Buga Korean BBQ Restaurant

Got food poisoning after eating this…

My daughter and I had a wonderful experience. Went on Valentine day and they were able to accommodate us within 20 minutes. Food was amazing. Staff was on point. Super nice. I recommend this place.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Had an incredible dining experience at Buga Korean BBQ in San Diego that left me absolutely thrilled and eager to return as soon as possible. The moment we sat down at our table, the waiter fired up the grill with expert precision and brought out an endless array of banchan—crisp kimchi, marinated bean sprouts, spicy cucumber salad, and fish cakes that were all so fresh and flavorful they set the perfect tone for the feast ahead, all complimentary and replenished without hesitation. We ordered the premium galbi, thinly sliced short ribs that sizzled to juicy perfection with a caramelized char, the thick samgyeopsal pork belly that melted in your mouth with every bite wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves alongside ssamjang and garlic slices, and the LA galbi beef that was tender, marinated in a sweet-savory soy glaze, and cooked just right to highlight its rich umami; everything was top-quality meat sourced impeccably, paired with steamed eggs that were fluffy and hot straight from the cast iron pot. The staff were phenomenal—attentive yet never intrusive, constantly checking the grill to ensure even cooking, recommending the perfect soju pairings like chilled fruit-infused bottles that cut through the richness beautifully, and even assisting with table-side grilling tips for first-timers, all while smiling and engaging in light conversation that made the lively atmosphere feel personal and welcoming. Sides like the cheesy corn and seafood pancake were showstoppers, with the pancake golden and crispy on the outside, loaded with fresh shrimp, squid, and scallions that burst with ocean flavors, and the restaurant itself buzzed with energy from happy groups yet remained spotlessly clean, with efficient ventilation keeping smoke minimal and the space modern with cozy banquettes. For dessert, the complimentary fruit platter was a refreshing finish, and the bill came in at an unbeatable value considering the all-you-can-eat quality and generous portions that left us stuffed and satisfied; Buga Korean BBQ isn't just a meal—it's a full-on sensory celebration of authentic Korean grilling done better than anywhere else in San Diego, deserving every one of five stars and my highest praise to anyone craving an unforgettable BBQ night out!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We celebrated 🥳 a birthday here. This was great for our big family. The food was great. They have a great variety of sides. Super 😋 yummy.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

I didn't pay, so I can't comment on the value for the money, but the food was excellent and the service was very good. The waiters don't grill the meat for you unlike some other places, but very attentive and responsive. Fresh and well marinated meat!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

In my opinion, it's very expensive and there's not much food.

You grill the food you order right in front of you. Don't over order, it's easy to do!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Visited on New Year’s Day around 3 PM and the service completely ruined the experience. Our server clearly did not want to be there and provided some of the worst service we’ve had at a Korean BBQ restaurant.

There is an automatic gratuity added, which is extremely frustrating given the level of service we received. This server did not earn a tip. I asked for sesame oil and was given something that tasted like plain cooking oil. My wife ordered a Coke and it never arrived. To make things worse, waiters kept switching between tables, so no one seemed accountable for our service.

The food itself was mixed. The meats were just okay at best, and the beef intestine I ordered was honestly terrible and borderline inedible.

Overall, this place might be tolerable if service improves, but being forced to pay gratuity for poor service leaves a bad impression. We left disappointed and would not rush back.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 1

It's good👍!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent service. Great value!!! Food is delicious....

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very Unprofessional First Impression

When we arrived, the waiter greeted us in a friendly way at first. However, after we sat down, he immediately started explaining that if we ordered “too much,” we would have to pay for it. This was extremely inappropriate and unprofessional.

The way it was presented made us feel uncomfortable and unwelcome, as if we were already being warned instead of being treated like guests. Because of this, we decided to leave without ordering anything. It left a very bad first impression.

I hope this review helps others, because this is not the way customers should be welcomed or introduced to a restaurant. An experience like this makes you want to leave immediately.

Very Unprofessional First Impression

When we arrived, the waiter greeted us in a friendly way at first. However, after we sat down, he immediately started explaining that if we ordered “too much,” we would have to pay for it. This was extremely inappropriate and unprofessional.

The way it was presented made us feel uncomfortable and unwelcome, as if we were already being warned instead of being treated like guests. Because of this, we decided to leave without ordering anything. It left a very bad first impression.

I hope this review helps others, because this is not the way customers should be welcomed or introduced to a restaurant. An experience like this makes you want to leave immediately.

I love Buga! I have been a few times and each visit has been worth it. We always opt for the all you can eat option B and it has some amazing choices. There are so many choices for meat, you get to cook it at your table. So much fun! The sides are really good, some of our favorites are the corn cheese, dumplings, Tteokbokki, and fish cakes. I always leave stuffed and very satisfied.

The staff at Buga is always welcoming, there is plenty of parking, and if you don't want to do the all you can eat options there are plenty of other options.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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