Korean BBQ in Tampa

Tabletop grills, generous banchan, and a salad/condiment station make this family-run spot a go-to for DIY feasts. Creative Loafing Tampa Bay spotlighted its convivial grill-at-the-table experience and the Lee family’s recipes that anchor Tampa’s Korean dining scene.

The original Lee family restaurant still draws loyalists for galbi, dolsot bibimbap, and soulful stews. Praised by local food writers for years, it remains one of Tampa’s longest-running Korean kitchens and a dependable stop for marinated BBQ meats from the kitchen.

A small, independently owned stalwart near the Korean market, known for kalbi, bulgogi, and jjajangmyeon. Noted by The New York Times for its barbecued short ribs, it’s also beloved by local critics and regulars for its karaoke lounge and homestyle touches.

Family-run and deeply local, this Temple Terrace fixture serves generous platters of marinated meats alongside handmade banchan and stews; halal options appear periodically. Frequently praised by Tampa diners and roundups for authenticity and value.

In historic Ybor City, this indie counter-service spot brings modern Korean street food and late-night energy. Creative Loafing covered its opening; grab spicy pork skewers or bulgogi bowls for a quick BBQ fix before a night on 7th Avenue.

Seminole Heights’ chimaek hub pairs crispy Korean fried chicken with soju cocktails—and serves bulgogi plates for BBQ cravings without a grill. Creative Loafing reported its 2024 reopening under local owners tied to the area’s Korean community.

A short drive from Citrus Park, Matjoa’s new Hillsborough County location brings back tabletop grilling, house marinades, and scratch-made sides. Creative Loafing and Tampa Bay press covered the 2025 relocation and soft opening, signaling a welcome boost to the local K‑BBQ scene.