ILCHA

Welcome to Ilcha, a vibrant and new-ish Korean restaurant nestled in the heart of the Marina district in San Francisco. The story of Ilcha began with two adventurous friends, Kummi Kim and Hilwin Wong, who embarked on a culinary journey, discovering the delights of a Korean restaurant while exploring a new city. Inspired and determined, they returned to San Francisco with a vision to recreate that unforgettable dining experience at home.

In the spring, Kummi and Hilwin transformed the former Nabe hot pot restaurant space on Lombard Street into Ilcha, a casual yet stylish Korean eatery with an extensive selection of Korean spirits and beers.

At Ilcha, the focus is on drinking snacks—delectable delights like chicken wings, bulgogi tater tots, and fried seaweed spring rolls, perfect for enjoying as a pregame warm-up before a night out in the Marina. However, Ilcha’s appeal goes beyond just finger food. The menu features an array of shareable plates, carefully prepared to delight the senses.

Bubbling hot pots grace most tables, offering a variety of enticing options from tofu and ramen to kimchi and baked beans. For a truly satisfying experience, try the bulgogi version, packed with flavorful ingredients such as cabbage, rice cakes, mushrooms, and bouncy japchae. Additionally, the soy-cured shrimp is a must-order, a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors.

As you dine at Ilcha, you’ll be surrounded by an ambiance of chic minimalism, with all-white walls and a striking mural adding to the artistic charm of the space. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy a memorable meal before venturing to the nearby bars for a night of fun.

Whether you’re seeking delightful drinking snacks, comforting hot pots, or a chic dining experience, Ilcha has it all. The dedication of Kummi and Hilwin to bring an authentic taste of Korea to San Francisco ensures that every visit to Ilcha is a celebration of good food, great company, and unforgettable moments.