Korean barbecue is gaining a following in Calgary, and it's easy to see why. It's fun, different from your run-of-the-mill meal out, and oh-so-delicious.
There are tons of places to get your grill on in the city, from contemporary spots to classic Calgary Korean BBQ joints that have been around for decades.
If you're craving a meat-centric meal that you can grill right at your table, these are some of the must-try Korean barbecue restaurants in Calgary.
Baekjeong Korean BBQ House
Price: 💸💸
Address: 11660 Sarcee Trail NW, Calgary AB & #100 5255 Richmond Rd SW, Calgary AB
Why You Need To Go: Baekjeong Korean BBQ is an authentic Korean BBQ joint with cozy booths and tables outfitted with grills. It's great for groups who want to tuck into plates piled high with meat.
The barbecue options include cuts like beef short ribs, pork belly and thinly sliced brisket. There's no all-you-can-eat option, but the meat orders come with bottomless salads and vegetables. The combo meals also come with sides like soup, corn cheese and steamed eggs.
Makchang Dadook
Price: 💸💸
Address: 2 Royal Vista Link NW, Calgary AB
Why You Need To Go: Makchang Dadook comes to us by way of South Korea and it has a unique jail theme. Step through the barred entranceway and you find yourself in a space with soaring ceilings and sectioned-off booths.
You can choose from a wide array of a la carte meats at Makchang Dodook like spicy galbi ribs, pork belly and pork makchang (intestine). You can also try the scallops if you want to switch to seafood. The combo plates are a good way to go if you're with a group.
Gogi Korean BBQ
Price: 💸💸
Address: 450 Brentwood Wy NW, Calgary AB & 4608 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary AB
Why You Need To Go: If you're looking for an all-you-can-eat option, Gogi Korean BBQ is a good bet. The AYCE deal costs $28 per person at lunch, $30 on weeknights or $32 on weekends. Kids between five and 10 years old can eat for half price.
The Korean barbecue experience at Gogi includes access to the self-serve salad bar for veggies and banchan, as well as plates of meat like marinated beef and chicken, beef sausage and pork belly. You can also add dishes like kimchi stew and corn cheese for extra.
Seoul Korean BBQ
Price: 💸💸
Address: 4336 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Located on Macleod Trail, Seoul Korean BBQ is another spot that offers all-you-can-eat barbecue. The lunch buffet costs $29.99 per person for adults and $14.99 for children. The AYCE dinner option cost $43 for adults, $35 for seniors and $18 for children.
There are grilling dishes to suit all palates, from beef short ribs to spicy chicken, shrimp and veggies. Sides include spicy rice cakes, deep-fried dumplings and steamed rice. Extra add-ons could include kimchi pork soup and spicy seafood ramen.
Korean Village Restaurant
Price: 💸💸
Address: 1324 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Korean Village Restaurant has been around since 1991, making it one of Calgary's more established Korean barbecue joints. The family is second-generation Korean, so the food is about as authentic as you can get.
You have two options for barbecue at Korean Village Restaurant: cook it at your table yourself or let the kitchen do the grilling for you. If you go the DIY route, you can choose from a variety of combos that include deep-fried dumplings, soup or a seafood pancake, and meat like marinated beef ribs and bulgogi.
Cheongdam Korean BBQ
Price: 💸💸
Address: 4 Royal Vista Way NW #5130, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Cheongdam Korean BBQ is realtively new to Calgary's KBBQ scene, having just opened in the end of 2023. However, it's been making some pretty big waves with foodies who love that there's another all-you-can-eat option in town.
If you decide to dive into the AYCE option, it costs $29.99 for adults and $14.99 for children with a two-hour window to scarf back as much meat as you can eat. Cuts include thinly sliced brisket and pork belly, marinated beef bulgogi and fresh veggies. You also get deep-fried dumplings, udon noodles and steamed rice.
Insadong Korean BBQ
Price: 💸💸
Address: 920 36 St NE #132, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: If you're in the Northeast and craving some DIY grilled meat, Insadong Korean BBQ is a pretty solid spot. All of the tables have built-in grills where you can create your own sizzling meat and veggie creations.
The menu at Insadong features a number of barbecue combos that include a decent selection of appetizers, sides and meats. Carnivores can tuck into marinated beef ribs, pork shoulder, beef bulgogi and spicy chicken bulgogi.
Korilla Korean BBQ
Price: 💸💸
Address: 1410 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Brought to us by the crew behind Hankki, Korilla Korean BBQ is a contemporary spot with karaoke rooms, a rooftop bar and a dining room with tables sporting built-in barbecue grills. There's no AYCE option, but there are several a la carte meat options and combos.
Grab a seat at one of the tables, let your server fire up the grill and tuck into delicious cuts like the marinated beef skirt steak, garlic-marinaded boneless ribs and sweet soy brisket. There are also shareable appetizers on offer like cold somen noodle soup and kimchi pancakes.
Moon Korean BBQ
Price: 💸💸
Address: 138 3 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
Why You Need To Go: Moon Korean BBQ has a loyal base of fans who rave about its delicious meats and friendly service. There is no AYCE option, but the a la carte meats are pretty reasonably priced.
This classic KBBQ spot has a good selection of meats to choose from including beef prime ribs, brisket, chicken thighs and pork belly. Sides could include fried chili tofu, tempura and takoyaki.
Moon Korean BBQ website
