Best Korean BBQ restaurants in San Diego

San Diego is home to some of the best Korean BBQ restaurants in the country. For those that don’t already know Korean barbeque is an amazing experience where servers bring raw meat to the table and then diners cook the meat themselves in a grill built into the table.

The Korean BBQ scene in San Diego is thriving. From traditional Korean BBQ joints to trendy, upscale restaurants, there are plenty of options for people who want to try this cuisine. As someone who personally visits a Korean barbeque restaurant at least once a week I wanted to share my best picks for the San Diego area.

1. Gen Korean BBQ

Gen Korean BBQ has established itself as the go-to high-end Korean BBQ restaurant in San Diego, and for good reason. The restaurant offers a spacious and beautiful outdoor dining space, in addition to the indoor dining area, making it a great option for those looking for an upscale dining experience in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

What sets Gen apart from other Korean BBQ restaurants is their exceptional customer service. Despite the restaurant’s size, guests have noted that the staff remains incredibly attentive, ensuring that each guest has a memorable dining experience. The staff is quick to bring additional entrees and sides to the table, ensuring that everyone is well-fed and satisfied. And with the unique aspect of guests cooking their own meat, the staff is still on hand to offer guidance and assistance as needed.

One of the most popular aspects of dining at Gen Korean BBQ is their unique drink offerings, and in particular, the soju caprisun pouches. These refreshing and fun drinks come in a variety of flavors, from classic to fruity, and are served in a fun and playful pouch that adds an extra element of whimsy to the dining experience. They’re perfect for sipping on while grilling up some delicious Korean BBQ.

But of course, the food is the real star of the show at Gen Korean BBQ. The menu is packed with authentic and mouthwatering Korean BBQ dishes, ranging from succulent beef brisket to tender pork belly and everything in between. Whether you’re a fan of spicy or mild, there’s something for everyone on the menu. And with the unique experience of cooking your own meat at the table, you can ensure that each bite is cooked to your exact specifications.

All in all, Gen Korean BBQ is a standout restaurant in San Diego’s dining scene. From the attentive service to the delicious food to the unique drink offerings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And with the beautiful outdoor dining space, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic date night, a celebratory dinner, or simply a fun and delicious meal with friends. Be sure not to miss out on all that Gen has to offer!

Location: 10765 Westview Pkwy San Diego, CA 92126

Hours:

Mon	3:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Tue	3:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Wed	3:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Thu	3:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Fri	11:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Sat	11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Sun	11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

2. Manna heaven BBQ

Manna Korean BBQ has made a name for itself as one of the best Korean BBQ restaurants in San Diego, thanks in large part to its incredible food offerings. Whether you’re in the mood for some juicy beef, succulent pork, or fresh seafood, Manna has something for everyone. They offer both all-you-can-eat options as well as an upgraded version with even more choices, so you can indulge to your heart’s content.

While the restaurant space may be small, the staff at Manna do their best to accommodate as many diners as possible. There are still a good number of tables available, but be aware that on busy weekend nights, the wait can get rather long. But trust us, the wait is well worth it.

One of the things that sets Manna apart from other Korean BBQ restaurants is its attention to detail. From the quality of the meat to the variety of side dishes, every element of the dining experience has been carefully considered. And for the price, the quality of the food is truly unbeatable.

In addition to the amazing food, Manna also offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a great spot for a romantic date night or a fun dinner with friends. The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure that each guest has a memorable dining experience.

Location: 4428 Convoy St Ste R210 San Diego, CA 92111

Hours:

Mon	12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Tue	12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Wed	12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Thu	12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Fri	12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sat	12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sun	12:00 PM – 9:30 PM

3. Buga Korean BBQ

Another fantastic Korean BBQ restaurant in the Convoy area of San Diego is the All-You-Can-Eat Korean BBQ Restaurant. This restaurant offers three different all-you-can-eat options, but the most popular option is definitely option C. Guests can indulge in a wide variety of meats, from the classic beef and pork to the more unique options like ox tongue and pork jowl.

But what really sets this restaurant apart is its selection of pre-cooked foods. While most Korean BBQ restaurants focus solely on the meats that you cook yourself, this restaurant offers a range of delicious pre-cooked dishes that are sure to please. Some of the fan favorites include the steam egg, dumplings, and cheese corn.

To ensure that you have a great dining experience, we recommend making a reservation for busy weekend nights. Unlike many other Korean BBQ restaurants in the area, this restaurant offers the convenience of reservations rather than just a waitlist. With its delicious food and attentive service, All-You-Can-Eat Korean BBQ Restaurant is definitely worth a visit.

Location: 5580 Clairemont Mesa Blvd San Diego, CA 92117

Hours:

Mon	11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tue	11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wed	11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thu	11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Fri	11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sat	11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sun	11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

4. SongHak Korean BBQ

When it comes to delicious and flavorful Korean BBQ, SongHak Korean BBQ is a must-visit in San Diego. The portions are huge, and the quality of the meat is outstanding. The juicy and succulent meat is a testament to the care and attention the restaurant puts into every dish.

One of the highlights of the menu is the Gopchang, which is a small beef intestine that is a specialty of the house. It’s a unique and delicious offering that every visitor should try. In addition to this, the restaurant also offers a range of traditional Korean BBQ all-you-can-eat options, making it an excellent choice for those who want to indulge in a variety of different meats and flavors.

With its exceptional food and welcoming atmosphere, SongHak Korean BBQ is a great choice for anyone who loves Korean cuisine or is looking to try it for the first time.

Location: 4681 Convoy St Ste B San Diego, CA 92111

Hours:

Mon	11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Tue	11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Wed	11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Thu	11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Fri	11:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Sat	11:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Sun	11:30 AM – 11:30 PM

5. DJK Korean BBQ

DJK is unique from the other Korean BBQ restaurants on this list since the tables use charcoal grills instead of gas stove tops. DJK is also known as one the most authentic Korean BBQ spots in San Diego. This restaurant is very small, so we recommend getting there early in the night to get a good table. Their side dishes are also some of the best in town!

Location: 7905 Engineer Rd San Diego, CA 92111

Hours:

Mon	11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tue	11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wed	11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thu	11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Fri	11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sat	11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sun	11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

 

San Diego Korean BBQ FAQ