So happy to have a spot like this in South OC. It's a cute family-owned restaurant with genuinely friendly service, and the whole place feels very authentic. It's fast-casual, but everything was clean, the food came out quickly, and everyone was incredibly welcoming. We tried the bulgogi bowl, soft tofu soup, the muscat grape lemonade, and the pomegranate lemonade. The grape lemonade was such a fun surprise--it uses Asian muscat grape instead of the artificial "American grape" flavor we're used to. It's a rare flavor to find and was honestly so refreshing. Both lemonades came out beautifully presented with fresh fruit, which was a really nice touch. The soft tofu soup was excellent. The broth had a rich, silky mouthfeel and tasted homemade rather than like it was made from one of the premade soup bases. It was deeply flavorful without being overwhelming. Everything was served piping hot, exactly as these dishes should be. The bulgogi bowl was also delicious and came with a very generous portion of beef. Serving sizes overall were huge--both of us ate until we were full and still had enough leftovers to take home. Prices were very reasonable, especially considering the quality and portion sizes. If you've been wanting to try Korean food but weren't sure where to start, I think this is a fantastic introduction. Authentic flavors, generous portions, friendly people, and a great value. We'll definitely be back. read more

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This little mom and pop restaurant is located in the same plaza as the Regal movie theatre in Aliso Viejo and serves legitimately good Korean food. I love their Kalbi set which is plenty of food for my husband and me to share. We have tried the combo set with unmarinated brisket + Kalbi and thought the Kalbi was perfectly tender and tastefully seasoned, but the brisket was a bit tough and chewy. The second time, we ordered the combo set with Kalbi + bulgogi and we loved it so much that we went back a third time and ordered the same thing and loved it the third time as well. The bulgogi was tender and flavorful and went well with the lettuce and tasty ssamjang (thick chili/bean paste dipping sauce). The soft tofu it comes with was also a welcome part of the meal and all of the banchan side dishes were also excellent. Some Korean restaurants serve banchan dishes that are all cloyingly sweet, but at Nasung, all of the banchans are fresh, well balanced, savory, and pair perfectly with everything else. This BBQ set really is a great value and feels like a symphony of flavors that come together perfectly into one well orchestrated meal for two. We haven't tried the other dishes, though I want to try... but that combo Kalbi set keeps calling to me and I can never resist. read more

Nasung Donkasu - Kalbi + brisket combo set for two - Korean Near Me - Aliso Viejo, California

What incredible food, prices, and service. We were immediately greeted and offered to sit anywhere we liked. He brought us menus and highlighted their deals and specials. We thought the $18 lunch special sounded like a good value already, to say nothing of how surprised we were by the HUGE portions that came out. We got 2 meals out of it, so for less than $10 a meal, this is an amazing value. I got the Donkasu bowl, my husband got Tteokbokki. Everything was perfect. Their kimchi is super sauced up, which I love, but it could be a lot spicier, which is truly my only complaint about our whole meal. You can add a drink for $2.50 to your meal. We got Danang Coffee and it was delicious. If we are ever in Aliso Viejo again we'd love to return. read more

Nasung Donkasu - Donkasu Bowl Lunch Special - Korean Near Me - Aliso Viejo, California

Delicious, excellent service, speedy and fresh. They have a great selection of Korean meals that are good for sharing or individual consumption. Ordered their donkasu plate and their spicy tofu soup and everything was so flavorful! Next time we plan on trying their KBBQ combo. This place is honestly a great bang for the buck. Portions are very sizable and well worth the money. Only thing is that this place is quite small so it fills up quickly! read more

Nasung Donkasu - Donkasu plate and spicy tofu soup - Korean Near Me - Aliso Viejo, California

This place definitely EXCEEDS my expectations. Donkasu gets a FIVE Stars in all five categories: Ambiance, Service, Presentation, Taste, and Price. Ambiance -- The seating is light and there were quite a few people, but we got a space. The eating are is clean. The walls have nice decorations on them. The lighting is bright and nice. The store branding is well done. Service -- I got here 30 minutes before they closed and they still let us order! The owner of the restaurant was our waiter. He was SUPER nice and helped us to order to our preferences. He offered to give us extra sides when we asked for it and he really cared for his customers. We ordered dessert 30 min AFTER their closing time and they still accepted it! Presentation -- The food looked tasty right when it arrived, and the portions were decent. I ordered the K-BBQ Combo and the meat plate looked beautiful. There were the perfect types and amounts of sides and the green tea was really genuine. Taste -- The K-BBQ Combo included Short Ribs, a choice of Brisket or Bulgogi, spicy tofu soup, 2 rice bowls, green onion salad, a lettuce wrap, and a variety of additional condiments. All the food tasted really good and the salt level was perfect. Price -- The prices were really affordable for high quality food. I love how they have an option for an unlimited iced green tea jug for only $4! The K-BBQ Combo can be shared between 2 people and it was $65. The fried chicken bowl was $15. The spicy tofu soup was $12.5. The lunch special also has good prices with additional drinks for only $2.5 (Monday to Friday from 11 AM to 4 PM). Overall, I will definitely come back to eat here again when I get a chance! read more

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Great food, wonderful staff, all at a reasonable price. I enjoy all 3 of the bowls, pork, fried chicken and bulgogi. Today we were able to try the chocolate ice cream. It was very good with a mochi like texture a must try! read more

Nasung Donkasu - Fried Chicken bowl - Korean Near Me - Aliso Viejo, California

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This restaurant is worth the 5*. Amazing food and service!!! I love that there is an option of large jar of green tea unlimited refills for the group for only $4. There are so many options in variety of food. I got the fried chicken bowl sub salad. The rest of the family got the soup with fried chicken appetizer. And they also got the combo of soup with beef bulgogi and short rib. The food was refreshing. To top it off, we got their homemade matcha green tea ice cream and chocolate ice cream. It was cute and delicious! They also have lunch specials at great prices and the drinks are reasonably priced. It is in a large shopping plaza with plenty of parking. I will definitely recommend and come here again. read more

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Really fantastic quality, taste and service. Super fresh. Got the donkatsu and spring rolls, both excellent.

Small place and limited seating. Service was friendly and accommodating. Of course we came here for the treokbokki and as small as it looks, it's very filling. Doesn't seem like a lot but was able to share with my daughter. The staff gave us free ice cream which was really yummy. Thick but good. Would def come back if we are ever in town. read more

My wife and I recently walked over from our neighborhood and decided to give this place a try, and we're glad we did. I ordered the Fried Chicken Bowl, and it was exactly what I was hoping for. The chicken was crispy, tender, and surprisingly reminded me of calamari in the way it ate, light and not overly heavy. What really stood out was how restrained they were with the sauces. There was just enough teriyaki and sesame mayo to add flavor without drowning the chicken. Too many places overpower a dish with sauce, but here the flavor of the chicken still came through. The portion size was perfect for us. We enjoyed a satisfying meal without feeling stuffed afterward, which made the walk home just as enjoyable as the walk there. The restaurant itself was very clean. As someone who always checks the restroom before ordering, I can say the cleanliness passed my test. The dining area was spotless, and the overall atmosphere was welcoming and comfortable. We sat outside with our dog, which made for a great evening. The patio is dog-friendly, the staff was fast and friendly, and they brought out refreshing lemon water that really hit the spot after our walk. With music playing outside and attentive service, it created a relaxed and enjoyable experience. One reason I'm taking the time to write this review is because restaurants in this area seem to come and go quickly. This is one of those places I'd hate to see disappear. The food is excellent, the service is great, the restaurant is clean, and it's the kind of neighborhood spot worth supporting. We'll definitely be back. read more

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This is a great spot for yummy Korean food. It's such a cute little space with animated decor all over. It was so tasty I forgot to take pics last time, I had to dig right in. We split the Fried chicken bowl - Fried Chicken over rice, drizzled with teriyaki and sesame mayo sauce. Served with stir fry kimchi and pickled radish. Also the Korean BBQ Meal with brisket - Served with Rice, House Soup, Lettuce Wrap, Green Onion Salad, roasted Garlic & Stir-fried Kimchi. It. Was. So. Good. I spilled half of my soda all over the table & the server came right away to help clean up. He also brought me a new soda and refused to charge me for it. The service is always great and we will come back. I'm so glad to have this place at the Town Center! read more

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This food is incredible and the vibe here is immaculate and the servers are so kind and caring, feels very comforting. I am from New York and this has to be one of the best korean places I have ever had, so thank you so much for this incredible food really appreciate it, come here for your next meal read more

Nasung Donkasu - Amazing food, spicy tofu soup meal. - Korean Near Me - Aliso Viejo, California

The staff was very professional and very patient in taking my order. The food was amazing l! I had the lunch deal which was bulgogi bowl which came with a soup and a salad, got a refreshing drink of a pomegranate aid which had mint and blackberry. Will definitely come again. read more

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Service is always fast, which makes this an easy pickup, casual spot. Ordered the Donkasu Rice Bowl and the pork katsu was lightly fried and impressively stayed crispy even after a 10-minute car ride. The plate came with fresh radish and kimchi, which added a nice balance to the richness of the katsu. The rice was fluffy and topped with a fragrant, savory soy sauce drizzle, which really enhanced the dish. The katsu sauce was perfectly tangy and creamy, nothing like I've ever had before, but it tied everything together perfectly. Overall, a super reliable spot for quality donkatsu that travels well. Definitely will be one of my go-to places in the area! read more

Nasung Donkasu - Donkasu Bowl - Korean Near Me - Aliso Viejo, California

This restaurant has a friendly staff. We came in to try this restaurant because we heard about it from a friend who is a food vlogger. We ordered tteok bokki which is the spicy rice cakes with dumplings, shrimp tempura, and gochujang sauce. The rice cakes had a perfect chewy texture. And the spicy level was just right to my liking. My husband ordered kimchi friend rice which was served in this cute tin box. We enjoyed and had enough kimchi flavor. Overall, this place satisfies your cravings for a fast korean meal. read more

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Husband is obsessed that's it's been a solid bi-weekly rotation ever since we discovered it in October of this year. He's a creature of habit and will order the same item every time, while I venture around to give something new a try with every visit. We usually come around opening, so service has been prompt and we get some peace and quiet before the lunch rush comes through. Hubs gets the donkasu bowl, which has a very generous portion that will keep you full. You get a slab of fried pork cutlets slathered in their house made sauce on rice. Comes with side of pickled radish, stir fry kimchi and cabbage salad. If you want to ration out your sauce, you can request to get it on the side to keep optimal crunch or control how much sauce. You can also order an extra side of sauce if it's not enough! On my first visit, I got their fried chicken bowl. The chicken is sauced with teriyaki and sesame mayo on top of shredded cabbage and rice. You also get some pickled radish and stir fry kimchi. The second time, I got the Spam Kimchi Fried Rice. I didn't have a huge appetite and this portion appeared a little smaller in comparison to the rice bowls, but I still left really full! It comes with two fried eggs and two dumpling. You get the option to add some dried seaweed to mix into your fried rice alongside the usual suspects for sides: pickled radish and stir fry kimchi. I saw they added something new recently, Spicy Tofu Soup. Can't wait to give that one a try! However, the donkasu is a solid choice to come through and give a try. read more

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Nasung Donkasu is a solid fast-casual spot that's perfect when you want something quick, easy, and satisfying. It's conveniently located in the Town Center, and the ordering process is super straightforward and ideal for a casual lunch or a no-fuss dinner. The food came out fast and everything was fresh. The standout for me was the bulgogi bowl and was tender, flavorful, and generously portioned. It's comforting and delicious. The space is clean and simple, exactly what you'd expect from a fast-casual setup. Overall, Nasung Donkasu is a great option when you're in the area and craving something tasty without a long wait. read more

Nasung Donkasu - Bulgogi Bowl - Korean Near Me - Aliso Viejo, California

Placed an order for pickup and everything was ready upon arrival. The restaurant is cozy inside with cute illustrations. The food portions are very small for the amount of price you will be paying for. Something to be really aware of. Just for context, 4 items for $32 that barely fed me, a grown ass adult. No leftovers not because the food was great, but due to the tiny portions and most items impalpable. For example, the kimchi fried rice was barely filled inside the container. For a $15 item, I expected it to be more food. Yes, it had two fried eggs that came with it but even then, very disappointing and not filling. It had spam inside and no other ingredients besides rice that resembled more like ketchup rice inside of an omurice. Not spicy or anything. Highly disappointing. I ordered the house salad and extra fried egg thinking that would hopefully make things more satiating. Nope. I also wasn't aware the fried rice came with eggs. All 3 eggs were over hard and very greasy. No seasonings added so just greasy rubbery eggs. Had I ordered the food in the restaurant, I would have sent it back. The salad was ok. Nothing to write home about. Just spring greens with one tiny separate container of vinegar based dressing I didn't care for. Definitely not worth paying extra for. The bulgogi also came in a tiny box. It had maybe 3-4 bites worth of food. By then, I was pissed off. Not only the food items came in tiny portions but the complete lack of seasoning or under-seasoning of several items was unacceptable. But the bulgogi came with watery pool of grease on the bottom and tasted sickly sweet. The meat tasted oddly old and had a foul odor to it. Would I order from here again? Most definitely not. Just with the lack of banchan, the tiny portions, and lousy seasoning of food makes it a hard no. By the time I tasted the bulgogi, it was a hard no forever. read more

Nasung Donkasu - Kimchi Fried Rice Extra Bulgogi House Salad Extra Fried Egg 1 pc - Korean Near Me - Aliso Viejo, California

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A cozy Korean spot serving up bowls and some of the usual well-known Korean foods. We came here tired on a dark and rainy night and were treated to friendly table service and tasty bowls. The walls are plastered with cutesy art with imperfect English, telling you you're in for a good time. I got a fried chicken bowl, loaded with crispy chicken bits, tangy KFC sauce, and mayo. My partner got the bulgogi bowl, which was "good," sweet and savory and tender and salty. I enjoyed the salty and concentrated pan fried kimchi side dish, but he didn't. They were both reasonably priced and pretty filling by themselves. The food is flavorful and familiar; after or in the middle of a tiring day, it hits the spot. read more

Nasung Donkasu - Fried Chicken Bowl - Korean Near Me - Aliso Viejo, California

I visited Nasung Donkasu in Aliso Viejo and was blown away by how good everything was. The food tastes homemade, fresh, and full of flavor. You can really tell they care about what they serve. The donkasu was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside. The bulgogi was sweet and savory in all the right ways, and the jumbo shrimp tempura was surprisingly meaty and so satisfying. I also tried the rice cake skewers and their matcha ice cream. The ice cream actually tastes like real matcha and even has their logo on top, which the owners designed themselves. What really makes this place special are the owners. It's a sweet couple who run it together, and they are truly some of the kindest people you'll meet. They make you feel so welcome from the moment you walk in. If you're looking for comforting, authentic Korean food in Orange County, this is the spot. I'll definitely be back soon. read more

Nasung Donkasu - @coffeeshopsofoc - Korean Near Me - Aliso Viejo, California

The food, service, and vibes are all so amazing here! I've ordered the food through doordash many times but I went in for the first time today and it was awesome-- they have cute illustrations inside and they sell all sorts of korean snacks and drinks too! Super nostalgic. Speaking of nostalgia they were playing all these old school korean and pop hits, it was like a blast to the past in the best way! The teokbokki ricecakes were soooo soft and chewy they were perfect!! and I loved that each dish came with some sides like fried dumplings and the fried shrimp which were all super tasty too! They even have ice cream which i believe is home made and they present it with a really cute dusted logo and its very creamy and nice! I overheard that they may be changing their name soon to Han Shik Dang due to a bigger LA corp making trouble :( but I will definitely be back to support! The owner seems like a great hard working person! TLDR Good food Good Vibes Good People!! read more

Nasung Donkasu - sooo cute their matcha ice cream - Korean Near Me - Aliso Viejo, California

I just got Kim chi fried rice to-go bc I forgot to bring lunch for work. As a Korean, I'm high critical of the Korean food I eat out. The dish was okay.. it was kinda too salty for me. The rice was a bit too dry. I just wanted a quick lunch but I'll probably give the donkatsu a try next Time! read more

Nasung Donkasu - Korean Near Me - Aliso Viejo, California

This place is such a fantastic addition to South OC! The menu is on the limited side but has the basics - tofu soup, bulgogi, tteokbokki and katshu (both pork and chicken). The prices are very reasonable, especially for South OC. I think other Korean restaurants charge a bit more per entree but they come with banchan. Here, the banchan is extra, which is nice because it does cut down on both cost and waste. We tried the bulgogi and the tteokbokki and both were great. You can add soup and salad for an extra $4 and it was a great way to round out a meal. The portions are generous. I think a smaller eater could have leftovers and two younger kids could easily split an entree (the rice with meat options). The food comes out quickly as it's a smaller place. Service was good and friendly. read more

Nasung Donkasu - Tteokbokki with added soup and salad - Korean Near Me - Aliso Viejo, California

Always my go to spot when I want a quick and somewhat healthy meal that doesn't leave me feeling regret after eating! The pork katsu is always super crispy, and I love the banchan of pickled radish and kimchi , their kimchi is packed with flavor! I also love that their katsu sauce is served hot. If you ever get it to-go, I recommend heating the sauce up before eating if it cools down. The rice is always perfectly cooked and has a nice soy sauce sweetness to it. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to often! read more

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I've come here several times now from opening days to now (almost a year later). Han (the owner) is always super sweet. He will talk to you and answer any questions to the best of his abilities. When I first came around it was mostly just him and like one or two people to help him in the kitchen but there has been several additions to the team. All of them are nice and friendly. The food here is always A+. I've tried almost everything on the menu so far, but my go to will always be the donkatsu bowl. It is hearty and big enough to fill you up plus maybe a little extra to take home. I wish they had more items for me to get off the menu since it's kind of hard to eat the same thing several times, but I understand that it is a small restaurant and having too many different things can lead to quality changes for their existing items. Would highly recommend that you try this place out at least once! I promise you won't regret it ! If you are lucky and it's not so busy, maybe have a chat with Han. He loves talking with the customers and always seems so happy to have the company around. read more

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I finally checked out Nasung Donkasu in Aliso Viejo, and I'm so glad I did. It is a lovely family-run spot, and you can really tell how much care goes into it! The owners are a husband and wife team who are just so sweet and welcoming. Beyond how kind they are, the food is genuinely impressive. The portions are huge and the quality is spot-on. It's the perfect place if you're looking for comforting, authentic Korean food in the area. It's rare to find a place that hits that balance of great atmosphere and such hearty, well-prepared dishes. I'll definitely be back!! read more

Love this place! Donkasu is the perfect place to go if you're craving Korean food. The first time my boyfriend and I went to this location, we ordered a bulgogi bowl, tteokbokki, and edamame and their fried chicken for appetizers. Second time, we both got bulgogi bowls and shared another fried chicken appetizer. Both times Donkasu hit the spot and left us feeling full and happy. On top of the great flavor and food portions, service was attentive, and the restaurant and restroom was clean and cool. Definitely recommend trying this place out if you haven't already! read more

Nasung Donkasu - bulgogi bowls and fried chicken appetizer - Korean Near Me - Aliso Viejo, California

Omg this place was sooooo good! So worth coming here. The food was literally the best and tasted awesome!!! I got the soon tofu soup and Korean fried chicken! And also got a matcha ice cream and the unlimited green tea drink! It was very well priced and so delicious! The staff was super nice and very accommodating! It was very clean and super cute inside! Love it and will definitely come back! read more

Nasung Donkasu - Soon Spicy Tofu Soup MEAL and Korean Fried Chicken - Korean Near Me - Aliso Viejo, California

Food is awesome! Ambiance is cool! Service is great! Very helpful and nice. Accommodated for an incorrect order, definitely coming back here. read more

Nasung Donkasu - Servers and tables - Korean Near Me - Aliso Viejo, California

Free plaza parking. Outdoor seating available. Cozy inside with only four tables for four and two tables for two. Seven counter bar seats available. Aliso students get 10% off 2p-5p on school days. There's a lunch special M-F 11a-4p for $18 which includes one main course (tonkotsu, bulgogi, fried chicken, tteok bokki, kimchi fried rice) + soup + salad. We came for dinner and got the kbbq combo with short rib + bulgogi + soondubu soup for $65. Pretty pricey but the soondubu broth was so delicious. They only have one option of soondubu (spicy tofu soup) that contains preset beef onion and enoki mushrooms. The soup was not that spicy at all. It was very oily, maybe that's why it was so decadent and delicious. The banchans were very limited and it felt uncomfortable to ask for refills as they didn't seem to like it. Probably because it's catered to a more non Asian crowd which normally don't ask for banchan refills. But my favorite part of Korean food is to taste all the various small side dishes, especially the kimchi. So that was a bummer. Overall great food and I'll definitely come back for the spicy tofu soup. My favorite banchan was the spicy green onion salad. Not spicy at all and so delicious. Glad this place exists since not many Korean options are available in the nearby area. read more

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Hidden gem in aliso viejo! Their korean style katsu reminds me of those bunsik places i used to go in korea when i was really young. I really enjoyed kimchi fried rice as well - which is made with kimchi and spam which I absolutely love! The server (that I assume he might be the owner?) was very friendly and energetic too which always becomes a plus. read more

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Pros: - Mom and pop little place in the Aliso Viejo town center. This is probably the only Korean restaurant in the city. - Parking might be a tad hard on weekends, so be prepared to walk a little, but you will find parking. - Ordered Donkasu plate which comes with a side of radish soup with little beef chunks! I'm actually a big fan of the sauce, tangy and the perfect amount of sweet. More than enough for 1 person for sure. - Service was efficient. We stopped by for a quick bite before the movies and we were in and out in less than 30 mins at most. Cons: - Place is fairly small so seating availability might be limited. If you live near the restaurant, I recommend to-go. I'm curious to tase the other items on their menu. For the price point, quality, quantity, and the location, I would say this is a solid spot. read more

Nasung Donkasu - IG @devouredwithlove - Korean Near Me - Aliso Viejo, California

We Just discovered NaSong Donkatsu. We're already planning to return. I had the donkatsu bowl. It was delicious. It was crispy, tender and the side of kimchi was tender and full of flavor. I had the most delicious rice punch too. It had a beautiful presentation. Subtle sweetness and nutty. Delicious and refreshing. We will definitely be back. The service was great too! The restaurant is in a cool plaza. I noticed there was a movie theater a Wahoos and a chicken restaurant. There are tons of other cool shops. You can make a whole afternoon out of it. read more

Nasung Donkasu - Donkatsu plate - Korean Near Me - Aliso Viejo, California

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Food is always great here. Staff is very friendly. It's bright and inviting. They had some menu items changes so wanted to share with Yelp friends. Great for those in a budget. Combo meals are still under $21. read more

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Great little spot for Korean food. The vibe is casual and the service is friendly. I had the tteok-bokki lunch special which came with soup and salad and was very affordable and tasty! My husband also tried the bulgogi bowl and I tried a bite, very flavorful. Would recommend stopping by! read more

Nasung Donkasu - Korean Near Me - Aliso Viejo, California

This place rocks!! We went for an early dinner on a Saturday and were sat immediately. Service was great and quick. We got the Donkasu Plate and Bulgogli plate (dine-in only options) and were shocked by the generous portion size. We felt the meals were a great value and both were really delicious. The interior was very cute and clean. We'll definitely be back! read more

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Highly recommend. I am so excited about my experience that I am still sitting at my table and wanted to express how good the food and service is! Try everything and don't leave without getting dessert!!!! Han was our server and was incredible! read more

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Oh gawd! Everything is super delicious! Our first time in today and will be returning often. The staff is so sweet and attentive! Finally a perfect Korean spot in Aliso Viejo.. be prepared to have stuffed tummies portions are so generous. So happy to find this gem read more

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Great quick casual place to grab a bite while down at the Town center. We walked down so wanted something light & they have outside seating so we could sit with our pup! The bowls are delicious! They also offer 10% off for the AV students during school days 2-5pm which is fantastic for the community! read more

First time, trying this place. Pretty spot on with the dduk-bokki dish. Enjoyed all the little Korean Knick knacks, drinks, and great Korean music. Service was exceptional! Definitely coming back soon. read more

Nasung Donkasu - Dessert! - Korean Near Me - Aliso Viejo, California