San Diego is a city that is known for its diverse food culture. From Mexican to Italian, you can find almost any type of cuisine here. However, there is one type of food that has been gaining a lot of popularity lately – Korean BBQ.
Korean BBQ is a style of cooking that involves grilling meat, usually beef, pork, or chicken, at the table, and dipping it in various sauces and marinades. It is a fun and interactive dining experience that is perfect for a night out with friends or family.
In this blog post, we will be reviewing some of the best Korean BBQ places in San Diego. We will be looking at factors such as the quality of the meat, the variety of dishes offered, the ambiance of the restaurant, and the overall dining experience.
Whether you are a fan of spicy pork belly or marinated beef short ribs, we have got you covered.
So, if you are looking for a new dining experience or just want to try some delicious Korean BBQ, keep reading. We have done the research so that you don't have to.
Get ready to indulge in some mouth-watering meat dishes, sip on some refreshing Korean beer, and enjoy the lively atmosphere that these restaurants have to offer.
1. Manna BBQ
Manna BBQ is a Korean BBQ restaurant that offers a great all-you-can-eat experience. The food is delicious and the staff is attentive.
The menu has a lot of options to choose from, including beef tongue and beef belly, which are highly recommended.
The green onion salad is also a must-try. The atmosphere is casual and the portions are big.
The restaurant is located in a strip mall. If you're looking for a good Korean BBQ place, Manna BBQ is definitely worth a visit.
2. Jeong Won BBQ Buffet
Jeong Won BBQ Buffet offers an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ buffet-style experience. The restaurant has a wide variety of meat, sides, and sauces to choose from.
The self-serve aspect of the food is a plus, and the staff is always on top of grill changes.
The atmosphere is welcoming, and the service is excellent. The restaurant also offers a birthday discount.
The only downside is the price, which is slightly higher than other nearby Korean BBQ places. However, the quality of the food and the overall experience make it worth the price.
3. Kogi BBQ
Kogi BBQ is a Korean barbecue restaurant that offers high-quality meat and a variety of unlimited sides.
The menu is small but worth trying, and the happy hour starts at a reasonable time. The atmosphere is energetic and fun, making it a great place to meet up with friends.
The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring that customers have a great experience. The price is a bit high, but the service and food quality make it worth the cost.
Kogi BBQ is a must-try for anyone looking for a fun and delicious Korean barbecue experience.
4. Gen Korean BBQ House
Gen Korean BBQ House is a trendy restaurant that offers Korean BBQ grilled tableside in a modern setting.
With a variety of cuts of meat on the menu, the all-you-can-eat option is great value for the price. The staff is attentive and professional, ensuring that each customer's needs are met.
The atmosphere is fun and lively, making for a great dining experience. While the wait for a table can be long, the quick service on the food makes up for it.
If you're looking for a unique and tasty dining experience, Gen Korean BBQ House is definitely worth a visit.
5. Taegukgi Korean BBQ
Taegukgi Korean BBQ is a must-visit for anyone looking for a great Korean BBQ experience.
The meats are fresh and delicious, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is lively and fun, making it a great spot to visit with friends or family.
The restaurant can get busy, but the wait is worth it for the excellent food and service.
The all-you-can-eat option is a great value, and the patio seating is a nice touch. Don't miss out on the short ribs and green onion salad. Highly recommended!
6. Olleh CONVOY Korean BBQ
Olleh CONVOY Korean BBQ is a must-visit Korean barbecue restaurant for meat lovers. The quality of the meat is top-notch, and the staff changes the grills frequently to ensure the perfect cook.
The restaurant offers an extensive menu, including seafood options like shrimp and makchang.
The side dishes are fresh and flavorful, especially the kimchi. The customer service is exceptional, with friendly and attentive staff.
The restaurant has a modern look and a great ambiance. The all-you-can-eat option is reasonably priced, making it an excellent value for the money.
7. Shozen BBQ
Shozen BBQ is an exceptional family-owned Korean BBQ restaurant with excellent food quality and fair pricing.
The meat is of great quality, and they offer a customizable Sundubu (tofu soup) with a mix of meats. The all-you-can-eat option is a good deal, and the staff is accommodating and helpful in providing tips.
The venue may not be exceptionally clean, but the pros outweigh the cons. The service is exceptional, and the food is over-the-top amazing, making it one of the best K-BBQ places in San Diego.
The selection of meats is diverse, and the dipping sauce for the meat is definitely yummy. Shozen BBQ is a hidden gem and a must-visit for Korean BBQ lovers.
8. Handoo Korean BBQ
Handoo Korean BBQ offers a large selection of quality meats and delicious sides. The atmosphere is vibrant and happy, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family.
The service is fast and attentive, ensuring that you have a great dining experience.
The beef items on the menu are highly recommended and the all-you-can-eat lunch specials are a great value.
The restaurant is open late, making it a great spot for a late-night meal. If you're looking for authentic Korean BBQ, Handoo Korean BBQ is a must-visit spot.
9. DJK Korean BBQ
DJK Korean BBQ is a classic restaurant that offers traditional Korean barbecue with tabletop grills.
They use charcoal and wood as heat sources to add more flavor to their meats.
The seafood pancake is a must-try, and the service is excellent. Although it's a bit pricey, it's worth it for the quality of the food and the experience.
It's a great place to start for those who have never tried Korean BBQ before.
10. Song Hak Korean BBQ – San Diego
Song Hak Korean BBQ is a hidden gem that offers quality cuts of meat and fresh veggies.
The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring that customers have a great dining experience. The portions are huge and reasonably priced.
The ambience is upbeat, making it a great spot for gatherings with friends and family. The restaurant also has a military discount.
For those looking for an authentic Korean BBQ experience, Song Hak Korean BBQ is definitely worth a visit.
11. Prime Grill Korean BBQ & Restaurant
Prime Grill Korean BBQ & Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its tabletop grills for Korean barbecue.
The restaurant serves a variety of delicious meats and traditional entrees that are sure to satisfy any appetite. The quality of the food is excellent, and the staff is friendly and accommodating.
The prices are reasonable, making it an affordable option for those looking for a great Korean BBQ experience. However, parking can be a challenge, and reservations are recommended due to the small size of the restaurant.
All in all, Prime Grill Korean BBQ & Restaurant is a great destination for anyone looking for a relaxed and casual Korean BBQ experience.
12. Grandma Tofu & BBQ
Grandma Tofu & BBQ is a Korean restaurant serving delicious food in a cozy atmosphere. The menu includes a variety of dishes, including Korean barbecue and tofu soup.
The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure the customers are satisfied with their meals.
The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. The restaurant is perfect for large groups, and reservations are recommended.
The decor is modern and minimalist, with wood paneling adding warmth to the space. If you're looking for authentic Korean cuisine, Grandma Tofu & BBQ is definitely worth a visit.
