Took my family to try Korean food for their first time and it was delicious. The owner was so kind and gave us free samples to help us make up our minds on what to order. The bulgogi and the bulgogi chicken were delectable and the bibimbap was delicious. Everything there was fresh and great quality. Half way through eating, the owner even brought us free kimchi just to try. It was an amazing experience and I hope to return soon! read more

Joa Korean Food - Bulgogi Bibimbap, Bulgogi Chicken - Korean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Always so polite! This is the second time my partner and I have eaten here, and it has yet to disappoint. Portions are great with flavourful meat, perfect textured rice and, the best part, it's very filling! It's as well always so peaceful when going inside- love the interior design! read more

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Authentic and the owners are so nice and if you explain you can't take so spicy they will always have something for you to eat.

Asian food is my favorite cuisine, so of course when I passed this building on my way to work, I HAD to stop and try. I ordered my food as a left work online (Beef bulgogi japchae and kimchi) and it was ready went the owner waiting on me as I arrived. He was very friendly and welcoming. I don't have many pics as I was in a rush, but the restaurant is small but warm and inviting! I didn't eat anything until I got home but the food was still warm and exceptionally good! I don't think I can buy store bought kimchi anymore. This kimchi was so freaking fresh! They have won a long time customer! read more

Joa Korean Food - Korean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Amazing fresh and tasty food. You could tell that not only are the ingredients fresh but it was prepared on the spot. Highly recommend for eat in or takeout. Great service, clean place and amazing food. Thank you. read more

What a hidden little gem! I was invited here by my bestie to have lunch with her family. I was thankful they wanted me to try different things so they ordered a bunch of items to share! My favorite way to dine. I loved how everything came out fresh and the ingredients were fresh. Every bite I had was absolutely delicious! The Haemul Pajeon (seafood pancake) was my favorite, super fresh, tasty and the perfect texture. I'm a sucker for dumplings so we also ordered the Mandoo with chicken. This was my first time having bulgogi since I just started eating beef again a could months ago. It was delicious and well seasoned and paired perfectly with the glass noodles. The soy vinegar pickles were also yummy. I would definitely come back again! The staff are also nice and they have great reviews for a reason. The only slight issue I'll note is that it is smaller than I thought on the inside. They have about 6 four person tables in the entire place so the 6 of us took up almost half the restaurant. Also to note I love the art on the wall that displays the menu items and describes the dish. read more

Joa Korean Food - Counter to order - Korean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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We ate a lot more food than pictured but I posted what I remembered to take so forgive me lol. My dad was craving Korean food so he chose this place. It is a lot smaller than I imagined but it was very cute and clean. The ahjumma was so sweet and it seems like she makes everything herself. For appetizers we got the dumplings, seafood pancake, and the spicy rice cakes. The dumplings were so good. They always taste so nostalgic. We got some pork ones and chicken ones and they were so flavorful. The seafood pancake was crispy and crunchy, had a lot of filling of seafood but they were pretty small from what I'm used to. The spicy rice cakes are one of my favorite dishes so I knew it would be good. It was a little sweet but the spice was there and the rice cakes were nice and soft. My mom and dad got the mulnaengmyun which is cold buckwheat noodles and I'm gonna assume they were good because they finished the whole thing lol. They give you vinegar and gochujang to put in it yourself to make it the flavor and level of spicy you want. We also got bulgogi japchae and the beef was tender , wasn't overly sweet because sometimes restaurants do make the beef a little sweet. It was actually seasoned pretty well. The japchae noodles were pretty good too. I got the soondubu because that's one of my favorites as well and it definitely hit the spot. It was spicy, the tofu was cooked just right, and went well with the beef I got in it as well. Everything I ate felt like home and I missed it a lot. I don't eat a lot of Korean food at home so it was nice to go out with my parents and enjoy this meal and share it with my best friend who was with me as well. It is a little pricey but I think it is worth it to try. read more

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I visited JOA Korean for the first time after reading great reviews, but unfortunately, my experience didn't match the hype. I ordered the beef bulgogi, and it tasted like it wasn't fresh more like it had been reheated in the microwave. Disappointed, especially since I was really looking forward to trying it. read more

Joa Korean Food - Bulgogi beef - Korean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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The flavor was top notch and better than what I expected! Everything was cooked super fresh so took a second to get out, but it was worth every second. Super chill interior was what sounded like the Korean top 40 bumping really got my hype to eat. Had to get the Korean yogurt flavored Milkis soda and some dukbokki on the side. Priced a little high for what you get, but super delicious. And the staff was super happy to serve us. Great overall experience. read more

Joa Korean Food - Interior - Korean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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The nicest owners!! This time I ordered the soondoobu soup which is a spicy tofu soup which I added seafood to with no additional upcharge. The soup had the right amount of spice and the tofu was pure silk! Highly recommend stopping in read more

Joa Korean Food - Soondoobu with seafood - Korean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Quick girls lunch with my sister and niece. We got the Bulgogi with white rice, the Bulgogi Japchae with white rice and an additional japchae. Each dish came a few bon chons. Everything we ordered was delicious and flavorful. The portions were good. We shared the dishes between the three of us and had some to take home. The customer service was phenomenal. Our food was out and at our table in less than 10 minutes. The staff offered us little complimentary candies and gave us extra bon chons to share. I will definitely stop again when I'm in the area. Joa Korean Food 8016 Providence Road Ste 100 Charlotte, NC 28277 (Review 756 overall and in 15 2023) read more

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Loved the food so much. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Would recommend for anyone who loves good Korean food, though it isn't my favorite in Charlotte read more

Walked in and was greeted with a clean and tidy service counter. Received Friendly and fast service. High quality authentic quick service Korean cuisine. The portions were generous and the kimchi and pickles that came along side my bibbimbap was a great compliment and touch of acid to even out the hearty and delicious veggies/beef/and rice. I would like to come back and try the spicy squid or Korean pancakes. read more

Joa Korean Food - Bibimbap with bulgogi - Korean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Oh how I love a family owned place that serves delicious authentic food... hard to find those nowadays!!! Joa is THE place to go for korean food. Great portions and all very delicious and the owner/workers are so so kind. Overall: 4.7/5 When: Tuesday 7:30pm, take out. Food: 4.8/5 - bulgolgi japchae was yummmmyyyy!!! It came in a bowl with white rice at the bottom, japchae and bulgolgi on top. If i were to order again, i will try asking for no rice and japchae only bc its so delish. Their japchae is a little more on the dry side where as i know some other places makes theirs a little more saucy and wet which is what i prefer.. but it was still very delicious!! The bulgolgi meat was marinated well and cooked very well. Wish there was some marination sauce over the rice! The portion was a great size and accurate for what i paid- about $20 including tip. I was able to get two meals out of the entree which the math works out there so it isn't a cheap meal but not overpriced either. Service: 5/5 - so I called in to place my take out order and I believe the mom/owner/cook picked up and took my order. I asked for a bulgolgi japchae but wanted to see if she could do no carrots and she made a new batch of japchae just for me!! How sweet and kind and accommodating. I typically don't ask for changes to a dish but carrots ruin a dish for me so I'm very glad she was able to change it up for me. Love it!!! The workers inside greeted me with a smile and helped me right away. Service was quick too- i called and arrived within 10 minutes and the order came out fresh for me. Vibes: 4.5/5 - small on the inside. Cute, clean, and new! Nothing super special but you're definitely there for the food.. not the vibes. Other: in the arboretum shopping center with free surface parking. Not really a dining in restaurant, more like a chipotle type of place where there are a few small tables for you to sit and eat but im sure mainly take out orders. read more

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Some people would not he happy with limited menu, but I prefer limited menu done WELL and they did just that and then some! We ordered 1) spicy chicken bowl. 2) Sundubu-jjigae (soup ) The dish is made with extra soft tofu with zucchini, mushrooms, onion, gochujang or gochugaru. 3) Tteokbokki - simmered rice cake in gochujang sauce with strips of fish cake (popular Korean street food) 4) Gimbap-( kimbap here in the US) gim for "seaweed" and bap for "cooked rice," kimbap is similar to--but decidedly distinct from--a mega-sized maki sushi roll, but even better! The best Gimpab I have ever had! My husband says it's a bold statement, but I stand by it 100 percent. The staff genuinely friendly and chef brought out mini kimchi pancake for us to try and the best kimchi pancake I have ever had as well! Yes, I eat a lot of kimchi pancakes! Establishment kept clean, had music that was turned up enough to hear music playing and can still have a conversation. I have read some other reviews and noticed people talk about pricey menu. I personally know how much time Korean dishes take to prepare and believe that one cannot put a price tag on well prepared meals. That's just my opinion and backing with some experience in learning how to cook Korean food. Joa is THE establishment I look forward to dining in and enjoying meals with my family after 3 hrs and 45 minutes drive from Wilmington. read more

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Food was truly amazing. We ordered beef bulgogi and pork rice bowl. It was so flavorful. Kimchi is home made and delicious. The owners were friendly. Prices are reasonable. read more

I'm not an expert by any means on Korean food so take this with a grain of salt. Personally, I thought it was amazing. Kind people, generous service. The spicy squid and kimchijeon were fantastic. Definitely would return. read more

3 stars is being generous. No substitutions which is frustrating for someone who doesn't eat carb-heavy foods. The portion size for the price is a rip off and the protein amount in the bibimbap was absolutely ridiculous. You get "sides" that come in ketchup side containers which last not even a bite. The chicken tasted slimy and you would be better eating bourbon chicken at the mall food court. Unfortunate really. Really hate being a yelp snob but left this place still hungry and won't go back. read more

Joa Korean Food - Chicken Bibimbap - Korean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Food was delicious and the staff so friendly! Virtually everything is made in house, including the sauces. While the atmosphere is that of a small casual to-go joint, your mouth will feel like you're having a homemade meal at your friend's house. read more

I absolutely love going to Joa. Every time I go there it is an adventure to explore different culinary delights. The food does not disappoint. Everything on the menu is fabulous. What's even better than the food is the marvelous service. The owner is kind and is an amazing cook. She treats all her clients as if they were a part of her family. On top of that, the restaurant itself is very airy and bright. It has a very welcoming vibe. Really suggest going to Joa! It will not disappoint! The kimchi is fresh, seafood pancake and gimbap is amazing; bulgogi beef and Japchae hits the spot every time. We loved loved the cold noodle soup we had there. Perfect for a hot summer day and their seafood tofu soup is my go to food in winter. read more

. Was scrolling through yelp reviews when I came across Joa and I thought to myself hmmm how have I not heard of this place before? So...without hesitation I jumped in the car and hit the road to see what all the buzz was about. Now, I must mention that it is a small storefront near the Cinebarre side of Arboretum, and if you aren't looking closely for it you might miss it (like I did), but believe me you wouldn't want to do that because this place is AWESOME! Very welcoming and friendly from the moment I walked in the front door, as I was greeted with a warm smile that immediately made me feel like I was valued as a customer. Small cozy inside area with five small tables for those who prefer to dine in, but today was all about take out, so i walked up to the counter to place my order and decided to try the spicy chicken with a side of Japchae to go, and was offered a free drink to take with me (so nice!). The food didn't take much time at all, and soon I was on my way, and boy was I tempted to rip open the bag before I got home (but I didn't), because the food smelled incredible. Everything was absolutely delicious with tremendous flavor and a nice level of spice that is not for the wimpy, as I enjoy spicy food and I was not disappointed in the least, as the spice was nice without overwhelming the taste and flavor of the food, which is not easy to pull off. Overall, I highly recommend Joa and can't wait to go back and try Jaime of the other menu items, as this is definitely a hidden gem that is worth going out of your way to check out. Welcome to the five star club Joa! read more

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I am not an expert on Korean food, so take this review with a grain of sàlt. On the plus side, service was friendly and my order was ready by the time I arrived at the restaurant. (about 15 minutes). The place was clean and the few diners we're having a good time. But I was not impressed with the food. I got meat, rice ànd noodles, and a couple of sides. It was bland and just enough for one person, so pretty expensive for what it was. I won't return read more

Fabulous Bulgogi Rice bowl. Comes with kimchi and other veg that was very tasty, too! Service was great.

Great quick lunch place! Very clean , friendly service. Small menu but perfectly balanced . read more

Just s wonderful little place and beautiful family running this restaurant. Their food is all great; have try most the menu. I recommend it all since all dishes so far were so balanced in flavor. The ribs are my favorite. Very happy to support this local family that is working hard. read more

Joa Korean Food - bibimbap japchae - Korean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Guys, before you continue reading, I want you to know that I'm a borderline harsh/intense food critic. If something isn't good, I will let people know. With that said, Joa is LEGIT. It's completely run by TRUE Koreans. In other words, the flavors are VERY authentic. To cater to the American palate, I think they made things extra flavorful. So, what did I order? I ordered the Galbi/Beef Short Rib ($19.75) and the Spicy Chicken ($13.75). Both were absolutely fantastic and bursting with flavor. The Galbi is clearly made with really high quality meat. There was no fat/weird chewy pieces. It was just all delicious meat. And they gave way more meat than so many places that I've been to. The Spicy Chicken was also ridiculously good. There were so many pieces of moist, fresh chicken and fresh vegetables. I normally finish all my food, but they are so generous with their portions that I actually struggled! In the end I still finished everything because it was too yummy not to. The verdict: Joa is a SOLID five stars. I will definitely be back. I wish they were closer to me because their meals are perfect for lunch and dinner. So convenient AND they're fast! Fun note: I think they're still pretty new, so they offered tasting samples AND gave us free drinks!!! They also have two free homemade sides: pickled radish and kimchi. Also, also, the owners told me that they serve each dish as if they were feeding their kids, hence the high quality and fresh ingredients! That meal was so satisfying. I am VERY happy right now! Yay! :) read more

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It took me a while to find the location. It's tucked in on the Gap side of the Arboretum. It's a small spot and although the menu is small, it has all the popular dishes you'd expect. I got the spicy squid bowl. Another review mentioned the portions are small but I disagree. I thought it was a healthy portion and I left full. The bowl came with a side of kimchi and pickled cucumbers, and they gave me a bottle of water complimentary. The food was so delicious! The squid was perfectly marinated, spiced, and flavorful. Everything tasted so balanced and authentic. Yes, the bowls are on the pricier side but I do think you're paying for quality and get a generous amount of meat. I wasn't sure I'd find good Korean food outside of the Bay Area, but Joa exceeded my expectations and I can't wait to return. read more

Great service & simple but delicious Korean food! This place certainly adds a spark to the Arboretum shopping center. Environment is clean and friendly. It is certainly a place I'll be a regular at. We definitely needed more Korean food in the Charlotte community. read more

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Joa is unbelievably good!! I work nearby so i'm here for lunch - a lot. I can't help but order a whole table spread every time I come in. The food is delicious and always cooked fresh. I've tried the spicy chicken, spicy pork, the bulgogi chicken, and the galbi - they're all 10/10. And the kimchijeon and rice cakes are my favorite sides. The owner is the chef and she's always a delight to speak with, along with all the other members of staff. I can't recommend this place enough! read more

Joa Korean Food - Kimchijeon (kimchi pancakes) - Korean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Definitely will be coming back here again soon! I work across the street from the Arboretum so very convenient, which is a good thing or bad. I ordered the Korean Bimibap bowl with spicy beef and brown rice. The bowl was large and came loaded with rice, fresh and pickled veggies, beef, and eggs. The beef had tons of flavor so I'm looking forward to trying their Kalbi. It came with a delicious side of homemade Kimchi, more pickled veggies, and Kchilly sauce (Gochujang), not sure if that's a usual side but they were happy to throw some in. The staff was so kind and made sure to make me feel appreciated for coming in. As u can see by the picture, this was a lot of food and I am not sure why people say there serve small portions. All this for $12! So worth it. Looking forward to having my left overs later and coming back to try more menu items. read more

Joa Korean Food - Spicy beef Bibimbap with bean sprouts, carrots, radish, onions, eggs, cucumbers, and mushrooms. - Korean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Delicious, authentic Korean food!! Highly recommend. The owner/chef was so friendly, explained the dishes. We plan to return again soon!!

Bulgogi japchae is the best of both worlds in one bowl! Stopped in for a quick lunch and everything was so good! Quick Service and I loved the kimchi. read more

My family and I absolutely love this place. It's such a great addition to Charlotte. They make you feel very welcome when you come in and explain everything to you. Our favorite to order is the Galbi- it's so tender and flavorful!!! You can't go wrong with this place and you will leave happy and with a full stomach. We often have leftovers and everything is made fresh. Plenty of parking as well. read more

Joa Korean Food - Korean Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

this is A FAKE korean restaurant. Yes, I am a korean and I know real korean food. THis isn't even close. extreme high prices, horrible service, horrible food, extremely minimal portions. read more

This place is amazing!! We just happened to see it a few weeks ago after leaving Walmart. The beef Bulgogi and chicken Bulgogi are delicious. The people are super nice especially the girl at the front taking orders. Very helpful and friendly! We've been back several times!! We usually take it home but there are tables!! Try this place it is well worth it!! read more

Overpriced, below average Korean food. The spicy pork had a mix of lean but very tough or chewy and very fatty cuts. Beware it really is spicy so you will like that of if you favor true spice but u won't if u can't handle spice. My son got the bulgogi which I tried and it was surprisingly flavorless. The rice was on the hard side, tasted like leftover rice out of a fridge and reheated. Giving two stars instead of one for the cute ambience and adequate service. read more

The food was fantastic and the owner went out of her way to make us feel like family.

Great new addition to the Arboretum shopping center. Went with a friend for lunch. The staff is very friendly and helpful. I like that they keep the menu simple. I prefer a place make a few dishes really well rather than a bunch of mediocre dishes. Our food was good. The Bulgogi was tasty and tender. Plenty of meat. My Bibimbap was good,but not a lot of chicken (1/4 cup). I'm not sure if this is normal as I've not had this dish before. It was flavourful, I just wish there was more meat. I loved the pickled veggies! The kimchi was very good also. I will definitely go back and try more dishes. We were treated so well and I love to support local. I encourage you to give them a try. read more

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Found this place for the first time today and I am more than excited to see it in The Arboretum Shopping Center. I have had a lot of experience with Korean food before, especially working as a manager of a Korean restaurant in the Charlotte area. Although the menu right now is simple and small it is full of classic Korean dishes. I tried the chicken bulgogi and japchae today, two very classic and some of my favorite dishes. They were both very authentic and delicious. I look forward to trying more items on the menu the next time I visit. Some dishes might look a little pricey but based on the quality and work behind making these dishes I believe they are set at a really fair price, making them a great deal (especially with the portions served). I am looking forward to my next visit as this will be my new staple place when I'm in The Arboretum Shopping Center. Quick overview: great food, great prices, great staff! I love this restaurant! read more

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We really liked JAO. The pork short ribs were excellent. The spicy chicken and kimchi pancakes were very good. Authentic Korean casual place that we will definitely return to. read more