Gangnam Tofu Korean Cuisine

Gangnam Tofu Korean Cuisine

11740 San Pablo Ave Suite C, El Cerrito, CA 94530, United States

+1 510-778-1144

Korean restaurant, Restaurant, Tofu restaurant
(718)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of El Cerrito, Gangnam Tofu Korean Cuisine offers an authentic and soul-satisfying taste of Korea, masterfully focused around their signature tofu dishes and classic Korean favorites. This Korean restaurant stands out not only for its diverse menu but for the warm, inviting atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a comforting escape.

The moment you settle in, you’re greeted by the tantalizing aroma of home-style Korean cooking, promising a meal that’s both nourishing and delightfully flavorful. The menu invites you to explore a spectrum of dishes, with highlights such as the Hae-Mul PA-Jeon, a crispy Korean seafood pancake bursting with fresh ocean flavors, and the beloved Bibimbap, where vibrant vegetables, perfectly cooked rice, and your choice of protein come together in a harmonious bowl. Don’t miss the gangnam chicken (강남 치킨), famed for its unique, addictive sauce that delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes, complemented by the crispiness of Korean Fried Chicken or the aromatic punch of Soy & Garlic Chicken.

The soft and silky Soon-Doo-Boo (tofu stew) options cater beautifully to both spice lovers and those seeking something milder, with variations like Original, Kimchi, Mushroom, and even Budae Jjigae. These stews arrive bubbling and fragrant, warming you from the inside out with their rich, layered broths and generous ingredients. Paired with an assortment of authentic banchan — from tangy kimchi to sweet glazed potatoes — every bite offers textural and flavor depth that keeps you coming back for more.

Visit Gangnam Tofu and you’ll experience an atmosphere that’s cozy yet lively. As customer Joshua McCauley describes, this spot feels like a welcoming neighborhood diner where you can savor your meal while enjoying a beer and watching a game, the perfect balance of intimacy and spirited energy. It's the kind of place where good memories are made — whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just craving a flavorful, fulfilling meal after a long day.

Portion sizes are generous and offer excellent value, as reviewer Jenny Xu points out, with dishes like the bulgogi rice cake and gangnam chicken delivering bold flavors and satisfying servings that rival what you’d expect in bigger city restaurants, but with a friendlier vibe and undivided attention. The friendly and attentive staff enhance the experience, ensuring your meal is served fresh and hot, with thoughtful recommendations that add an extra touch of care.

What truly sets Gangnam Tofu Korean Cuisine apart is its dedication to authenticity and comfort. Whether you’re drawn by the spicy kick of the Ttoek Bok EE (boiled rice cakes in spicy sauce), the hearty richness of the Beef Short Rib with Glass Noodle Soup, or the addictive crunch of Garlic Mustard Chicken wings, each dish is crafted to deliver an experience that feels both familiar and excitingly genuine.

For lovers of Korean food looking for a cozy, flavorful, and thoroughly satisfying dining experience in El Cerrito, Gangnam Tofu Korean Cuisine is a standout destination. Its blend of expertly prepared dishes, genuine hospitality, and vibrant yet homey ambiance leaves a lasting impression that turns first-time visitors into loyal regulars.

Service options
Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Comfort food Healthy options Quick bite Small plates Vegetarian options
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Saturday
    11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Sunday
    11:30 AM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Majin Buu
    1 month ago

    Great service. There is available parking. Food tastes exquisite. This became my number one korean restaurant now.

  • Joshua McCauley
    1 month ago

    Oh Gangnam, my #1 favorite place in the Bay. Every time something good happens, I'm here. It's everything I want in a restaurant. It's so cozy, right in the middle of an El Cerrito strip with enough space to hold the crowds in an intimate setting. At the counter it feels like I'm at a diner where I can comfortably watch baseball and drink my beer. At night or in the rain, it's a spot where time just stops. This is especially true when sipping out of the ice-cold glasses they serve you with any bottle of beer (I rarely see this nowadays but it makes all the difference). All of the food is so good. The banchan carry so much flavor in their simple recipes, and complement every single dish. The soondooboo warms your heart while also invigorating you with spice. And my favorite, the Gangnam chicken, is so crispy while at the same time perfectly soaked in spicy sauce that rounds the dish out. I always put the remaining sauce on my side rice and can't get enough of it. I've brought friends and family here, and each person loves this place as much as me. Gangnam is truly a gem and I hope it nothing but success.

  • Jenny Xu
    2 month ago

    Found this place somewhat randomly after driving back down after a hike, but super glad we did! Good: - The price and portions are amazing, got so much food for what would have been very little in SF - The tofu stew was amazing, just hit the spot and came with so much banchan - I liked the bulgogi rice cake dish, had so much flavor and size - The gangnam chicken here had such a unique sauce and it was so crispy, I felt like eating it was addictive - Super nice servers and it was a nice quiet place to have a meal, the food also came out quickly Bad: - The place is a bit more rundown Overall enjoyed the service here and the place and the food the most! It's a hidden gem

  • Peter Farejowicz
    2 month ago

    Stumbled upon Gangnam while passing through the area and I’m glad we did, the Korean food here is homey and tastes just right. They do the classics well here as well ordered a tofu soup and a bibimbap, both of which were flavored well and a hearty portion. The side dishes were authentic as well and we finished them all. Seating inside was a bit limited depending on the time of day and the staff were running around trying to take care of everyone but the food makes up for it. Prices were decent too so I’d recommend making a stop here if you’re in the area.

  • Katherine KR
    3 month ago

    The server is really friendly and helpful. Food ordered and served hot and quickly. We live their side dishes. The beef and seafood combo was great. The seafood pancake was really good. We also had corn cheese. It was a lot for just 2 of us. We love their food and services. We will return again.

  • Richard Mar
    3 month ago

    Portion size is enough to split into two meals. Food quality was good and the service was fantastic. Parking can be tricky because the spaces are narrow, but there is street parking on the side street nearby.

  • Melissa Lee
    4 month ago

    This is our Korean takeout spot and they are consistently solid. Even for takeout they pack you a good amount of banchan, which I hope/suspect they know it’s the key to so many people’s hearts and bellies. Highly recommend their garlic soy popcorn chicken, tofu soup, and seafood pancake. Great neighborhood place - would recommend.

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