Korean food is the bomb. No, really. It’s amazing and we’re not just saying that because we’re Asian. Objectively, Korean food is some of the best in the world.
If you’re thinking about trying Korean food for the first time, like Korean BBQ, you’re in for a real treat. Even if you’ve had Korean food before, there’s always more to explore. From salivating Korean “gamja” hot dogs like these popular ones from Chungchun to Bulgogi and Bibimbap rice bowls, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
But aside from many good Korean foods to choose from, let’s talk about the best Korean BBQ restaurants in Toronto!
Korean BBQ, called “gogi-gu-i” (고기구이) in Korean, is a beloved national pastime and cuisine. It involves grilling meats such as beef, pork, chicken, or seafood over an open flame or on a grill built into the table.
One of the best things about Korean BBQ is that it’s meant to be shared with friends and family. It’s the perfect meal for large groups because everyone can cook their own food to their liking and share it with others.
The Best Korean BBQ Restaurants in Toronto
Korean BBQ restaurants have been a mainstay in Toronto for ages, providing residents delicious meals in conversation-worthy settings. Some of the restaurants have been around for ages, evolving to meet current trends in the food industry.
The best Korean BBQ restaurants in the city are famed for their juicy bulgogi (불고기, grilled marinated beef), dakgalbi (닭갈비, spicy stir-fried chicken), and jumulleok (주물럭, grilled short ribs) that give you a taste of Southeast Asia.
For these restaurants, it’s more about the quality rather than the quantity of food served in an all-you-can-eat style like the well-known chain, Korean Grill House.
Below are some of the best Korean BBQ restaurants in Toronto that offer an authentic Korean barbeque experience. These restaurants combine traditional and modern flavours to present patrons with memorable dishes they can enjoy with their family and friends.
1. Daldongnae (달동네)
Daldongnae is a very popular Korean BBQ spot in Toronto that draws in a large crowd, so be sure to make reservations for your party or go early if you want to snag a table. Daldongnae is especially known for their quality cuts of meat, which you can tell right off the bat with the bright red colour. When the meat is grilled to perfection, the burst of flavours will leave you speechless.
Pork belly and beef boneless short ribs are loved by many for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and are must-haves when visiting Daldongnae.
As you wait for the grill to cook your meat, you can pick on tasty condiments such as corn, cheese, and eggs. The banchan here are hearty and flavourful, a perfect accompaniment to the grilled meats.
The meal comes with unlimited refills of side dishes along with cheese and lettuce so eat up!
Honestly, Daldongnae is one of the best Korean restaurants in Toronto.
Catch our honest review and photos of Daldongnae here.
2. Mapo Korean BBQ (마포상회)
Image by @itshonee
The Mapo Korean BBQ restaurant is one of the best places in Koreatown that features a retro setting that reminds you of your trip to Korea. Customers grill the meat on their own giving you the perfect opportunity to show off your grilling skills.
This authentic Korean restaurant boasts some of the best dishes of pork belly, galbi, and bulgogi for you and your friends to feast on. If you get indecisive on which meat to go for, you can order one of their preset combos that includes a bit of everything so you can taste different kinds of meat.
Aside from the usual banchan and stews served, you get a complimentary bottle of Yakult (probiotic drink) at the end of every meal.
3. Huh Ga Ne (허가네)
Image by @orkfood
Doesn’t it suck when you’re about to head out for dinner and then you realize that the restaurant is closed and they’re closing soon or even worse, closed on that day? Well, at Huh Ga Ne they are open 24 hours a day so that means you can enjoy your Korean BBQ anytime, day and night.
Huh Ga Ne is popular for its sirloin beef and thin-sliced pork belly.
This cozy restaurant offers a variety of food options on top of their wonderful tabletop cooking. If someone in your group is feeling for something soupy, they can get a bowl of pork bone soup to help warm them up. The soup is also great to share as a family-style meal.
There’s floor seating and regular tables so you can choose whichever seating style you’re more comfortable with.
4. Sariwon Korean BBQ Restaurant (사리원)
Image by @sariwonbbq
Summer is the best time to enjoy BBQ and what’s better than hanging out with friends on a patio? How about a HUGE rooftop patio that is perfect for those warm summer days where all you want to do is sit outside and soak up the weather with some good food.
Sariwon has an extensive selection of lunch and dinner items on their menu (stews, grilled fish, and many different meat entrees), but they’re known for their delicious yangnyeom galbi.
The only downside to this restaurant is that it’s a bit pricey compared to other Korean BBQs. The prices should not discourage you since you are guaranteed your money’s worth. Here, customers can enjoy high-grade cuts of pork belly, short ribs, and marinated beef.
5. Kobi Korean BBQ
Image by @t.foodie_blog
Choice is important, especially when it comes to food. Kobi offers customers the option to choose from Cheese and Chicken or Pork Belly.
Whether you’re Team Chicken (left side of the restaurant) or Team Pork (right side of the restaurant), we can all agree you will leave the restaurant with a smile on your face.
Kobi has gained a reputation for its signature spicy chicken with cheese (you can adjust the spicy level and ask for no spice if you can’t take spicy food). The cheese and sauce are insanely good and go really well with rice.
End the night with a bottle of Soju to help wash down all the meat you just ate.
6. Gui Gui (구이구이)
Image by @foodoshi
For days when you’re feeling for Korean BBQ, but at the same time you’re tired of grilling meat using tongs, Gui Gui has prepared everything for you.
Instead of flipping and cooking meat over the grill top, the meat is placed on skewers and cooked over an open flame. This not only allows the meat to cook evenly but also prevents them from sticking to the grill.
The skewers are on the smaller side so you can order a few of them and try different kinds of meat. They have chicken, pork, beef, lamb, and seafood options. The restaurant also serves a variety of Korean sides, soups, and noodles.
If you’re looking for a fun and unique BBQ experience, we recommend checking out Gui Gui.
7. Korean Village Restaurant (한국관)
Image by @mattjhcheung
Korean BBQ is usually seen as a nighttime activity, but Korean Village offers an amazing brunch menu that will make you want to come back for more.
This family-owned restaurant is a staple in Koreatown and it’s no surprise why. The food is fantastic and the service is wonderful.
Korean Village is one of the few places that still offer table-top BBQ, which creates an enjoyable and interactive dining experience.
Here, customers are treated to amazing banchan and are spoilt of choice with several amazing dishes to pick from, including seafood noodle soup, bibimbap, naengmyeon (cold noodles), and beef rib marinated for 35 hours.
8. Arisu Korean BBQ & Sushi
Image by @jyauu
Are you in the mood for Korean BBQ, but your friends are craving some good sushi too? That’s not a problem at Arisu.
Arisu offers the best of both worlds with their Korean BBQ and sushi menu. The restaurant is perfect for groups because there’s something for everyone. There’s a decent size covered patio by the side of the restaurant, which is perfect for al fresco dining during Toronto’s warmer months.
What sets this restaurant apart from the rest is that they are the only Korean BBQ restaurant that offers premium cuts of beef that are locally sourced. The beef that they use for grilling is grass-fed beef that is raised without the use of antibiotics.
9. Kasai Grill House
Image by @kasaigrillhouse
Got a big appetite? Kasai Grill House has your name all over it because they have all-you-can-eat options for both lunch and dinner.
Like any all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ, you won’t get a top-notch cut of beef. However, the quality of the meat is still pretty good and you can fill your mouth with as much food as humanly possible.
The regular AYCE menu offers beef, pork, chicken, seafood, a variety of vegetables, and delicious SUSHI! Their weekend menu allows you to order lamb and special sushi rolls, but it’ll cost you more.
What? It’s your birthday? Let the servers know so you can get 25% off your meal.
Who doesn’t love birthday freebies?
10. Korean Grill House
Image by @koreangrillhouse
Can we say The Korean Grill House on Queen and University is one of the oldest Korean restaurants around? It’s been around since 1989!
This Korean BBQ chain may not be one of our top picks but we had to include this here because some of our readers may be looking for a budget-friendly place that’s been around Toronto for the longest time.
It’s not terrible but it’s not the best when it comes to authenticity and taste. However, for those of you who are looking for quantity and an established all you can eat Korean BBQ restaurant in downtown Toronto, then this is the spot for you. Just don’t expect quality or top-cut meats from this old establishment. One thing we can say is their meat is well-marinated so you’ll get a ton of flavour out of them!
It’s a solid option and worth checking out if you’re in the area and looking for some quick AYCE Korean BBQ or a la carte on the spot.
11. Pujukan Authentic Korean BBQ (푸줏간) – PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Image by @tampuraeats
Pujukan is a classic Korean BBQ restaurant located in the Yonge and Sheppard area.
What sets this restaurant apart from the competitor is that their grills are built into the table to give guests a more consistent grilling experience. With propane gas grills, there’s a possibility that you could end up with a grill that has low flames.
Pujukan’s menu offers fresh beef and pork options and includes yummy sides like corn, kimchi, radish, and spring onions. You also get a complimentary Korean-style steamed egg! The restaurant also offers beef and pork samplers that let your try several cuts in one sitting.
We had a great experience at Pujukan (푸줏간) and would definitely return for more yummy BBQ.
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