When we’re browsing our sister site Secret Seoul, most of the covetous looks we throw are towards the delicious Korean food featured. Still, there’s tasty food aplenty to be found closer to home, because a wave of authentic Korean restaurants have made their mark in Brisbane, bringing with them an explosion of bold flavours and vibrant culinary experiences. From sizzling bibimbap to fiery kimchi, each dish tells a story of tradition and innovation, and so we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite spots from Brisbane’s excellent Korean dining scene. Let’s eat!
1. Maru
Maru has become a firm Brisbane favourite, so much so that it now boasts three sites in the city. This Korean food haven can be found in Brisbane City, with two Grill Houses in Cannon Hill and the City that focus on Korean BBQ. No wonder, then, that these Korean restaurants make excellent use of Aussie wagyu beef in their dishes, including sharing hot pots. We’ve heard excellent things about their perfectly-cooked gopchang (that’s grilled intestines to non-Korean speakers), a burst of flavour that neatly sidesteps any greasiness or gamey notes – especially if you pair it with a refreshing beer or a classic soju to elevate your dining adventure.
📍157 Elizabeth St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
📍73 Mary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
📍Shop 4/1145 Wynnum Rd, Cannon Hill QLD 4170, Australia
2. Korilla BBQ
With a prime spot on Queen Street, Korilla BBQ is an excellent choice if hunger strikes during a visit to the City. Serving up a tempting array of flavours, the air here is alive with the sizzle and aroma of succulent meats cooked to perfection on a charcoal grill. The central location means you may pay a little bit more for dishes, but the quality definitely makes it worth the investment, and the lunchtime specials (we’re eyeing up the honey chilli chicken) make it an excellent way to break up the working day. If you’re coming for dinner, a journey through the restaurant’s premium beef selection might just be in order…
📍1/43 Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
3. Tok Tok
No, not that app that we’re obsessed with. Tok Tok in Brisbane is a paradise for KBBQ enthusiasts, and the wagyu set in particular is a divine indulgence – succulent, tender, and expertly seasoned. The jiggly and irresistible steamed egg dish is a must-try, but the tantalizing pork kimchi and tofu stew and fiery naengmyeon are winners here too. It’s not super central, but Tok Tok promises great quality and a delightful variety of side dishes, and they’ve got an excellent takeaway selection, so it might just be the perfect Korean meal to have delivered to your doorstep.
📍Shop 11/158 Gowan Rd, Sunnybank Hills QLD 4109, Australia
4. Go Bull
Sunnybank Hills is the home turf of Go Bull, which shines brightly amongst Brisbane’s Korean restaurants. The star of their menu is the mouthwatering BBQ, but a weekday special of pork belly & soju is a nice way to introduce yourself to Korean dining. We’d encourage you to bring friends and dive into as many dishes as possible, and the wait staff are only too happy to share their advice and experience for foodies and newbies alike.
📍18 Wynne St, Sunnybank Hills QLD 4109, Australia
5. Bulgogi Bros
There’s something about the camaraderie of sharing generous portions of premium wagyu and succulent pork with friends that makes a visit to Bulgogi Bros one of Brisbane’s cosiest food experiences. For our money, the culinary prowess of the talented chefs shines through most in the crisp and spicy Korean fried chicken, which is just begging to be served alongside an ice cold beer. Oh, and if you feel inspired to cook up a Korean feast at home, the convenience of a nearby Asian grocery store will serve you well.
📍Chermside Place, 725 Gympie Rd, Chermside QLD 4032, Australia