Ssyal - Chicago Korean Restaurant
Ssyal - Chicago Korean Restaurant — top-tier korean in Albany Park. You're eating the real thing here. Jiawen zhang: "The spicy stir-fried squid is perfectly cooked, tender yet chewy, and the spicy sauce has just the right kick" [$$]
What 1,698 diners keep saying
What 1,698 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“🌟🌟🌟🌟✨ (4.6/5 Stars) If you are looking for an incredible culinary experience in Chicago, **Ssyal** is an absolute hidden gem that completely delivers on authentic, soulful Korean flavors! 🍲🇰🇷 The absolute highlight of the menu is their comforting, deeply satisfying stews and traditional dishes. Every bite is packed with rich, complex flavors that taste like they were cooked with a massive amount of care and tradition. 🥘✨ The broth is robust, the ingredients are remarkably fresh, and it provides the ultimate warmth and comfort whether you're fighting the Chicago cold or just craving top-tier Korean comfort food. The atmosphere inside is cozy, unpretentious, and welcoming, making it feel like a true neighborhood staple where you can sit back and genuinely enjoy your meal. The service is friendly, attentive, and efficient, ensuring you feel well taken care of from the moment you walk through the door. 🤝❤️ The only reason it’s a 4.6 instead of a flat 5 is that the space is somewhat intimate and can get quite busy during peak dinner hours, so you might have to wait a little bit for a table. However, the incredible quality of the food and the authentic flavors make it well worth the patience. If you love fantastic Korean cuisine in the city, this place is a must-visit! 🌟🏆”

“Spicy Galbi chicken is out of the world! Not too spicy but enough and very flavorful. Definitely will come back!”

“Amzaing authentic Korean foods. Definately coming back. 너무 맛있어요😋”

“Good food!! The chicken ginseng soup was perfect for us after getting wet in the rain!”

“As you walk into this restaurant, the smell of good Korean food enters your senses! The interior design is very nice, clean, and has a modern look to it. The food is very delicious and comforting, a nice place to sit down and eat with someone or just by yourself. The woman working here is very kind! Gave me free vegetable mandu just for leaving a review. 5 out of 5 stars, would come again!”

“Forget what everyone else has told you, this is easily the best Korean food in Chicago. The food, service, and atmosphere was all incredibly authentic, and it was so delicious I am dying to go back.”

“A true treasured local hotspot for authentic and healthy Korean food. We’ve been coming here for over 10 years and won’t go anywhere else from samgyetang”

“Super authentic korean food! I don’t know why this place doesn’t get as much hype 시카고 근교 제일 맛잇음”

“Galbi is so good and tender, plus the banchan is fresh and tasty. Really recommend you to try this place, definitely I’ll be back for more 🫶🏽”

“Authentic Korean Feast with Amazing food! Had an incredible meals at this Korean restaurant! The chicken soup was the highlight—served steaming hot with a whole chicken in a rich, comforting broth that tasted nourishing and authentic. Perfect for a cozy meal. The spicy braised chicken was packed with flavor, featuring tender chicken, potatoes, and vegetables coated in a delicious spicy sauce. Every bite was satisfying and well-balanced. The meal also came with a great selection of banchan (side dishes), including kimchi, pickled cucumbers, fish cakes, and bean sprouts, all fresh and flavorful. The crispy fried dumplings were a perfect appetizer, and the grilled beef short ribs were tender and smoky. Generous portions, authentic flavors, and excellent variety make this a must-visit spot for Korean food lovers. Highly recommend this restaurant and I’ll definitely be back! 🍲🍗🥟🇰🇷”
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