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SJ Omogari Korean Restaurant
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11:30 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
1010 reviews for SJ Omogari Korean Restaurant
Review Highlights
"Oh and the green tea ice cream was soooo good."
(in 258 reviews)
"Meat-jun + rice in your mouth = mmmm satisfaction."
(in 145 reviews)
"but I especially love their bul-go-gi."
(in 80 reviews)
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1010 reviews in English
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Review from Kahveh K.
San Jose, CA
1/25/2012
My friends brought me here tonight. They go on a weekly basis but this was my first time!
The waiter were all very welcoming and very attentive. They brought our order in such a timely manner, and they were all fresh hot and so deliciously tender! They're all very polite, prompt, and really kind and welcoming.
I really recommend the mushroom and tofu soup. It was absolutely delicious and very hearty. They give you a complementary scoop of their very delicious ice cream, which I can't put my finger on. It's a sweet vanilla with a hint of green tea. It's perfect. :)
Highly recommend this place! -
Review from Malyssa C.
San Jose, CA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was FINALLY able to make a trip here with my bf. He's pretty critical and isn't impressed by food very often, but even he loved this place! The food is reasonably priced, served in good portions, and is most importantly really yummy! The place is pretty small so I would try to avoid the peak times.
We ordered the bol-go-gi and jap-chae. Both were sooo good. The marinade they use for the meat is perfect! Full of flavor, not too sweet, tender, juicy, and ahhh *drooool* .. must. have. some. nooowwww!
I highly recommend this place and plan to come back soon to try some other dishes! Maybe even as soon as today! =X haha -
Review from Misao T.
San Jose, CA
2/5/2012
I like their beef tofu soup and their sea food bim bim bap. Everything is really good here. Although I prefer other Korean restaurants because they have more ban chan.
Service is super friendly over here. The dad was very funny and goofy. :) Cute family shop. And yay complimentary green tea ice cream! Props that it's one of the only shop that is open during the dead hour (~3pm-~5pm) in Japan Town. -
Review from Van S.
San Jose, CA
2/1/2012
This place use to be my favorite, but it's still on my top list. Reason why I gave it 4 stars.... I'll tell you why?
When I come here (almost 1 to 2 times a month), I would always order my usual Kimchi Stone Pot (Kimchi, spicy pork, bean sprouts & rice in a sizzling stone pot) MMMMmmmmm ...But now, that Kimchi Stone Pot is just filled with too much rice and spice. Often times with so little Kimchi and less beef, as they use to serve a good amount in the past. I'm pretty sure because of their popularity, they've gotten a bit greedy about the beef portion. It's okay, the stone pot is good, but not as delicious. (I would've given it 3.5 stars, but Yelp doesn't have that system).
The place is really small. When dinner hits and weekend comes, this place get packed and the owner of the restaurant would rush you into ordering. But on days when it isn't so busy, the service is friendly and courteous. As soon as you are seated you get multiple mini-style appetizer (Kimchi, pickled bean sprout, sweet potatoes, pickled cucumbers, sliced tofu) and at the end of your meal you get a complimentary scoop of green tea ice cream, super delicious!
I still come here and haven't lost my pride in this small resturaunt. Still a wonderful place to satisfy your kimchi cravings. :) -
Review from Jan P.
Updated - 1/29/2012 1 photo
I still think Omogari is one of the better Korean joints in San Jose, but one of the best in the South Bay it is not. The service is still attractive as ever but the food fell far below expectation.
The meat-jun is the best item on the menu (I've yet to find it elsewhere) so it is a must order and is consistently made well. On my latest visit, the jap chae was oily and had barely any meat in it. The seafood tofu soup was missing seafood but the flavors were definitely there . The seafood pancake was the worst - oily, thick, and had a smattering of seafood and green onions. It was like eating a pancake of oily batter and occasionally I'd get an octopus or something - no bueno. The banchan though has nice variety and I loooove that Omogari is the only place that offers complimentary green tea ice cream (just a little scoop, but just enough to satiate any dessert cravings).
I can't continue raving about this place because there are OODLES of better Korean places (particularly in Santa Clara)...BUT if in this area wanting Korean food, I would recommend Omogari. The sizzling bi bim bap bowls are enough as an individual meal and well, there's always the free green tea ice cream (who turns it down, anyway?!).1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/8/2008
This is my favorite Korean place that is not located in Santa Clara!! The chap-chae is the best all… Read more »
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Review from Sammy C.
Cam here again yesterday (1/24/12) and the experience went even worse.
This time they had 4 servers, 2 Asian guys, 1 lady (seemed like the owner or manager) and 1 man; the two guys looked still asleep, walked around with no face expression. I waived my hand for the Asian guy with eye glasses, he didn't response, another Asian guy saw and asked what I wanted, I said beef tofu soup (now, usually they would ask what spice level) without asking me what spice level and walked away.
About 3min later I realized I didn't tell them, so I waived at him and couldn't get his attention, now the guy with glasses came this time, he came over without saying a word, I said "he didn't ask me the spice level, but I want it no spice" he didn't say anything and just turned to the kitchen to tell them. Well... I appreciate your "assistance" but please at least give me a "OK"?
Then the soup came, no egg (usually came with an egg), I had to grab someone's attention again, and this time the lady came over and said, "oh, you want egg?" Seriously??? then I asked, "umm... cost extra?"
She said, "oh no.. it comes with it".... .... I was speechless.
Not to mention this time the soup tasted too blend, no flavor, tofu wasn't as soft as last time.
Not coming back here again until they improve their customer service.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/20/2011
This Korean restaurant is very close to my office; my boyfriend thought it would be a Japanese… Read more »
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Review from Allie L.
Santa Clara, CA
1/28/2012
Small little restaurant near downtown SJ. Husband and I went on a Friday night around 6:30pm and were expecting a long wait. We were pleasantly surprised to be seated within 5 mins. Based on the reviews, we ordered the seafood pancakes, bulgogi and spicy chicken. All the dishes were fantastic and we left stuffed and with tons of leftovers.
The service was fine - nothing great but also nothing to complain about. We'll definitely be back to try the other goodies on their menu. -
Review from Alex L.
Came here on a weeknight and just like Christine S. said, they wont seat you until everyone is there even though there are vacant tables available. Ugh. Next time I'll just say dinner for 1 so I can sit and not have to wait by the door while I'm staring at everyone eating their food.
Since it was my first time and I heard so much about the meat jun, seafood pancake, and the seafood tofu we had to order these. Since there's so many starving children in Africa, we decided to also order the dol sot chicken and eat on their behalf.
The little complimentary dishes didn't impress me. I'm not into the cold bean sprouts, bland radishes, white-jello-looking doohicky, and the kimchee was actually too sweet for my taste. Where's the restaurant that serves those little delicious fishys? Bring that back! Does anyone know where they serve those anymore?
The meat jun was good as is. Since it came with dipping sauce, i dunked it. Even better! The seafood tofu was the best i've had in the 408. So damn good in fact, especially on a cold rainy night. The seafood pancake was decent. I prefer mine with more squid tentacles actually. No lie.
The dol sot chicken rice bowl actually looked a lot better than it tasted. Once we stirred it up, it lost its appeal and didn't have as much flavor as i thought. There was a lot more rice and a lot less toppings than i thought.
This place is a solid 4 stars. It aint no OMIGODi good but good enough where I'll come back. Service was excellent also. -
Review from Ashley T.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 1/28/2012
I still love their pickled radish banchan and soft tofu soup.
Their kimchi fried rice is another one of my favorites, it's more of an appetizer. If you want a meal, they offer it with ramen which is also a good combination and cheap. If you like Kalbi, they make it great here. They bring it out sizzling hot and cooked to perfection. If you're eating vegetarian I'd recommend eating their bibimbap with a fried egg, but ask for it to be vegetarian or else they might accidentally put their pickles in it. BTW some of their pickles are made with a seafood paste so ask to make sure.
Omagari's is still my go to Korean restaurant. I wouldn't have it any other way.Listed in: Spice
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/10/2009
I love their food, and their service tops it off! Since I tried it a week ago, I have visited three… Read more »
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Review from Joe C.
1/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
1000th review?? Woohoo!
Been here a couple times and the place is pretty small so usually there is a line out the door. Thankfully tonight was pretty quick with about a 10 min wait for 4.
The staff is all family and they all do their job well. Food comes quick after you order and refills of water/tea and panchan are readily. Quality of food is excellent and price is about average for the area.
The free green tea ice cream at the end doesnt hurt as well. -
Review from Serge B.
Palo Alto, CA
1/19/2012
My colleagues and I used to come to this place almost every day for lunch, then the business was sold. New owner - not so good, two of us got sick after one lunch so we stopped coming. Old owner came back, we got sick, again. So, we just stopped coming.
So, it brings me to today, someone suggested, we haven't been here in a long time, lets give them another chance. Sure, why not - owner is really nice and tries hard.
Halfway through my pork tofu soup my buddy points out that there is a hair in my soup. A long black hair - and I have short brown. We pointed this out to the owner, she knocked $5 off my meal. Wow - thanks a lot. Never been to a restaurant where I was charged for the extra protein. Needless to say, my colleagues and I will never go back again.
It almost pains me to do this review - but we have given this place so many chances and they still have fallen short. -
Review from Tara H.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 1/25/2012 8 Check-ins Here
I have been here many many more times now and had to update my review as I didn't realize I gave them only 3 stars. After coming here on a regular basis, I got to really experience the fabulousness of this little family owned joint. The family is so gracious and accommodating even though they are extremely busy all the time. They have a small place, so getting a seat during peak times can be rough especially for larger groups.
The food is great! Although I only get the Meat Jun because no where else makes this fabulousness dish in the south bay. I have tried their other dishes when we share family style and they are just as good.
Great place to have some good ol' Korean food!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/29/2010
Been here a few times bust mostly for take out, love my little Japantown neighborhood although I… Read more »
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Review from Peter P.
San Jose, CA
1/30/2012
I have eaten here several times over the past 2 years - consistently very good to excellent.
- Gal-Bee (beef short ribs) - consistently excellent.
- Sizzling Stone Pot Bee-Beem-Bap (rice bowl) - one of my favorites I love how the rice and egg crisp up. NICE.
- Spicy Pork Stone Pot - Spicy Pork - enuff said :)
- My friends just think the Kim-Chee Jee-gae are really really good.
This place is so consistently good that it can get very busy. The service is good and friendly. -
Review from Kathy T.
San Jose, CA
1/14/2012 3 Check-ins Here
extremely friendly service!
I basically tried almost everything off the menu here and I gotta say everything is sooo goood! but Hands down to the spicy pork stone rice. Best stone pot I ever had especially when your near the end of finishing your meal and there's left over crunchy burnt rice. nom nom nom! There selection of ban chan is ...*drools* so good I always ask for refills. Only thing about this place is that your gonna come out smellly!hahahaha well maybe for those who order the stone pot, mixing the rice and hot steam of spicy pork and oil gets attach to cloths. (oQo)Listed in: Korean food glory!
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Review from Melissa S.
Cupertino, CA
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Last night was the first time I came here. Let me just be really blunt on why I begged my friends to come here for dinner. I think you guys already know it's because the waiters who work here are rumored to be FREAKING HOT.
Well...I ended up being disappointed. I guess that's more like my problem. They're just not my type - I like the typical Korean "Korean" guy. My friends thought they were 10 out of 10.
Besides my disappointment of the waiters, the food did not disappoint at all. I ordered the dubu kimchi and it was bomb! Sauteed kimchi + pork + soft tofu = heaven.
The mandugook my sister ordered was delish and bibimbab is also a must try.
Oh, I love the ajumma!! She made my night. Why? Because I am a hardcore Korean-wannabe and obsessed with everything Korean and the ajumma thought I was Korean coz she kept coming to our table and kept speaking Korean with me! I feel bad pretending I understood what she said, but really, I only understood fractions of sentences a.k.a gwiupda (cute), soondubu (tofu soup) haha When she left our table, my friends kept asking if I understood - sure, I like to say Korean phrases, but I cannot speak Korean to save my life. I had to just ask for the bill so we can leave fast, before I actually have to give legit answers to the ajumma.
Anyways, enough of my stories. I highly recommend this place - it's a small and cozy place with great food and if you go with the right people, you'll end up laughing and gossiping all night and potentially have one of the best nights of your life here haha -
Review from Esther S.
1/20/2012
This place was ok- after hearing about it for so long I guess I had higher expectations? Anways- only street parking so took us forever to get parking on a Friday for lunch. Meter parking.
Got there around 12:30 and had to wait about 1/2 hr- place is pretty small
The menu itself seems pretty decent but when you look at it there's not that much choices. We both opted for the ramen (korean style) and it was so so. Best thing about it was that it was warm. Only 4 sides. Had to ask for the ice cream at the end.
Service not too friendly. I guess we ordered wrong or it was an off day for them but wasn't too impressed. Willing to give it another try since its near my work. -
Review from Kristal J.
San Jose, CA
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
My BF and I would eat here everyday if we could, it's just that darn good. I brought my boyfriend here about a month or so ago for the first time after I ate here with a group of friends for lunch after helping a roommate move in. All I have to say right off the bat is that this place is no joke- fresh cooked food and very VERY consistant on the food. BOLD & FLAVORFUL!
Every since then my boyfriend and I try to come and eat here at least 3-4 times in a month (yes its that good). The prices are decent and we never have an issue with getting a seat or with service. The ambiance is just 'ehh..' but the food makes up for it. Not bad for a family owned restuarant. Still have yet to try more stuff off their menu...Definitely a place to hit up if your hungry and in the SJ JapanTown area... -
Review from Jeena C.
San Jose, CA
1/7/2012
MY MENU PICK: Bibimbap.
SUMMARY: There are only two places in the South Bay that make me feel like I'm eating Korean food at home: SJ Omogari and Jang Mo Jip. That being said, at SJ Omogari, it is really hit or miss. Overall, it's a happening joint any time of day (lunch and dinner on weeknights), and the restaurant owners' sons are the hot waiters that make it fun to go back. :)
FOOD: Most of what I've gotten tastes like something I could make at home, which can be both bad and good. For example, the ramen - although it hit the spot - is something I can make better at home. I've also gotten bibimbap for takeout, and this tasted just like a perfectly tweaked version of what my mom makes for me! DELISH!
My friend, however, got the pork bulgogi, which didn't taste very authentic. I wouldn't get it.
I don't remember the banchan, so it probably isn't that great.
SERVICE: Again, cute waiters that are attentive and laid-back. 'Nuff said.
AMBIANCE: Looks like a typical small-but-delicious Korean place that you'd find on El Camino or something. Nothing fancy. -
Review from Richard K.
Honolulu, HI
1/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great family-owned/run business with tasty Korean food. Went there around 6pm on a Monday...good timing because we were seated right away only to beat the crowd of people who ended up having to stand in line. Our party of 4 ordered enough to completely cover the table and we ate it all up with only a small leftover box.
Kimchee fried rice and bulgoogi were my favorite items.
+100 points for still serving ggakdugi (not many korean restaurants do nowadays it seems)
The only reason they didn't get the 5th star is our plates were all dirty/sticky. This was one of the RARE occasions I didn't make stink about it. I told myself it just adds to the flavor =/ -
Review from Ellin C.
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Really solid Korean family restaurant. It's small enough to be "hole-in the wall-ish" in size. Very cozy place with the waiters and the staff probably in the same family. We got a bi bim bap and a beef and mushroom soondubu. The bi bim bap was delicious as well as the banchan. What stood out about this place was the quality of the tofu. It feels home made and fresh. The free green tea ice cream is a nice touch at the end. The family that runs this place is very friendly. Give it a solid 4 stars!
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Review from Chris H.
Chandler, AZ
1/24/2012
This is hands down the best Korean I have tried in the San Jose/Santa Clara area. I go to SC for work and I'm always trying Korean places since work is paying for it. Being half-korean myself it's my favorite food of course. This place is 2nd only to my mom's cooking. It was definitely worth the trip and I will be going back to this place every time I'm in SC.
Now it is a small hole in the wall place which I love but seating is limited although we didn't have to wait longer than 10 mins to get a table.
The bul-gogi is to die for and the spicy chicken was excellent too. We also had the spicy kimchi pot and it was very good. I'm looking forward to trying more of the dishes there although the bul-gogi will always be a dish that's ordered to my table. -
Review from Patty C.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/3/2012
First time eating kimchi. Yum! The ramen however was fricken out of this world!!! The noodles were insanely tender and the broth was seasoned perfectly. I hear the short ribs are out of this world. Will have to try those next! Maybe tomorrow!
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Review from Aivy L.
San Jose, CA
2/3/2012
Finally got to try this place. Two of my friends and I came here for lunch on a Friday. I read the reviews on yelp before, so I was ready for the wait. But the wait actually wasn't bad at all, we only had one person in front of us and it took 15 minutes to get seated at most. The place is small but the waiting area is tinyyyy, so don't come with a large group unless you're ready to brave the outdoors. I got the soondubu jjigae, one of my friends got the bulgolgi, and the other got the bibimbap.
Side dishes were eh... I knew that we could get more, but I didn't bother asking for more. The kimchi tasted kind of weird...I can't put my finger on it. It was not spicy until it reached your throat, which wasn't very fun.
Tofu Soup: It was pretty good. Yes, it's not as good as Tofu House but it is still good enough that I would order it again. They forgot to give me an egg until I asked for it which made me sad ):. They give you white rice instead of the usual black rice and they don't give you the stone pot with the burnt rice either.
Bulgolgi: I tried some of my friend's and ohmygod it was fantastic. I'm definitely going to get this next time.
Bibimbap: I didn't try this but this kept my friend full well after 6 PM.
Green...Tea...Ice Cream: The ice cream is sooo good. It's creamy and FREE. I asked the waiter where they get it from and he said that it's by a brand called Crystal or something, but you can only get it from this warehouse store that requires a business license ): *Cry* -
Review from Erik D.
San Jose, CA
1/9/2012
Though I am not totally blown away by anything here, I am impressed overall. It's a small family-run place; the food is very good, and the prices decent. I enjoy that it's a smaller place, so although there is often a wait, it's pretty cozy inside, and the staff couldn't be friendlier.
The kimchi jigae is a little more watery than I'm used to, but the ingredients seem good. The side-dishes are fresh and tasty. Everyone has their preferences as to what side dishes are better, so I won't go in to detail. Very popular in our group is the spicy pork. It was very flavorful, and not so spicy as to overwhelm the taste. The bulgogi, meat-jeon and seafood pajeon are also popular among the people I go with.
They were very nice and offered to come get us at Bamboo 7 next door when our table was ready, because we had a party of 8. This was an extremely nice gesture, and we were told we could bring in our beers from the bar as well. Do not expect this as the norm, but simply as an example of how nice the staff is. -
Review from Holly L.
San Jose, CA
1/14/2012 1 photo
At first, I was leaning towards 3.5 stars but the complimentary green tea ice cream at the end tipped it over to 4!! :)
I've been here several times and it's always been quite pleasant. Staff is extremely friendly, attentive, and great.
Can't go wrong with the bee-beem-bap, spicy pork, or seafood tofu soup!! But if I were to pick one out of the three that's a must, it'd be the SPICY PORK! -
Review from Keith T.
San Jose, CA
2/9/2012
i was very impressed with this place. deffinitly would come back!!
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Review from Victoria N.
San Jose, CA
12/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
This little restaurant is located in Japantown and after seeing many high reviews, I wanted to try it out. Luckily, we we came early and was seated quickly with no wait.
We decided to order the Seafood Soft Tofu Soup and Bulgogi through yelp recommendations. I actually am not a fan of tofu soup, but my boyfriend really enjoyed the soft and fresh taste of the tofu. I, on the other hand, really enjoyed the bulgogi. The meat was nice and tender and it was sweetly marinated, just the way I like it.
Because I have a sweet tooth, I was delighted when the server asked if we would like complimentary green tea ice cream. It's just a scoop but a nice gesture and the green tea ice cream is one of the best I've had at a restaurant. We were pleased with our experience here. -
Review from Jamie L.
12/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm not much of a South Bay visitor but I was very satisfied with my first time visit to this restaurant last weekend, pre-Shark game. My co-worker had found this spot with Urban Spoon and I definitely well worth the pre-game dinner. Both my co-worker and boss were there and the rule is, let the chefs order. With rounds of Cass beer, what was placed in front of our group of eight was well worth getting stuffed for. Mind you, it was all guys I was with, so it was two of everything (and four beers a round). How can I describe everything I tasted? It was by far an experience for this foodie, who has had her share of Korean food (both authentic and wannabe). At one point, I took a piece of something off of each serving plate and piled it in my teeny-tiny bowl. Here's what I can recall what we had:
- Seafood pancake
- Seafood Soft Tofu Soup
- Bul-go-gi
- Spicy Pork
- Mackerel
- Bee-beem-bap (sizzling)
- Oh-jing-ah Bo-kum
- Jap-chae
Guess next time I get to go to a Sharks game, I'm voting for this place again!Listed in: Asian Comfort, South Bay & Peninsula
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Review from Kelly C.
Richmond, VA
Delish! Had the BiBimBap (sizzling pot). More than enough to finish. The rice was just crispy enough that it made it just that more special. The little side dishes were OK as well--kimchi, bean sprouts, the norm.
Excellent customer service. Our waters were always refilled and the waiters were extremely nice. It's a family-owned restaurant (mom, dad, and two sons) and the service certainly made us feel at home. Probably the cutest part was when the dad asked us why we weren't eating our vegetables, meaning the kimchi. It's delicious, it really was. We were just full.
Only comment I had was on the hot sauce. It wasn't as spicy or flavorful as expected. If there was a bit more zing or flavor to it, I'd certainly add another star.
Come here for a decent lunch, full stomach, and homey (plus handsome--as remarked by a friend) service. -
Review from Chary E.
Fremont, CA
12/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
ThEY need a bigger place!!
Located at japan town in sj, we went here for my brother's birthday(he lives around this neighborhood) and he has been raving about this place for a while. It's family ran so you know you're getting a good home cooked hearty meal. There was a bit of a wait but we didn't mind, since there's always people lined out the door almost every night.
The food was amazing, portions were enough to share. The service is exceptional. Please check this place out! -
Review from Anna T.
Irvine, CA
12/22/2011
Went here with my cousin's fiancee to eat, mainly because most of the Japanese restaurants in the area were closing for dinner prep around 3 in the afternoon. We got to Omogari and were immediately seated by one of their waiters.
LOVED their food! We both got the hot tofu soup, spicy. As our bowls came out, the soup was still bubbling! Very warm and filling. The side dishes that were prepared for us were also very delicious! I loved the beansprouts, kimchi, and pickled radish. Asked them to put more of those side dishes in for us. We both couldn't finish the food as it was quite filling! I had half a bowl of rice left and a ton of soup left.
Anyways, my cousin's fiancee is an acquaintance of one of the waiters at Omogari so we got to talk to him for a bit as he was catching up with her. Oh. My. God. Good food and cute waiters? Seriously, I couldn't ask for anything more from a restaurant! He also gave us some green tea ice cream. It was a cute little round scoop of the most delicious green tea ice cream I had ever had! I don't think he charged us for the tea or the ice cream, which was really nice of him!
I'd definitely come here again, the food was delicious! -
Review from Sarah A.
South San Francisco, CA
1/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Probably one of the best Korean places I've been to. It's not your usual all you can eat Korean place. The food is the same but there is more of a variety with how they serve their food.
Their sizzling bibimbop dish stays warm the whole time you eat. The crispy rice is the topping to this awesome dish. They have different types of bibimbop dishes - not just the usual. Make sure to try the sizzling mozzerela bibimbop! They'd gladly refill your appetizers too. The green tea dessert is a great ending to this meal. Come try it for yourself! -
Review from Nga C.
The only one I don't seem to talk to much at all when I come here is Mama bear. Otherwise, I'm always chit chatting with Andrew, Robert, and Papa bear Jim.
A tip for those who don't dig the cabbage on the bottom of the hot bbq plates... ask for the onions! I've been sad bout that for a while because I loved the onions being there... but last night, I asked Andrew if I could make that request and I got it. I was the happiest girl in the world. The onions being cooked in all that bbq sauce goodness... omgawd DELICIOUS!!!2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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10/15/2011
I'm a regular here, and every time someone talks about Korean food, I think about this place. I… Read more »
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Review from Julia S.
12/20/2011 1 photo
(~)
- Yook-gae-jang
(-)
- parking
Ate dinner here a while back on a weekday night and it was a packed house. Luckily 2 counter seats opened for us pretty soon after we wrote our names down. I ordered the Yook-gae-jang which is a spicy soup with beef, an egg, green onions, and bean sprouts. Food took some time but I'll cut them some slack cause it was busy.
I usually get a rice bowl or tofu soup at korean restaurants but I was feeling adventurous and the Yook-gae-jang sounded really good (plus I love spicy) so I took a risk. You know how a lot of places say somethings spicy or you get it at a level 10 spice level and its not spicy at all? This actually delivered what it promised and was was spicy enough to make me sweat a little and give me mild sniffles. It barely had any beef in it and the few strips it had were tough and chewy. Probably 90% of that bowl was filled with bean sprouts and green onions. Do not get this if you can't handle spice, or dont want your breath to be kickin for the next week.
I really liked the spicy broth but I could have done with a lot less green onion and more meat. I think it all boils down to me trying a typical korean dish that I wasn't used to so Ill hold my final judgement until I can come back and try a more typical rice bowl dish. -
Review from Marlon T.
12/27/2011
The staff is super nice.
I ordered the Meat-Jun and a half pitcher of Strawberry Soju.
This combo was ideal for my friend and I who both weren't that hungry.
I highly recommend this combination if you're not that hungry and you just want to try this popular spot.
We got a free scoop of Green Tea ice cream after our meal. It tasted more like Pistachio ice cream. Albeit, it was delicious.
It was pretty busy when we went. We sat at the bar area which wasn't the best location since people were walking past us occasionally. It wasn't too bad though. If you have a big bag or something, it might not be best place to be since there's not a lot of space to plop a backpack or something down.
It wasn't hard to find parking. -
Review from Chandra T.
Santa Clara, CA
1/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is my 2nd time coming to this place. The first time it was packed we had to wait 15-20 min to get a table. Today was a hit we got seated in right when we got there. Yah it's small but it was still yummie. We ordered ramen with kimchi fried rice. The fired rice had a lot of spice and the ramen was on point!!! We also ordered the spicy chicken which was ok not my fav. We also had the sliced beef which is my favorite. The complementary green tea ice cream was ok, not my favorite but I really enjoy this place and with all the food we ate came out to be 32$ which is not bad at all. Will def keep on returning to this place.
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Review from Tarra R.
San Jose, CA
12/12/2011
We had the Gal-bi (sp?) and the meat had very little fat but was tender and flavorful. The Jap Chae (again with the sp?) was warm and had a good amount of beef in it. I of course love this dish, but my dinner companion thought it was just OK. It was his first time eating Korean. I will have him try some other dishes at this place again.
It gets very very VERY busy and is a small place so get there early or be prepared to wait.
I think for the amount of food and great taste the price is worth it. I have paid more at lesser K-Town restaurants. -
Review from Dayana t.
San Jose, CA
1/28/2012
By far the best Korean in SJ. Amazingly run, small, family restaurant. Great food for $10. Good service, larger portions. Highly recommended.
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Review from Marshall C.
San Jose, CA
12/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Solid korean restaurant.
Entree flavors are right.
Ordered the kimchi jigae. Good flavor. It's more a soup than jigae. Very watery. Decent amount of solid kimchi pieces.
Kimchi side dish was raw.
Place gets very busy during lunch and dinner hours. There's usually a line. -
Review from Rachael B.
San Jose, CA
1/16/2012
mmmm. came here today for the first time with future hubby and future in laws for lunch and it was delicious!
i had the kimchi and spicy pork sizzling bibimbap. the rice on the bottom gets so crunchy and delicious. just the right amount of heat, tasty tender pork, and fantastic kimchi.
topped off with a complimentary scoop of green tea ice cream? perfect. creamy, not icy, and not too sweet. the perfect complement to a spicy meal.
i can't wait to go back!
