Nak Won Garden

5504 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States
$$$ Korean restaurant
(502 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

If you're searching for a slice of authentic Korean cuisine in the heart of Pittsburgh, look no further than Nak Won Garden. Situated at 5504 Centre Ave, this charming eatery combines home-style flavors with a cozy, inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home the moment you step inside. The warm ambiance is punctuated by the friendly service that many patrons rave about, setting the stage for a delightful dining experience.

Cuisine Type: Nak Won Garden showcases the vibrant and diverse flavors of traditional Korean culinary artistry, offering a menu that ranges from comforting soups and stews to sizzling BBQ dishes. The highlight of the menu includes the Soondubu Jjigea, a sumptuous silken tofu stew, where the silky noodles blend seamlessly with either seafood, beef, or mushrooms for just $15. For those who crave a more robust flavor adventure, the Ddukbeagi Bulgogi—savory marinated beef soup with glass noodles—is a true must-try at $19.

The BBQ selections are a godsend for meat lovers. Imagine savoring the Beef Bulgogi, expertly marinated and grilled to perfection for $26, or indulge yourself in the decadence of Pork Belly that melts in your mouth, also at $26. Vegetarian options are thoughtfully included, like the flavorful Kimchi Pancake, which make it an inclusive dining spot for all.

Atmosphere: The restaurant's ambience is unassuming yet impeccably clean, allowing the food to take center stage. Daniel Hong noted that the service is sincerely friendly and warm, despite initial impressions; the staff seems genuinely eager to share their culture and delicious food with patrons. Customers like Liz Krick Prather and Grace Zhang appreciated the restaurant’s authenticity, citing the complimentary hot barley tea and generous portions of Korean dishes that sang with flavors reminiscent of home-cooked meals.

What makes Nak Won Garden shine is that it feels like a hidden gem—a place where the owners treat every patron as family, crafting meals that evoke that comforting feeling of home. Frequent visitors appreciate the personal touches, from the friendly greetings to the insightful menu guidance. However, some reviews mention a rush to clear tables, potentially detracting from the leisurely vibe you might expect in a restaurant setting. Jason You even highlighted how it’s BYOB, allowing you to pair your meal with your own drinks, making it a great spot to unwind with friends.

Pittsburgh food lovers seeking authenticity will find a nurturing experience at Nak Won Garden, where culinary traditions are upheld against a backdrop of friendly service and heartfelt hospitality. Come experience the flavors of Korea right in Pittsburgh, and discover why Nak Won Garden is a beloved spot for both newcomers and seasoned Korean food enthusiasts. Whether you're indulging in an unparalleled bowl of Agu Meawon Tang or delighting in the grilled treasures of their BBQ menu, each visit promises to warm not just your belly, but your heart as well.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Children
Has changing table(s)
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Sunday

Closed

502 Reviews
Daniel Hong

03 Sep 2025

Service was honestly really good despite others reviews. I think they can just come off as a bit awkward, but they're very friendly if you talk with them. I think it really is just a cultural difference on service that is causing a misunderstanding. Food was good overall. I got the Sundubu and Pork Bulgogi. The waiter was kind of enough to explain how to do the lettuce wrap with the side dishes and bulgogi. Overall, would recommend! I'll definitely be back

Jason You

14 Aug 2025

A super lovely place, only a few tables, but the food and the service is pretty good, love the auntie who’s also the boss here. There’s no alcohol for sale here but it’s BYOB, There’s no where else that you can get a drink and relax with your friend in down Pitt. Seafood hotpot, pork belly, seafood pancake, pork elbow highly recommend

Liz Krick Prather

13 Aug 2025

Authentic Korean food in an unassuming, but pristinely clean, space. The complimentary hot barley tea let me know right away that this would be a true Korean dining experience. A friendly waitress gave us time to look over the menu and got our appetizer of a kimchi pancake 김치전. Two of us shared the bossam 보쌈 which was truly delicious. Excellent banchan and a silverware drawer with Korean metal chopsticks and long spoon made me feel like I was back in Seoul. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes Korean culture, a delightful, slightly bossy halmeoni included.

Grace Zhang

06 Aug 2025

Fantastic home meal. If you’re looking for a nice homemade meal, come! I’m so glad I finally found a restaurant that serves bo ssam and naengmyun for these hot summer days. Very tasty dinner and friendly service.

Monojit Bhattacharjee

21 Jul 2025

Food is good. Cannot bet very authentic Korean food but the quantity and quality served is good. The owners are very hospitable and nice. Loved the ambience.

Peter Withheld

18 Jul 2025

Great homestyle Korean food- a rarity in Pittsburgh. My only complaint is that it’s a bit expensive. I thought the service was friendly and efficient, so I’m unsure what all the complaints are about. They do seem to aim for an efficient turnover, but we didn’t feel rushed in any way and ended up staying until closing time. Neither of us had trouble finding parking on a Friday night.

X.

29 Jun 2025

I liked it. I read the reviews online before I went. I guess it was much better than I thought. First, the restaurant was really clean. There was literally a tissue box behind each table. The restroom was probably one of the cleanest I have been in the area. The food was fresh. If I guessed right, this restaurant is probably owned and ran by a couple, so they treated it more of a home than a business.

Shunshunnn L

13 Jun 2025

The food is decent (family-style Korean cuisine). The service remains the same as before. We were not the last table in the restaurant, yet the lady would stand in front of our table, watching us eat. When my friends and I were chatting, she quickly took away the dishes and presented us with the bill. This made us feel rushed to finish our meal and leave.

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