Namsan Korean Restaurant

DO NOT LET THE EXTERIOR FOOL YOU!

This spot was an absolutely delicious Korean mom and pop spot. We were heading to a different place to eat but due to construction we decided last minute to pull off into Namsan. Although a little hesitant to get out judging from the exterior of the building itself and surrounding look of the buildings in the area, I was so glad we went in.

The service was impeccable, we got the Bulgogi Hotpot to share and the lady stood right there guiding us through the experience, as well explaining to us how to traditionally eat the Bibimbap with the house made sauce. The kimchi was to die for! So fresh and flavorful. K Pop chicken was a delight. Everything was just so dang good.

I only have a 3 star for atmosphere due to the exterior and overall appearance of the building and neighborhood. Don't let the outside steer you away.

It was a very lovely place and the staff was very nice. The food was excellent too!! My mom, who had never had Korean food before, was very nervous about things being too spicy, and the waitress was very kind about making her dish non-spicy just for her. I personally love spice, so I ordered the spicy calamari. It was a really aesthetically pleasing dish, and not overcooked which is very easy to do with octopus. Overall, an awesome experience.

Amazing Korean food for a great price. Stopped here during my 1 night in Kalamazoo and ordered the BBQ chicken and my girlfriend had the jap chae. I’d definitely recommend the BBQ chicken for any spicy food fans

This gem looks is very unassuming from the outside. The food was PHENOMENAL and well worth a trip back. We shared the bulgogi dolsat bibimbap and hot pot, spicy pork, shrimp shumai which all came with a variety of kimchi and cucumbers. If I could rate higher than 5 stars I would.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Namsam, a locally owned Korean restaurant in Kalamazoo, and it left quite an impression. While the exterior may not scream luxury, and the interior retains a charming retro vibe, the real star of the show here is the food.

The flavors that emerged from their kitchen were nothing short of outstanding, making it some of the finest Korean cuisine I've had in recent memory. Despite being a small business, Namsam boasts an impressively extensive menu, offering a delightful variety of options for patrons to explore.

What truly added to the experience was the warm and friendly service. Our server, who appeared to be part of the family that owns the restaurant, went above and beyond to ensure our visit was enjoyable. Her infectious enthusiasm and attentiveness made our meal even more delightful.

Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend Namsam. It may not be the most extravagant place to dine, but it's a hidden gem where the food and service shine brightly. I'm already looking forward to my next visit and another opportunity to savor their delectable Korean dishes.

I love this place.
Everyone should order something different and share it family style on the table. The fried rice is excellent! The server is a handsome young man who is bilingual and the owner/mother? Is so sweet and really knows her stuff!

The kimchi is made in house and I always get extra of it.

Please pay/tip in cash!

I ordered takeout from here, first time. The ramen broth seriously was so good, all the food was really good, I did have a hair on one of the plates I had so I threw it away. However it won’t detour me from giving this place a second chance, I’d love to try more on the menu.

The food is spectacular! Bursting with flavor and just the right amount of heat. We shared two plates between 3 people and still had leftovers. Very unassuming building, looks rough on the outside, heat on the inside.

The outside looks pretty sketchy at first, but then you can see that there are plants and flowers that are well maintained. Our server didn't seem to speak much English, or maybe preferred not to. She was very polite, prompt, and did a great job, though! My fiance and I really enjoyed our food, it was our first time having Korean food. The fried dumplings and sauce were crispy and tasty! He had the K Pop chicken which was super crispy and had a nice flavor which wasn't too spicy. We also had the Bibimap (I think that was what it was called) and Kimchi Ramen. Everything was brought out hot/warm, tasted fresh and with wonderful flavor! We will definitely be coming back again!

On our travels back to the Chicago area from Ann Arbor we wanted to try something different. Kalamazoo was a good stopping point. We have never had Korean food before. Definitely something different. After we arrived we contemplated leaving. The outside of the restaurant is very unassuming. It needed a little love. We decided to head in regardless. I’m so glad we did. When you go outside of your comfort zone, that’s when you find the best meals. Now we’ve all had sweet and sour something from our local Chinese spot but this was different. Sooo much better. It had chunks of apple or pear, along with pineapple, carrots and sliced baby cucumbers. The condiments were fantastic. They perfectly cut and complemented the flavor of the dish. The green beans were so tasty. I had never tried kimchi. Not a fan. But I’ll try it again in the future. My wife went with something she recognized. Ramen. I tried the broth. That was good as well. The owner was so friendly. She mentioned the restaurant won the best restaurant in Kalamazoo a couple years ago. I can see why.

From outside, the place looks unassuming. The decor is also similar, but the food is amazing! The Kimchi was fresh. I loved the spicy chicken.
And the seafood soup bowl is Huge! Very flavorful.

I'm Korean.
I actually didn't expect the food there because I've never had delicious Korean food out of Korea before, so I didn't usually eat out in Korean restaurant when I stay in other countries.

My husband wanted to visit Namsan so we did and I was actually surprised after I had their Korean food.

The taste was similar with the ones I had in Korea and was pretty delicious.

Usually Korean restaurants in Korea have their own main dish but I was kinda surprised when I saw their menu.

There were a lot of different kinds of popular Korean food which Koreans usually have.

It seems they try to make real Korean food.
If you try to have real Korean food, I think Namsan will be the right place. :)

I recommend Dolsot bibimbap and Ddeok dumpling soup.

We ordered for the table and it was such good food. I can't wait to back and try more dishes!!!

First time here and the food was fire. The wife got jajangmyeon and enjoyed it. I went with bulgogi soup and had spice added to it. We both plan on returning again. Don't let any of the negative reviews detour you from trying this place for yourself.

Came here for lunch and had my favorite Korean dish Yuk gae Jang which is a spicy beef soup with the Korean glass noodles. It was excellent! The food here is really good and you get like 5 appetizers with your meal. The atmosphere is better than it was in the past. It's under new ownership and management. The building is upgraded and there is a lot of very tasteful Korean art. Really enjoyed my meal here.

The BEST KOREAN FOOD in Michigan State! I was stationed in Korea so I definitely am picky when it comes to Korean food! The flavors are authentic! Must try! Careful, you’ll fall in love! I’m here temporarily for training and I definitely am going to miss the food and Sunny! She’s a sweetheart!

The food was so good I dont have enough words to describe it! High quality and healthy. Made me feel like I was in Korea again!

First time eating here and definitely will not be my last. My daughter turned 15 today and this was her choice. The food is amazing and the service was above and beyond. Can't wait to come back and try something new.

Comes with a generous amount of delicious food and the waitress is very friendly. Everything was great, would come again.

Like others have said. Don't let the outside fool you. The food is amazing and the service is amazing. I definitely recommend their hot stone bibimbap.