Details

Zoomak Korean Tavern

Neighbourhood: Gastown

52 Alexander St.

604-620-1240

WEBSITE

Hours

Monday to Thursday: 11:30am – 11pm
Friday + Saturday: 11:30am – Midnight
Sunday: Closed

Gallery

The People

Bobby Shin – Owner / Chef
CJ Kang – House Manager
Jinju So – Marketing / PR Manager

About Zoomak

Zoomak Korean Tavern at the far end of Gastown in the fall of 2020, when the COVID-19 situation was at its peak. Rather than altering Korean food under the name of fusion cuisine, our goal was to preserve the true flavours of Korean cuisine, while creating a restaurant where everyone in Canada could easily enjoy traditional Korean drinks and dishes.

The keywords that best describe our restaurant are “Homemade” and “Fermentation.”

Almost all of the dishes and sauces we serve are homemade, and we rarely use processed products. We even make our napa cabbage kimchi and mustard leaf kimchi fresh every week. Kimchi, as well as almost all the ingredients used in our dishes — such as makgeolli, fish sauce, soy sauce, Doenjang, and Gochujang — are based on fermented foods.

Our goal for the next three years is to start making and fermenting at least a portion of the soy sauce, Doenjang, fish sauce and Gochujang used in our restaurant.

We aim to protect the authentic flavours of Korean cuisine, without being swayed by trends, and to introduce the true taste of Korean food to as many people as possible.

Favourable reviews & accolades

“Gold medal winner Zoomak bills itself as a modern Korean tavern—but the sophistication of the cooking goes far beyond bar food. “There’s definitely some serious cooking going on,” said one judge. Crisp-skinned pork bossam is served with housemade kimchi—kimchi that shines when served warm over simply steamed tofu, too. The Korean fried chicken and pork belly are also go-tos in this room with notably friendly and attentive service, but our judges had a tough time playing favourites: “It’s hard to choose a dish when everything is better than the last.” But even with the elevated food, the overall vibe is warm, and fun, with a price point and attitude that’s all about ease and accessibility.” — Restaurant Awards 2025: The Best Korean Restaurants in Vancouver, Vancouver Magazine

“I stopped by Zoomak a couple of months ago, and I still think about that meal — it was that good. The fermented tofu, pork jowl, and yukhoe were all spot on, and the sake I had paired perfectly with everything.

The vibe was classy but relaxed, and the staff made the whole experience feel effortless. It’s one of those places that quietly sticks with you — can’t wait to go back.” — Dom, Google Reviews

“I needed to come back here a second time before writing this review because I’m at a loss for words. EVERYTHING about Zoomak exceeds all expectations I had. The atmosphere, the waiters, the vibes, the food, the drinks… 11/10.

If you only had to get one item on the menu, I say go for the bossam. I guarantee you will be satisfied off just that. Honestly, if I had to only eat one thing for the rest of my life, this would be it. The crunchy exterior and melt in your mouth interior almost made me fall off my chair because I was at a loss for words.

Of course, besides that item, they also do the other dishes extremely well. Will be back to try the rest of the menu soon (yes, I am in fact slowly making my way through their entire menu).

I guess if I had one gripe, it would be having to wait quite a long time if you don’t make reservations in advance. And even if you make the reservation, the time slots seems to be quite limited as they book up fast (and for good reason).

Anyway, go check this place out if you’re in the Gastown area, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.” — Aiden, Google Reviews

“I had a great experience at Zoomak Korean Tavern. The food was excellent, full of authentic flavors and beautifully prepared. The service was attentive and friendly, making the whole evening enjoyable. I also loved the ambiance — cozy, welcoming, and perfect for a night out. I’ll definitely be coming back.” — Vanessa Santacruz, Google Reviews

““One of the best Korean Restaurant” , a Korean dude said. First time I visit Vancouver and I came here because my friend highly recommended this restaurant. Well prepared food, Good presentation and very delicious are all I have to say. I mean the pictures say it all! Are these overpriced? I dont think so. Man totally worth it!” — Moss Siri, Google Reviews

“This is that gem you are searching for.

I had planned on going elsewhere for my birthday dinner but when I got to this other place and tried a few things, I was very underwhelmed. I made a last minute call and decided to come here.

The service is incredible. The staff were very friendly and accommodated me to a table. They are happy to give descriptions of the food and make realistic recommendations. They are pleasant and kind.

The food is ridiculously good. The seafood stew is easily one of the best things I have eaten. The broth is savory, well-spiced, and slightly rich. Mushrooms are packed with flavor and the egg and seafood were…. well I’ll stop you should just order this already. I ate the whole thing and wasn’t sad about it.

The dumplings (mandu) and glass noodles (jap-chae) are also stupid good. We over ordered and had leftovers and I am eating both now as I write this review, ravenously so, because they are delicious. The dumplings are meaty yet delicate and the noodles are packed with flavor.

This place is special and this meal was one to remember. Sincere thanks to all the staff here.” — Steven Rodriguez, Google Reviews