Buga Korean BBQ Restaurant

  4.1 – 1,094 reviews   • Korean barbecue restaurant

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Locals return for inventive & classic, table-cooked barbecue & sushi in a boisterous atmosphere.

✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery Buga Korean BBQ Restaurant 92117

Hours

Friday11 AM–10 PM
Saturday11 AM–10 PM
Sunday11 AM–10 PM
Monday11 AM–10 PM
Tuesday11 AM–10 PM
Wednesday11 AM–10 PM
Thursday11 AM–10 PM

Address and Contact Information

Address: 5580 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117

Phone: (858) 560-1010

Website: http://www.bugabbq.com/

Menu Photos

Order and Reservations

Reservations: bugabbq.com

Order: Order online

bugabbq.com

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Related Web Results

Korean Restaurant | Buga Korean BBQ Restaurant | United States

Buga is a premium traditional Korean BBQ restaurant serving San Diego since 2001. We proudly present to you the highest quality and the authentic experience.

Order Online – Buga Korean BBQ Restaurant

Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. 5580 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117. Tel 858 560 1010.

Buga Korean BBQ (@bugakoreanbbq) • Instagram photos and videos

San Diego’s most authentic Korean flavors. Premium a la carte K-BBQ Premium AYCE K-BBQ Private Dining Rooms Korean Cuisines Reservations …

Reviews

Liam Leeson
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!
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Maria Berrocal
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 ❤️❤️
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Jose F. Castaneda
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.
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Yoojin Choi
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!
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Amber Patterson
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.
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Cami Ward
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.
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Juanita Figueroa
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.
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Jay
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.
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Sohrob H
I recently had the pleasure of dining at a local Korean BBQ spot, and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The quality of the meat stood out right away. Every cut we tried was fresh, tender, and flavorful. What I appreciated most was that the meat wasn’t overly seasoned, allowing the natural flavors to shine without being too salty or greasy, which is often a concern with BBQ. Each bite was rich but clean, making the entire meal feel satisfying rather than heavy.

The service was also top-notch. The staff were attentive without being overbearing, ensuring our grill was always at the right temperature and offering helpful recommendations on how long to cook each type of meat. They were quick to refill side dishes and kept an eye on our drinks, making sure we had everything we needed for a great experience.

Another plus was the variety of side dishes, which were fresh and complemented the meat perfectly without overpowering it. The kimchi, pickled radishes, and rice were the ideal accompaniments to balance the meal.

Overall, this Korean BBQ offers not just great food but a memorable dining experience. It’s the perfect spot for a group meal or special occasion, and I’ll definitely be returning. If you’re looking for a place with excellent meat, attentive service, and a meal that won’t leave you feeling weighed down, this is a must-visit.
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Breana McGowan
Highly recommend getting the group meal because the quality of the meat is leaps and bounds better than the AYCE. The bonchon needs some work as they were disappointing compared to previous owners. If you want to order some other items: the japchae is the best we have had in town and we have been trying for years to find someone to make it as much as our aunt makes it at home. The mandu/dumplings are crispy. The corn cheese didn’t have much mayo or cheese.
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