SHILLA goes down as the first Korean restaurant I have visited in Alabama. I gotta say, SHILLA was not my restaurant of choice however my grandfather insisted this spot was great. I came in with an open mind​ but left unimpressed. From the outside, SHILLA could use some work. It looks kind of old and dingy. The inside is a bit of an improvement, but it was poorly lit. There was not a very welcoming feel when we entered. Service wise, they seemed short staffed for a weekend. Everyone was cordial however the service was kind of lacking. No one checked on us after the food arrived. We wanted to order some more food and we didn't see anyone from our seats so we pushed the button which yielded no response until the 4th try. I understand there was a party in the other room, but other than that group--there was no one else in the restaurant except us... Food: Off the bat, I was disappointed because I tried to ​order sushi and was told it was not offered on the weekends--this is not stated anywhere on the menu. Here are some of the items we ordered: *Soontofu/Tofu Soup ($8.95) *Japchae ($12.95) *Haemulpajun/Seafood pancake ($12.95) *Bulgogi ($14.95) *LA Galbi ($18.95) Food-wise, the wait was super long and the food was MEH. The tofu soup didn't arrive sizzling hot like I'm used to and lacked in taste. The LA Galbi was relatively the best out of everything we ordered, although it had quite a bit of fat the first time around. So we ended up ordering two more orders of galbi. Second time around was much better (less fat and much hotter in temperature when it arrived). Overall, SHILLA is not bad if you're nearby. But for me, I'd check out what other Korean restaurants in Montgomery has to offer before coming back. read more

See all

I have been going to SHILLA over the past few years and it is by far one of the best, if not the best Korean restaurants I've been to. Very clean facility and the food is just plain great. Service is very nice and the portions are very fair. One might not expect such excellent Korean in Alabama, but with a very large Korean population due to a Hyundai factory nearby, you will be not disappointed. read more

In order to use the table top grill you must order two portion of meat. Each is approximately $30. We ordered two, the food came out and the waitress assisted with grilling it. There was not an excessive amount of meat in our opinion. When the check came we were charged for three portions. The waitress responded to our objection by showing us it had been three portions not two and since we ate them, we had to pay for them. The parking lot had been empty when we arrived and empty when we left. And walking into the restaurant there is a handwritten sign reminding you not to leave anything in your cars as they will not be held responsible for theft. Overall I would say the food itself was average. read more

I was really not fond of this place. It came recommended to us by a local and the service was generally very good. However, there were very few vegetarian options, and the one that I did order ended in me getting very sick that night (which never happens). I also asked about 3 times to double check that the soup they brought me was vegetarian (and I specified no meat, no fish, just in case). However, half way through eating it, I discovered an octopus tentacle!!! I quite honestly lost my entire appetite after this happened... just not ok. I also strongly feel that the sushi menu is horribly overpriced for what you get. It seemed some of the other people in our party generally enjoyed their meal (which is why I gave a 2 star), but I am just not a fan. read more

See all

I like this ole skool joint! made for happy tummies. nothing fancy or new , quite the contrary it's a throwback of an atmosphere. While I'm only vaguely familiar with Korean cuisine I had ask about many dishes but the servers have always been more than happy to help. My son and I tried seafood soup, a spicy beef soup and a noodle dish during our visits. The food is obviously prepared with knowledge and care, there are always more Asian customers than not. That's always my barometer when trying foreign cuisine. they've been around for awhile for a reason - check 'em out read more

Shilla Korean Restaurant - sides, my fave part of the meals - Korean Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

I had a superb experience here. I Ordered the spicy tuna roll, dumpling appetizer(very big portion fyi), and the beef bulgogi. Everything was amazing and the sushi chef even went out of his way to chat with me and offer some specialty rolls. Strongly recommend if you are in the area. read more

Great service, great food, generous portions, and reasonable prices. Like other reviewers, I walked over from a nearby hotel and am really glad I did. read more

First Impression (Outside the Building): Building looked fairly used. The entrance was nicer looking. Inside the Building: The smell was fairly odd. Usually a Korean restaurant smells like Korean food. This place smelled a little dirty. The set up was very nice. When it comes to functional use, it could be a hit. Staff: Friendly enough staff. Went in at 12:30 and place was dry. So can't say it was understaffed when there were only 3 other tables that needed service. We ordered food. Upon investigation the grill used to cook raw meats was fairly dirty. With the smell, dark lighting, and dirty grill... we figured it was time to take a look at their health rating. The frame that contained the sheet with the number was located behind the bar. Behind their food permit. And Behind a piece of paper, therefore, you could not see the number. I asked the staff to please move the paper but I must not have been specific enough Because they pointed to the paper towel dispenser and just other papers. I asked to see them to make it so I can see the health rating. Eventually the paper was moved and an 86 was shown. I am quite sure I was very specific of what I was looking for. Given how it was hidden away and the lack of cooperation (and or communication) we decided to leave. -No review on the food- Only reason I give this place a 2 star is because I feel too bad to make it a 1 Star. read more

Satisfy those cravings for Korean This is an unexpected treat in Alabama - tasty authentic korean and even sushi offerings. We had a large party and they brought us a complimentary sushi roll for all of us to try. For my meal I had a specialty sushi roll that was fresh, flavorful and delicious. Then I had the Galbi. A little fatty but well-seasoned. They provided a variety of kimchee to go with the meal. I'm not a huge fan of Korean food but everything here was tasty - I'd make a return trip. read more

This restaurant closes at 3pm... in the middle of the day which makes no sense and their timings online are not updated.. I came from out of state just to try their food because I was recommended to try by someone. When I entered they rudely ran up to me and said they were closed at 3pm.. what restaurant closes at 3pm.. its very inconvenient. Please change your timings... read more

Everything was ok. Service was fairly acceptable. We've been looking for a waitress to bring our check, but can't see any. We ended up to paid in the front deck. read more

Our experiences here have always been positive. We have even called ahead and picked up our food before, and it was ready when we arrived. The menu has anything from beef to seafood to kimchi, just like you would expect in a Korean restaurant. I usually get bulgogi or bi bim bap. Bulgogi is a really delicious, garlicy meat. The taste is always sweet. The only thing is that I wish they would buy a higher grade of meat. You can tell it is not premium grade by the amount of fat and the way that the meat sticks together. Other than that, there is a nice atmosphere and good service. read more

Accidentally stumbled on this restaurant. Good thing we did! The food was great and the service was fast. Definitely would go back here if we come by this way again. read more

Shilla Korean Restaurant - Bulgogi and bibimbab - Korean Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

I would recommend this place to people looking for an authentic Korean restaurant. It's great for larger groups. Bulgogi and the kalbi are my favorite dishes here. read more

Shilla Korean Restaurant - Shilla Korean Restaurant - Korean Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

Well, I ordered my food at 7:10 and it is 8:16 and I'm still waiting for food. I asked about my food and all she did was laugh. You got to be kidding me. This place is a joke. I'll update if the food is good enough to warrant a star bump. read more

My husband and I went here Saturday and will never go again. The waitress seated us and gave us water, she never asked if we wanted anything else to drink. She came back and rushed us through the menu, we had no time to look, at this point I'm ready to get up and leave, but my husband was tired and hungry so we stayed. We ordered and received our food, the waitress never came back to check on us to she if we needed anything. My husband had to go find someone to get our check! Horrible horrible service. read more

Just okay. Nothing special caught my taste buds attention. Tasted a little bit on the bland side which I like but almost every side dish tasted the same. read more

The food is Great. Me and a friend of mines went here and had a blast. The waitress was very nice and funny. I look forward to going back.

My first dinner in Albama. Went with friends. I do not like spicy Korean dishes so just tried Fuji tempura rolls. Tuna, salmon, shrimp, crab, and cucumber, 8 pieces totally. Not bad for $13. read more

My husband's family wanted to try Korean food since they had never had it before, and he and I don't have a lot of Korean restaurants near where we live. This restaurant was wonderful! I thought I was eating my mom's cooking. The food was delicious and everything was authentic! When we go back to visit his family, I will definitely make my way there! read more

This place is really really good! It made me think I was back in Korea! I recommend the leak pancake, Jap-Chae, and Bibimbop.....you won't be disappointed. read more

This place was a Japanese restaurant for a number of years and always high quality. Every business trip I stopped in here to have sushi but tonight was a shock in the menu, the price, and the service. I suppose a Korean food fan would rate this differently than me but this was a huge disappointment. read more

Walked over to this place from our hotel next door after seeing the sign across the parking lot and we were immediately happy with our choice. Everything we are was delicious (and big portions) but the noodle and soup dishes were definitely the highlight. The spicy seafood noodles were fantastic. read more

Server was sweet but the food was not good. Also I found a fly in my rice. I didn't want to make a big deal out of it at the time because to be honest the food wasn't worth replacing in my opinion. Too bad, they are very kind. read more

as a korean american, i was very dissatisfied with my meal. it was not authentic and it was very cheaply made. i will not go here again.