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    Saemaeul Restaurant

    4.2 (586 reviews)
    PriceyKorean, Barbeque

    Saemaeul Restaurant Photos

    SAEMAEUL RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Saemaeul Restaurant

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    Tran D.

    Amazing Korean Barbeque! One of my favorites! The chef for Culinary Class Wars owns this spot. I like their meat quality, good services and yummy dishes! There are no reservations and it is NOT AYCE. They can accommodate bigger groups. We usually get there when it opens so we do not have to wait. The parking is busy!

    Ivan Lawrence A.

    Food Family and I came here after finding out this was Paik's restaurant(a judge from Culinary Class Wars). We've had our fair share of kbbq and this place really stood out on top for me. It's not an unlimited kbbq place, so we ordered the XL beef Special combo for our party of 6 and a green onion pancake. I believe that it was just the right portion for us wherein we were stuffed but not too full. The quality of the meat was top notch and we got pretty thick cuts and one of the servers cooked the meat for us. The green onion pancake was a fluffy pancake that just melted in my mouth accompanied by flavorful sauces. Overall, it's a bit more a premium place to go to but pretty worth it in my opinion. Service/Ambiance On Saturday lunch, we were surprised that there were barely any people inside. The vibe of the place was a bit more of an upscale casual kbbq place. The staff were nice and cooked the meat for us in our special combo.

    Julie Y.

    Hubby & I've been here many times even before pre-covid. Their meat quality has always been consistently good & flavorful. We ordered the chadol & kkotsal this time & it was tender. Their side dishes are delicious as well. Service is friendly & attentive. I like that they cook the meat for you & they change the grill when necessary. It's not AYCE but I prefer quality over quantity & they serve just the right amount meat. At the end, we ordered neng myun & kimchi jjgae. The neng myun was just okay but the kimchi jigae mixed in with rice was pretty good. We left home feeling full & satisfied. There are a lot of Korean bbq restaurants in BP area but I rate this one the best in my opinion.

    Rachelle L.

    Came to Saemaeul for dinner and absolutely loved the experience! I always prefer KBBQ that isn't AYCE and the small beef combo was perfect for 3 of us, we even had leftover to take home. I really appreciate that non of the meats were marinated compared to similar KBBQ restaurant combos. The service was amazing and our waiter cooked our beef to perfection, changing out the grill after every type. We came on the early side and didn't have to wait, but the restaurant started getting busy closer to 6! I regret not getting the cheesy steamed egg and will definitely be back again to try it. Food: 5/5 Price: 4.5/5 Service: 5/5 Ambience: 4/5

    Everything here is so fresh and the service is impeccable
    Sammy B.

    I could go lengthy into this restaurant, but a lot of what I'll mention will be easily experienced just by coming in yourself. Saemaeul is a Korean BBQ restaurant with some of the highest quality meats you can desire. Before even walking in you might notice the people who come here: they're almost all Korean. Just from the clientele you can tell this is going to be authentic AF. The staff are very kind. Obviously, if you speak Korean it'll be easier to order, but they do speak English and they are helpful. Because this is more traditional Korean BBQ and not an AYCE they will be cooking the meat for you, perfect for anyone who doesn't want to cook their own food. This means you benefit from their expertise and everything will be cooked perfectly for you to enjoy without the stress. The food is incredible in quality. For Korean cuisine it isn't just about the main dishes that make a meal. It also involves the quality of the side dishes and the ban chan here is incredibly fresh and vibrant in flavors. Saemaeul serves one of the best 된장찌개 I've had in America. A lot of places this fermented bean soup is either too watery or too salty, but here it is perfect and accentuates all the adjacent flavors. The meat is high quality with a butcher in the kitchen actually cutting the meats presented to you. Just writing this is making my mouth water. The price will be a bit higher. We got a beef combo that costs $138 but it was meant for 3 people so it made sense. Not to mention the quality is worth that much. Considering the high quality ingredients, the stress free eating experience, and an ambiance that would easily fit in any big city in South Korea Saemaeul is a perfect place to eat Korean BBQ where you'll leave not only full, but satisfied.

    Spicy Yeoltan
    Timothy T.

    Of course we had to visit after watching Culinary Class Wars on Netflix! The restaurant is located off Beach Blvd in Buena Park, where a number of other well-established Korean restaurants are located. The place was quite empty on a Wednesday night for dinner but service was really good. All the servers were very attentive, seriously like a hawk watching your every move (and plate). Dishes came out quick and the servers assisted in cooking your meats. Overall, I thought the quality and items were relatively similar to other 'higher-end' Korean BBQ spots in the area. My group thought it was a little better, but not by much. I'd say my favorite items were the Yeoltan Bulgogi (which you can also get $0.01 soju if ordered) and the Rice Balls. The restroom is a bit run down. Things are kind of rusty and moldy. I don't know how effective the ventilation is since there were times when each table had plumes of smoke. The vents didnt seem to work too well.

    Ramonna B.

    This was my first time trying to location with my friend. We went here for my brother's birthday. It was 7pm on a Monday evening. It wasn't busy and we were seating right away. When we were first escorted to our table, we thought the table and grill was pretty small for a table of 6 people. It felt like everything was crammed onto the table. We ordered the large order of the beef special. We ended up ordering extra brisket, beef tongue, and boneless short rib. We were very full at the end! Some of the meat quality was very good, and others were just okay. Service was good! All of the servers continuously checked in on us, and they changed the grill regularly. I thought they cooked the food really fast though. I felt a little rushed at some points. I'm not sure the price matches the quality of the meat.

    ZoEy H.

    One of the favorite spot to dine KBBQ in Buena Park. Good quality meant, my nephews love cheeses steam eggs. The service is pretty great, they grilled us the meats. The wait line wasn't bad at that time. Each table wasn't crowded, They space out pretty good. We love going back soon.

    Tina C.

    Their spread of banchan is plentiful in veggies and their meat is so tender and juicy! I love how they offer so many veggie side dishes because they all go very well with the meat. The meat is great quality and the servers were so attentive here. They refilled our banchan without us having to ask and we were really impressed by that. It's not often you find kbbq places that go out of their way like that. They also frequently switched out the grill so our meat was never burnt but cooked perfectly.

    Sophysna L.

    My friends and I visited SAEMAEUL Korean Traditional BBQ, and the restaurant was clean and refreshing. We ordered a BBQ platter for about $80, which included three plates of meat, soybean paste soup, and a variety of delicious side dishes. The meat was high quality and well-marinated, sizzling over the charcoal grill, releasing an irresistible aroma. With a crispy outside and juicy inside, every bite was bursting with flavor! Paired with authentic Korean side dishes and a special dipping sauce, it was an incredibly satisfying experience. One of the most unique dishes was the old-school lunchbox fried rice (see Image 3). The server first brought out the lunchbox for customers to take photos before shaking and mixing the ingredients inside (see Image 4). The final result was a hand-mixed kimchi fried rice full of rich flavors. The cheese steamed egg was another highlight! It contained onions and other vegetables, making it both nutritious and delicious.

    Outside
    Columbus B.

    Still the best Korean BBQ place in Orange County that I know. I never understood why people line up at Baekjeong. Their meat is absolutely disgusting. Anyhow the meat quality here is truly the best for the price around $50s per person. Also the staff here really knows how to cook your meat perfectly to keep the juicy part inside but render crispy part outside. I read some people complaining about the bland taste of meat. Ridiculous... Then how should the fresh meat taste as? Sweet? Salty?Peppery? They are probably talking about KBBQ marinated in lots of sugar and soy sauce. Trust me their meat quality here is excellent. Besides they provide the sauce and salt on the side. Just Make sure to order the beef combo. I think That's the best choice for the buck. Also I recommend steamed egg. That was also really good. One of the best ones I ever had. So creamy and buttery!

    Jessica Y.

    Stopped by here in a Saturday around 4:45pm. We just came before the dinner rush, as the line quickly became long with families after us. Originally came for X Fish but we didn't pre add ourselves to the yelp waitlist which was almost 2 hours. For two people we got the beef set for 2. The servicer saved us a lot of wasted money when we almost ordered the set for 4+ people (make sure you pick the right size for your party). The meats were delicious, and well portioned. They were cooking the meat quite fast so I did feel a little pressured to eat quickly. I like my meat (pretty crispy) so because of the pace we were being served I couldn't get that. The banchan was yummy as well. They continuously filled our rice paper refills because we went through over 4 lol. I do wish they had potato salad, fish cake and corn included though. Interior was spacious bright and clean. Was giving modern traditional Korean. Food: 4/5 Service: 4.5/5 Ambience: 4.5/5

    Mina S.

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! I hadn't had Korean BBQ in almost a month because of my diet, so my mouth was dancing with happiness! Honestly, it felt like one of the best K-BBQ experiences--not because it was super fancy, but because I had been seriously craving it. The combo was perfect for two people. At other places, we often end up with too much food--either having to waste it or stuff ourselves uncomfortably. But here, it was just right! The price was also a bit more affordable at $80 (we usually pay around $100 elsewhere), and the soybean paste stew was really delicious. The server was so kind and attentive, and we left feeling full and happy. Only downside: It's in Buena Park, which is pretty far from home. I really hope they open a location on the Westside someday!

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    28 days ago

    Bummer, this place was amazing. Why did it close. Perfect cuts of meat, and quality was always on par. I wonder why it's closed.

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    Page 1 of 15

    Ask the Community - Saemaeul Restaurant

    Can you still accept reservation for tonight for 4?

    Sorry. We do not take any reservations.

    Is there all you can eat?

    No, but the quality of the beef is good for the price. If you are looking for AYCE, Thirsty Cow - Puente Hills, CA - Worth the drive… Read more

    Do you take reservations for 10 ppl?

    When you order to go, is it cooked?

    S this place all you can eat Korean BBQ?

    How much does it cost to eat here?

    It is not cheep. 2 people for dinner was a little over $80 with out any alcohol.

    Do you take reservations for 8-13 people? Thanks!

    Yes we do. You can call it in, we'll be able to assist you.… Read more

    Hello, I am looking for a restaurant for the birthday party. Do you accommodate a group of 15-20 people? Thanks

    Hello! Yes we definately do. What day and time?

    View All 12 Questions

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    4.0(513 reviews)
    2.3 mi
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    Came here to try the Wagyu Grill Course ($129 per person) and it was honestly one of the most…read morememorable KBBQ experiences I've had in Orange County. The meal starts off with lighter dishes like porridge, salad, and water kimchi to warm up your stomach. After that, a variety of starters come out including spicy beef tartare, pan-fried sliced beef, glass noodles, and a beautiful platter of nine delicacies. Everything was thoughtfully presented and flavorful. The highlight of the meal was definitely the assorted premium wagyu cuts, which are grilled to perfection over charcoal. The meat was incredibly tender, rich, and packed with flavor. Pairing it with naengmyun and soybean paste soup made the whole experience even better. What surprised me most was how many courses kept coming out throughout the meal. Even after the wagyu, they brought fried dishes, seasonal items, tricolor pancake, and dessert to finish everything off. Overall, the course felt very complete and satisfying, and the quality of the ingredients really stood out. If you're looking for a more elevated Korean BBQ experience in OC, this is definitely a spot worth checking out.

    Yesterday, Wednesday, February 25th, I had lunch with My Mom and my brother at Gyeongbokgung in…read moreBuena Park. I had tried their weekday lunch special before on November 11th, 2025 and remembered it was really delicious. This time, my brother was curious about the lunch special and wanted to try it, so we decided to visit again. The weekday lunch special is $39 per person + tax + tip and includes braised short ribs (galbijjim), gujeolpan, bibimbap, and doenjang jjigae. The galbijjim was so tender and flavorful, and both the bibimbap and doenjang jjigae were also very delicious. However, the gujeolpan portion was noticeably smaller compared to our visit last November. Back then, there was enough for each person to have about two servings, but yesterday it was only enough for one small serving per person. The staff are usually very friendly, which I really appreciate, but yesterday it seemed very busy. They didn't check on our table and even when we asked for water, it took a while to arrive. However, the food is consistently good, and the staff are generally kind, so this is still one of my favorite Korean traditional (hanjeongsik) restaurants. cf 1) After the meal, they serve sujeonggwa as dessert, which I also enjoyed. cf 2) However, there was one issue. Before the food was served, one of the waiters (I'm not sure who) apparently placed My Mom's cell phone on top of the small plate used for sharing side dishes. I didn't see it myself because I had stepped out to use the restroom, but my Mom told me about it when I came back. Placing a cellphone on a plate meant for food is unsanitary and inappropriate. My Mom asked for the plate to be replaced, and it was changed very quickly.

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    Boardwalk BBQ - 1/2 rotisserie chicken, corn, and cornbread

    Boardwalk BBQ

    3.5(100 reviews)
    2.6 mi
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    Got this item as part of the 1-day ticket unlimited food option. 100% Great ticket option for those…read morewondering if they should get it! You can get food every 1.5 hours while in the park, which is enough to share between 2 people if you're good about getting meals on time. Chicken (8/10) - Comes with Cornbread + 1 side (we got mac and cheese) - Regarding the chicken itself...YUM! Juicy, soft, and HUGE! It's not just a single thigh, but literally half a chicken. It's a huge portion size for 1 person, meaning easily sharable between 2 people. Roasted until the outside is relatively crispy while maintaining a juicy interior - Cornbread was good, nothing special yet nothing bad about it - Mac and Cheese was slightly on the drier side, but still paired super well with the chicken Overall, great option and great portion sizes at the Boardwalk BBQ! Definitely go for the all day dining ticket if possible, otherwise prices may seem a little steep. Next time will definitely be back to try the brisket.

    Stopped here for dinner last night. Their berry salad was generous portions and had blueberries,…read moreblackberries, strawberries and feta cheese on a bed of luxurious greens! I had brought my own raw almonds so I added that for protein. Kind of pricy at $17.99 (especially because I forgot to pick up the salad dressing), so I was glad to have my 10% discount from my pass. They were setting up for live music on the tiny bandstand by the outdoor seating as we were finishing up. (At about 7). Service was okay but I think the cashier was confused when I showed her my pass. She asked, "oh, do you want to use your 10% discount now?"--are you surprised? When else would I use it? It's not as if it's a single use coupon...oh well, maybe she was being trained. The mashed potatoes I tried from my friend's plate were so good! Garlicky and with some peel still there.

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    M Korean BBQ

    M Korean BBQ

    4.5(850 reviews)
    1.6 mi
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    The food was decent. It's not all you can eat but set meal plans. It tasted fine but I would have…read moreliked to have more options. Very empty mid day and felt awkward. Pricey.

    After going to the movies for Mother's Day, we decided to head over to The Source to see which…read morerestaurants weren't too busy and decided what to eat once we arrived. Surprisingly, the mall wasn't very crowded so we decided to try M Korean BBQ since it had been a while since we had Korean BBQ. It only took about 10 minutes to be seated and the salad, banchan, and tea were brought out very quickly. We also split a pitcher of Blue Moon since they didn't have any pitchers of Korean beer which was rather disappointing. Apparently you can only order K beer by the bottle. We went with the Signature Combo option which worked out well with more than enough BBQ to satisfy the 4 of us. The servers come to your table to not only bring you your food but also to cut the meat into individual portions and cook it for you. They did a wonderful job of switching out the grills so you never have to worry about getting the blackened residue on your meat. The kim chee was very fresh and well seasoned. The green salad was also excellent. The quality of the meat was extremely good for the price they charge. The restaurant also has a no tip policy but they do add a 10% service charge for cooking at the table which is quite reasonable. My first visit was very impressive and I look forward to returning again in the near future when I feel the need to partake of another KBBQ meal.

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    Fireman's Brigade Barbecue

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    3.4(99 reviews)
    2.6 mi
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    Tried the spicy sausage for the first time and the corn on the cob. The spicy sausage was actually…read morenot bad. The outside did taste a little burnt, but I did like that it actually was spicy! I do wish the corn on the cob side had tajin. That would be a nice addition to their condiments. I have the meal plan and this was a good meal as it's filling and a great value. The line wasn't crazy long yesterday, Sunday early evening, but seating is always tricky here. It's always busy but we got lucky to find a table. It's cool cause I guess a band comes out and plays for the guests while you're eating. We were already done.

    Oh no. What can I say? I'm still reeeeeaaaallly disappointed I chose to eat here. In all my life of…read morecoming to Knott's, I had never eaten food from, Fireman's Brigade. I still have core memories from the smell of the BBQ and how packed it used to get. A couple people in our party decided to eat there, so we just followed and I didn't think anything of it. I don't know why I didn't check the reviews. It's not like me to skip yelp. In case you're wondering, they are an option for food pass holders. There are a good amount of picnic tables behind the little shack of a restaurant and attached to that back wall is a handwashing station. What we ordered. All came with one side for the food pass. 1) spicy sausage - I chose "roasted veggies". These were NOT roasted. More like baked to sogginess, unseasoned and bland. The bread was too thick for the sausage in my opinion. I took the sausage out and decided to just eat it with the veggies. The sausage wasn't bad. It's "spicy" but it's mild...I wouldn't trust my leveling of the heat cause I like mine hot. 2) 1/4 chicken - one of the kids chose corn on the cob and the other a baked potato. They were fine and satisfied with this. They said the chicken was good and wasn't dry at all. 3) steak sandwich - ordered with corn on the cob. One of the kids said they thought it was a little dry. When I tried it, the meat was not only dry but hard. For sure, this option is a no no for us ever again. He was just starving and going to town and was almost finished by the time I realized the issue. Would I come back? Eh. Not sure. If the kids want to redeem for the chicken, yes, I guess we could go back. Skipping the steak sandwich though.

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    Barbecue grill area

    Saemaeul Restaurant - korean - Updated May 2026

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