Korean BBQ London: 11 Best Restaurants To Visit
This post is part of our archived content. While we’ve shifted focus, it still may be useful.
Korean BBQ has earned its place in London’s culinary scene.
The appeal lies in the rich, deeply-flavoured cuts of meat, cooked at your table over sizzling hot grills.
Couple that with a variety of vibrant sides and spicy sauces – and you have a meal experience to remember.
In this Korean BBQ London guide, we’ll show you the top Korean barbecue restaurants in town.
The Best Korean BBQ Restaurants in London
YORI – Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Shoreditch, Kings Cross + more
Piccadilly Circus boasts the delightful YORI, renowned for offering an authentic Korean restaurant experience in London.
Top hits? The tender marinated galbi and spicy samgyeopsal. And don’t forget their seafood pancake.
Friendly staff and great service add to the charm.
Some might say it’s a bit pricier than most, but the quality and experience make it worth the extra pounds.
Booking ahead is recommended as the restaurant is always busy.
Gogi London – Little Venice
Over in Little Venice, Gogi Korean Bar and Grill offers an enticing mix of traditional Korean dishes and modern flavours.
Their Korean fried chicken is crunchy, juicy, and delightfully spicy, while their thinly sliced beef bulgogi, served in two cloud-like buns, is a must-try.
For a refreshing addition, they also serve Korean beer.
It’s a little pricey, but the quality makes Gogi a strong contender for one of the best Korean BBQ restaurants in London.
Olle Korean Barbecue – Soho
Located in Soho, Olle Korean Barbecue is a treasure, loved for its premium meat selection.
Their marinated rib eye is a special treat, and for the adventurous, the beef intestine is deliciously unconventional.
It does get busy with long queues during dinner hours, so booking ahead is advised.
Despite its popularity, Olle maintains reasonable prices in the mid-price range. Definitely worth a visit.
Kalbi Korean BBQ – Islington
Up in Islington is Kalbi Korean BBQ. Known for their generous meat platters, with an emphasis on – you guessed it – Kalbi.
This is where you can enjoy thinly sliced, soy-marinated short ribs to your heart’s content. An added charm? Their wide selection of Korean beers.
This eatery hits the sweet spot, balancing affordability with an authentic Korean BBQ experience.
KOBA London – Fitzrovia
Meet Koba, nestled in the bustling Fitzrovia. The restaurant’s warm atmosphere pairs well with its marinated meats.
The star attraction? Their dak galbi – tender chicken marinated in a gochujang-based sauce. Spicy, sweet, and oh-so-good.
Staff are particularly attentive here – they’ll help you cook your meat to perfection.
You may find it leans on the higher end price-wise, but it’s a top-notch Korean BBQ destination.
Simya Korean Restaurant – Fulham
Over in Fulham, there’s Simya Korean Restaurant. It prides itself on its homestyle dishes.
Make sure to sample their melt-in-your-mouth bulgogi, marinated in a blend of soy, sesame, and garlic.
Guests also love their bibimbap, served in a piping hot stone bowl.
Its dining area is very cosy – so book ahead to get a seat.
If you’re on a budget, this spot is a winner. Quality meets affordability at Simya.
Yanji BBQ – Shoreditch
Shoreditch houses the splendid Yanji BBQ. The quirky, hip setting adds to the Korean dining adventure.
Try their samgyeopsal – thick, juicy slices of pork belly waiting to be savoured.
Tables include special self-turning skewers, so your meat is always evenly grilled. Their experienced staff makes sure everything is nicely cooked.
The pricing is a bit steep, but the ambience and delectable meats make it worth every penny.
SuperStar BBQ – Bloomsbury
Take a stroll to Central Saint Giles to find SuperStar BBQ. Known for its diverse menu, modern interiors, and buzzing atmosphere.
Their standout dish? The thinly sliced beef brisket. It’s a feast for the tastebuds.
And their special honey ginseng tea will energise you for the night ahead.
A tad pricier than some of the other Korean BBQ joints in London, but the food and service make it a justified indulgence.
Arang Restaurant – Piccadilly Circus
Situated in Golden Square, Arang Restaurant brings a unique spin to the Korean BBQ scene.
It offers a special range of marinated meats, but the spicy marinated pork ribs steal the show.
Their oxtail soup also deserves recognition – with its rich broth and tender meat.
Prices are reasonable. Book ahead, as they’re always busy.
Jin Go Gae Korean BBQ – New Malden
Our list wouldn’t be complete without a trip to London’s Koreatown – New Malden.
Here we find Jin Go Gae, a restaurant specialising in Korean seafood BBQ, a rarity in the city.
Their grilled eel is a must-try. Paired with a cold beer, it’s a match made in heaven.
The bustling atmosphere and Korean-speaking staff transport you straight to Seoul.
In terms of pricing, Jin Go Gae hits the mid-range, making it a great value-for-money destination.
Korean Grill – Kensington
We tried the Korean Chef’s Feast Menu – a rich tapestry of traditional Korean flavours and the highest quality beef selection.
Korean Grill Kensington elevates the dining experience with in-built tabletop grills at each table for a traditional Korean BBQ setting.
The Chef’s Feast Menu features premium cuts like oxtail, anchangsal, and king kalbi, each perfectly paired with KGK’s signature sauces and perfectly cooked.
Save room for dessert – we had a delicious soybean ice cream and a lychee sake milkshake.
FAQs
Is there a Koreatown in London?
Yes, there is. New Malden, located in South West London, boasts the largest Korean community in Europe.
It’s teeming with Korean supermarkets, bakeries, karaoke bars, and, of course, eateries.
It’s London’s own Koreatown.
What is the best meat for Korean BBQ?
Bulgogi and Galbi are the rockstars of Korean BBQ.
Bulgogi is thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet soy mix.
Galbi, on the other hand, are short ribs marinated in a similar sauce.
Both are incredibly tender and pack a flavour punch.
What is served with Korean BBQ?
Korean BBQ is accompanied by Banchan – a variety of small side dishes.
You’ll see kimchi, pickled radish, seasoned spinach, bean sprouts, and more.
Also, expect a bowl of steamed rice, and lettuce leaves for wrapping your grilled meat.
How much does Korean BBQ cost in London?
Prices vary, from budget-friendly to high-end.
You can expect to spend anywhere between £20 to £60 per person, depending on the restaurant.
This often includes a meat selection, Banchan, rice, and sometimes, a delightful Korean dessert.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, London’s Korean BBQ restaurant scene is brimming with diverse flavours and experiences.
From the heart of Soho to the cultural hub of New Malden, there’s a Korean BBQ spot for everyone – whether you’re after a luxurious dining experience or a casual, homestyle meal.