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Sung Korean Bistro Reviews List

Sung Korean Bistro

Welcome To Sung Korean Bistro, Cincinnati's finest Korean dining experience including Sushi. Located at the corner of 7th and Elm Street, Sung Korean Bistro is the home of downtown's premier Korean fare. Our complex flavors and diverse wine & cocktail list set Sung Korean Bistro apart from your ordinary dining experience. Our clean , modern decor and subtle twists on traditional Korean recipes come together to deliver a wonderful meal for you and your family.

We look forward to seeing you soon.
See more Sung Korean Bistro details
78 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
(78 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 78 reviews
5 stars
(38)
4 stars
(28)
3 stars
(11)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Service 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Ambiance 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Noise Level
2 / 3
Energetic
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Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • fit for foodies(44)
  • neighborhood gem(27)
  • good for groups(22)
  • special occasion(19)
  • romantic(18)
  • great for lunch(9)
Sung Korean Bistro Reviews List
Review 1 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Authentic food & great atmosphere

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/23/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
4 / 3
Energetic
"I had the pleasure of going here for dinner for my 40th birthday. We aren't from the area and found the restaurant on a website for dining out. We wanted something unique and that's what we got. The food was amazing, the service was excellent, and they even gave me a slice of dessert with happy birthday in Korean on it. Lots of variety, great atmosphere, and informative about the menu. If we lived in the area I would definitely go back."
Dined on 5/23/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 2 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

who knew?

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/21/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"sweet potato noodles were delicious and I loved the seafood pancake.. very tasty menu and the special sangria started my evening off very nicely!"
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene
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Review 3 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Not Bad

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/04/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The restaurant is clean and nice. I would like to sample all their sushi they make. However this sushi bar is on the higher priced side of sushi, which is okay because it's good. So if you are looking for a couple bargain spicy tuna rolls, move along.
The waitress was very nice and helpful.
We got our food fairly quickly after we ordered, but it was not crowded at all. The food was good I guess. The wife and I have never had korean, so it was something new. If you are not a fan of the spicy bean paste, which is on just about everything, then you will not like it. We were middle of the road on it. We didn't fall in love with the food, but if I had to eat it that would be no problem. I guess the price for what you get is a little high.
"
Dined on 5/04/2013
0points
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Review 4 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good range of food at a convenient

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Good range of food at a convenient downtown location. In general the Korean dishes are pretty authentic. Prices are a bit higher than I'd prefer, though not bad for the food and ambiance provided."
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2006
0points
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Review 5 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Yum at Korean Bistro

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Always a great experience. Cool and trendy music. Cultural atmosphere. Friendly staff. Brought some friends for first time. They thoroughly enjoyed it!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot
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Review 6 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

A good Korean-themed dinner

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My fiancée is half-Korean and as such she has been looking for good Korean restaurants in our area. Sung fits the bill. The food reminded her of her mother's cooking and she was pleased with the selection.
For an appetizer we had Gimbap, a tasty meaty rice roll with a delicious sauce.
I had dolsot bibimbap, and being inexperienced with Korean cuisine, I was impressed. The food was delicious! The meal included six banchan, also delicious. My favorite was the mushrooms. I enjoyed their strawberry infused sake with dinner.
The restaurant was very empty when we arrived, however it was tuesday afternoon. The atmosphere was nice, although the open floor plan may be a bit noisy when crowded."
Dined on 04/23/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 7 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Friendly and knowledgeable

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Excellent food. The background music was a bit overwhelming considering we were the only 2 diners."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
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Review 8 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We had a lovely dinner with

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had a lovely dinner with 4 friends. We could all talk(and hear) . . .were not rushed and enjoyed great food. We started with sushi . . .and ordered a couple times. Then moved on to wonderful rice bowls. Before we knew it - 3 hours had passed - and not once did we feel rushed. The service was just great. It has a most oriental feel and a pleasant quiet peacefulness among the servers."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2010
0points
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Review 9 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food as always. Perfect

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great food as always. Perfect with using the LivingSocial!"
Dined on 04/17/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 10 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Everything was great until

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Everything was great until the end, when our waiter forgot about us and didn't give us the desert menu and we had to ask for our bill after our waiter never came back."
Dined on 04/13/2013
 2012
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Review 11 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

This was our third time there,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This was our third time there, first two had been great, this time, not so much. Service was slow, which as the place was not full when we ordered was disappointing, food was amazing per usual though! We had said several times we had tickets to show and needed to get out on time, which we would have, but they said the computer went down, it would take a while to come back.... my daughter had to run ahead to the theater to get her seat... I waited 20 minutes, finally finding out that the computer was up, but my card and order had yet to be processed.... 40 minutes to get a check paid for is TOO long."
Dined on 04/13/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
-1point
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Review 12 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food, service and atmosphere

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great food, service and atmosphere ~ we'll be back!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
 2011
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Review 13 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Food was good. Had late lunch.

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Food was good. Had late lunch. Waiter didn't mention the restaurant was closing. He barely checked to see if everything was ok and gave us the check without asking if we wanted dessert. When we asked why he said the kitchen was closed. Will shouldn't the staff alert customers that the kitchen is about to close so we could've ordered everything we wanted at once. Luckily the food was good. I will try again before I write this place off for good."
Dined on 03/13/2013
 2010
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 14 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I had never been to a Korean

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I had never been to a Korean restaurant and didn't know what to expect. The food was incredible and I can't wait to go back. So glad Cincinnati has something like this!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Would suggest having a wider

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Would suggest having a wider variety of foods for those that are not as adventurous. Service was great and resturant was clean and neat. Waitress was well knowledged on menu."
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2013
-1point
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Review 16 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

always great food and service very

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"always great food and service
very accommodating and pleasant staff
hostess asked if we had theatre reservations and at what time/also hung up our coats
good explanation of unusual and Asian foods without being condescending
"
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent service. Food was

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Excellent service. Food was excellent. Nice presentation, very flavorful. Will go back again."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 18 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food is consistently good.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food is consistently good. Only odd thing is the dish the waitress recommended for my daughter was a grilled squid. It was very awkward (even after the waiter cut it up as it comes out WHOLE with full tentacles!) and not even close to a light dish that had been requested. Truly wish the waitress had not recommended something so unusual (even the waiter admitted that they don't make it very often for American customers). We will stick with the normal items on the menu from now on."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2008
Special Features: notable wine list, hot spot
-1point
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Review 19 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Lots of fun to eat here!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Lots of fun to eat here! Great menu. Get a reservation for the traditional room!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 20 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

To start, I ordered the Maeun

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"To start, I ordered the Maeun Dubu Bokum, and it was just about the best think I've had in ages! Since Saturday night I've thought of it several times, wishes it was before me now, and I hadn't eaten it yet. The other three enjoyed their dinners, too, but I was oblivious. Service was great; we had to walk to Music Hall for the Symphony, and got out in plenty of time. Can't wait to come back.--Jo Anne"
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find
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Review 21 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Enjoyed a lovely meal before

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Enjoyed a lovely meal before the theater. Service was excellent; the timing was perfect, and our server extremely good. There is nothing like good dolsat bibimbap on a cold winter's night."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 22 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

This is the 6th time I've

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This is the 6th time I've come and I'm never disappointed. Lovely cheerful welcome and great servers. Food is always very good."
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2009
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 23 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Everything we ordered was

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Everything we ordered was fresh, nicely presented and delicious! My husband and I like to support local, independent restaurants and this is one that we highly recommend."
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 24 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fantastic, as always.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great experience, as always. I took my wife here for the first time, and she loved it. We actually were in a bit of a hurry, on our way to see a show for the night, and our waiter Sean took great care of us. Excellent food (I try something new each time I go to Sung)."
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 25 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We went for lunch. I've had

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We went for lunch. I've had Korean food at several restaurants. All serve kim-chee as a startoff dish. Some are truly fermented (smell & taste spoiled. Sung's was EXCELLENT! Full flavor and fresh tasting. Good bite from the chilis (but not too hot). Their startoff dish also included spiced potato bites and a small green bean salad. Good tastes all. I had deep fried mackerel; spouse had spiced (but not spicy) thin sliced marinated beef. I think it was called bulgogi. I tried it too and it was wonderful. Meals came in what might correspond to a bento box in a Japanese restaurant. Overall a great restaurant; we will return."
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 26 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

We ate late on a Saturday,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We ate late on a Saturday, so there was not a vey big crowd. I had the pork ribs and they were great. My wife had one of the "hot bowls" and she was less impressed. Not a lot of chicken/seafood in the dish and a bit bland. Service was good and ambience is nice. They have an interesting menu, and we will give it another try."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2010
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 27 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Sushi and Music

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We had the sushi which was delicious and fresh. We also enjoyed the live music and ambience."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 28 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Can't go wrong with Sung!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My wife and I have eaten here several times a year for the past 5 years. Food is ALWAYS GREAT and the service prompt and polite.
We often bring friends here to introduce them to yummy Korea dishes."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 29 for Sung Korean Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I went to this restaurant

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I went to this restaurant to celebrate valentines day. They did a good job in adding to the overall romanticism of the night. The food was great and came out promptly."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Sung Korean Bistro
Based on the average of (49) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
11 out of 11 recommend this product
Food 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Service 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Ambiance 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Noise Level
2 / 3
Moderate