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JUST OFF THE GRILL: Manchester’s 7 Hottest Korean BBQ Restaurants
Have you ever dreamed of stepping into the world of your favourite Korean dramas? There’s always that scene where the male lead (ML) or female lead (FL) and their friends enjoy some Korean barbecue, right?
Experiencing K-BBQ first hand is still not as easy as getting the usual favourites in Manchester, but our Korean restaurateurs are continuously thriving. There are now plenty of restaurants offering authentic Korean cuisine, including those beloved meaty bites over smokeless grills.
From the most standard of all meats—-thinly sliced pork or beef, up to the most interesting ones (beef tongue, anyone?), the twists and turns to this type of barbecue are as endless as the ones in a Korean thriller or melodrama.
Read on to discover the top spots where you can enjoy authentic Korean BBQ in Manchester.
Have a 100% Smokeless Korean BBQ at OKitchen Didsbury
Address: 43 Barlow Moor Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6TW
Contact details: 0161 434 1854
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Monday – CLOSED
Restaurant and bar OKitchen in Didsbury offers a delightful mix of Japanese and Korean cuisine. The decor, featuring pink cherry blossoms and a mural of a young Korean noblewoman, pays a modern homage to both cultures.
A standout offering at OKitchen is the Korean BBQ. The shop has a handful of marinated meats to choose from, and unlike other Korean restaurants, these will arrive at your table pre-cooked, sparing you from the smoke and heat.
It’s served with two types of pickles, lettuce, and Bulgogi sauce—get some rice too for the most authentic Korean meal.
The best meat choice for the BBQ is the Beef Galbi, a flat, boneless cut that becomes incredibly tender and almost melts in your mouth when grilled just right.
Pro tip: Pair your Korean BBQ, or any dish at OKitchen, with some soju or one of their delicious cocktails to elevate your dining experience.
Spice up Your BBQ at One Plus Chinese Restaurant
Media from One Plus Chinese Restaurant
Address: 42 Charles St, Manchester M1 7DB
Contact details: 0161 273 2888
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday, Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
You read the name right—One Plus is indeed a Chinese restaurant, offering Chinese cuisine across its three floors. But here’s the twist: it also serves some of the best Korean-style BBQ in town.
Head to the first floor to experience their Chinese BBQ. Try the Korean Style Spicy BBQ meats and grill them on the in-table smokeless grill, either solo or with friends, for a fantastic meal.
Follow up the BBQ with some enoki mushrooms, fish tofu, and a side of rice for a complete, well-balanced meal.
Whether you stick to the Korean-style BBQ or explore the traditional Chinese dishes, One Plus has something delicious for everyone.
Pro tip: If you’re dining with a friend or two, consider getting the set meal in One Plus. They’re great value for money.
Grill Beef Ribs at Baekdu
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Address: 28-30 Lord St, Stockport SK1 3NA
Contact details: 0161 292 9082
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday and Monday – CLOSED
A quick trip to the edges of Manchester city centre will take you to Baekdu in Stockport, and it’s worthwhile. Baekdu offers one of the most authentic K-BBQ experiences in Manchester, save for the part that the staff can do the cooking at the table for you.
Eat some of the delicious Chadol-bagi (thinly sliced beef brisket) or Dwaeji-bulgogi (spicy marinated pork slices) while enjoying some Jabchae (Korean vermicelli with veggies) or a Spring Onion & Seafood pancake on the side.
For a celebration, go for the So-galbi (seasoned beef ribs)—it’s BBQ that’s tasty to the bone. Oh, and don’t forget the lettuce!
Pro tip: Since Baekdu can get quite busy, you must book online before going. There might be times, especially on weekends, when the restaurant imposes a dining time limit.
Go for Unlimited Korean Barbecue at Azuma
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Address: 73 Cavendish St, Manchester M15 6BN
Contact details: 0161 226 1776
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Azuma is a restaurant specialising in Chinese and Korean cuisine, with its main attractions being the grilled delights of K-BBQ and the spicy warmth of Chinese hotpot.
To enjoy the Korean BBQ buffet, a minimum of two people is required (perhaps the best choice for you and your ML or FL).
It’s definitely worth it, as you get unlimited meats and seafood (don’t miss the Beef Galbi and Spicy Pork Belly), refillable drinks, and delicious dipping sauces that complement everything perfectly.
You can also add Kimchi and vegetables as banchans to pair with and balance out your meal.
Pro tip: If you’re coming in a group of four, you can enjoy both the K-BBQ and Chinese hotpot at your table without any extra fees.
Experience Manchester’s Oldest Korean Fare at Koreana
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Address: 40A King St W, Manchester M3 2WY
Contact details: 0161 832 4330
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday – 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – CLOSED
Dining at Koreana offers an authentic Korean culinary experience in the heart of Manchester. As one of the oldest Korean restaurants outside of London (it’s been here since 1985), it truly lives up to its name.
We’re sure you’re eyeing the barbecues—choose from pre-cooked plates of Galbi, or if you’re in the mood for something more interactive, opt for the Sam Gyup Sal Banquet. This banquet includes a variety of meats, soups, and seafood that you can grill at your table.
If grilled meat isn’t your preference, Koreana’s à la carte menu has plenty of other delicious veg and non-veg options to explore.
Pro tip: Koreana is located in a basement unit, so don’t be surprised if the entrance looks a bit short. It’s all part of the charm!
Say “Hi” to Great K-BBQ at Annyeong
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Address: 5-7 Chapel Walks, Manchester M2 1HN
Contact details: 0161 832 2491
Operating hours: Daily – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: £
Website
Menu
“Annyeong” is a Korean greeting that means “hello” in English.
If you’re new to Korean BBQ, say “hi” and grace your table’s grill with the Pork Belly with Pickled Cabbage. It’s a crowd favourite and a great introduction to the flavours.
For the more adventurous, try the offals like Beef Tongue, Pork Liver, Chicken Feet, or Pork Intestine. These might be an acquired taste, but they’re definitely worth trying!
If you prefer to play it safe, go for the BBQ Tasting or Royal Sets. These options make it easy to enjoy a variety of dishes without the hassle of choosing, including the banchans (side dishes).
Pro tip: Even though Annyeong is open every day, we highly recommend booking a table in advance to ensure you get a seat.
Get the BBQ Sets at Ban Di Bul
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Address: 77 Princess St, Manchester M2 4EG
Contact details: 0161 236 9733
Operating hours: Daily – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Website
Menu
Ban Di Bul has been delighting Mancunian taste buds with authentic Korean cuisine for over three decades. Conveniently sitting on Princess Street with other Mancunian Chinatown restaurants, it’s easily accessible, even for first-timers.
For two people, you can already enjoy a BBQ Tasting Set or one of its variations, which includes soup, a curated selection of marinated meats, and a Seafood and Spring Onion Pancake. Rice, lettuce, and sauces are also staples in their Korean barbecue menu.
To complete the K-BBQ experience, you get to grill the meat yourself at the table. This makes the entire meal more interactive and enjoyable.
Pro tip: Going for lunch instead of dinner? Ban Di Bul offers an Express Lunch Special during weekdays.
