Welcome to Bamboo House Restaurant
Bamboo House Restaurant is a cherished gem in Charlottesville, Virginia, bringing authentic Korean cuisine to the community since its inception 25 years ago. Run by a devoted elderly couple, the restaurant crafts each dish with utmost care, resulting in generous portions that showcase traditional flavors. Guests rave about favorites like japchae and kimchi jigae, complemented by delightful banchan, including kimchi and pickled radish. Although they now operate as takeout only, the warmth of the owners and the quality of their home-style dishes, all prepared with health-conscious methods, make every visit worthwhile. A must-experience for Korean food lovers!
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4831 Seminole Trail, Charlottesville, VA 22911 Hotline: (434) 973-9211
Welcome to Bamboo House Restaurant, a delightful jewel nestled in Charlottesville, Virginia. Located at 4831 Seminole Trail, this charming eatery specializes in authentic Korean cuisine, bringing the rich flavors and warmth of home-cooked meals to the community.
Bamboo House is not just a restaurant; it is a labor of love run by a sweet elderly couple, with occasional help from their daughter. Although the restaurant currently operates as takeout only, it has earned a dedicated following for its generous portions and heartfelt service. Customers often rave about the comforting and homemade nature of the food, offering a glimpse into the culinary traditions of Korea.
- Authentic Korean Dishes: With a menu that features favorites like japchae (glass noodles), kimchi jigae (kimchi stew), and bibimbap, each dish is crafted with care. Reviewers describe the flavors as distinctive yet health-conscious, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and minimal oil.
- Hearty Portions: One of the standout features of Bamboo House is the generous serving sizes. Diners have noted that the portions can easily be shared, making it a perfect spot for families or those seeking to meal prep for the week.
- Warm Atmosphere: Though the restaurant's decor may be quirky, with a collection of taxidermy displayed on the walls, it adds to its unique charm. Many customers appreciated the cozy, albeit rustic, ambiance that feels like a step into a Korean home.
- Affordability: With items like fresh shrimp fried rice for just $3.99 and soups starting at $1.00, Bamboo House offers an affordable dining experience without compromising on quality.
Customer testimonials highlight the fact that this restaurant is a hidden gem in Charlottesville's dining scene. Shae T. praises the side dishes that accompany the meals, which include delicious selections like bean sprouts, pickled radish, and sesame spinach. Yenny L. emphasizes the health-conscious approach to cooking, noting that these beloved dishes retain their essential flavors while being lighter on oil. Other patrons like Jesilyn G. express delight in how the meal can often last for days, thanks to the large portions.
In conclusion, whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Korean cuisine or simply curious to try something new, Bamboo House Restaurant is a must-visit. The blend of authentic flavors, generous portions, and warm, familial service creates an experience that resonates far beyond just a meal. Don’t let the exterior fool you; the heart of this establishment beats strong with a dedication to providing exceptional food and a welcoming environment. Make sure to stop by, or place a takeout order, and immerse yourself in the delightful flavors of Korea wrapped in the charm of a home-cooked meal.
As of the end of 2024 they're takeout only, it's an older couple with I think their daughter(?) who is there sometimes to help. Portions are always very generous, and the sides that come with the Korean menu items are always great (bean sprouts, pickled radish, kimchi, sesame spinach). I've only ordered from the Korean menu, and my favorites have been the japchae and kimchi jigae. Honestly, the portions for the Korean stews are big enough to split with someone, and while I really wish they offered more Korean variety on their menu, they're nice and accessible compared to the other Charlottesville Korean restaurants for me.
the best authentic Korean food you can get in the area ran by the sweetest old couple
The food is always exceptional. The Bamboo House is run be a cute elderly couple that run everything and work very hard. Unfortunately they can no longer handle eat-n but it's my go-to place Asian food both Chinese and Korean.
If you are looking for authentic home-made Korean dishes, this is the place! Compared to other restaurants, the food here are prepared in a more health-conscious manner (refrained use of oil and spices, but still retaining the essential distinctive flavors of Korean dishes). Love the food and the people there! Tip: for busy working folks, the super generous portion here can aid into your meals during the week. Very much worth the trip to visit the place.
13/10 recommend!!! Such huge portions for very affordable. The amount of food we got for two people was crazy! Got the vegetable mandu, miso soup, O-Jing Uh Bok eun (squid with vegetables), and Duk Bok Ki (rice cakes). Everything with super yummy! It's worth the drive for some amazing Korean food
Don't let the outside fool you. I have been past this place so many times. I finally had the opportunity to stop in. It was currently takeout only so I ordered a classic Bibimbap. The lady who owns it is so sweet. Their internet was down so its currently cash only. So delicious and such a big serving for only $10!! Will be back-and hopefully one day to be able to eat inside!
Can't say enough great things! Everything is super authentic and delicious! The portions are very large and inexpensive. Very classic staple in Charlottesville.
This is one of the best Korean restaurants in town! Let's start by saying the food here is pretty good. It's authentic home-style Korean food made by a sweet old Korean lady. I do have to say that her coking does vary day-to-day, however. For example, the galbi tang tastes slightly different each time we go. BUT the food is still always good, regardless. The restaurant is kind of old, dark, and dingy, but I still don't think it takes away from the food. I would say the most off-putting thing about the restaurant is the taxidermy decor. The house of the owner is a professional taxidermist, and he wants to display his work. I don't support hunting, but the artwork itself is not bad. Another thing is that they own animals in the back of the restaurant. One reviewer suggested that the husband was keeping them back there to hunt, which is slanderous and simply untrue. The restaurant is the home of the owners--they actually live downstairs--and they care for the animals in the back as pets. Please please please do not discriminate them because of this and do not let this take away from the food. Another review said they were unable to find any staff when they went, and that's probably because they were downstairs under the restaurant! I have been coming here since I was 3 years old, and I absolutely love it! The family is warm and friendly, the food is good, and the restaurant itself is fun and exotic, honestly!
I've visited Bamboo House around 3 times in the past year and I can definitely say that this is the best Korean restaurant in Charlottesville. Although it is a pretty far drive out, it is on the side of the highway, and it is usually empty, their food is completely homemade and they give SO many side dishes. Don't be scared by the exterior! Also - when you come in, you may have to wait a little until the owner comes out to seat you. My favorite dish here is the Kalbitang, which is a clear soup with short ribs. However, the side dishes are a close second - these vary each time I come in, but the kimchi here is to die for. Their jeon (pancakes) are also really good, and huge. Many of the options on their menu are not offered at the other Korean restaurants in town - especially the stews. Although there is a Chinese side of the menu, I'd recommend sticking to the Korean stuff. Overall, one of my favorite restaurants in Charlottesville. Extremely affordable and a good trip out from UVA! Make sure to set aside at least an hour for the whole meal, though, as you do have to wait a while until the food comes.
This is Charlottesville's original (and at times only) korean restaurant. It's run by a little old lady who acts as hostess, waitress, and chef. Her husband is a taxidermist, whose wares line the walls of the windowless establishment. Have I piqued your interest yet? Our family came for a weekday lunch after hiking at the nearby Preddy Creek. We called ahead before coming just to make sure they were open (though their hours are listed as 7 days a week, due to the fact they are a one woman show it's probably best to double check.) We walked into an empty restaurant. I've got three kids age 4 and under so I actually prefer super empty restaurants. We sat ourselves and the owner came out to greet us. We ordered ONLY from the korean menu (she's korean. I'm pretty sure there are Chinese items on the menu because people kept trying to order Chinese food and she probably decided it was easier to learn a few dishes than to repeatedly try to explain the difference between korean and chinese food to the general population of Charlottesville). The Korean food was authentic and tasty! Very homemade with fresh "ban chan" (korean side dishes that are served with every meal.) We also ordered the japchae (a glass noodle dish), dukboki (spicy rice cake dish), seafood pajun (savory pancake), and a spicy beef stew. My korean husband chatted with the owner for awhile and learned that this place has been here for over 25 years! Disclaimer: this is a five star restaurant because it is basically the only place serving traditional korean food within a 20 mile radius. I've spent the majority of my life in LA and NYC - this is not on par with korean restaurants in those locations. But if you haven't had the pleasure of trying some home cooked korean food, this place is a must try!