Ttowa Korean Bistro

Name: Ttowa Korean Bistro
Address: 161 W Wing St, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, Arlington Heights, IL, 60005.0, US
Telephone: +1 847-749-4493
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.6

Essential

Korean

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About

Ttowa Korean Bistro — top-tier korean in Arlington Heights. The flavors are genuine, nothing diluted. You're greeted like a regular, even the first time. Owner-operated, BYOB. "The dakkalbi chicken is grilled perfectly and is a little spicy" — Jon

Experience Breakdown

🍴Food

5.0

👥Service

5.0

✨Ambiance

4.7

💬Sentiment

4.7

Brian Renken

138 reviews

Highlights

CozyFamily FriendlyOutdoor DiningByobNeighborhood InstitutionFamily Run

What Diners Are Saying

Diners loved

Warm, welcoming staffOwner on siteAuthentic flavorsBYOB friendly

Some noted

Calling it a Korean Restaurant is a joke. Nothing tasted remotely Korean.
— Hua Lv

The server asked my friend and I whether the food was good. My friend mentioned that the soup/noodle taste was a bit off.

Location

161 W Wing St, Arlington Heights, IL 60005

What 657+ diners say about Ttowa Korean Bistro

“KFC and pork scallion buns were amazing.”

KFC and pork scallion buns were amazing. I love that they include side dishes. Kimchi isn't spicy (I wish it were but I understand why it's not). Rice was perfect

Stanze Smith

Oct 2025

“Great little spot.”

Great little spot. We got there super early and were the only people there. The dakkalbi was amazing. It had a really nice char and overall just one of the best bites I've had in a while. We also got black bean noodles. The lady that worked there noticed we hadn't mixed them and came over and helped us. She was very sweet. Delicious ban chan. Would drive an hour to eat here again.

Yoloxochitl Martinez

Sep 2025

“I drive 2 hrs just to go to this restaurant.”

I drive 2 hrs just to go to this restaurant. The owners are cooks too and make amazing tasting Korean food. 2 hrs 1 way and I do it at least twice a year. Nits just that good. Our favorite is the sticky buns, Korean short rib, bulgogi and tofu soup! Update: 2025: a few new items on the menu, Mrs. Park and family make amazing food! Every time I come to the area I still stop in for a bite to eat. Food is so good! Cant get enough. Sticky buns still my favorite! Tofu soup is my 2nd now!

Brian Renken

Aug 2025

“My family has been eating here for years and we have loved everything we’ve ordered.”

My family has been eating here for years and we have loved everything we’ve ordered! The owner is so kind a friendly and always takes time to chat with us if we’re dining in, or even just picking up for take out. A MUST try!!

Chelsea S

Apr 2025

“I believe this is a family owned restaurant.”

I believe this is a family owned restaurant. Our server was warm and friendly. He made some great suggestions and was attentive. You need to try their tteokbokki - it's crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. We ended up ordering a second serving to go, it was that delicious. You're served as much rice, tea, and side dishes as you'd like. Definitely plan on returning.

Dany Chheang

Jan 2025

“I haven’t been here since before covid but it’s just as good as I remember.”

I haven’t been here since before covid but it’s just as good as I remember. Great chicken and sides. The mashed potatoes are a standout.

Matt Blanco

Nov 2024

“Was great overall food.”

Was great overall food. Had the garlic shrimp which has a small kick to it. And the dak bun which had good chicken with a lot of flavor.

Jan 2024

“This place was surprisingly good.”

This place was surprisingly good. Service was solid. Some food items were great including the duk bokki, the fire chicken, meat bun, and the ban Chan. The kimchi pa jun wasn’t great. Overall solid experience. We were also able to eat outdoors!

Richard Woo

Sep 2022

“I love ttowa so much.”

I love ttowa so much! The food tastes so amazing and I always have a great time! Occasionally It has taken me a while to get seated but once you get the food you forget all about it. I highly recommend the Bibimbap.

Lorelei Boos

Jul 2022

“So delicious! The recent renovation has completely changed the vibe of this restaurant and it feels...”

So delicious! The recent renovation has completely changed the vibe of this restaurant and it feels so much more clean; the space isn’t cramped or dark like before. I can’t say enough about the food; it’s so yummy. Definitely a 5 star experience and we’ll be back!

Leah Sorensen

Nov 2021

“I have been to Ttowa twice when visiting Arlington Heights and I look forward to again enjoying the...”

I have been to Ttowa twice when visiting Arlington Heights and I look forward to again enjoying the incredible Korean food, drinks and bubbly atmosphere of the staff. During this past summer, they successfully provided a comfortable dining experience outside in the closed off street during the Covid Pandemic; everything I have tried is consistently delicious, deeply flavorful, unique and fresh! Ttowa, you get a full five stars. See you again and hopefully soon! Cheers!