KORNERD
ABOUT / Full of the bold, crunchy, sweet-spicy flavours that make Korean cuisine so irresistible - Kornerd (a play on 'Korean - Nerd' and the fact that the restaurant was originally destined for a corner location of a nearby intersection) opened in Margaret Street in late 2025, and has very quickly become known for its addictive Korean fried chicken and flavour-packed menu.
For head chef Steven Yoon, who began his career at Magill Estate Restaurant at Penfolds and other winery kitchens across South Australia, and whose own cooking has been heavily influenced by the Melbourne food scene, Kornerd represents the next evolution of the team’s popular takeaway concept Koala Carte, which had something of a cult-following of its own.
FOOD & DRINK / Bold, punchy and packed with flavour, the menu spans Korean street-food favourites through to signature dishes like Bibimbap and Bulgogi.
Expect dumplings, bao and snacks like butter cheese corn, but the undisputed star is that Korean Fried Chicken - crisp, juicy and served in flavours like Garlic Soy, K-Sweet Chilli, Snowing Cheese and Spicy Garlic Soy.
Drinks-wise, alongside the usual selection you’ll find a strong lineup of Korean favourites and alcohols, perfect for balancing all that sweet, spicy and crunchy goodness.
DESIGN / Casual, moody and a little bit Melbourne, Kornerd feels right at home on Margaret Street. Burgundy tiles, warm timber booths and playful Korean artwork bring colour to the space, giving the room a relaxed, city-centre energy.
HIGHLIGHTS / Everything we tried was delicious, but the Korean Fried Chicken is the undisputed star - crisp, juicy and drowning in flavour. The Snowing Cheese and Spicy Garlic Soy were standouts.
Photography: Helios Agency
Last update: 20 May 2026
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