Welcome to Kimchi House: A Slice of Korea in Pinole

“ Ordered Korean food for pick up while visiting a friend nearby, super homey good quality Korean food! We ordered food for 4 adults and 2 kids. We got a kimchi tofu and seafood tofu soup, chive pancake, mackerel, galbi, spicy pork, spicy chicken wings and regular chicken wings, we ordered more kimchi and rice, it also came with a lot of Banchan, and japchae for the kids. The order was easy to place online and we paid online for pick up. I missed the turn into the plaza but found street parking. The server was helpful and there was a small dining room inside. I would totally go back and order from there in the future if I'm feeling Korean food while Im in the area. ”

“ Food was great, and we had the whole place to ourselves on a Saturday night. Service was friendly and helpful. Ambiance was quiet. The kimchi pancake was fantastic. The traditional corn tea and side dishes were all good. I had the dolsot - it was ok, very filling, the rice crisped up nicely on the bottom by the time I got there. My friends had ramen, which was huge, and soodooboo, which also got good reviews. Would go back if I'm going to be in Pinole for a show again - shout out to the community theatre! Worth the trip! ”

“ terrific to go meal , w/recent time change, didnt realize it was closing in 15minutes ?? Nonetheless the owner Eunhee cheerfully packed up my go to: to go spicy tofu mushroom soup w/"all the fixins" ( purple rice, kimchi, bamboo shoots, cucumber, broccoli, beansprouts & mungbeans so yummy !!! Plus she added a small container of my favorite side, japchae yam noodles !! She is always so personable & pleasant & hardworking !!! I just love the food, the service & this adorable owner !!! She always brightens up my day ! & her food makes my tummy very happy ! I grabbed a small table in the back , & a cup of hot tea to wait while she packed up my food, waiting on 2 other tables & closing in 15 minutes ! Guess I was still on standard time ??????? Convenient to grab a single table for one or a group in this small clean mom & pop ! ”

“ I finally stopped by one of the afternoon to order a bento box from kimchi house. Parking was easy but since it's next to a playground, I can see it can get packed when many kids around. Bulgogi was cooked nicely. Have a chance to speak to the lady owner. They used high quality meat and purple rice (healthy option). She was giving me some sweet potato's treat for tasting and I actually love it. When asked about delivery option, she told me the charge from door dash was too high for small business. I wish they have more business and keep this restaurant opens because I really enjoyed their food! ”

“ Had a late lunch here yesterday. No frills, no nonsense. My kinda place. Owner was the server, and she's clearly, justifiably, proud of her place. Had wings and spicy pork bulgogi. Panchan were varied, delicious, and generously portioned. Kimchi lives up to the place's name. Wings were crispy and cooked just right. Bulgogi was tasty, with the spice heat a slow burn as opposed to a quick scorch. Just finished the leftovers, which reminded me to write this review. Kimchi House is a go-to in Contra Costa for hearty, balanced, well-prepared Korean fare. The food, and the owner speak for themselves! ”

“ We came here today to get some dinner. I got a kimbap and my husband bought the spicy pork bento. There was a generous amount of pork. It was very smoky flavor and very sweet. There were a good number of sides including a giant lettuce salad. The sides were okay but nothing special. I thought my kimbap was very bland and not cheap for $12.95. it had a lot of things in it like egg, pickle radish, spinach and carrots (see pic). It's not a big roll but it filled me up. I met the owner who is Korean. She seems pretty friendly. I will go back and try some of their tofu soups one day. ”

“ The Eastbay area sorely needs more good Korean food. Fortunately I found Kimchi House, a small cozy eatery very close to my house.I had there shredded beef soup and their stir fried squid. Both were delicious with just right level of spiciness. Service was friendly and helpful. My only things that could be better was their Kimchi was not quite ready and they didn't have Kimchi Chigae on their menu. Next time? Will try their seafood pancake. ”

“ Always a satisfying bite here. Love their spicy pork bento. The purple rice tastes like barley rice, which adds a nice complimentary flavor to the spicy pork. The relief from the seasame salad dressing balances it perfectly. Reminds me of the Korean food served by families after the Korean church I used to attend. Miss those family gatherings. Sadly, I had to part with the delicious food and friends because my beliefs weren't aligned with their religion. If any of them read this, no hard feelings. Thanks Jeen. ”

“ Tonight the food was really good!! It's a quaint mom & pop restaurant that turns out great tasty food! Keep it up! ”