Iru

We were able to walk in without a reservation at 5pm and sit at the bar (only a la carte offered at the bar). The food was fantastic. For 2ppl we ordered a bottle of soju, the large kimchi set, the small namul set, the scallop appetizer special, and the samgyetang. It was the perfect amount of food, and after tip it cost $98/person. As I was leaving another table got the galbi jjim and it smelled so good! I want to come back and have that. The service was friendly and quick. We had a slight issue with the wrong entree, but they quickly fixed it. One final note, as I'm scrolling through reviews, I find it interesting that almost all the Korean reviewers give this place 4 or 5 stars (myself included). That says something about the food and authenticity. Not saying everything is perfect (charging for banchan), but the flavors hit in the right way.

As a Korean-American from LA, I approve. This is probably one of the best Korean restaurants near the Boston area. We got the Take set (a bunch of side dishes with japchae, samgyetang, scallop). Also, the service is amazing here!! They tell you the history behind the main dish when it comes out. I don't usually eat raw food but the scallop was really good and not fishy at all. It was so smooth and tender and tasted almost like a Korean acorn jelly. The side dishes (banchan) are all very well-seasoned and balanced. I loved the namuls (veggie side dishes), especially the spinach, squash and seaweed banchans. The kimchis pair well with the samgyetang. The anchovie banchan (멸치볶음) was really good too. The japchae was solid. The samgyetang was such a comforting dish. The broth is clean and rich in flavor. The young chicken is so tender and the glutinous rice pairs well with it. Google Maps took us to the wrong location so we had a 20 min detour but the staff were so kind and even gave us a free dish, bulgogi, which was literally one of the best bulgogis I've had. So tender and umami.

Upscale Korean food and worth the splurge. The interior is small but cozy with probably around 20 seats. The menu is simple with sets ranging from $60-80. Each one comes with their famous samgyetang. I’ve had plenty of samgyetang in South Korea and beyond, and listen to me when I tell you this one hits different. The broth is incredibly flavorful with each ingredient (sticky rice, goji berries, chicken, ginseng) adding depth and flavor. The banchan selection is quite vast and delicious too. Although the price could be considered steep, for the quality, taste, and service, it is justified (in my opinion).

Food was probably the most authentic and delicious I've had for Korean food in Boston. The kimchi was a little a bit different from what I've been traditionally used to (more pepper flake flavor), but everything else was great, and the samgyetang was on point. The soy sauce shrimp was amazing. Somewhat pricey, but worth for the great experience and the staff! And for the price, you definitely can't find a better Korean place in Boston.

Dining at Iru was nothing short of an exquisite experience—a masterclass in refinement, balance, and understated elegance for a restaurant in Boston, with roots from Japan. From the moment we arrived, service was impeccable: attentive without intrusion, warm yet polished. While the menu initially appeared extensive, it soon revealed itself to be a thoughtfully tiered prix fixe journey. We opted for the Matsu package, which unfolded gracefully through a progression of textures and flavors—from the delicate banchans and silky japchae, to a beautifully executed seafood course (shrimp or scallop per guest), and the pristine bossum, served clean and perfectly seasoned. The centerpiece, samgyetang—a sticky rice–stuffed organic chicken infused with goji berries and ginseng—was deeply comforting, its richness elevated by subtle herbal notes. Definitely this is something you want during the cold and dark days in winter. While the broth leaned slightly on the salty side, it remained deeply satisfying, carrying that soulful warmth found only in truly well-made soups. Portions are deceptively modest but cumulatively fulfilling, a testament to the kitchen’s precision and restraint. The ambiance, meanwhile, evokes modern Seoul: intimate, softly lit, and thoughtfully composed…though seating can feel snug at peak times. Reservations are essential (they open on the 15th of the prior month), and for good reason. Iru is arguably the finest expression of Korean dining in Boston today—a restaurant that honors tradition while confidently embracing contemporary sophistication.

So delicious! Absolutely worth a visit. We got the Toku to try everything. It was definitely too much food for 2 women, but we were glad to try it all. We think we would go with the Ume next time where it’s just the branchans and the soup (Samgyatang). I’ve tried a handful of other Korean restaurants in the Boston area at this price point ($50-$100/person) and I think this place is my new favorite. Looking forward to coming back soon!

The place is cosy; staff were on point the entire evening. We ordered the Toku set since we decided to try everything as it was our first visit. Everything was so good; the scallops were outstanding; as was the galbi chim. I really loved everything. The least favorite dish was Bindaetteok; but since I ordered rice to go with the Galbi Chim, I was already full and that played a part for sure. I’m coming back for sure!