Koryo Kalbi

Koryo Kalbi’s prominence in Dallas’ original Korea Town is thanks in large part to the restaurant’s wide range. Want barbecued short ribs or bulgogi in a sizzling skillet? They’re experts at that. Craving some wintertime bowls of spicy-broth soups? They’ve got those. And, remarkably, it’s all good, across the board; unlike many restaurants, Koryo Kalbi can claim mastery of nearly every trade it’s in. The spread of banchan contains some of the best pre-meal snacks in Dallas, right up there with Gemma’s fig scones, Del Sur Tacos’ tortilla chips and Lucia’s bread. A beef soup filled with overstuffed, 4-inch-wide dumplings is just the thing on a rainy day, and yet another reason Koryo Kalbi reigns as one of Dallas’ Korean institutions.

Top pick: Stop by at lunchtime for “lunch boxes,” which contain diverse samplings of the restaurant’s star dishes. The potstickers aren’t great, but everything else in the box is a delight. Our favorites include grilled mackerel and spicy marinated pork bulgogi.

The downside: Many menu items are marked up to higher prices at dinner.

Fun fact: Unlike our area’s do-it-yourself Korean barbecue joints, Koryo Kalbi prepares many of the grilled meats back in the kitchen.