A lovely and unexpected surprise lay in store for me during my first trip to Dublin: an excellent Korean restaurant complete with sleek contemporary decor and a talented chef owner who had paid her dues at the not-so-excellent Korean restaurants in the city.
Tucked away on Manor Street in Dublin’s bustling Stoneybatter neighborhood, Korean Table has quietly become one of the city’s most beloved dining spots — and for good reason. Helmed by chef-owner Vivian Cho, this intimate restaurant strikes a perfect balance between refined simplicity and the kind of soulful, home-style cooking that lingers in your memory long after the meal ends.
Vivian Cho, chef and owner of Korean Table with her dog Champagne.
Dublin may not top many travelers’ bucket lists, but overlooking it would be a mistake. This beautifully charming city is remarkably easy to navigate, with cobblestone streets, Georgian architecture, and a lively cultural heartbeat that instantly draws you in. Beyond its pubs and poets, Dublin’s history carries striking parallels to Korea’s own past: both nations endured colonization by more powerful neighbors, weathered periods of xenophobia following repeated invasions, and ultimately emerged as modern success stories on the global stage.
What’s most compelling, though, are the people — down-to-earth, resilient, and deeply conscious of their countries’ hard-won independence. Like Korea, Ireland balances its prosperity with a mindful effort to preserve its natural landscapes and resist the pull of over-urbanization.
Ireland gets a bad rap for its culinary culture, but that is a myth. Ireland’s vast and plentiful farmlands produce bountiful harvests of fresh produce that quickly make their way to the restaurants. The Irish beef is tender but not overly fatty due to the indulgent lifestyles enjoyed by Irish cows. Have you ever seen cows run? They roam and range in the Irish countryside, and on a train ride to the western coast, I was delighted to see some cows actually running across the fields.
Perhaps all these things factored into Cho’s decision to settle down in Ireland. But whatever the reason, Dublin is lucky she did. An interior designer in a former life, the decor at Korean Table is chic yet understated, with clean lines, warm lighting, and thoughtful details that reflect both modern minimalism and a sense of welcome. The space feels at once polished and personal, setting the stage for a meal that’s all about honest, vibrant flavors.
The banchan at Korean Table is fresh, plentiful, and well presented.
Vivian Cho’s cooking is the heart of the experience. Every dish that leaves her kitchen carries a sense of care and authenticity, from the beautifully presented banchan spread to the tender galbi jjim and comforting bowls of kimchi fried rice made with real Irish butter. Her deft hand with seasoning and technique ensures that even the most familiar Korean classics shine with freshness and depth.
Galbi jjim is a featured dish at Korean Table.
I highly recommend going out of your way to visit Dublin. It often tops lists of best places to live in the EU, and with its special blend of natural splendor and controlled modernization, I can see why the population continues to grow and prosper. And when in Dublin, you can rest assured you will get a deeply satisfying, down-home meal at Korean Table.
50a Manor St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7
