We’ve visited Yoli Korean restaurant in downtown Bend, Oregon before, but had never ordered the 5-course meal. We recently tried it and were not disappointed.

Yoli, the Korean word for cuisine, was created by Chef Joe Kim and his wife Laura and opened in 2022. I included a copy of the 5-course menu at the end of this post. You can see the lunch and dinner menus on their website. If you’re feeling adventuresome, give them 24 hours notice and order a Tasting Menu.

Raw Starter course

For the Raw Starter course, I had the Spicy King Salmon Hwe and my companion had the Yukhoe. The presentation is artful and the food delicious.

The picture below shows the interior of the restaurant’s simple yet elegant design.

Starter Course

For the Starter course, you choose two options. We both had the Japchae and we also had an order of the Korean Fried Cauliflower and the Tteok Bokki. The crunchy, spicy cauliflower was my favorite menu item of the night.

Over the years, Chef Joe Kim has been nominated three times for James Beard awards. He was a semifinalist in 2014, 2015, and 2016 while working at a nearby restaurant. Framed menus from the past decorate the walls near the Beard recognitions.

Main Course

Various kimchis accompany the next course.

Diners can choose between various lettuce wraps or hot dishes. We chose the hot dishes. My companion had Wagyu Sogogi, served with a covered bowl of rice. The beef was cooked to perfection.

I had the Dolsot Bibimbap, served in a heated Korean stone pot. They instruct you to wait a couple minutes before mixing the egg into the dish. During that time, the rice continues cooking to a crispy texture where it comes into contact with the hot pot. I loved the crunchiness!

Yoli Korean restaurant offers several interesting cocktails and mocktails, some served in uniquely shaped glassware. My companion had the Lychee Yeongi cocktail with lychee puree, vodka, and soju. They also serve wine, beer, soft drinks, and soju.

Soju is often featured on the kdramas (Korean dramas) I watch so I wanted to give it a try. I had the Hanjan Original and liked its clean, mild apple taste.

Prior to the Korean War, soju was traditionally made with rice. During the war, using rice was banned so soju was made with alternatives like wheat, sweet potatoes, and tapioca. Nowadays, it’s available in many plain and fruit-flavored varieties. The taste is similar to vodka, but with a smoother feel and lower alcohol content. Alcohol level ranges from 12 to 50 percent. Soju is usually served in shot glasses and the youngest person at the table traditionally pours and refills glasses.

Dessert course

For the Dijeoteu (dessert) course, my companion ordered the Sesame Cake and I had the Upside Down Hotteok. The sesame cake had a nice texture and taste. The hotteok had tasty crunchy bits of street doughnut with a dab of whip cream.

Yoli Korean restaurant 5 -meal menu

Here is a copy of the menu for the Yoli Korean restaurant 5-course meal.

This restaurant offers unique dishes prepared with an attention to detail. If you’re looking for a special meal in Bend, be sure to check out Yoli.

Foodie Friday (FF)