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So music bingo was a no because the bar it happens at was closed with no notice which was a bummer... but we ended up at Sanbada on a rainy weekday! There were only 3 people ahead of us in the queue so we were like why not? This is one of two (maybe three??) restaurants that are in the space that TITS used to be in Allston.They did an amazing job with designing the space and though it's not huge there's a good amount of space. It's a Korean kitchen concept where you can get a pre-set meal with your choice of meat/fish that comes with salad, banchan, soup and rice. The banchan are refillable at the station near the entrance and they even have strawberry ice cream. My favorite banchan was the crunchy eggplant and the apple slices(I think) that were in some sweet ponzu-like sauce. It was about $80 for two people which isn't crazy but you can also try for the cheaper prices at lunch! They are currently at their soft opening phase but hoping to see more meat/fish options as well as banchan ones in the future. $$ Food 8 Atmosphere 9 Service 7
Went to Sanbada and had a mixed experience. We ended up waiting a long time before getting seated, which definitely took away from the overall vibe and made the meal feel less worth it. Once we finally sat down though, the service was super attentive. The staff checked in often and were really kind, and they brought out a lot of freebies and extras because of the wait, which helped balance things out. The food was good overall, nothing bad at all, but also not quite enough to justify how long we waited. Got a fish dish which was kinda plain and dry. What did stand out the most were the side dishes and they were beautifully presented and kept coming, which made the table feel really full and lively. Overall, solid food and great service, but the wait was a bit much for what it was.
I can see why this place has been so busy recently! We came on a weekday for lunch so there wasn't a wait. How this place works is that each person is required to order an entree, then it's all you can eat soup, japchae (korean glass noodles), white rice, ban chan (side dishes), and melona ice cream! For entrees, there are a few types of fish (including mackerel and belt fish), as well as spicy pork and bulgogi patty available. I was barely able to touch my entree since there were so many side dishes to try! We loved the japchae and spicy stir-fried eggplant (and I'm usually not an eggplant person). Everything was all very yummy, not overly oily or salty. We finished the meal with melona ice cream bars. For all this food and variety alone, I would definitely come back. What we ordered: - Mackerel Entree - Spicy Pork Entree
Just like everyone else says, the star of the show here is the banchan. Everyone in your party is required to order a main dish, but that's really all you should order. The sharable options really aren't worth it. Mackerel (8/10): Cooked very well. Not too fishy, and actually not too bony. The salt levels were perfect. Bulgogi Patties (6/10): Tasted fine. Not too memorable. Fried Lotus (9/10): One of my favorites here! Texture and flavor are both great. Black Sesame Lotus (8/10): I loved the idea of marinating it in black sesame. Tasted good and was nice and crisp. Kimchi (7+/10): I'm not Korean so I'll hold off on rating the kimchi. I feel like I haven't had nearly enough kimchi in my life to be judging this. All I'll say is that it was good. Mashed Squash (8/10): Also very delicious with a great balance of sweetness. Japchae (8.5/10): Delicious!! Salad (5/10): Solidly average salad. Not bad, but not good either. Eggplant (9/10): This, along with fried lotus, is my favorite. Loved the sesame seeds and the texture. Super savory. Radish (8/10): Nice and refreshing Pork (6/10): Wasn't horrible, but the pork felt a little dry. Soy Marinated Shrimp (6.5/10): This is the better of the two sharable dishes, but still not worth it. The shrimp tasted fine. Texture wasn't nearly as good as that of soy marinated crab. Beef Shank Center (5/10): Very average. Not worth it. The best part is they have COMPLIMENTARY MELONA for dessert!!! WOWEE! The restaurant feels super upscale and has really nice lighting and furnishing. Lunch is cheaper than dinner. Also, lunch has barely any line but I've heard there's a long wait for dinner.
Finally tried Sanbada in Boston and now I understand the hype. My husband got the atka mackerel and I ordered the spicy pork; both were delicious, but honestly the real star of the meal was the banchan. They just kept bringing out dish after dish until the entire table was completely covered. Every time I thought we had tried everything, there was somehow more food appearing. And the best part? Unlimited refills on the banchan, which made the whole experience feel so abundant and worth it. The presentation was beautiful too-- everything looked colorful, fresh, and thoughtfully plated. We did have to wait about an hour to get seated, and they require each person to order an entree, but the staff handled it really well and brought us a complimentary beef side dish to apologize for the wait, which we really appreciated. They even gave us free Melona ice cream at the end, which was such a cute finishing touch after such a massive meal. Overall, really good customer service, generous portions, and one of those meals where the table is so full you don't even know where to start eating first.
My friends and I came during their soft opening. We were seated immediately when we came at 5pm on a Monday. Two of us ordered the bulgogi patty set, I ordered the spicy pork set, and another ordered one of the fish sets. They all came out pretty tasty but my favorite was the spicy pork. The workers explained the menu and the process well. They brought out the first set of banchan with our sets and if you wanted more, you can go up and grab as much/as little additional as you wanted. Our favorites were the japchae, spicy fried eggplant, the soup, and of course the kimchi! I can't wait for their bbq restaurant to open next door to try that as well.
Sanbada is a Korean restaurant located in Brighton, MA. The restaurant is located on Brighton Ave, with street parking on both sides of the street, and easily accessible by public transportation. Sanbada stands out with their unique and unlimited self served side dishes station. Each member of the party is required to order a main item. One of their main, belt fish, is a must try. I usually pass on this fish but Sanbada's was very enjoyable. The mackerel main was another surprised. Both were more enjoyable because they were cooked in a brick oven, a healthier choice. The bulgogi pattie set was a hit with the kids as was the spicy pork. As for the many side dishes to accompany your main dish, there were plenty of standouts. My two favorites were the mixed seasoned seaweed and the fried eggplants. We ordered two additional dishes to try. First, the marinated shrimp is something I work order again. But I recommend it be shared with a group as I didn't want more than one piece. If you do not enjoy raw seafood, I would absolutely skip this dish. The sliced beef tendon was a hit with my daughter with a simple clean taste. Also where the side dishes buffet was, there was also an additional soup station as well as a good variety of Korean ice cream to end your meal with. I will absolutely be back to try more items. See my pictures.
Finally tried this restaurant and it is definitely worth the hype! I went on a Saturday and waited around 30 minutes after getting on the Yelp wait-list. Note that you can't do this through the mobile app so you have to go in person to get on the wait-list. It was worth the wait though! I got the Belt Fish set ($30) which came with 2 fillets of fish, unlimited rice, japjae, salad, soybean stew and an assortment of banchan. The food came out fast and everything was delicious! The belt fish was the most buttery and tender fillet of fish I've ever had and the skin had a nice char. Beware of the fish bones though! The banchans were the perfect pairing and they helped cut through the richness of the fish. I especially loved the crispy eggplant, kim chi, and pickled chayote. The japjae and the soybean stew were tasty as well! Overall, this is probably the best new Korean restaurant in town. The value and quality of the food can't be beat! I love that they have a banchan bar so you can get refills and they even offer free melona for dessert. The service was friendly and efficient and the restaurant was spacious, brightly lit, and modern. I would 100% come back again!
Okay, I get the hype now. One of the newer additions to the Allston food scene, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit. The banchan were incredibly fresh and flavorful. My favorites were the kimchi, sweet potato mash, and pickled chayote, but honestly every single one was delicious. The grilled belt fish was cooked to perfection with crispy skin and tender meat. It looked like it was prepared in one of those high-heat pizza ovens, which gave it an amazing finish. The spicy pork set was a generous portion and arrived sizzling on a stone plate, staying hot throughout the entire meal. Each person is required to order their own set. It's a great spot for a casual meal. My one request: please sell the banchan to-go. I would happily take home containers of those sides. The restaurant gets busy, but there's a Yelp waitlist available at the door. Be sure to stay nearby--your spot is canceled if you don't check in within five minutes of receiving the text. Food comes out quickly, making this a great option for a satisfying and efficient meal. Plus, there's self-service for additional banchan, rice, and miso soup. Bonus: unlimited Melona popsicles toooo!
Sanbada is raising the bar for good Korean food in Boston! As of April 2026, they're serving unlimited side dishes with the purchase of an entree (my literal dream! I love banchan!). Every side dish is unique and prepared with care. I personally really liked the mashed pumpkin/potato, eggplant, and pickled chayote. Their fish was also very delicious. It's seasoned lightly but cooked very well, which pairs wonderfully with all of the available sides (and soup). The interior is bright and modern and their servers seem to be well trained. They're super attentive and offer plenty of explanations where needed. Excited to try their sister restaurants as well!
Taking over the old Tavern in the Square / The Kells location. They did a beautiful job with the space and they aren't done yet. It's still soft opening for them, so they are getting feedback on their menu for items and banchan. It was cute to see a board where patrons can leave a star on their favorite banchan items. The menu is limited, but we opted for: Spicy bulgogi - overall good portion, a lot of green onion and veg, but sneakily a good amount of pork belly. It was fatty, well cooked and came out hot. Their style of spicy marinade for me tonight was light, the flavor could have been bolder and a bit more heat. I enjoyed it overall with white rice! The atka makrel being a potent fish was treated and prepared well, no extra fishiness, fried well. The bones can be pulled straight out in one go. The meat was buttery. The lady enjoyed her dish. We ordered both as sets, come with unlimited banchan and white rice, soup and salad. The first round of banchan first. When you need to refill there is a bar to refill off to the side. Spicy stir fried eggplant, pork and quail eggs (no eggs when we dined), and pickled chayote were the top for us. They also had japchae as well under the heat lamps. Melon bar ice cream for dessert! Simmered beef shank not what i was thinking it would be but the beef was tender and soft, wasn't hot (don't know if it's supposed to). Tremella snow fungus in center. Bulgogi beef patties, you get 3 of them! It was a hit, tender, marinated and easy to eat with rice. Next time i would probably request more spicy sauce, go or something. Felt like that was what is missing. I also hope they bring in pickled fish tofu too for banchan. At the end of our table there is a drawer, it has utensils, napkins, wet wipes, and anything you may need in that sense. staff was top notch, they have their operating procedures are smooth. Well trained staff. Thank you! For the price at first you probably think hmm adds up kind of pricey but you definitely get full. I hope they add more options to the menu. Authentic cuisine, everything came out timely, service was great.
I don't make it out to Allston very often, but at the behest of my friends, I had to make the trip--and I'm glad I did. From the moment we walked in, Sanbada felt very... Korean. I'm not exactly sure how to describe it, but the space felt reminiscent of somewhere in 압구정. Modern and minimal? Interior aside, the food was delicious. As first-timers, we were brought a curated set of banchan along with soybean soup and rice. I'm not the biggest fan of belt fish (I know, I'm sorry), so I went with the bulgogi patty while my friend ordered the former. To be clear, the real stars of the show are the banchan (which are unlimited, by the way!) Many of the dishes tasted nostalgic and were clearly high quality. Coincidentally, our two favorite sides were ones I never had growing up: lotus root in black sesame and fried eggplant. After a few rounds, we helped ourselves to a Melona to finish the meal. Overall, a fantastic new gem, and I'd absolutely come back the next time I'm in the Boston/Allston area. P.S. We went during lunch since it looked like they offer largely the same dishes as dinner, just at a lower price point, and we were seated pretty quickly. Not sure what the dinner rush looks like, but if you're nearby during lunch and want to save a few dollars, hop on in!
Recently tried Sanbada and was impressed with the terrific service and tasty unlimited banchan! I will preface this that the wait can be long - but they have freebies depending on how long you wait which is such a nice treat! We waited more than 30 mins so we got a free soft drink. You enter your name on their virtual waitlist (hosted through Yelp!) and you can see the ETA of when you're seated. Sanbada is incredibly clean and modern. I love the decor as it feels like an authentic Korean restaurant, especially with the complimentary barley tea. I got the Mackerel set which was solid. I do wish the fish was deboned though however it wasn't greasy at all. The quality was fresh and tasty! The highlight at Sanbada is their unlimited banchan! My favorites were their fried eggplant, pumpkin salad, and spicy radish. The fried eggplant was so well seasoned and crispy. Overall, I'd come back to Sanbada for their banchan as I found myself enjoying the banchan options more than the main entree. The wait can be quite long but I would definitely recommend giving this spot a try.
19 days ago
Food was great. Good variety of fresh Korean food. You should try their mackerel set and spicy pork belly. The service crew were wonderful and responsive as well. The restaurant was clean. read more
16 days ago
2 days ago
So music bingo was a no because the bar it happens at was closed with no notice which was a bummer... but we ended up at Sanbada on a rainy weekday! There were only 3 people ahead of us in the queue so we were like why not? This is one of two (maybe three??) restaurants that are in the space that TITS used to be in Allston.They did an amazing job with designing the space and though it's not huge there's a good amount of space. It's a Korean kitchen concept where you can get a pre-set meal with your choice of meat/fish that comes with salad, banchan, soup and rice. The banchan are refillable at the station near the entrance and they even have strawberry ice cream. My favorite banchan was the crunchy eggplant and the apple slices(I think) that were in some sweet ponzu-like sauce. It was about $80 for two people which isn't crazy but you can also try for the cheaper prices at lunch! They are currently at their soft opening phase but hoping to see more meat/fish options as well as banchan ones in the future. $$ Food 8 Atmosphere 9 Service 7 read more
Went to Sanbada and had a mixed experience. We ended up waiting a long time before getting seated, which definitely took away from the overall vibe and made the meal feel less worth it. Once we finally sat down though, the service was super attentive. The staff checked in often and were really kind, and they brought out a lot of freebies and extras because of the wait, which helped balance things out. The food was good overall, nothing bad at all, but also not quite enough to justify how long we waited. Got a fish dish which was kinda plain and dry. What did stand out the most were the side dishes and they were beautifully presented and kept coming, which made the table feel really full and lively. Overall, solid food and great service, but the wait was a bit much for what it was. read more
I can see why this place has been so busy recently! We came on a weekday for lunch so there wasn't a wait. How this place works is that each person is required to order an entree, then it's all you can eat soup, japchae (korean glass noodles), white rice, ban chan (side dishes), and melona ice cream! For entrees, there are a few types of fish (including mackerel and belt fish), as well as spicy pork and bulgogi patty available. I was barely able to touch my entree since there were so many side dishes to try! We loved the japchae and spicy stir-fried eggplant (and I'm usually not an eggplant person). Everything was all very yummy, not overly oily or salty. We finished the meal with melona ice cream bars. For all this food and variety alone, I would definitely come back. What we ordered: - Mackerel Entree - Spicy Pork Entree read more
Just like everyone else says, the star of the show here is the banchan. Everyone in your party is required to order a main dish, but that's really all you should order. The sharable options really aren't worth it. Mackerel (8/10): Cooked very well. Not too fishy, and actually not too bony. The salt levels were perfect. Bulgogi Patties (6/10): Tasted fine. Not too memorable. Fried Lotus (9/10): One of my favorites here! Texture and flavor are both great. Black Sesame Lotus (8/10): I loved the idea of marinating it in black sesame. Tasted good and was nice and crisp. Kimchi (7+/10): I'm not Korean so I'll hold off on rating the kimchi. I feel like I haven't had nearly enough kimchi in my life to be judging this. All I'll say is that it was good. Mashed Squash (8/10): Also very delicious with a great balance of sweetness. Japchae (8.5/10): Delicious!! Salad (5/10): Solidly average salad. Not bad, but not good either. Eggplant (9/10): This, along with fried lotus, is my favorite. Loved the sesame seeds and the texture. Super savory. Radish (8/10): Nice and refreshing Pork (6/10): Wasn't horrible, but the pork felt a little dry. Soy Marinated Shrimp (6.5/10): This is the better of the two sharable dishes, but still not worth it. The shrimp tasted fine. Texture wasn't nearly as good as that of soy marinated crab. Beef Shank Center (5/10): Very average. Not worth it. The best part is they have COMPLIMENTARY MELONA for dessert!!! WOWEE! The restaurant feels super upscale and has really nice lighting and furnishing. Lunch is cheaper than dinner. Also, lunch has barely any line but I've heard there's a long wait for dinner. read more
Finally tried Sanbada in Boston and now I understand the hype. My husband got the atka mackerel and I ordered the spicy pork; both were delicious, but honestly the real star of the meal was the banchan. They just kept bringing out dish after dish until the entire table was completely covered. Every time I thought we had tried everything, there was somehow more food appearing. And the best part? Unlimited refills on the banchan, which made the whole experience feel so abundant and worth it. The presentation was beautiful too-- everything looked colorful, fresh, and thoughtfully plated. We did have to wait about an hour to get seated, and they require each person to order an entree, but the staff handled it really well and brought us a complimentary beef side dish to apologize for the wait, which we really appreciated. They even gave us free Melona ice cream at the end, which was such a cute finishing touch after such a massive meal. Overall, really good customer service, generous portions, and one of those meals where the table is so full you don't even know where to start eating first. read more
My friends and I came during their soft opening. We were seated immediately when we came at 5pm on a Monday. Two of us ordered the bulgogi patty set, I ordered the spicy pork set, and another ordered one of the fish sets. They all came out pretty tasty but my favorite was the spicy pork. The workers explained the menu and the process well. They brought out the first set of banchan with our sets and if you wanted more, you can go up and grab as much/as little additional as you wanted. Our favorites were the japchae, spicy fried eggplant, the soup, and of course the kimchi! I can't wait for their bbq restaurant to open next door to try that as well. read more
Sanbada is a Korean restaurant located in Brighton, MA. The restaurant is located on Brighton Ave, with street parking on both sides of the street, and easily accessible by public transportation. Sanbada stands out with their unique and unlimited self served side dishes station. Each member of the party is required to order a main item. One of their main, belt fish, is a must try. I usually pass on this fish but Sanbada's was very enjoyable. The mackerel main was another surprised. Both were more enjoyable because they were cooked in a brick oven, a healthier choice. The bulgogi pattie set was a hit with the kids as was the spicy pork. As for the many side dishes to accompany your main dish, there were plenty of standouts. My two favorites were the mixed seasoned seaweed and the fried eggplants. We ordered two additional dishes to try. First, the marinated shrimp is something I work order again. But I recommend it be shared with a group as I didn't want more than one piece. If you do not enjoy raw seafood, I would absolutely skip this dish. The sliced beef tendon was a hit with my daughter with a simple clean taste. Also where the side dishes buffet was, there was also an additional soup station as well as a good variety of Korean ice cream to end your meal with. I will absolutely be back to try more items. See my pictures. read more
Finally tried this restaurant and it is definitely worth the hype! I went on a Saturday and waited around 30 minutes after getting on the Yelp wait-list. Note that you can't do this through the mobile app so you have to go in person to get on the wait-list. It was worth the wait though! I got the Belt Fish set ($30) which came with 2 fillets of fish, unlimited rice, japjae, salad, soybean stew and an assortment of banchan. The food came out fast and everything was delicious! The belt fish was the most buttery and tender fillet of fish I've ever had and the skin had a nice char. Beware of the fish bones though! The banchans were the perfect pairing and they helped cut through the richness of the fish. I especially loved the crispy eggplant, kim chi, and pickled chayote. The japjae and the soybean stew were tasty as well! Overall, this is probably the best new Korean restaurant in town. The value and quality of the food can't be beat! I love that they have a banchan bar so you can get refills and they even offer free melona for dessert. The service was friendly and efficient and the restaurant was spacious, brightly lit, and modern. I would 100% come back again! read more
Okay, I get the hype now. One of the newer additions to the Allston food scene, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit. The banchan were incredibly fresh and flavorful. My favorites were the kimchi, sweet potato mash, and pickled chayote, but honestly every single one was delicious. The grilled belt fish was cooked to perfection with crispy skin and tender meat. It looked like it was prepared in one of those high-heat pizza ovens, which gave it an amazing finish. The spicy pork set was a generous portion and arrived sizzling on a stone plate, staying hot throughout the entire meal. Each person is required to order their own set. It's a great spot for a casual meal. My one request: please sell the banchan to-go. I would happily take home containers of those sides. The restaurant gets busy, but there's a Yelp waitlist available at the door. Be sure to stay nearby--your spot is canceled if you don't check in within five minutes of receiving the text. Food comes out quickly, making this a great option for a satisfying and efficient meal. Plus, there's self-service for additional banchan, rice, and miso soup. Bonus: unlimited Melona popsicles toooo! read more
1 month ago
Sanbada is raising the bar for good Korean food in Boston! As of April 2026, they're serving unlimited side dishes with the purchase of an entree (my literal dream! I love banchan!). Every side dish is unique and prepared with care. I personally really liked the mashed pumpkin/potato, eggplant, and pickled chayote. Their fish was also very delicious. It's seasoned lightly but cooked very well, which pairs wonderfully with all of the available sides (and soup). The interior is bright and modern and their servers seem to be well trained. They're super attentive and offer plenty of explanations where needed. Excited to try their sister restaurants as well! read more
Taking over the old Tavern in the Square / The Kells location. They did a beautiful job with the space and they aren't done yet. It's still soft opening for them, so they are getting feedback on their menu for items and banchan. It was cute to see a board where patrons can leave a star on their favorite banchan items. The menu is limited, but we opted for: Spicy bulgogi - overall good portion, a lot of green onion and veg, but sneakily a good amount of pork belly. It was fatty, well cooked and came out hot. Their style of spicy marinade for me tonight was light, the flavor could have been bolder and a bit more heat. I enjoyed it overall with white rice! The atka makrel being a potent fish was treated and prepared well, no extra fishiness, fried well. The bones can be pulled straight out in one go. The meat was buttery. The lady enjoyed her dish. We ordered both as sets, come with unlimited banchan and white rice, soup and salad. The first round of banchan first. When you need to refill there is a bar to refill off to the side. Spicy stir fried eggplant, pork and quail eggs (no eggs when we dined), and pickled chayote were the top for us. They also had japchae as well under the heat lamps. Melon bar ice cream for dessert! Simmered beef shank not what i was thinking it would be but the beef was tender and soft, wasn't hot (don't know if it's supposed to). Tremella snow fungus in center. Bulgogi beef patties, you get 3 of them! It was a hit, tender, marinated and easy to eat with rice. Next time i would probably request more spicy sauce, go or something. Felt like that was what is missing. I also hope they bring in pickled fish tofu too for banchan. At the end of our table there is a drawer, it has utensils, napkins, wet wipes, and anything you may need in that sense. staff was top notch, they have their operating procedures are smooth. Well trained staff. Thank you! For the price at first you probably think hmm adds up kind of pricey but you definitely get full. I hope they add more options to the menu. Authentic cuisine, everything came out timely, service was great. read more
I don't make it out to Allston very often, but at the behest of my friends, I had to make the trip--and I'm glad I did. From the moment we walked in, Sanbada felt very... Korean. I'm not exactly sure how to describe it, but the space felt reminiscent of somewhere in 압구정. Modern and minimal? Interior aside, the food was delicious. As first-timers, we were brought a curated set of banchan along with soybean soup and rice. I'm not the biggest fan of belt fish (I know, I'm sorry), so I went with the bulgogi patty while my friend ordered the former. To be clear, the real stars of the show are the banchan (which are unlimited, by the way!) Many of the dishes tasted nostalgic and were clearly high quality. Coincidentally, our two favorite sides were ones I never had growing up: lotus root in black sesame and fried eggplant. After a few rounds, we helped ourselves to a Melona to finish the meal. Overall, a fantastic new gem, and I'd absolutely come back the next time I'm in the Boston/Allston area. P.S. We went during lunch since it looked like they offer largely the same dishes as dinner, just at a lower price point, and we were seated pretty quickly. Not sure what the dinner rush looks like, but if you're nearby during lunch and want to save a few dollars, hop on in! read more
2 months ago
Recently tried Sanbada and was impressed with the terrific service and tasty unlimited banchan! I will preface this that the wait can be long - but they have freebies depending on how long you wait which is such a nice treat! We waited more than 30 mins so we got a free soft drink. You enter your name on their virtual waitlist (hosted through Yelp!) and you can see the ETA of when you're seated. Sanbada is incredibly clean and modern. I love the decor as it feels like an authentic Korean restaurant, especially with the complimentary barley tea. I got the Mackerel set which was solid. I do wish the fish was deboned though however it wasn't greasy at all. The quality was fresh and tasty! The highlight at Sanbada is their unlimited banchan! My favorites were their fried eggplant, pumpkin salad, and spicy radish. The fried eggplant was so well seasoned and crispy. Overall, I'd come back to Sanbada for their banchan as I found myself enjoying the banchan options more than the main entree. The wait can be quite long but I would definitely recommend giving this spot a try. read more
My first impression was that the restaurant is super bright and clean feeling. It felt like very good value for the money as well because of the amount of free banchan that comes with the meal, and there's unlimited refills and even Melona bars for dessert! Would definitely recommend the belt fish set and the braised beef shank. read more
It was an amazing experience! It truly felt like a homecooked meal thanks to their small menu that allows them to really focus on their techniques and ingredients. The side dishes were very good; my faves were the chayote pickles and sweet pumpkin! You can join the waitlist for the restaurant via yelp and the line moved really quickly in my opinion. read more
Great food and great service! Honestly just super clean tasting Korean food. Ordered the belt fish which was great, and the spicy pork if you want a stronger flavor. The banchan is excellent and unlimited. Service is also amazing, I had the most pleasant meal! read more
20 days ago
The restaurant is really nice inside with a modern look. We waited around 25min to get a table for dinner on a Monday night, so not too bad of a wait time. Staff is also really nice and answered any questions we had. Once you order they'll bring out the side dishes, and you're allowed to get unlimited refills on the side dishes which is nice. Definitely recommend the eggplant out of all the side dishes. This place is really popular for their fish, we ordered the atka mackerel and regular mackerel. Nothing is wrong with the fish, but it doesn't stand out as much as I would've hoped. If you're a fan of just fish being fish, then this is a good spot. read more
3 months ago
A very worthy new Korean spot in town you've gotta try! Asian elder approved. I've been back three times in the last month and they basically havent even had their "grand opening" yet --it's safe to say I've moved past the "trying it" phase and straight into an obsession. It does require an acquired palate but this new Allston-Brighton spot is an experience you have to try at least once. The setup is brilliant: they serve an AYCE banchan spread, so all you're paying for is your protein of choice. Their grilled mackerel is a specialized standout that I highly recommend, along with the bulgogi patties. Between the incredible value and the authentic flavors, this place is a gem. I'm already counting down the days until their KBBQ spot opens next door! read more
Amazing dining experience! This review is for their soft opening. My partner and I went around 12:30pm on a Saturday and there was an hour long wait for it, so we ended up roaming around the area for a bit. When we sat down, they said they recommend everyone order a set so I got the belt fish set and he got the mackerel set. They served a lot of banchan and my favorites were the braised pork, the japchae and the soup. The fish were very tender and clean tasting though a little bit salty. They charge dinner price for weekends which I wasn't aware of until the bill but thought the price was still reasonable! We absolutely stuffed ourselves on all the banchan but somehow made room for the complimentary ice cream which rounded out our meal really well. Lastly, their bathrooms were so clean with Aesop hand soap read more
Came on a Friday around noon for lunch and was shocked at how busy it was (I took a day off from work, wondering if others did too haha). Because I was dining alone, I ended up seated next to another solo diner, which was fine. I ordered the bulgogi patty which was nice and flavorful. Also loved all of the banchan options, with my favorites being the spicy eggplant, japchae, and pickled chayote. The latter really helped cut through the heaviness of my meal since it was tangy and refreshing. I didn't love the soup provided as it was a bit too salty and likely simmering for a long time, but that just might be my own personal taste. I also found a tiny hair in the middle of the kimchi they gave me. Not a huge deal! If you're a big eater, I would 100% recommend this giving the unlimited sides and rice offering. Otherwise, it's definitely a place to indulge. I did wonder if my pescatarian or vegetarian friends would enjoy eating here. I noticed the soup had some chunks of meat but wondering if they have a meat free option. Because you're required to order a set protein meal, could they change their model to require a "base" price that only includes rice and sides? read more
3 months ago
Had no idea what to expect other than unlimited side dishes, but I really enjoyed my experience! I came as a group of seven for an early Sunday evening dinner. Thankfully there was no wait, but it got progressively busier. I got the atka mackerel, which was pretty tasty. I'm not too familiar with mackerel though so I can't say for sure what makes the atka mackerel special compared to the regular kind. The side dishes were all delicious but my favorite was definitely the eggplant. We also ordered two of each of the soy marinated shrimp and slow cooked pork belly to share. I would get the shrimp again but would try a different main dish next time. The servers were all friendly and helpful. The only thing though is that they never refilled our tea even when we asked, but I'll blame that on how busy it was. read more
While strolling through the neighborhood, we were drawn in by the restaurant's clean, bright space and decided to give the new spot a try. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with genuinely warm and friendly service. We came in around 6pm on a Sunday and we could easily get a seat but it got packed as the night went on. We ordered the mackerel and bulgogi patty sets, both of which came with a generous selection of unlimited banchan and don't forget to save some room for dessert. The portions were hearty and satisfying -- definitely more than enough on their own, so I wouldn't recommend adding too much extra. Not realizing this, we also ordered a side of pork belly. It was absolutely delicious, but it ended up being a lot of food! The quality of the dishes truly stands out. Compared to other Korean restaurants in the area, this one offers the best quality in my opinion, with a more traditional and authentic approach to Korean cuisine. Overall, a wonderful experience -- we'll definitely be back! read more
1 day ago
Great value and tasty food. Our group thoroughly enjoyed the belt fish and (both) mackerel sets. The fish was prepared perfectly and as others have mentioned the unlimited banchan side dishes and soups were spot on. Service was fast and friendly. The spicy raw crab was good too. My child did not enjoy her kids bulgogi patty as much but it could also be that it is very different from the typical bulgogi dish. read more
Walking into a bright waiting area with white lights, I thought I was entering a club at first and felt like I was eating in a scifi lab... and I would return! Sanbada is part of a trifecta restaurant concept with different ambiances and menus. All the protein entrees are wellseasoned and the bulgogi, as the waitress said, is guaranteed to be a leftover unless you're eating with someone. Unlimited banchan sounds great until I saw there's no essentials like gamja/potato salad, fishcake, or pickled radish. The fresh kimchi is perfect, the fried eggplant is crispy, and the black sesame lotus is refreshing. It was odd to see chickpeas and olives in the salad and I didnt like the pumpkin salad either. The womens bathroom is stocked with toiletries too! Terrific place for group meals despite the wait. Kind servers and good service. read more
Sanbada is AMAZING! They are the newest Korean restaurant to open in the Allston area & my goodness, highly recommend this to anyone looking for authentic Korean food! They're essentially the first of kind in the Boston Korean food scene, delivering high-quality Korean dishes in Boston & they really do it all so well, even with them being still in their soft opening phase. We came on a Tuesday night ~8:30pm & experienced a short wait for a table for 2. Each table has a side compartment that slides out & holds napkins, utensils, and wipes! Now here's what we ordered: -Spicy Pork Set -Atka Mackerel Set -Bulgogi Patty (add-on) -Simmered Beef Shank Center Unlimited banchan comes with each order of a set! It's recommended that each person order their own set. They have a self serve banchan station, where you can grab as much banchan as you want. They were all yummy but my favorites were the Chayote pickles, spicy stir-fried eggplant, & sweet pumpkin salad. Prices seem a little steep at first but the portions are pretty generous & all the sets come with unlimited banchan, as well as soy beans paste soup, japchae, & rice. The spicy pork was nice. It was made with fatty pork (maybe pork belly?) & the spice was mild + subtle initially but ended being kind of spicy towards the end of each bite. Flavor is on the lighter side. The atki mackerel is what I personally had & ate most of. Not typically the kind of dish I would go for but their menu is pretty limited. I liked it; the fish was buttery & the staff seemed to treat the fishy taste mackerel usually has well, so it tasted great! The fish meat came off the bones with ease, so if you're someone who doesn't do fish w/ bones, this one is fine haha. The bulgogi patty was probably our favorite entree dish we ordered. It was packed with flavor! Each bite was flavorful & we could tell it was well marinated. Lastly, we had the Simmered Beef Shank Center. This was the last dish to arrive & we had already gotten pretty full from trying everything else we ordered, so we didn't get to really enjoy it until we got home. It wasn't the beef we were expecting (neither of us are big fans of this cut) but it wasn't bad. It had a light taste in flavor & meat was easy to eat! We've mostly had this cut of beef in noodle soup and think we prefer it made this way more. Sometimes this cut of meat is tough to chew... luckily for us this wasn't the case. Don't think we'll get this again but it was nice to try! I liked the snow fungus (on top of the beef dish). I usually have this in Chinese sweet soup and it was cool trying it in a different dish. The service was wonderful. As a new restaurant that just recently opened, all of the staff seemed to be trained WELL & they just have such a nice set up in here. The unlimited banchan was definitely a highlight! That cannot found anywhere else in Boston area right now & honesty, Sanbada is in a league of its own currently. Don't get me wrong, I will likely still be making my trips to NYC/NJ for some Korean food, but Sanbada is for sure one of the best Korean spots we have here ;) Highly recommend. read more
The interior is super clean, and I like the minimalistic aesthetic. There is an unlimited banchan bar--my favorite part of the experience. I don't usuallly see fish dishes like the ones offered here, so I'd highly recommend trying those. My bf enjoyed the beltfish a lot! We also got free Melona for dessert after :) read more
2 months ago
Such a tasty and homey Korean spot! The menu is pretty limited with set meals and a few add-on shareables. I tried the mackerel set and really enjoyed it. The fish was well seasoned and flakey, not too many bones. They serve unlimited banchan, rice and miso soup with the set which is self serve and refillable. I loved the radish kimchi and eggplant especially! The interior is modern and bright with minimalist decor and the service is extremely attentive. Prices are also pretty reasonable! We finished the meal with free Melona ice cream which was a nice touch. Will definitely be back! read more
3 months ago
This place is bustling on a Sunday night. The wait for a party of 3 was about 30min but it was quite hard to wait inside the restaurant. We ordered 3 different sets and an order of marinated shrimp. We ordered the belt fish, mackerel, and spicy pork. All were tasty but the fish seemed a bit simple. I assume it was due to how busy the place was that the fish were kinda cold when we got it. The banchan, on the other hand, really stole the show. They have a unique mix of banchans that you normally don't see. My favorites were the seasoned seaweed and the stir fried eggplants. They serve you some banchan with your set at first and then you can refill/try others at their self serve station. Another note is that their rice is actually such good rice lol read more
I was blown away by the food I had here. I went for the first time with a Korean friend and his partner who spoke very highly of the restaurant and everything exceeded my expectations. We showed up around 8:30 and it looked pretty busy in the restaurant but we only had to wait about 15 minutes to get a table and it was so worth the wait! Even before we sat down, multiple servers and the host recognized my Korean friend and his partner and were so friendly and happy to see us. One server in particular ( I think his name is Juno) was very nice and took care of us when we sat down. The other servers were also very nice and attentive. As for the food, I don't even know where to begin. Everything I ate was amazing. They first brought us a large set of banchan and some miso soup and rice (which were all unlimited refills) and as soon as I took my first bite I felt like I was eating a home cooked Korean meal. The flavors were outstanding in the soup and the side dishes and the rice was perfectly cooked. Their fried eggplant dish was perfectly seasoned and crunchy and the kimchi was fresh! For the mains we ordered one of the mackerel and two of the atka mackerel with an additional side of the spicy pork. I realized once I tried the fish that what really makes the restaurant special is their fish. There are many Asian restaurants that can serve good meat dishes but not as many for fish. The atka mackerel was perfectly grilled and seasoned and had the perfect amount of fat. The spicy pork was also delicious and had the perfect spice level. My palette can only tolerate kimchi and gochujang level spice so it was just the right amount. I will definitely be going back to try some of their other mains. read more
Visited on a Friday afternoon and had an amazing experience. The banchan is the standout by far -- everything is fresh and perfectly seasoned with unique flavors like black sesame! I had the spicy pork as my main and liked it as well, but this was less memorable than some of the side dishes. Staff were all super nice and approachable and the restaurant is beautifully lit inside. read more
4 months ago
2 months ago
Service: Very fresh, great service. Came on a Monday night at 8:00 and it was still packed. Parking is a chore. Food: Kimchi was very fresh - not a hint of sour taste. The bulgolgi was equally fresh and tasty. Ambience; the table was a little weird, with a metal base and a drawer on the end, but nothing disqualifying. The server was adorable and friendly. read more
We went during the soft opening and I was so impressed with the variety of banchan offerings. Everything was so tasty and I especially enjoyed the fish! Very flavorful and crispy and wonderfully cooked. This is the first Korean place around Allston I've seen this particular style and I'm so excited to bring others to try it. The ambience was really nice and the restaurant has completely transformed from the prior business I almost couldn't recognize it! Very bright, happy, and well lit. The staff was very polite and friendly. They did run out of bowls for banchan at one point but these are minor operational kinks you would expect in a soft opening. I can't wait for the next time! read more
25 days ago
This place is pretty cute..light is bright and music is pretty loud. The food decent, kinda pricey. I would go here if you can eat a lot since the side are unlimited. The employees are super nice and sweet. read more
26 days ago
Great value, semi buffet style for the sides. Main dish taste wise is normal not impress. Suit great for a casual meal! read more
3 months ago
I was lucky to try this restaurant during their soft opening. Side dishes: 11/10 It speaks volumes when a Korean restaurant has good side dishes. On top of that, they serve a combination of side dishes that will be hard to find in most Korean restaurants in the US. They have around 10 UNLIMITED side dishes, all of which are perfectly seasoned and unique. I mean every single side dish was dialed! The black sesame lotus root side dish, the kabocha squash side dish, and the corn salad dressing were especially brilliant! The doenjang jigae (the soup) was soo good. Entrees: 10/10 I tried all their entrees. All their entrees are cooked/finished in the huge brick pizza oven (more commonly found in Italian and pizza restaurants) in their kitchen. I was expecting more of a Smokey flavor from the entrees ( not that I am complaining), however each entree tasted amazing without it! The ddukgalbi was soft and tender. The spicy pork has a slight kick to it and I was so happy to find that they did not rely on making overly sweet to mask the quality of the meat or seasoning. Every fish dish is good! Depending on your palate I recommend the following: Beltfish: this fish has soft and delicate flesh. If you don't like oily taste of Mackerel, this is the way to go Atka Mackerel: this fish is a good middle between the beltfish and the pacific mackerel in terms of fishiness/oiliness. The meat was firm, flakey, and buttery. Pacific Mackerel: the most oily of the three fish and probably my favorite due to its strong flavor. And oily texture. All their grilled fish have bones so be careful when eating. Appetizer/shared dish: 10/10 The raw, soy-marinated shrimp really highlights the natural flavor of the shrimp. The marinade does not overpower the sweet and creamy flavor of the shrimp. Definitely recommend this! Service: 10/10 The waitstaff are kind, attentive, and on top of everything. Last remarks: The restaurant's name translates to MountainSea, probably due to serving dishes from both land and sea. The decorative theme pays homage to traditional Korean white paper mache doors and windows. The interior is spacious and not cramped. The lighting is soft, relaxing, and inviting. The tables in the booths have legs that may make it difficult for some to squeeze into, so opt for a table on the open floor instead. Each table gets a jug of cold barley tea that was enough to last my party through the entire meal without asking for a refill. Overall, I am so happy with my experience here. It was a clean meal where you don't feel groggy from overly greasy, salty, msg bombed food. I applaud the culinary skill and vision of this restaurant and is now my #1 recommendation for Korean food in the greater Boston area!!! read more
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165 Brighton Ave
Boston, MA 02134
Allston/Brighton
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(617) 870-7674
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Sanbada - korean - Updated June 2026
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