Looking for the best bulgogi in Boston?
Korean BBQ restaurants have seen a big rise in popularity over the last several years as guests realized just how tasty these marinated dishes can be.
If you’re new to the world of Korean barbecue, it may take a moment to grasp the menu. Two of the most popular presentations of meat you will find are:
- Bulgogi: thinly-sliced beef or pork
- Galbi: beef short ribs
Each meal is served with rice and vegetables like carrots and cabbage. You’ll also often find Korean BBQ restaurants serving soups or stews made from a delicious slow-cooked broth.
In this post, you’ll find some of our picks for the best Korean BBQ restaurants in Boston. You can find great Korean BBQ all across the greater Boston area.
There’s something for every occasion, whether you’re looking for somewhere to start a romantic evening or just need some comforting takeout to enjoy while binging your favorite Netflix series.
Table of Contents
Koreana
Just north of Central Square in Cambridge, you’ll find Koreana offers every item you could be looking for in a Korean BBQ restaurant.
Highlights from the barbecue table include mouth-watering galbi, the always popular bulgogi, and vegetable options built around either mushrooms or tofu.
Koreana’s menu has an option for everyone, from starters to dessert. It’s an easy choice for one of the best Korean BBQ restaurants in the Boston area.
Address: 158 Prospect St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Website: Koreana
Sura BBQ
There are few restaurants in the Boston area that offer all-you-can-eat, but Sura BBQ is here to satisfy your craving for an indulgent Korean BBQ meal.
You’ll have 90 minutes to explore all of the barbecue and hot pot dishes your heart and stomach desire.
The restaurant offers two tiers of its main buffet options, Sura Regular and Sura Premium. Both include the essentials like chicken bulgogi, pork short ribs, and fried dumplings.
Upgrading to the Premium menu introduces some new options you may love like the calamari, pork belly, or king oyster mushrooms.
Address: 27 Riverside Ave, Medford, MA 02155
Website: Sura BBQ
Seoul Soulongtang
Kalbi, bulgogi, bibimbap… Seoul Soulongtang offers all of the staples that any lover of Korean BBQ restaurants expects to find on the menu.
If you ask the owners of this Allston restaurant what they do best, though, you’ll soon hear about their traditional Beef Soup.
Made from a base of ox bone broth and filled with brisket, noodles, and vegetables, you’ll find this signature item satisfying any time of the year.
Address: 1245 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston, MA 02134
Website: Seoul Soulongtang
Seoul Restaurant
Open since 2006, Seoul Restaurant has built its reputation as one of the most popular Korean restaurants in downtown Boston.
Stop in for some pork belly and potstickers, or grab some bibimbap to go. This restaurant extends beyond its authentic Korean cuisine with Chinese and Thai dishes on the menu as well.
Address: 156 Cambridge St, Boston, MA 02114
Website: Seoul Restaurant
Kaju Korean Cuisine
With locations in Allston and Fenway, Kaju Korean Cuisine is the perfect spot for students south of the Charles to find their Korean BBQ fix.
You may come hungry, but you’ll leave happy after enjoying the restaurant’s bulgogi, galbi, and pork belly.
Bring a friend so you can sample more options (with their permission, of course!) and share a delicious one of the delicious appetizers like edamame or dumplings (steamed or fried).
Address: 56 Harvard Ave, Allston, MA 02134; 636 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02215
Koy
Not far from Boston’s City Hall, you’ll find Koy. Unlike other humble, hidden Korean BBQ restaurants that rely on reputation alone, the owners of Koy wasted no efforts in crafting a memorable brand experience for its guests.
This Korean-fusion restaurant could be the perfect, polished place for your next date or business meeting with its bright violet walls, eclectic wall art, and a well-stocked bar.
Address: 16 North St, Boston, MA 02109
Website: Koy
Coreanos
Korean barbecue meets Mexican food at this trendy Allston fusion restaurant.
Bulgogi tacos, spicy pork quesadillas, or kimchi-loaded french fries… The creative combinations on the Coreanos menu will keep you intrigued and coming back for more.
More traditional options are also available on their menu, but where’s the fun in that?
Address: 172 Brighton Ave, Boston, MA 02134
Website: Coreanos Allston
Bonchon
We don’t feature many chain restaurants on our Best in Boston lists, but there’s a reason why Bonchon has expanded all across the United States and Asia.
Their iconic item is Korean Fried Chicken with a special signature sauce. Whether you prefer chicken wings (bone-in or boneless), drumsticks, or tenders, Bonchon has an option for you.
And as much as Bonchon touts its fried chicken, don’t feel guilty if your eyes wander down to explore the rest of their menu.
With bulgogi, japchae, and chicken katsu amongst its long list of entrees, it’s hard not to appreciate what this South Korean restaurant has to offer.
Address: 57 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138; 123 Brighton Ave Boston, MA 02134
Website: Bonchon
Korean Garden
With the “grill your own BBQ” option at Korean Garden, you can craft a dinner full of your favorite items at this popular Allston restaurant.
Aside from Korean BBQ mainstays like brisket and pork belly, the restaurant offers a few entrees like duck, squid, or shrimp you may miss elsewhere, especially at fusion or chain restaurants.
Address: 122 Harvard Ave, Boston, MA 02134
Website: Korean Garden
Buk Kyung Korean Restaurant
Proudly named the Best Korean Restaurant by Best of Boston in 2016, this Somerville restaurant near Union Square has an exhaustive number of fried rice, noodles, stir-fries, and soups on its menu.
Its dedicated meat entrees on the menu are bulgogi, spicy bulgogi, and chicken bulgogi, but we’re willing to bet that any of its other entrees will satisfy your craving for Korean, too.
Address: 9a Union Square, Somerville, MA 02143
Website: Buk Kyung Korean Restaurant
BAB Korean Bistro
Near Coolidge Corner, you’ll find BAB Korean Bistro, which draws inspiration for its name from the Korean word for “entire meal.”
BAB’s menu lives up to its name. Popular Korean BBQ options include bulgogi (chicken, spicy pork, and beef) along with pork belly and galbi. You may also enjoy the chicken katsu or deep-friend chicken wings.
If the occasion calls for a drink, pair your meal with one of their Korean liquors. Fruity-flavored soju and rice wine will help to get the conversation and good times rolling.
Address: 1374 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02446
Website: BAB Korean Bistro
Hanmaru
Open since 2007, this casual Asian eatery offers Korean BBQ alongside its other Thai & Chinese meals. Enjoying a delicious meal from Hanmaru is easy as they offer dine-in seating, takeout, and delivery.
Start your meal with any one of your Asian favorites–gyoza, kimchi pancakes, and Thai iced tea just to name a few–before diving into satisfying entrée specials.
Address: 168 Harvard Ave, Allston, MA 02134
Website: Hanmaru
Emone Tofu
If you live in the Malden area and love Korean food, you’ve undoubtedly already heard of Emone Tofu.
Your classic Korean BBQ is all covered here. One unique item that we don’t always see on the menus is grilled eel. Choose your favorite meat and enjoy one of their stone pot meals that add rice, cabbage, and carrots to a warm, meat-filled dolsot.
Address: 184 Salem St, Malden, MA 02148
Website: Emone Tofu
Cho Cho’s
Food court restaurants don’t often find themselves ranked in “best of” lists, but Cho Cho’s is an easy exception.
Mama C and the Cho Cho’s team have been serving up delicious yet affordable Korean meals since 2004. It’s no surprise that many of the students and foodies who stop by for a bowl of DupBop or Bibim Bob turn into regulars.
Address: 1815 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
Website: Cho Cho’s