Large numbers of Australians can trace their lineage back to Korea, adding to the rich cultural tapestry of the country. Just like the rest of Australia, Melbourne is home to a wealth of excellent Korean restaurants.
While there is a wide range of Korean dishes available, Korean BBQ restaurants tend to focus on one particular aspect of the cuisine: serving high-quality meat cooked over a grill (typically a charcoal grill, but some restaurants use gas) and accompanied by a wide selection of "banchan," or side dishes.
In many Korean BBQ establishments, patrons are encouraged to grill their own meat using mini barbeques at their individual tables.
There appears to be a large number of Korean BBq restaurants in Melbourne, however it's difficult to determine which ones are actually good.
Here is a list of the best Korean barbeque restaurants in your area, along with descriptions and recommendations. You'll want to keep reading for more info.
The finest way to spend an evening in Melbourne is at a top-tier Korean barbeque restaurant. Here, you can see your meal being cooked in front of your eyes, seasoned and flipped with ease by a skilled cook.
More and more places providing authentic Korean barbeque have opened up in the city as its Asian population has grown (or KBBQ). KBBQ restaurants in Melbourne are a great option for a night out because they provide a unique experience and serve fantastic food.
Enjoy Some Delicious Korean Barbecue While in Melbourne
People can't seem to get enough of Korean BBQ (and again). There isn't a single thing to criticise.
Korean barbeque is the best of both worlds, with flawlessly charred meats, a hearty stew, an overabundance of tasty Korean side dishes, and a pile of rice to sop up every last drop.
If you haven't eaten Korean BBQ in Melbourne yet, you're losing out. The city has several authentic restaurants dishing up tasty food in exciting environments.
I've read most of them cover to cover, but there are a couple that will always hold a special place in my heart. The best K-bbq restaurants in Melbourne, where you can get anything from pig belly to kimchi stew, are on this list I made.
Tong The Palace
A facade from the nineteenth century gives this eatery an air of sophistication. The old stone was preserved and given a stylish makeover by the addition of contemporary light fixtures and exposed brass piping.
This restaurant embraces the family-style dining that is traditional at Korean BBQ joints by providing communal tables and serving family-style meals. Even more spacious quarters are available for exclusive use on the second floor.
The meat, whether you prepare it yourself or have the servers do it, will be superb. We advise you to try the Angus cube roll, grilled till the fat melts and sizzles.
One other fan-favorite is the sundubu jjigae hot pot soup, which features silken tofu, mussels, and an egg. It goes well with the meat or can stand alone as a major dish with some red rice.
Guhng provides a first-rate Korean barbeque experience, highlighted by its high-quality ingredients and cosy, welcoming atmosphere.
Those of you who are concerned about how your food looks on the plate have found the proper place. The dishes here are all crafted with such love and precision. Tteokbokki are Korean rice cakes that are fried and then blended with a hot red pepper paste sauce and topped with cheese.
This dish is really fluffy and has great cheese pull. The sticky pork ribs with sesame seeds are another must-try. The final accompaniment of cucumbers is a refreshingly light way to freshen your palate.
BBQ at Chango (Korean)
This classy eatery has an elegant atmosphere. There are cheaper options around, but this place offers service that can't be beat. The Palsaik BBQ set, featuring pork belly marinated in eight distinct ways, comes highly recommended. It's accompanied by delicious banchan like kimchi and pickled vegetables and a refreshing salad.
If you're hosting a party or just in the mood for a delicious meal, Chango is where you should take your friends. A helpful hint is to arrive at 5:30 pm, when the doors open, or to arrive at 8 or 9 night for a stylishly late lunch. If you don't, you can end yourself waiting for a while.
The Chango 'Palsaik' set, named after the Korean word for "eight colours," is the company's best-selling and most Instagrammable product. The pork belly in this assortment has been marinated in eight distinct sauces. This is an aesthetic and gustatory delight.
BB-Q Doncaster
BBQ-K Doncaster is famous for both its Jap-chae and its mouthwatering lamb chops. You'll need to plan early, as this hotspot tends to fill up several days or weeks in advance. You won't be let down by the warm hospitality and outstanding meal.
Woo Ga
Woo Ga's barbeque will satisfy all your cravings. They offer a large selection of drinks and a low price point in addition to an intimate atmosphere with enough space to breathe.
The "B Combo" has some of Wooga's finest beef and hog cuts, and comes highly recommended. A crisp seafood pancake and a stew made of Kimchi and pork that bubbles and boils as you eat it are also included. Banchan portions at Wooga are enormous, and the restaurant takes preventative measures to ensure diners never go without.
This is Mrs. Kim's Grill.
Mrs. Kim had a desire to introduce her neighbours and acquaintances to traditional Korean food and culture thirty years ago. Her genuine recipes and marinated meats have made their way from her backyard barbeque to three of Melbourne's finest Korean barbeque joints.
At any of Mrs. Kim's Grills, you may enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, and the company of good friends and neighbours. These walk-up eateries have set menus for two, cluck-cluck sets, and butcher cut sets so that you may easily split the deliciousness (with your eyes, nose, mouth and friends).
An Individual Piece of Wagyu Beef
If you're looking for a peaceful and unhurried K-bbq, look no further than Wagyu One. You take someone here for an unforgettable encounter. Incredibly warm hospitality greets you as soon as you walk through the door. I highly suggest the B-bbq Big Hakomori, an excellent sampling of Wagyu One's finest meats. You can also't go wrong with the Wagyu Mille Feuille Katsu; it's heavenly and will make your mouth water.
Asian Spoon
If you have a large group that doesn't mind making a lot of noise and a little bit of a mess, then Oriental Spoon, located in the centre of the Central Business District, is the place to go. Even though it serves upscale fare, Oriental Spoon manages to exude the vibe of a casual family eatery.
Don't let the unassuming exterior fool you; this spot has some serious offerings.
It's impossible to eat too much of the delicious food here. The a la carte menu at Oriental Spoon is extensive and has some of the best Korean BBQ around.
If it's cold outside, you should have one of their many hearty stews. Bu-Dae Hot Pot is a spicy, porky, and cheesy stew that is a fan favourite at our table.
Cooking Over a Bed of Charcoal Like a Zen Master
There is a strong scent of spicy Korean street food wafting through the air at this laid-back eatery. Every piece of meat is cooked to perfection on the charcoal barbeques at each table, and the dishes look as good as they taste.
Zen Charcoal BBQ combines the exotic fragrances of a South Yarra street market with the polished setting of a top-notch restaurant to create a unique dining experience. The food is as beautiful as it is delicious, and the quality of the ingredients is never sacrificed. You can't go wrong when using the charcoal barbeque to prepare delicious meals.
There are two charcoals in this.
This restaurant is so busy that reservations are required to get a table, but the wait will be well worth it because the food is exceptional. While the red chilli pork bulgogi is our favourite, the deep-fried crab claws and lotus root chips are also excellent choices.
Guests at Zen Charcoal BBQ may enjoy the aromatic spices of a bustling street market while dining in the refined atmosphere of a South Yarra eatery. The cuisine is of the highest quality, and it is presented in a way that is both visually appealing and appetising. There is no such thing as cooking your meat incorrectly on its charcoal BBQ, which produces the most pleasing aromas and flavours.
Yoga
You can forget about BBQ, because Yeonga is in a class all its own. One of the restaurant's selling points is the exceptional quality and tenderness of the meats they use. You may rest assured that your taste buds will be whisked away to meaty nirvana with every bite.
The "What the Pork!" platter is our top pick when dining out. Pork belly, pork neck, and the sweet sticky marinated pork are all included. Each meal is served with a hot dish of mashed potatoes, rice cake, kimchi, and Korean corn cheese, as well as a variety of traditional Korean banchan.
Yeonga Korean BBQ Restaurant is a feast, not simply a dinner, thanks to its outstanding flavours and huge amounts. The delicate beef and delicious seasonings in their bibimbap are what set them apart. If you decide to indulge in this Victorian staple, be sure to sample the various wine offerings.
Just like at a good Korean BBQ joint, the meat at a yoga studio is fresh and tender, and the smoky flavour comes from being cooked over hot charcoal. However, while the pork belly with chilli sauce is delicious, the wagyu beef is where it's at.
Bibimbap is also excellent here. To those who have yet to try Korean BBQ, the menu is straightforward and an excellent place to start. Vegans can even enjoy a delicious dumpling and mushroom hotpot.
K-BBQ from G2
The interior of this eatery is rather warehouse-like, complete with high ceilings and exposed plumbing. It's a vibrant place, and the staff is always there to make sure you have a good time. Make it obvious from the beginning whether you want to be in charge of the cooking process, as the servers are eager to be involved and do their part to ensure that you have the best dining experience possible.
The Angus beef ribs are tender and flavorful. The meat is lightly seasoned so that the innate flavours can really shine through, but there are plenty of tasty condiments to dip it in after it's cooked if you want to spice things up a bit.
Drinks are cheap and go well with the low prices, and the fresh veggies given with the meat are a beautiful complement to the deep flavours. Kimchi pancakes and japchae (potato noodles cooked on a skillet) are must-tries.
If you want delicious meals in a casual setting, Hwaro is the place to go. The ambience is quite relaxing and welcoming. Still, peak times can get rather busy, so reservations are recommended.
You enjoy coming here because they don't just throw hunks of meat on the grill carelessly; instead, they take their time to craft dishes that showcase the finest ingredients.
As is fitting for a place serving Korean barbeque, the service here is lightning fast. For example, the Gal-bi beef ribs are marinated in a special sauce and are delicious when paired with the spicy pig belly. It's worth venturing outside your comfort zone to try the thinly sliced ox tongue.
Hero Korean Barbecue
If you want delicious meals in a casual setting, Hwaro is the place to go. The ambience is quite relaxing and welcoming. Still, peak times can get rather busy, so reservations are recommended.
Hwaro Korean BBQ's spices (packed with 23+ components) have been aged for several days before making it to your plate. On the other hand, the recipes and customs date back far further, to the time of the Korean imperial courts. The restaurant's founder, Eunsook Kim, believes that a good old-fashioned barbeque is the best way to introduce people to the delights of Korean cuisine.
Hwaro's commitment to excellence extends beyond its meat and components. The secret is in the Tasmanian coals, the Kirin Megumi beer, the meticulous sanitation practises, and the careful monitoring of each and every slice of Karubi (boneless short ribs)
Every meal is a delicate delicacy made with the finest ingredients, which is what makes this restaurant so special to me. As is fitting for a place serving Korean barbeque, the service here is lightning fast.
For example, the Gal-bi beef ribs are marinated in a special sauce and are delicious when paired with the spicy pig belly. It's worth venturing outside your comfort zone to try the thinly sliced ox tongue.
Born
You may always order a sampler to get a taste of everything on Bornga's large menu if you're having difficulties making up your mind. If you're looking for a real and convenient spot with a broad selection of unique side dishes, look no further than Bornga, one of the top KBBQ restaurants in Melbourne.
In Melbourne, you can find authentic Bornga at Bornga. Come on in for some stone pot fried rice topped with meat and a rainbow of vegetables (bibimbap style). If you want to sample a fiery Korean favourite, try their kimchi stew with pork and mushrooms. Their bulgogi dishes, piled high with meat marinated in soy, garlic, and ginger, are available in a wide variety of cuts and flavours, from beef to baby octopus.
Korean BBQ Made From Wood
Woodo Korean Barbecue should be your new go-to if there is room in your usual dining rotation. There, you can feast on some of the best Korean BBQ in Melbourne at a price that won't break the bank, complete with all your usual favourites and a whole lot more too. This, combined with the lively environment and helpful personnel, will make you want to come back again and again.
There is a Noda Grill.
The need for authentic Korean cuisine prompted the creation of Noda Grill, the brainchild of two renowned ex-Crown Casino chefs. Popular opinion holds that the country's cuisine is a well-known Asian style, and that its distinctive features are the creative dishes it prepares and the warm hospitality it offers. The name of this eatery, "Noda," which translates to "unique and precious" in Korean, is aptly chosen.
Koreatown's Hwaro Barbecue Restaurant, Melbourne
It's common knowledge that charcoal grilling enhances the flavour of meat considerably. While a gas grill can certainly get the job done, the smokiness of charcoal grilling is unmatched. The flavour of meat cooked over charcoal grills is legendary. A gas grill can certainly get the job done, but the smokiness that comes from using charcoal is unmatched.
Hwaro, a Korean barbeque restaurant on Little Bourke Street, is fantastic for exactly these reasons. At your table, you'll find a cast-iron pot filled with red hot coals, where you'll prepare your meal (this is one eatery where you'll want to keep an eye on your surroundings).
You can get thin and bony, regular cut, premium marble, or top grade beef ribs (gal-bi), which are essential to any Korean BBQ. When you remove the rib meat from its protective wrapping around the bone before placing it on the grill, the flesh cooks rapidly and uniformly, soaking up just the right amount of marinade from exterior charring.
If you've never tried Korean BBQ before, this location is perfect because the staff will throw your meat on the grill, flip it once it's done, and slice it for you when it's ready. However, feel free to take the helm and lead the evening's dinner cruise.
Half the fun of a night of custom-cooked meats is the smoky atmosphere you get to take home with you. This is unfortunate because if you come in hungry, the scent of caramelising marinade is delicious agony; thus, you should immediately order a serving of long, golden-fried dumplings and a Hite pale ale.
The softened bean sprouts, finely sliced green onion, fragrant but not extremely hot cabbage kimchi, and iceberg lettuce that make up your banchan are all well-suited to cutting through the rich, burnt fat and caramelised flesh on the pork ribs, another necessary order.
Both the pork belly and the spicy chicken thighs are delicious, and we have no regrets about the decisions we made to eat here.
To have a good Korean barbeque is a pure pleasure. Succulent meats, sliced thin and marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame oil, pepper, and green onion, grilled over glowing coals and served immediately. All are welcome at this all-inclusive kind of communal dining. Everyone has a chance to speak, the beer only costs six bucks, and nobody has to do the dishes. The barbeque is the greatest I've ever had.
Korean BBQ cooked over a charcoal spit, or soko.
Though steak and pork are available at Soko, seafood lovers will love the king prawns and whole squid.
I also enjoyed the hot pot. The outer ring above the BBQ is a neat addition that keeps your sides toasty while your meat is cooking.
Conclusion
Whether you want casual communal dining, an up-market experience, or an authentic Korean BBQ experience, there is something on this list for everyone and suits every budget.
If you aren’t sure what to order, then ask the staff for recommendations – they will know which menu items are the most popular and will be able to point you in the right direction.
Remember to check whether you need to book in advance to make sure you avoid disappointment.
Content Summary
- Just like the rest of Australia, Melbourne is home to a wealth of excellent Korean restaurants.
- Here is a list of the best Korean barbeque restaurants in your area, along with descriptions and recommendations.
- The finest way to spend an evening in Melbourne is at a top-tier Korean barbeque restaurant.
- Enjoy Some Delicious Korean Barbecue While in MelbournePeople can't seem to get enough of Korean BBQ (and again).
- If you haven't eaten Korean BBQ in Melbourne yet, you're losing out.
- The best K-bbq restaurants in Melbourne, where you can get anything from pig belly to kimchi stew, are on this list I made.
- This restaurant embraces the family-style dining that is traditional at Korean BBQ joints by providing communal tables and serving family-style meals.
- Even more spacious quarters are available for exclusive use on the second floor.
- Guhng provides a first-rate Korean barbeque experience, highlighted by its high-quality ingredients and cosy, welcoming atmosphere.
- BBQ at Chango (Korean)This classy eatery has an elegant atmosphere.
- The Palsaik BBQ set, featuring pork belly marinated in eight distinct ways, comes highly recommended.
- If you're hosting a party or just in the mood for a delicious meal, Chango is where you should take your friends.
- The Chango 'Palsaik' set, named after the Korean word for "eight colours," is the company's best-selling and most Instagrammable product.
- Woo Ga's barbeque will satisfy all your cravings.
- This is Mrs. Kim's Grill.
- Her genuine recipes and marinated meats have made their way from her backyard barbeque to three of Melbourne's finest Korean barbeque joints.
- At any of Mrs. Kim's Grills, you may enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, and the company of good friends and neighbours.
- I highly suggest the B-bbq Big Hakomori, an excellent sampling of Wagyu One's finest meats.
- Asian SpoonIf you have a large group that doesn't mind making a lot of noise and a little bit of a mess, then Oriental Spoon, located in the centre of the Central Business District, is the place to go.
- Even though it serves upscale fare, Oriental Spoon manages to exude the vibe of a casual family eatery.
- It's impossible to eat too much of the delicious food here.
- There is a strong scent of spicy Korean street food wafting through the air at this laid-back eatery.
- Every piece of meat is cooked to perfection on the charcoal barbeques at each table, and the dishes look as good as they taste.
- Zen Charcoal BBQ combines the exotic fragrances of a South Yarra street market with the polished setting of a top-notch restaurant to create a unique dining experience.
- The food is as beautiful as it is delicious, and the quality of the ingredients is never sacrificed.
- You can't go wrong when using the charcoal barbeque to prepare delicious meals.
- Guests at Zen Charcoal BBQ may enjoy the aromatic spices of a bustling street market while dining in the refined atmosphere of a South Yarra eatery.
- YogaYou can forget about BBQ, because Yeonga is in a class all its own.
- Yeonga Korean BBQ Restaurant is a feast, not simply a dinner, thanks to its outstanding flavours and huge amounts.
- Just like at a good Korean BBQ joint, the meat at a yoga studio is fresh and tender, and the smoky flavour comes from being cooked over hot charcoal.
- Bibimbap is also excellent here.
- To those who have yet to try Korean BBQ, the menu is straightforward and an excellent place to start.
- K-BBQ from G2The interior of this eatery is rather warehouse-like, complete with high ceilings and exposed plumbing.
- The Angus beef ribs are tender and flavorful.
- If you want delicious meals in a casual setting, Hwaro is the place to go.
- The ambience is quite relaxing and welcoming.
- As is fitting for a place serving Korean barbeque, the service here is lightning fast.
- Hero Korean BarbecueIf you want delicious meals in a casual setting, Hwaro is the place to go.
- Hwaro Korean BBQ's spices (packed with 23+ components) have been aged for several days before making it to your plate.
- On the other hand, the recipes and customs date back far further, to the time of the Korean imperial courts.
- The restaurant's founder, Eunsook Kim, believes that a good old-fashioned barbeque is the best way to introduce people to the delights of Korean cuisine.
- Hwaro's commitment to excellence extends beyond its meat and components.
- As is fitting for a place serving Korean barbeque, the service here is lightning fast.
- If you're looking for a real and convenient spot with a broad selection of unique side dishes, look no further than Bornga, one of the top KBBQ restaurants in Melbourne.
- In Melbourne, you can find authentic Bornga at Bornga.
- Korean BBQ Made From WoodWoodo Korean Barbecue should be your new go-to if there is room in your usual dining rotation.
- There, you can feast on some of the best Korean BBQ in Melbourne at a price that won't break the bank, complete with all your usual favourites and a whole lot more too.
- The need for authentic Korean cuisine prompted the creation of Noda Grill, the brainchild of two renowned ex-Crown Casino chefs.
- Popular opinion holds that the country's cuisine is a well-known Asian style, and that its distinctive features are the creative dishes it prepares and the warm hospitality it offers.
- The name of this eatery, "Noda," which translates to "unique and precious" in Korean, is aptly chosen.
- Koreatown's Hwaro Barbecue Restaurant, MelbourneIt's common knowledge that charcoal grilling enhances the flavour of meat considerably.
- While a gas grill can certainly get the job done, the smokiness of charcoal grilling is unmatched.
- The flavour of meat cooked over charcoal grills is legendary.
- Hwaro, a Korean barbeque restaurant on Little Bourke Street, is fantastic for exactly these reasons.
- However, feel free to take the helm and lead the evening's dinner cruise.
- Half the fun of a night of custom-cooked meats is the smoky atmosphere you get to take home with you.
- This is unfortunate because if you come in hungry, the scent of caramelising marinade is delicious agony; thus, you should immediately order a serving of long, golden-fried dumplings and a Hite pale ale.
- To have a good Korean barbeque is a pure pleasure.
- All are welcome at this all-inclusive kind of communal dining.
- The barbeque is the greatest I've ever had.
- Korean BBQ cooked over a charcoal spit, or soko.
- The outer ring above the BBQ is a neat addition that keeps your sides toasty while your meat is cooking.
FAQs About Korean Bbq In Melbourne
Wood Korean Barbecue and Hwaro Korean BBQ are some of Melbourne's best Korean BBQ restaurants.
Korean BBQ is a popular eat-in experience, where customers cook raw meats and vegetables on a small grill built into their table.
A champion of communal dining, Korean barbecue is all about gathering around a flaming hot grill and passing smoky cuts of barbecued beef between friends. As with most Korean cuisines, the sides are part of the main event, and the best barbecue restaurants are the ones dishing out the best banchan dishes.
In most Korean barbecue restaurants, you will have to cook your meat yourself. There will be a grilling tablet in the middle of each table. After you order your meat, they will turn on the fire, place the meat on the grill and leave it there.
Korean BBQ is great for those with adventurous palates who enjoy a wide variety of vegetables and side dishes served alongside well-seasoned meat. Japanese BBQ is ideal for those who enjoy a more straightforward serving style that focuses on quality cuts of beef and relies on sauce for flavor.