Koreana
(617) 576-8661
154 Prospect St
Cambridge,
MA
02139
42.369
-71.101
Neighborhood: Area IV
What People Are Saying About Koreana
The Editor
Eric Grossman
Citysearch
The Scene
Located smack-dab between Central and Inman Squares, this bastion of Korean cuisine is a favorite among the many academics and Asian-American families that call the surrounding neighborhoods home. Tabletop grills and loads of natural light yield an upbeat, casual environment, as do the army of smiling, bilingual waitresses who keep water glassed filled.
The Food
With well over 100 items, Koreana's menu is an indecisive diner's worst nightmare. Fortunately, the listings are divided into three categories: sushi, do-it-yourself options (tabletop barbecue and hot pot items), and traditional Korean dishes. Smart patrons try one of each, perhaps starting with a fresh Philadelphia roll, then on to an order of bokembap (Korean-style fried rice) before finishing with a hands-on grilling session (go with the marinated rib eye). Mango ice cream makes for a refreshing finale.
User Reviews
kys
November 24, 2008
I'm a Korean. In multiple occasions, I was so terrifed by their demeanor in treating customers. Recently, when I made a reservation for 16 people, I was asked to make sure to have everybody by the time I reserved for. Even when we're sitting and filling the seats half-way on the day, they kept asking me if the others are coming. More appalling experience came to my Japanese friends very recently. When more than 10 of the guests were sitting, the guests were asked how much time they will spend for their dinner. After 2 hours (estimated by the guests) they were asked to leave because the time was up! I think because of little competition around there they think they can do these trash to their customers. I admit that I actually go there often because there is no decent Korean restaurant near my work. But I think they went too far, at least for me. Until I hear an official apology or something, I will never go there again. Their food is not that great anyways.
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NathanRay
June 19, 2008
I've eaten at Koreana once -- a week night -- relatively early (7:30 PM). It was just OK, really. Our server was not knowledgeable about entrees or the wine menu and I didn't find the food to be that great. I don't think I'll be going back.
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JohnFSmith
April 06, 2008
This one-star rating is due to the management of Koreana, not the food and waitstaff which is usually fine. I have been going there for over a year both eating in and getting takeout, and during a recent trip I did both, adding in a 20% tip for my meal but no tip for the takeout portion. I just saw that they charged my credit card extra to give themselves a tip on the takeout portion despite what I wrote on the receipt! I have witnessed the management being very stingy and rude to customers in the past (refusing service to customers who were 2 minutes past the lunch cutoff, giving a customer a hard time about requesting a small extra side of kimchee on a $60 order), but this is my first personally disturbing experience at Koreana and I won't be returning there. That is unfortunate because the food is pretty good but the management is not very customer friendly. I'm fine if they tell me they expect 20% tips on takeout because at least I will know, but tacking it on against my wishes is not appropriate.
read full reviewThe Details on Koreana
When to Go:
Weekdays, between 11:30am to 2:30pm, there's a bargain lunch box special: salad, bulgogi, dumpling and sushi for $8.
Know Before You Go:
If you're not a spice lover, steer clear of the innocuous-looking dish of spicy pickled cabbage (kimchee) that arrives with your entree: It's not for the faint of heart.
Parking:
Most nearby spots require a residential permit. Head to 75 Prospect Street, where, after 5pm, the large parking lot becomes free to the public.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Late Night Dining, Family Style Dining, Lunch Spot, Group Dining
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
