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- Hidden Gems: The Richmond
Setting aside that the movie is called Uncut Gems, The Richmond is rightfully famous for the Chinese food scene, the weekly farmer’s market on Clement Street, and some newer hotspots. But if you follow your nose and know where to look, unassuming storefronts give way to some of the city’s most underrated restaurants.
So grab a jacket because no matter how sunny it is when you leave the house, you’ll be chilly when the fog rolls in and the streets become misty wind tunnels.
🍢 Moku Yakitori-Ya / mokuyakitori.com
Mostly everything listed below // image credit: me
Divine, smoky air envelops the entire block around Moku, making the restaurant’s presence known long before you arrive at the door. Once you make your presence known you’ll be swaddled in warm hospitality, a killer playlist, and perfectly grilled skewers of meat, fish, and veggies.
Whether it’s a long overdue catch-up with old friends, a carnivorous later-stage date, or a solo outing, Moku hits the spot.
Order This ⬇️
Chicken karaage
Momo
Harami
Buta bara
Kurobuta
Bacon enoki
Lobster tail
Ebi
Nasu
Eryngii
Eat Here 🔗 Reservations: N/A | Order online | Map
🥣 My Tofu House
Bibimbap // image credit: me
My Tofu House was the last meal I had before the city shut down in 2020, just before the idea of sitting in a restaurant became foreign. It was a banger.
Revisiting years later, the crackling of rice in a stone pot and bubbling of tofu stew are a necessary reminder that as much as our world can change, some things, blissfully, remain the same.
Order This ⬇️
Kimchi soft tofu soup
Beef bibimbap
Eat Here 🔗 Reservations: N/A | Order online | Map
NOTE: right down the blog is a new (and probably the only) ramen tasting menu spot, which is probably worth investigating 👀
🥩 Han Il Kwan
A lil bit of everything // image credit: Thyra
In a city with extremely limited KBBQ options, Han Il Kwan is a shining beacon of hope. From banchan to rice cakes to the main event on the grill, you’ll spend an hour or two zigzagging your chopsticks between plates to grab something delicious.
You’ll need your hungriest friends for this outing because although it’s not all-you-can-eat, you’re going to end up with a lot of food on the table and mama didn’t raise a quitter.
Order This ⬇️
Galbi
Maeun-bulgogi
Chadolbagi
Sundubu-jjigae
Tteobokki
Japchae
Seafood pancake
Eat Here 🔗 Reservations: N/A | Order online: N/A | Map
NOTE: while you wait, they’re happy to let you mingle inside and have a drink (beer or soju only), or you can brown bag it outside if you prefer the fresh air.