Best Korean BBQ in San Diego [2023]

There is something so cozy about the sizzling of the meat, the heat of the Gochugaru, the tang of the kimchi, and the burn of the soju going down your throat as you toast with your family or friends around the grill.

Luckily, we have quite a few delicious options for Korean BBQ in San Diego to satisfy your craving, whether you are looking for a high-end place serving wagyu beef or AYCE (All-You-Can-Eat) Korean BBQ spots for a filling meat feast. We’re sure you’ll find something you like in this guide to the best Korean BBQ in San Diego.

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Kogi Korean BBQ

Good times, top-quality meat, and pitchers of soju are what Kogi in Kearny Mesa does best.

Fresh shrimp, juicy beef belly, and steak salads are some of Kogi’s best-loved bites, and their cheesy corn, crunchy sides, and pickled veggies make for the perfect side dishes, or ‘banchan’ as they’re known in Korea.

Kogi is perhaps best known for their late-night unlimited dining special for just $28. To avail of this deal, make sure you arrive after 9 PM.

DJK Korean BBQ

We’re kicking things off in Kearny Mesa at DJK Korean BBQ, which is currently the only restaurant of its kind in San Diego that uses a charcoal grill.

This cooking method gives the meat tons of extra flavor, and they offer a range of sharing platters based on the size of your party, from $58 for two to three people. These include meats like bulgogi beef or marinated rib eye, plus a bottle of soju, Korea’s most beloved spirit.

Thanks to the super friendly staff, the atmosphere here is always excellent.

Taegukgi Korean BBQ

Kearny Mesa is blessed with a number of acclaimed eateries; as everyone’s favorite all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ in San Diego, Taegukgi Korean BBQ, is located at 7655 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.

Irrespective of when you stop by, this place will probably be packed with patrons, so a vibrant vibe is pretty much guaranteed. For $37 per person, you’ll have unlimited beef, pork, chicken, seafood, and sides like bean paste stew and steamed eggs, so make sure you come hungry.

You’ll have two hours per serving, and the staff will give you a heads-up 30 minutes before your time is up.

Manna BBQ

Just a little south of Taegukgi is Manna BBQ, another heavy hitter when it comes to San Diego Korean BBQs. They also have branches in the likes of Chula Vista and Mira Mesa, National City, and San Marcos.

Manna has two options for their all-you-can-eat menu: their standard selection of classics like spicy bulgogi, garlic pork belly, and baby octopus for $29, and the premium offering that features shrimp, beef tongue, and pork cheek for less than $35.

The waiters here are always attentive, but because of how busy it can get, there’s a button you can press to get someone’s attention whenever you need something.

356 Korean BBQ & Bar

One of the trendiest spots in town for a tasty Korean BBQ has to be 356BBQ in Mission Valley.

Here, you’ll put your grilling skills to the test in a loft-like setting with red brick interiors and wooden furnishings. There’s great value for money to be found at 356, particularly if you visit between 12 and 3 PM midweek for their $25 lunch special. Beef brisket, curry pork belly, kimchi stew, and cheese fondue are just some of the dishes you can expect.

356 doubles as a sports bar, so arrive early if you’re dining clashes with a big game.

Prime Grill Korean BBQ & Restaurant

Prime Grill is another addition to this list that lies in San Diego’s Asian food capital, Convoy Street.

Four different all-you-can-eat packages are yours to choose from, starting with the $29 option filled with marinated pork neck, teriyaki beef belly, and chicken BBQ, right up to the $52 supreme menu with prime short rib and chuck flap tail. They also have a staggering amount of desserts to choose from if you have any space left after your meal.

Sleek but casual, Prime Grill is an ideal family-friendly dinner spot.

Gen Korean BBQ House

A long-time favorite haunt in San Diego for Korean eats is Gen in Mira Mesa, just off the Falcon Highway.

This Korean BBQ chain offers a midweek lunch deal that is among the most affordable ways to enjoy Korean BBQ in the city. You’ll have your pick of 29 different dishes for under $22. Sirloin steak, Hawaiian pork belly, and cajun shrimp are some of the mouthwatering options on the agenda, which you’ll feast on over the course of 90 minutes.

With its bright lighting, dark interior, and drink selection, Gen almost resembles a glamorous late-night bar.

Shozen BBQ

Shozen BBQ is a laidback Korean eatery just east of Mira Mesa that also prepares some incredible fresh sushi daily.

The portions here are notoriously generous, and their top dishes include their mixed seafood platter of shrimp, scallop, and squid or their divine ribeye, both of which come with all the essential sides, salads, and plentiful helpings of rice. That’s all before mentioning the cold udon noodles, curry soups, and sushi.

Wash down your delicious spread with bokbunja, Korean wine, or Japanese sake.

Handoo Korean BBQ

Cook up a storm with the help of your server at Handoo in Seoul Plaza in Kearny Mesa.

Straight-up all-you-can-eat is what the team at Handoo specializes in, and two different variations are available for either $28 or $34. The basic deal includes 16 dishes like spicy squid, veal intestine, and pork bulgogi, while the upgraded version has additions like marinated beef ribs and lamb.

Best of all, there are a bunch of tables both inside and on the outdoor patio if the sun is out.

Friend’s House

There’s no better place to share a meal with your crew than at Friend’s House in the north of the city.

A mishmash of Asian classics, you’ll find everything from kimchi fried rice and seafood pancakes to dumpling ramen and hot pots at Friend’s House. Their flavorful BBQ fare starts from $30 per person or $48 for a double serving of meat.

While the likes of Coors and Miller are available, we recommend you go all out and sample the rice wine or fruity soju.

Jeong Won BBQ Buffet

We’re heading back to Convoy Street one last time for Jeong Won BBQ Buffet.

Unlike most Korean BBQs in San Diego, CA, Jeong Won offers a self-service buffet that lets you decide exactly how much wagyu, shrimp, and pork belly you deserve, and the same goes for their soups and pancakes. You can cook your meat yourself or ask the servers to take care of it for you.

It’ll set you back around $35, and this includes non-alcoholic drinks.

No matter what corner of the city you find yourself in, you have to make it your business to pay a visit to one of San Diego’s finest Korean BBQs. All that’s left to do is decide which soju flavor you’ll pick to complement your meal.

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