When the winter chill hits the city and the desire to hibernate calls, there is nothing quite like gathering around a tabletop grill and cooking up a storm.
Whether you are craving the marinated meats and flavours of Korea or the smoky char of Japanese yakiniku, Toronto’s BBQ scene offers experiences and bites that will warm any hungry tummy.
Here are seven Korean and Japanese BBQ restaurants in Toronto that are guaranteed to warm up your winter nights and fill your tummy with grill-worthy delights.
KOREAN BBQ RESTAURANTS IN TORONTO (K-BBQ)
1. DALDONGNAE
Address: 658 Bloor St. W.
Head to Koreatown to experience the spirit of Seoul’s nostalgic “moon villages” and the authentic Korean flavours at Daldongnae, a restaurant proudly serving up Korean BBQ across Canada.
Known for its array of sizzling meats, spread of delish dishes, and alternative orderable options, this restaurant makes for a cozy, warm, and social meal to keep the winter blues at bay. With many locations scattered around Toronto, North York, the GTA, and beyond, Daldongnae is a must-try for anyone craving Korean BBQ.
More information about Daldongnae can be found on the restaurant’s website.
2. ARISU
Address: 584 Bloor St. W
Looking for table BBQ à la carte style?
Check out Arisu, a restaurant offering up a premium K-BBQ experience with high-quality meats and a comforting atmosphere.
Known for its tasty, tender cuts of beef (brisket) short ribs, savoury pork belly, and thinly sliced Bulgogi, this restaurant is sure to cover all of your K-grill winter needs.
Bonus: Arisu also offers tapas, Jeon (traditional Korean fritters), tempura, shareables, and combo options for those looking for alternative to their classic K-BBQ experience.
Visit Arisu’s website to explore their full menu.
3. MAPO KOREAN BBQ
Address: 708 Bloor St. W
Known for its friendly service, marinated beef short ribs, stew, and plain cuts, Mapo Korean BBQ makes for a casual place to grab K-BBQ with friends while staying true to authentic Korean flavour.
Barbecuers can expect a wide selection of seasoned meats, several kinds of banchan (side dishes), and the satisfying sounds of sizzling grills throughout the restaurant.
4. KOREAN GRILL HOUSE
Address: 214 Queen St. W.
Dubbed a Toronto staple, Korean Grill House serves all-you-can-eat (AYCE) BBQ in the city, winning over K-BBQ loyalists, enthusiasts, and newcomers alike.
Known for its interactive grill setup, this restaurant offers a hearty choice of meat options, a delicious selection of sides, and fresh bowls of plain rice, making for a fun, affordable, and casual way to dive into Korean-style barbecue.
Check out the menu on the Korean Grill House website.
JAPANESE BBQ RESTAURANTS IN TORONTO (J-BBQ)
1. GYUBEE JAPANESE GRILL
Address: 157 Dundas St. W.
Gyubee, known as one of the most popular J-BBQ restaurants in the city, offers AYCE Japanese BBQ to multiple locations across Toronto, with a focus on quality, variety, fresh ingredients, and providing a space to unwind and enjoy.
From thinly sliced meats to seafood and side dishes, Gyubee ensures its comfortable ambiance and traditional flavours create the perfect setting for a cozy, shared meal away from the cold.
Pro tip: Head over early to put your name on the waitlist, as wait times can vary from 10 minutes to an hour or more.
Head over to Gyubee’s website to explore its menu and locations.
2. SHINTA JAPANESE BBQ
Address: 5095 Yonge St. 2nd floor, North York
Shinta, a restaurant known for its sleek design, modern decor, premium wagyu cuts, and AYCE menu, takes yakiniku (grilled meat) to a new, more luxurious level, offering marbled beef, fresh seafood, and edible works of art for those looking for an elevated J-BBQ this winter.
Visit Shinta’s website to learn more about their full menu and to plan your J-BBQ experience.
3. GYU-KAKU
Address: 81 Church St.
Looking for a J-BBQ restaurant packed with options?
Head over to Gyu-Kaku, a restaurant located in the Toronto Village, offering a big menu full of meats, veggies, small plates, sensational signature sauces, and alternative to its grillers. Whether it is your first time grilling and chilling or your 20 th time,the Gyu-Kaku staff will walk you through, ensuring your J-Grill experience is one-of-a-kind.
Head over to the Gyu-Kaku website to explore the menu.
