Bansang
Modern Korean Cuisine on Fillmore Street
Some meals fade with time. Others stay with you—etched into memory by the harmony of flavor, setting, and service. Bansang, a modern Korean restaurant on San Francisco’s Fillmore Street, is definitely one of those meals. Helmed by Chefs Ethan Min and Jin Lim—graduates of South Korea’s prestigious Woosong University and veterans of top-tier San Francisco kitchens—Bansang delivers a deeply thoughtful dining experience rooted in tradition, elevated with finesse.
What's in a Name?
The word Bansang refers to the style of table setting once reserved for Korean royalty during the Joseon dynasty. It’s not just about food—it’s about presentation, balance, and attention to detail. From the moment you sit down, it’s clear that every element of the experience is intentional.
The Menu
Bansang’s menu is structured for sharing and discovery. Divided into three categories—tapas, large tapas, and sweets—it encourages diners to explore a wide spectrum of flavor and texture. My partner and I opted for a selection across each category, and not a single dish disappointed.
Small Plates with Big Personality
We opened with pickled tomatoes with basil and ume cucumber—bright, balanced, and a refreshing start to the meal. Then came the dish that many come for: the Uni Scallop Toast. Rich and layered, it’s a textural playground of buttery uni, creamy scallop, soy yolk sauce, seaweed purée, and trout roe on crisp buttermilk toast. For uni lovers, it’s a must.
The Broccolini and Persimmon surprised us with its sweet-spicy interplay, thanks to the chili, charred onion vinaigrette, and togarashi rice crunch. Lime Soy Chicken followed, with a perfectly crisp exterior giving way to juicy, flavorful meat—elevated comfort food done right.
Large Tapas: Where Technique Shines
The Radish Kimchi Fried Rice came next, topped with a velvety egg and dusted with Parmesan. It’s rich, savory, and deeply satisfying—a dish that earns its indulgent reputation. Then came the Galbi, Bansang’s signature short rib, braised to buttery softness and served with pine nut sauce, seasonal soy pickles, and an unforgettable persimmon kimchi I would have happily eaten by the bowl.
The Bulgogi Salad was a lighter but still flavorful option, pairing smoky grilled beef with sesame dressing and charred romaine, all tied together by crispy rice puffs.
A Sweet Finish
To end the evening, we shared the Banana Milk Ice Cream with roasted bananas, pistachio, and dalgona. Light yet flavorful, it managed to be both playful and refined.
Service was gracious and well-paced—waters topped off, plates seamlessly cleared, and each course timed to let us savor the moment. The open kitchen adds to the experience, offering a glimpse into the rhythm and craft behind each dish.
Whether you’re planning a date night or catching up with friends, it’s a place where the setting frames the artistry of the meal. If you find yourself in San Francisco, make time for Bansang.