a finesse that rivals high-end pâtisseries. Perfect for a dessert stop or gift pick-up.
What to order: Sweet Potato Cake (the crowd favourite — not too sweet, beautifully layered), Chestnut Pastry (seasonal and rich), Soboro Bread (the classic Korean bakery staple with a crunchy top).
Looking for Korean BBQ specifically? We have a dedicated deep-dive: Best Korean BBQ in North York — 7 spots ranked with AYCE deals, prices, and a Yonge Street sizzle crawl route.
What's Trending in Korean Food Right Now
The latest buzz from TikTok, XiaoHongShu, and Reddit as of February 2026.
Nakwon Kisa — Daily Guest Limit
The "gisa sikdang" (driver's restaurant) concept is the #1 waitlist in North York right now. TikTok and Instagram clips have hit 85K+ views, and the restaurant imposes daily guest limits due to demand. Pro tip: arrive before 12 PM for the lunch shift to beat the line.
NOPO Korean Bistro at 5523 Yonge St
NOPO Korean Bistro is the most discussed new opening on XiaoHongShu and DailyHive. Chef Gabriel Jeon brings a 15-year pedigree to a sleek, luxurious tavern concept. Think modern Korean comfort food in a "date night" setting — a shift from the usual casual K-town spots.
Pizza Maru — Green Tea Dough Goes Viral
Pizza Maru near Yonge & Finch continues to dominate Korean fusion with its jade-green tea dough and Holy Honey Sweet Potato pizza. With 4.4 stars and 2,100+ reviews, the "cheese pull" TikToks prove its staying power. Purists dismiss it, but the crowds don't lie.
Mapo Gamjatang — Winter Comfort King
Reddit's r/FoodToronto keeps recommending Mapo Gamjatang at Yonge & Sheppard for deep, hearty pork bone soup. With 45+ upvotes on the latest thread, it's the verified choice for winter comfort food — especially during the current cold snap.
The “K-Way” Yonge Street Trek
Walk the Korean corridor between Sheppard-Yonge and Finch Station for the best Korean food crawl in the GTA. All spots are on Yonge Street and easily walkable.
Nakwon Kisa — 12:30 PM
4895 Yonge St (Sheppard-Yonge Station, 2-min walk) · Start with the Daily Special. Fast, fresh, and budget-friendly at $18. Don't skip the unlimited salad bar.
Blushaak Café — 2:30 PM
5203 Yonge St (10-min walk north) · Newly opened Korean minimalist café. Grab a Shaak Latte and enjoy the shark-themed decor. $6–$9 per drink.
Karah On — 4:00 PM
5925 Yonge St (5-min walk north) · Grab a roll of Premium Beef Kimbap to-go for a mid-afternoon snack. $12–$15.
Hanyang Jokbal — 6:00 PM
6016 Yonge St (1-min walk north) · The main event. Order the Half & Half Jokbal (Original + Spicy). Put your name on the list early — this spot is a XiaoHongShu magnet. $30–$45 per person.
Budget Guide: Best Korean Food Under $20
| Spot | Best Deal | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Karah On | Premium Beef Kimbap | $12–$15 |
| Nakwon Kisa | Daily Lunch Special (unlimited refills) | $18 |
| Bonjuk | Abalone Porridge | $18–$20 |
| Bakery Gateau | Soboro Bread + Latte | $8–$12 |
| Blushaak | Shaak Latte | $6–$9 |
| Cho Sun Ok | Soondae (Blood Sausage) Plate | $18–$20 |