Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Bada Kitchen

    4.0 (71 reviews)
    ModerateKorean, Noodles, Japanese
    Closed Closed

    Order Bada Kitchen Takeout or Delivery

    Bada Kitchen Photos

    BADA KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    More like Bada Kitchen

    Recommended Reviews - Bada Kitchen

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Galbi (BBQ rib) and Seafood tofu soup
    Thanh N.

    Calm and peace ambiance, my family had a great experience here, food are delicious and taste like homemade meal, honestly to say, even their side dishes that come with the tofu soup and rice are good too. I didn't ask the waistress name but she is really nice and helpful. Definitely coming back if we visit Monterey again.

    Brisket Kimchi Jjigae
    Isaac H.

    A great find!! Was craving Korean food and this hit the spot! A lot of parking, a lot of seats, they have a lunch & dinner menu. Got the brisket kimchi jjigae and it was good! Good portion size and it was made perfectly!

    Carmen Y.

    Ate at BaDa because it was the closest Korean restaurant around where we were staying. Since I was having some stomach problems that day, I got their brisket daen jang soup for $20. I feel like it's not worth the price and would recommend getting their jam pong instead. The soup was very salty, but it did have a good amount of thinly sliced meat. Our server was very nice and helpful. She was attentive in refilling waters and giving us take out boxes and utensils for our leftovers. I like the vibes inside the restaurant because they played Korean music videos on their TV, and they have an open kitchen that allows us to watch the chefs work their magic.

    King Pork Cutlet - 10/10!!
    Henry D.

    My friends and I stumbled upon Bada after finding out there was an extremely long wait at another nearby restaurant--and honestly, it turned out to be a happy accident. This spot totally exceeded our expectations. We ordered the King Pork Donkatsu, udon, and bibimbap, and everything came out hot, fresh, and flavorful. The pork cutlet was huge--crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and perfectly cooked. I hadn't planned on finishing it, but it was so good I couldn't stop eating. The bibimbap was served in a hot stone bowl, and the bottom had that ideal crispy layer of rice that adds such a nice texture. You could tell they nailed the temperature and timing on it. The udon had a clean, savory broth and chewy noodles, though I do wish it had a little more seafood to round it out. Service was great--our waiter was friendly and attentive without being overbearing. The place was very casual. The food came out in a timely manner and everything was served piping hot, which made a big difference. Another plus: the parking situation. There was plenty of parking available, which is always a relief, especially since it's located in a corner lot that's easy to get in and out of. Overall, this was a great experience, especially considering it wasn't our original dinner plan. I'll definitely be back--next time, I want to try some of their other Korean dishes. If you're in the area and want good food without the long wait, give this place a shot!

    We had such a great experience for lunch yesterday at Bada Kitchen! The Korean fried chicken was hands down the best we've had in Monterey--seriously 10/10. We tried the Yangyum flavor (sweet and spicy), and while it leaned more sweet than spicy, it was still absolutely delicious. Next time we'll definitely ask for a higher spice level. The Honey Garlic was also amazing--super flavorful, and the chicken itself was perfectly fried, crispy on the outside and still moist and juicy inside. It could've used just a little more sauce, but honestly still so good. We also ordered the pork and veg gyoza, which were tasty, and edamame, which was good but pretty standard. I had the Spicy Tuna Roll and really enjoyed it, and my husband got the Shrimp Tempura Roll, which he said was great too. The portions are huge--we definitely had leftovers! I also got a side of white rice to go with the chicken, and it was just chef's kiss. A couple small notes: the restaurant is a little tricky to find since it's tucked into a shopping area, and the music was a bit loud for my taste. But the service was great, and when we went (around 12:30-1:00 on a Friday), it wasn't too busy, which was nice. We'll definitely be back a few more times!

    My partner and I came back to this place because we saw they had sushi rolls again and we loved them when they had them before--- and they are currently half priced right now--- so go! :) service was great and attentive, server was friendly and helpful, and can't wait to go back because they have ramen again on top of their delicious rolls like when they first opened a few years back. A lot of the Korean dishes are switched off the menu but they have some I think. If sushi or ramen is your interest, it's worth going back again just for those things alone.

    Evangeline E.

    Okay so I'm from the Bay Area and living here I certainly feel the lack of diversity when it comes to food options. Very excited to try this place and it didn't disappoint! I will be honest with prefacing it certainly isn't the most authentic Korean food Ive had. I mean, to not get kimchi as a side is pretty weird. But all things considered it is still good! Came in on a weekday evening and the place was basically empty. Server was very friendly and tentative and we got seated quickly. Place is super clean and cool vibes. We ordered the bimbibap, tofu soup, and fried chicken and everything was good! Loved the crunch on the chicken, and the tofu soup was super flavorful. Prices were decent although I think its more worth it for their lunch specials. I will be back!

    Bulgogi
    Christina C.

    We came for a weeknight dinner and had no wait. Not sure if it's different on weekends. Plenty of parking also on a weeknight. Ordered tofu soup, mandu, fried chicken, and bulgogi. All of it was good and would order it again but the bulgogi. The meat was good but wish there more meat than onions and mushrooms.

    Honey Garlic Soy Friend Chicken. I got a half order of bone in wings with a side of white rice.
    Kayla F.

    My friend and I went on Sunday around 5pm. Super clean and the restaurant was decorated nicely. Got seated right away. Our waitress was sweet and attentive. I had the honey garlic soy, bone in, chicken wings. My friend had the yangyum flavor but boneless. We both had a side of white rice. Both dishes were cooked perfectly and tasted great, lots of flavor. I did think that the drinks were a little pricey so I just had the one. I wanted another but it adds up. I would return again to try more of the tasty food.

    My sad, very sad non existent beef tofu soup!!!  In don't recommend this place!
    Walter M.

    Place was clean and service was courteous. I'm giving those page a bad rating because I payed for beef tofu soup anf it had meager portion of meat so meager it was almost non-existent. I wouldn't recommend those p place if you're trying to get value for your money! This have is a rip-off! I was quite furious I payed for a dish that wasn't worth it! You can check my reviews I rarely give a bad one! Seriously I think this business should throw on the towel! Place was empty but I've never been in a bad Korean restaurant!

    Yangyum (양념치킨) Half size
    Candy C.

    First time coming here, wanted to treat myself to a yummy lunch. Came here and there wasn't hardly anyone which was great with it being a Saturday afternoon. The wings were absolutely delicious, crispy wings, with amazing flavor and tender chicken. The kimchi fried rice was cheesy and flavorful. The egg on top is what made it! My server was Elijah, and he was very attentive and kind. Wonderful customer service. He even held the door open for me when I left. Amazing hidden spot, I will be coming here again! :)

    Receipt
    Stan W.

    I came in for lunch, and was quickly seated. Parking in that lot can be dicey and was fortunate to get a close spot. This restaurant is tucked in between Mountain Mike's Pizza and Buffalo Wild Wings. Walking in, it got quiet, even with the closeness of the street traffic. I did not see any high chairs for kids and the bathroom wasn't the cleanest. As for the food itself, I had the Yangyum chicken. It's like a combination of sweet, sour and spicy on top of the perfectly crunchy fried chicken. I got an order of white rice with a soda (the Hawaiian iced tea was not available). The Yangyum was delicious. I was shocked. I will be back to try other flavors. Price: 29.50 (includes tip)

    Vivian C.

    Gets the job done when you have a Korean craving! Everything was pretty tasty. Loved my Korean tofu soup with the dumplings. We also shared the Korean corn dog which was crispy tho I felt like there could have been more cheese inside. The fried rice was filling but kinda bland even with the cheese. The bulgogi dish was very flavorful and tasty with the rice. Wouldn't mind stopping by again to try other dishes if I'm in the area in the future

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    27 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 days ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    4 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Thanh N.
    58
    30
    27

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Erin R.
    52
    51
    25

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 3
    Photo of Esther L.
    11
    15
    26

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 3
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Linda Z.
    33
    11
    33

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 3
    Photo of Daniel C.
    175
    69
    21

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Jude S.
    42
    14
    16

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    6 months ago

    Delicious! The food has good unami flavors and healthy. Very sweet people working here.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Great Korean soups. Amazing food and service. I hope one day they consider bbq self cooking grills!!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    The short ribs are super fatty and the meat is covered in gelatin! Super gross. Store bought Korean short ribs are way better.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Bada Kitchen

    What time do they open?

    They open 11:30-2:30pm for lunch then close and reopen for dinner at 5pm!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Kuma

    Kuma

    4.3
    (439 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    I have been wanting to give this place a try and finally got the opportunity. Unfortunately I was…read morein the moment so I did not take any photos. Everything was really fresh and prepared well. The restaurant has beautiful vaulted ceilings and great vibes. Only note was the music was all over the place but not a big deal at all. We ordered a lot since we were both very hungry and left satisfied. Starters: Spicy garlic edamame - great flavor and not overly done (5/5) Shrimp & Veggie tempura- perfect amount of batter (5/5) Gyoza (5/5) Mains: Chicken Teriyaki served with miso soup, salad, and steamed rice. (4/5) only because the salad while good had a little too much dressing, not a deal breaker. Sake sashimi 5/5 Tiger roll 5/5 Would definitely recommend as a great sushi spot and will be back!

    We ended up here after Alvarado brew had a 1+ hr wait and it was a GREAT pivot!…read morePrickly pear marg was a fantastic start, strong and sweet Our rolls came quickly, best of which were the Sun roll and Phoenix (fun fire at the table!) Best of all was the Toro tuna belly sashimi!!! Our server Jaiden went above and beyond recommending this, telling us how to eat it, and even bringing over a special wasabi for us to try!! Ambiance leaves something to be desired, but Jaiden's service and the toro sashimi was the BEST! Definitely visit for fresh sushi when you're in Monterey

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    CARMEL VALLEY ROLL - @rayz
    CARMEL VALLEY ROLL - @rayz
    SPICY SCALLOP HAND ROLL - @rayz

    See all

    SPICY SCALLOP HAND ROLL - @rayz
    Ichi-Riki Japanese Restaurant

    Ichi-Riki Japanese Restaurant

    3.8
    (363 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    It was good for years, recently little disappointed. Bit expensive over all we use to go every week…read morebut now few times a month to enjoy fresh ingredients, very talented sushi chef Maru and friendly servers, they're by far best part of this Japanese restaurant. I love this restaurant , small suggestion from long time customer and experienced in restaurant operations and consulting, Ichiriki need more experienced management that can operate the restaurant more efficiently and professionally. Don't get complacent your customers are important let's improve so we can enjoy the restaurant as we use too. Long time customer.

    Stopped here for a late lunch and it was absolutely amazing. I haven't been since the new owners…read more. this used to be my go-to 20 years ago. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised! The cleanliness of the restaurant was superb! They used to have a bunch of old money hanging up in the bar area and it always seemed really dirty to me. Now it's all clean and painted and it looks good! I had the lunch bento box with a side of inari and they serve PEPSI! All the waitresses worked together to provide amazing service for all their guests. It was nice to see they knew the regulars that came in. Serving their drinks without even having to ask. A place with consistent regulars definitely means this establishment knows what it's doing! Highly recommend Ichi RiKi!

    Photos
    Another dining room. Looks just like Japan
    Another dining room. Looks just like Japan
    Rolls galore!
    Rolls galore!
    Best Sushi! Chef Special, Spider and Philadelphia Rolls.

    See all

    Best Sushi! Chef Special, Spider and Philadelphia Rolls.
    Züm Sushi

    Züm Sushi

    4.3
    (839 reviews)
    3.4 mi
    $$

    We are visiting from out of town and asked our AI assistant, Gemini, for a sushi spot in the area…read morethat offered great freshness and value without breaking the bank. Gemini nailed it by recommending Züm Sushi as the top match. If you are looking for a flashy, high-end tourist trap, this isn't it. But if you want a cozy, casual atmosphere, great service, and excellent portions for the price, this place is a gem. We came in to celebrate our 20th anniversary, and the staff couldn't have been nicer. The sushi chefs were incredibly warm, and when they heard it was our milestone, they unexpectedly treated us each to a side of tempura shiso spicy tuna on the house. We ordered the 9-piece Deluxe Chef's Choice Nigiri (pictured in the boat). For a beachside town, the quality was great for the price, the fish was very fresh, and the portions were highly satisfying. If our travels ever bring us back to Monterey, we would definitely drop in again. Highly recommend if you want great sushi without the inflated resort prices!

    What a great little local spot! My wife and I were celebrating our minimoon with a nice sushi…read moredinner after a day on Cannery Row and fell in love with Züm right away. We sat at the bar and were immeditely introduced to the incredibly kind and easygoing sushi chefs behind the counter. They engaged in small talk before and after our meal, while also allowing us time to read the menu and later eat in our own company. It was sweet watching them interact with a regular who sat next to my wife and I at the bar, a musician who plays jazz at an Italian joint down the street every Thursday. He sang The Four Seasons under his breath and was happy to engage with his fellow barmates. We introduced ourselves and then he gave us marriage advice and told a couple jokes. It was one of the most pleasant little interactions we've had in awhile and felt so immersive to the local scene. The service and vibes were overall immaculate--not to mention the cozy nooks of a house-turned-Thai-turned-sushi restaurant giving it a homey feel. Then there was the sushi itself served on wooden boat platters. The scallop, bluefin, and fatty tuna sushimi were well portioned and buttery smooth. The Lover's Point and Seaside special roles were also fresh and savory. Best yet was the kindness of the owner himself, working the sushi bar and sharing rare samples of halibut fin when preparing our Hirame. I've never had such unique raw fish before and really appreciated him giving us that opportunity. The miso soup was beautifully balanced to kick it all off, too! Between the exemplary and kind service and top notch sushi, I cannot recommend it enough!

    Photos
    A
    A
    Züm Sushi
    The restraint

    See all

    The restraint

    Bada Kitchen - korean - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...