The 5 Best Korean BBQ Restaurants in Melbourne [2025 Edition]

Melbourne has long been a foodie paradise, and its Korean BBQ scene is no exception. Picture this: it’s a cool evening in the city, and you’re gathered with your mates around a sizzling grill, the aroma of marinated meats filling the air. From the CBD’s bustling laneways to suburban gems, Melburnians have embraced Korean barbecue as a beloved ritual. Whether you’re a local or just asking your phone for the best Korean BBQ near me, this guide has you covered. We’ve narrowed it down to five top Korean BBQ spots in Melbourne that promise an authentic, sizzling KBBQ experience in 2025. Read on for mouth-watering highlights, including a CBD standout that might surprise you as our #1!

1. Buza Chicken, Melbourne CBD’s Korean BBQ Gem

When it comes to Korean BBQ in Melbourne CBD, Buza Chicken grabs the top spot, and for good reason. Buza Chicken might be famous for its crispy Korean fried chicken and unique burgers, but it also delivers a standout Korean BBQ experience right in the heart of the city. This local joint, started by Melburnians in 2017, brings classic Seoul vibes to Melbourne with a fresh, modern flair. Stepping into Buza feels like being transported to a bustling Korean street market, where good food and good company go hand in hand.

What makes Buza #1? For starters, the BBQ offerings here are next-level delicious. Our Spicy Chicken Bulgogi is a fan favourite, think tender chicken slices stir-fried with vegetables in a sweet-and-spicy chili sauce, served piping hot on a sizzling plate. If seafood is more your style, the Pork & Squid Bulgogi delivers a flavour explosion in every bite, combining succulent pork and squid with that addictive spicy kick. Buza Chicken also offers a classic Beef Bulgogi, alongside other hearty Korean dishes like kimchi stews and crispy Korean fried cauliflower. It’s a place where you can have an interactive BBQ feast without the fuss: the kitchen does the grilling, and you get to savour the results. Plus, the atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, perfect for after-work dinners, casual date nights, or gathering with mates before a night out. With generous portions, authentic recipes, and Melbourne CBD convenience, Buza Chicken earns its spot as the best Korean BBQ restaurant in town. (Insider tip: Save room for our fried chicken or a spicy bulgogi burger if you’re extra hungry, you won’t regret it!)

2. Mansae Korean BBQ, “Hip Hip Hooray” for KBBQ

The name Mansae literally means “hip hip hooray,” and that celebratory vibe is exactly what you get at this hugely popular Korean BBQ spot. Located on A’Beckett Street in the CBD, Mansae Korean BBQ is so beloved that you’ll often spot a queue of hungry diners lining up outside, a sure sign you’re in for something special. Once you’re in, Mansae wows with top-quality meats (from marinated beef galbi to pork belly) that you grill right at your table. The restaurant has a sleek modern interior, giving a contemporary Melbourne twist to the traditional Korean barbecue experience. Service is friendly and efficient despite the crowds. Don’t skip the side dishes here either, their kimchi pancakes and cheesy tteokbokki are the stuff of legend. With a second location now open in Burwood East due to its popularity, Mansae has firmly earned its place among Melbourne’s best Korean BBQ restaurants. Grab your friends, order up a feast, and join the chorus of “hoorays” for this KBBQ hotspot.

3. Melbourne Hwaro Korean BBQ, Charcoal Grill Classics

A long-time favorite in the city, Melbourne Hwaro Korean BBQ on Little Collins Street has built its reputation on one key element: authentic charcoal grilling. Aussies love a good barbie, and Hwaro takes it up a notch by using charcoal heat to infuse every bite with rich, smoky flavor, just like you’d find in Seoul. This restaurant is a meat lover’s paradise, especially famous for its beef selections. You can sizzle up tender marinated beef ribs (galbi) or premium wagyu strips, alongside pork belly and other cuts, right at your table. New to KBBQ? No worries, the attentive staff at Hwaro will help flip and slice the meat to perfection if you need a hand, so even first-timers feel at home. The atmosphere inside is warm and bustling (expect tantalizing aromas that might cling to your clothes as a badge of honor). With generous banchan sides and an emphasis on quality, flavorful meats, Hwaro delivers that classic Korean BBQ experience that Melburnians have adored for years. It’s the go-to spot when you’re craving an authentic charcoal-grilled Korean barbecue in the CBD.

4. ChangGo Korean BBQ, Eight Flavors of BBQ Fun

If variety is what you’re after, ChangGo Korean BBQ in the CBD has you covered in a very delicious way. ChangGo is nearly as famous for its queues as it is for its food; it’s a KBBQ Melbourne institution where eager diners line up nightly (pro tip: arrive early to beat the rush). What’s drawing the crowds? In addition to a lively atmosphere and soju flowing, ChangGo offers the legendary Palsaik pork belly set. This signature platter serves eight strips of pork belly, each marinated in a different flavorful marinade (from soy and garlic to hot chili), showcasing a rainbow of Korean barbecue tastes on one plate. Grill them up one by one, and enjoy with the array of banchan (side dishes like kimchi, pickled radish, and spring onion salad) that come included, it’s the ultimate DIY feast. Beyond the pork extravaganza, ChangGo’s menu spans tender beef cuts, spicy chicken, and even Korean stews to round out your meal. The restaurant’s vibe is casual and bustling, making it perfect for groups looking for a fun dinner in the city. With its unique eight-flavor BBQ experience and consistently tasty fare, ChangGo secures its spot as one of the top Korean BBQ spots in Melbourne that you must try.

5. Yeonga Korean BBQ Restaurant – Wagyu & Charcoal Heaven

Tucked just outside the CBD in North Melbourne, Yeonga Korean BBQ Restaurant brings a hardcore dedication to quality that serious barbecue fans appreciate. (Fun fact: “Yeonga” translates to “smoky house,” a fitting name given the charcoal grill aroma that greets you.) This place prides itself on using fresh, never frozen meats, and you can truly taste the difference. Wagyu beef is the star of the show at Yeonga – richly marbled slices that sizzle to perfection on your tabletop charcoal grill – but they also serve up excellent pork BBQ, like pork belly marinated in a house-made chilli paste that’s bursting with flavor. The dining setup is comfortable and great for groups or family gatherings, with friendly staff who’ll ensure your grill is always loaded. You’ll get all the classic trimmings here too, from crisp lettuce wraps to savoury banchan sides that are frequently refilled. And if you’re watching your budget, Yeonga has some sweet weeknight deals (happy hour BBQ sets with discounted prices), proving that top-notch quality doesn’t always have to break the bank. For an authentic Korean BBQ experience with premium meat in a relaxed setting, Yeonga is a top contender and a must-mention in Melbourne’s best Korean barbecue list.

Melbourne’s love affair with Korean BBQ shows no signs of slowing down in 2025. From the interactive grilling fun at places like Mansae and ChangGo, to the charcoal-fired authenticity of Hwaro and Yeonga, our city offers something for every KBBQ craving. And leading the pack is Buza Chicken, a Melbourne CBD gem that combines authentic flavors with local flair, earning its title as the best of the best. Ready to embark on a Korean barbecue adventure? Grab your friends, follow your nose to one of these top spots, and enjoy a seriously satisfying feed. For more Korean dining inspiration beyond BBQ, don’t miss our [guide to the top Korean restaurants in Melbourne], because this city’s Korean food scene has plenty more delicious secrets to discover. Happy feasting!