While Korean food trickled into the UK in the late 20th century, it wasn’t until the 2010s that Korean BBQ really found its groove. Places like Koba (opened in 2005) were among the first to introduce Londoners to the joys of grilling their own galbi (short ribs) at the table. But as K-culture - K-pop, K-dramas, and all things Seoul - took off globally, so did London’s appetite for smoky, charred, and utterly addictive Korean BBQ.
So, gear up, because we're about to spill the beans on the city's top restaurants for mouthwatering Korean sizzlers. From smoking masterpieces to grill-to-thrill moments, these places will take your plain ol' dining experience to a whole new level. Grab your bibs and get ready to meat your match with our guide to the best Korean BBQ London has to offer.
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Korean BBQ London: 9 Of The Best Spots
1. Kimchee
- Where: Unit 4, 2 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG
A Korean grill-and-chill extravaganza nestled on bustling High Holborn, Kimchee is a culinary masterpiece that's equal parts sizzle, smoke, and spice. Venture downstairs and discover a haven for grill aficionados with the traditional Korean barbecue setup.
Here, the star-studded cast includes the highly coveted wagyu beef, succulent Iberico pork, and the richness of ribeye steak - all waiting for their cue to crackle at your table. But Kimchee doesn't stop at the griddle - its extensive menu also features buns and rice dishes.
Get sizzling with this list of spicy joints found all over London.
2. Yanji
- Where: 153 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 7DG
Yanji's bringing the heat to London with its top-notch Korean barbecue and DIY-style dishes. Picture this: tables adorned with sleek grills, savoury meats marinating in secret sauces, and the aromatic dance of smoke wafting through the air.
Once you've primed your tastebuds with edamame and kimchi, unleash the real BBQ magic. Fire up your table and take charge with skewer options abound, including chicken (wing, gizzard, heart), pork (belly or intestine), squid legs, king prawns, and more.
At Yanji, it's not just a meal; it's a grillin' good time.
3. KOBA
- Where: 11 Rathbone Street, W1T 1NA
If you're craving delish Korean barbecue in London, head straight to KOBA. Often hailed as the best, this gem boasts chic interiors with navy marble tables, a breathtaking skylight, and minimalist charm.
Dive into the drama of table-side cooking with various delights on offer, such as their famed Korean barbecue, where ribeye, ox tongue, and bulgogi take the spotlight. But that's not all – noodles, rice, and hearty stews share the stage, accompanied by the essential sidekick, kimchi.
Expect grins as big as the portions at KOBA – it's Seoul satisfying, indeed.
4. Olle
- Where: 88 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 6NH
Setting up shop in the heart of Chinatown, this K-BBQ haven is not your typical nibble spot. Chef Charles Seo has woven his culinary magic at Olle, dishing out authentic grill masterpieces, wagyu wonders, and comforting stews, all whipped up using the freshest ingredients.
The space itself is chic and stripped-back, with teal walls and checkerboard floors, but make no mistake - it's the plates piled high with goodness that steal the spotlight. Perfect for a lunchtime rendezvous with co-workers, Olle promises big tables and DIY barbecue chatter.
Cheers to grilling, chilling, and thrilling your tastebuds at Olle.
5. GOGI
- Where: 451 Edgware Road, W2 1TH
GOGI, AKA meat in Korean, takes centre stage at this barbecue hotspot of the same name. This place isn't messing around when it comes to flavour. Get ready to play Grillmaster because, surprise, surprise, you've got a smorgasbord of meats and vegetables to throw on the sizzle station.
From classic bulgogi to spicy soy chicken, the meaty lineup at this Edgware Road haunt is on point. Don't fret, vegetable lovers; you're in for a treat, too. From kimchi and japchae to vegetable dumplings, pancakes and more - they've got your back.
Get your fill of barbecue goodness at this meaty joint.
6. SuperStar BBQ
- Where: Central Piazza St Giles, 4 St Giles High Street, WC2H 8AB
A halal K-grill bonanza right in the heart of Central, SuperStar BBQ is one of the best all-you-can-eat Korean BBQs in London and the place to be for chargrilled bliss. Whether you're in the mood for a light lunch or heavy dinner, their set menus and individual dishes have got your cravings covered.
Prepare to flex your flipping skills with a lineup that includes beef, chicken, pork, lamb, seafood, and vegetables - it's a grill-your-own adventure. Wash it all down with Korean beer, plum tea, or the headliner of the show, soju.
Whether you're a seasoned BBQ pro or a first-timer, SuperStar BBQ is the place to be.
7. Kalbi Korean BBQ
- Where: 1-2 Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 5HP
Fire up the grill and get ready for a sizzling feast at Kalbi Korean BBQ. Tucked away in Clerkenwell, this interactive dining hotspot lets you take charge of your own barbecue experience, flipping, sizzling, and searing your way to meaty perfection. And the best part? It’s all-you-can-eat for just £32.90 per person.
From melt-in-your-mouth ribeye and sweet-savoury bulgogi to juicy LA kalbi short ribs, every bite is packed with that signature Korean BBQ smokiness. But don’t stop there - start things off with Japchae, those slurp-worthy glass noodles, or a crispy kimchi pancake, then keep the feast going with spicy pork, crispy fried chicken, and an array of classic banchan (Korean side dishes) to balance out all that glorious grilled goodness.
Head to this East London spot for a buffet with your mates.
8. Chung'dam London
- Where: 35-36 Greek Street, W1D 5DL
On the hunt for the top Korean BBQ London's Soho has to offer? Chung'dam London is a strong contender. It brings the refined essence of Seoul’s Chungdam-dong to London, blending traditional Korean cooking with modern elegance.
This sleek and stylish dining spot is where expertly selected ingredients meet time-honoured techniques. From sizzling meats to fresh seafood and vibrant vegetables, everything is cooked over Pyeonbaek (Hinoki) wood, a special Korean cypress that enhances flavours while naturally purifying the air - so you can savour every bite without lingering food aromas. Tuck into mixed seafood pancakes, raw prime beef with pear, and brisket then have a go at belting out a few tunes after in the venue's very own karaoke room.
You can grab a three-tier steam box here for £95 per person.
9. YORI
- Where: London-wide
With 14 locations spanning London, Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, and Guildford, YORI is bringing the soul of authentic Korean cuisine to food lovers across the UK. Whether you're diving into sizzling tabletop Korean BBQ in Piccadilly Circus or munching on tender bulgogi in Covent Garden, every dish is a celebration of bold flavours and rich traditions.
Founded in 2016 by Jong Soon Kim, the restaurant is built on the belief that top-quality ingredients make top-tier food. From fermented delicacies to mountain, sea, and land-sourced ingredients, every bite tells a story of Korean culinary craftsmanship. Devour a chicken, beef or assorted selection (as chosen by YORI) and pair your meats with some scrumptious kinds of rice - our eyes are on the kimchi bokkeumbap.
You can find YORI in Cambridge, Oxford, Ealing, King's Cross and beyond.
10. Korean BBQ House
- Where: Barbican and Canary Wharf
For a sizzling, interactive feast packed with bold Korean flavours, look no further than Korean BBQ House, London’s top fully halal Korean BBQ restaurant. With locations in Canary Wharf and Barbican, this vibrant, alcohol-free restaurant brings the heat - literally - as you grill premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood, and veggies right at your table.
But the real star? Their unlimited meat set menu (£40 per person), available from Monday to Wednesday, 12pm to 7.30pm. That’s 90 minutes of all-you-can-eat sirloin, heart of rump, bavette, kalbi, bulgogi, chicken, and seafood, served alongside lettuce, house-made BBQ sauce, and a hearty doenjang jjigae (Korean soybean paste soup). Plus, you kick things off with a round of delicious starters like takoyaki, kimchi dumplings, and saewoo twigim (crispy fried prawns).
Bold graphics and snug booths make up the interiors of this gem.
Hungry for more? Check out our guide to the best BBQ restaurants and events in
London.