By: Sarah FinkelBy: Sarah Finkel|May 21, 2024|Culture, Food & Drink,
Those with a distaste for cooking might initially frown at the thought, but the experience of grilling finely-cut marinated meats at your table in a swanky atmosphere has converted even the worst of cooks. This process is known as Korean BBQ, and it has been taking the Miami restaurant industry by storm. Sit down at one of these restaurant’s tables and expect to embark on a sensual tasting journey consisting of many small plates with contrasting flavors and textures, surrounding a built-in gas or charcoal grill at the center.
Don’t let the South Beach strip mall exterior of this trendy Korean BBQ spot fool you. On the inside, it’s a posh, dimly-lit cocktail bar and gastropub with rich brown finishings and eclectic chandelier centerpieces. Roast any of the selected cuts and accompanying veggies over the built-in tableside grills, or order from the shareable menu of Asian tapas to pair with tiki-inspired cocktails. The BBQ spread includes the traditional Korean side dishes (known as banchan), such as kimchi and Brussels.
This upscale Korean steakhouse is the epitome of Korean BBQ, executed in the most grandiose of styles by highly-skilled servers (bonus points, if you ask us). A Michelin star recipient, COTE Miami is a fiery force to be reckoned with, and we’re not just saying that because of the tender meat crackling on the grills. Aside from the stellar service and impeccable vibe, the food is pretty fantastic. The Butcher’s Feast tasting menu comes with multiple cuts of prime meat, two stews as palate cleansers, and a variety of banchan. Ball out on the 10-course steak omakase for $185 per person if you’re feeling bold.
KYU is one of those Miami staples that crosses off every item on your dining check list, and it also happens to dish up some incredible wood-fired meats. No matter what day of the week, you can expect an energetic crowd filling the wood-accented, industrial-chic dining room, tantalizing their senses with the infamous Korean fried chicken and beef short ribs. While KYU doesn’t exactly fall within the traditional Korean BBQ category, its Korean-influenced, grill-centric dishes are memorable enough to break through in the rankings.