Buga Korean BBQ Restaurant

More like two star but i'm leaving a three. Just compared to so many other kbbq places within a 5 mile radius, this first time here today will be our last. The meat(s) were not good. Horrible taste on the very first bite. Ruined the rest of the meal. Got the $120 option for 2 of us. TURN THE CRAPPY MUSIC DOWN. Could barely hear one another sitting across from each other.

I am so sad. Buga used to be my absolute favorite Korean Restaurant in all of San Diego, but management/ownership must have changed recently because all the old servers are gone and I noticed considerable differences in their food and service.

We used to come here at least once a month and was shocked when we didn't recognize any of the staff this time around. We ordered our usual dishes and I noticed there were less chives, noodles and egg garnish in my beef rib soup. Also, the bone broth wasn't as white and gave me a headache afterwards, which it never did before. The bone broth was pre-salted too instead of unsalted like before with a small side dish of salt to season to your own taste. I feel like they used pre-made animal stock and msg in their broth to cut costs instead of using more beef bones. Our seafood tofu stew had considerably less seafood in it than before too. There were no longer any covers for our rice bowls to keep our rice warm either. I'm not even Korean and I felt like my Korean meal was disrespected because Koreans love their hot food to be steaming hot and that includes keeping the rice warm! The biggest shock was that our waiter had to ASK his superior if it was okay for us to get a refill of two banchans when we asked. Before the old staff would ask US if we would like any more refills on any of our side dishes! The restaurant was also not as busy as before for Friday evening and we didn't see any Korean customers, which was unusual.

They may have kept the same chefs, but it is very obvious that the new management is cutting costs and it has resulted in lower food quality and quantity. They think the regulars can't tell? Oh we can definitely tell. Although the service from our new waiter was good, the new staff team doesn't feel as warm or welcoming as it did before with the old servers. It is the end of an era for this restaurant and I can no longer recommend it. I am so heartbroken. They took a good thing and subjected it to the shrinkflation, cost cutting and greed that is plauging almost everything nowadays. RIP Buga, you will be greatly missed.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

정말 고마워!! This place was amazing, fist time in San Diego and craving Korean food + all you can eat with amazing and friendly staff! Food was amazing. The atmosphere everything was wonderful! Can’t wait to go back ❤️❤️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food wasn’t very good, service was even worse. Bulgogi was over seasoned and the guys working there were really mad the whole time. Took 15mins to change our grill

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

One of my favorite all you can eat Korean BBQ. Huge selection.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love this place!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

How much fun! Great selection of meats and sides, some you wouldn’t expect like tortillas, cheesy corn, cheese fondue and French fries. Try the brisket and spicy chicken, you won’t be disappointed. Pricing is reasonable for all you can eat, so come hungry and get your money’s worth.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Prices are good, food quality was very good. And service was great

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fantastic place for Korean lunch!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We love this place😍 the food is so yummy! This is definitely our go to Korean BBQ. The casserole is the best! The staffs are very friendly. We really do enjoy eating here. Highly Highly Recommend :)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Lunch special was awesome. Good quality meats delivered quickly!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Dealt with 2 waitresses. One spoke very little english and the othe rone was very rude and not happy to be working there...
Not going back. Manna BBq is way better and has better service..

Great food! They got us in quickly, good service. Great place for a dinner date. Wished they allowed take out for left over food.

We had a great time here and, yes, partly because of the easy parking and relative absence of Convoy foodie hipsters but mostly because of the good space at the table, good service, and good food. Sauces could be a bit more varied but overall a super option.

Recommended. Didnt go during busy hours though. Food was delicious