Came from out of town and we wanted K BBQ. We took a shot and we were very pleased. There were plenty of choices and the marinated meats were very tasty. The kimchi was so good, better than most we've had. My son devoured the salad and he's not a big fan of salad. Oh, don't skip the pear juice, it was refreshing! We'd come again if we come back to Oceanside. We were also very happy with our service. Everyone was kind and you can tell they are happy to be at their job! read more

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Blown away by the portions and taste of the food. Perhaps my new top KBBQ place in SD County. The premium menu (highly recommend) was $32.99. Included ramen, poke, great cuts and a variety of seafood. The corn cheese was perfection. The waiters were nice and accomodating. The establishment was clean with music but thankfully not crazy loud where you can maintain a convo. Definitely will return. read more

Sonu BBQ - Korean Near Me - Oceanside, California

We love coming to this KBBQ place even though we have one closer to where we live. We love KBBQ so much that we probably go more often than we should, haha! I really appreciate their reasonable prices and great service. I also keep coming back because of their spicy beef stew. It's one of my favorites! read more

This is our favorite Korean barbecue spot big shout out to our regular server new year. We love her and we love this place five stars 10 out of 10. read more

The customer service was excellent. Everyone was very welcoming and our waitress was attentive. Our food came out fairly quick and our drinks were refilled without having to ask. Tables were large and the establishment was nice. I would say, however, that I've had much better Korean BBQ before. I didn't think the meat tasted the best and I normally order the same cuts. Maybe it was the quality of the meat? I'm not sure, but something was off. I was also not a fan of the sauces they brought out on the side. I had to ask for sriracha sauce and salt on the side. Overall, the food was okay. The macaroni ice cream was DELICIOUS though! read more

Sonu BBQ - Korean Near Me - Oceanside, California

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The inside was very busy and crowded, which made it very loud.They also had really cheap plastic cups which broke easily.Additionally, the wait was very long (30-60 min) so should try to book in advance But, the service was great with immediate help with various things like ordering or changing the temperature of the grill.Finally, the food was great and gave a DIY vibe and was fresh but sometimes hard to eat.Would for sure come again! read more

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I am not generally a yelper, but this was the Best Korean BBQ place my family and I have been to for the excellent service and taste/quality of the food. My family and I who are originally from Oahu love Korean BBQ. We currently live in the Bay Area (NorCal), but traveled to Oceanside (SoCal) for my daughter's graduation (Master's in Healtcare Admin), which was held at Frontwave Arena. We yelped for a place to eat Korean BBQ to celebrate and found that Sonu BBQ had 5-star ratings with rave reviews, so we decided to celebrate there. We placed our name on the waitlist and was number 24 in queue! We waited over an hour! At first, we wondered if we should continue to wait as it took so long, but with the reviews being excellent and people still willing to wait, we decided to just be patient. We were elated that we did wait as it was well worth it. The male host was very hospitable and apologized for the long wait-time, but stated that we'll be well taken cared of... and we were! We were immediately given 2 big pitchers of water and Newyear, the waitress came promptly and was very hospitable, kind and friendly. She expeditedly started us off with a generous portion of bonchan, steam rice and kimchee fried rice. Jamie who was also very courteous and thoughtful then came promptly as well to ask us for our order, and our food came instantly. The service was so excellent as our meats, seafood, veggies and requests came immediately with Newyear and Jamie constantly replenishing every request. And the staff keenly changed out our grills as needed, which they did 3 times. Most Korean BBQs are not as keen as we generally have to call to have the grill changed out and if we need more banchan or meats. Furthermore, the taste of the food was very excellent and tasty; so yummy as it was well-seasoned and marinated perfectly. The side sauces were also great to enhance flavor, but you could already taste the flavoring in the meat. The cream corn was also very sweet and yummy. The korean fried rice was very yummy as well, and to top it all off with macaroon ice cream! Mmmm... Yum!!! Moreover, the ambiance was great! Lighting was perfect. Our area was clean and free of disturbance from others, as we could hear our conversations clearly, and the smell of course was filled with the scent of yummy BBQ; we enjoyed our celebratory moment! This restaurant definitely deserves a 5-star rating! We definitely will be back if we are in SoCal again. Keep up the EXCELLENT work, service and quality tasting food! Take Care and God Bless! read more

Best Korean bbq in Oceanside! Servers are so attentive, HUGE selection of meats and sides and literally everything is so delicious! Food always comes out so fast and servers are always nice, attentive, and fast w everything!! read more

Sonu BBQ - So good there's hardly nothing left! - Korean Near Me - Oceanside, California

Strange idea of hospitality. Went by myself and I was told there was a 2 person minimum and there would be a $7 surcharge for dining alone. I asked if I could instead buy an additional entree to take home with me. I thought I was pretty chill but the host snapped "No! $7 surcharge and that's it!" I thanked him politely and went across the parking lot to the Cajun place, where they welcomed and sat me right away. Look for a review on them next! read more

After multiple attempts to eat here, our wait time wasn't crazy long and we had the opportunity to eat here. Service is really fast and they offer 2 menus at different price points. I felt like I was definitely able to taste the quality in meat. The brisket was the best! The place does get loud and Smokey. They do offer alcohol. read more

Sonu BBQ - Small bites - Korean Near Me - Oceanside, California

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The aesthetics aren't much to look at, and the plastic cups at the table made my Korean wife and I cringe after driving around for an hour in the San Diego area. However, the food at Sonu AYCE restaurant was some of the best Korean all-you-can-eat food anywhere, from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. The quality of the kalbi, brisket, and chicken was excellent, and the servers constantly asked if we wanted more. The kimchi and traditional side dishes were also outstanding and abundant. I've never had better AYCE Korean food. And there were no limits on the Kalbi that Korean restaurants in Las Vegas and Los Angeles often impose. The service was no match for the poor service in Las Vegas. From the manager to the multiple servers who kept asking if everything was okay and if we needed anything, the service was on par with some of the best restaurants in Las Vegas. Best of all, the price was incredibly reasonable, as you can see. All in all, it was worth driving around to find this restaurant gem in Oceanside, CA. Please, Sonu Restaurant, park another storefront here in Las Vegas. read more

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Service is always top notch, New year, Jason and all their staff are always on point! Aside from the service, the Food was delicious! The music reminds me of back in high school, which was pretty cool too! Overall awesome place! read more

(10/10!) SONU Korean BBQ is hands down one of our all-time favorite restaurants! My family and I have been coming here for years, and every single visit is just as amazing as the last. The food is absolutely incredible -- top-quality meats, bold flavors, and everything is always fresh and cooked perfectly. The food selection is fantastic and really completes the experience. The staff truly makes this place special. They are beyond friendly, attentive, and welcoming, and they always go above and beyond to make sure we're taken care of. It feels like home every time we visit. The atmosphere is warm, lively, and perfect for family dinners or celebrations. We've tried many Korean BBQ spots, but SONU continues to stand out year after year. If you're looking for outstanding food, exceptional service, and a place you'll want to keep coming back to, SONU is it. Highly, highly recommend! read more

Came here on a Thursday around 6PM as a party of five and seated immediately. We chose the Deluxe Plan ($28.99 a person) which offers 31 different items along with drinks. All soda drinks come as a can or bottle so unfortunately no refills and ranges from $2.50-$4 per can/bottle. They also charge any child over 55 inches to pay adult price so my 10 year old brother was charged the $28.99 instead of $14.99. In total, we paid $188.51 (including 15% tip of $22.94). Other than that, service was really good for the most part and ambiance is nice and dim. Table and seating is very roomy as well. Overall, was nice to try but didn't enjoy the food as much as I would've hoped and probably wouldn't revisit again. read more

Sonu BBQ - Korean Near Me - Oceanside, California

Wait times are not long at all. Staff are always walking around to check in on you and change out your grill even if you don't push the button. Food is just the right amount and everything tastes amazing. It's incredible for date nights, birthday dinners, gatherings, anniversary. read more

food is amazing!!! service is beyond expectations, the staff is very friendly and I always have a great time. my go to kbbq restaurant! highly recommend!! read more

The servers are friendly but the establishment is so dirty. I unfortunately had to go into the restroom twice (Don't know if this is universal but my young kids conveniently always have to go to the bathroom as soon as we sit down, but also not at the same time ). Anyways, the ladies bathroom was horrendous. And yes, it's a bathroom but if that's how any area that a customer has access to should never be that gross. Mouse droppings along the walls, the base of the toilet had yellow/orange gunk that looked like urine that hadn't been cleaned in who knows how long, a mouth wash dispenser with a dirty cup in it (wtf?). Needless to say, just imagining what the out of customer view/kitchen areas look like made me immediately lose my appetite . I have no idea how they've passed any type of health inspections. Will definitely NEVER go back again. read more

Service is amazing at Sonu and the food is great! We love coming here and the music is good.

It's been a minute since I first reviewed this place, and while the rating itself hasnt changed, the experience has a bit! 3 years later price is about on par with other places. The meat quality has def improved enough that I go here a bit more often, but still has less variety than others. The service is very hit or miss in my experience. Sometimes they're so on top of it, others they just take forever and never bring things. They do have the buttons to call for service but even those are hit or miss in my experience. They're able to host large groups very easily and even through the Yelp waitlist. This makes it a go-to for our friend group. Parking is also convenient in the area. One very random thing: The floors are usually a little slippery in my experience from the grease, so be careful walking! read more

Idk how I haven't already reviewed this place. It's our go to place. We tell everyone about this place. Nothing compares. The food is always good, the staff is so nice. Pro-tip, when in doubt, join the waitlist! read more

My server new year was awesome! First time in the area and she was so helpful in explaining everything and gave great service! Will definitely come again! The food was so tasty and I recommend the upgrade to premium menu read more

Had to repeat to staff many times meat that I had ordered but did not receive. They took forever to set our table even when I got the notification that the table was ready. And then they rushed us out because it was closing time. Had they brought out the meat when we ordered it they wouldn't have had to rush us. Also tip is automatic when there 6 people ?? Mind you we had a 5 year old and they considered that as the "6th person". read more

The food was absolutely incredible! My only regret? I didn't come hungry enough -- but that's on me. The staff was friendly and accommodating, and our selections came out quickly. Since it was my first visit, my server offered a few great suggestions that were right on time!! I highly recommend this place! I'm not usually an "ambiance guy" -- that's more my wife's thing -- but the restaurant was clean, comfortable, and the food again was awesome! So, if you're coming don't make my mistake.... COME HUNGRY!!! You won't be disappointed! read more

AMAZING service here. They have a call button you can use to request for your waiter/waitress but honestly never used it bc our waitress was so attentive. High meat quality as well!! Our favorite was the teriyaki brisket! read more

Sonu BBQ - Corn cheese! - Korean Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Make sure you place your name on the waitlist ahead if time or you and your party could be waiting for a long time. Otherwise, this a pretty good place to grab AYCE kbbq. The deluxe menu has all your standard meats like short rib, pork belly, and the brisket. The brisket is the thinnest sliced brisket I have ever come across at any kbbq place which allows it to cook fast and become crispy, definitely my favorite in the menu. The deluxe menu also comes with rice paper, steamed eggs and some other non meat options as well. The side dishes included Kim chi, bean sprouts, cucumbers, seaweed, fish cakes, and radish all of which were solid. This is my usual go to place for Kbbq whenever I'm in town. read more

Superb service, food, portions, and value. Went with wife and kids and will definitely remember this spot for the future.

I go here about once a month with my boyfriend and his buddies. They always joke with the hostesses, and it's never a dull time, full of laughs and good food. There's normally one grill per table, but it doesn't really get smoky or stifling. They run the AC on a crisp 65°, but it can get warm if you're the designated cooker. They have lots of sides (the traditional radish paper, mung bean sprouts, fish cake, kimchi, spicy cucumber, cheese corn, steamed egg, etc.), and they have rice paper if you ask for it. They come around REGULARLY to ask if you would like to put another order in since it's all you can eat, and check on our grill to do a change if necessary. The staff is very attentive and remembers us by name. If you're in the area and in the mood for AYCE KBBQ, I recommend stopping by! read more

I come here at least every other week, and it's always amazing. The service, the music, the atmosphere. The waiters are so nice and accomplishing. The meat is always fresh. read more

Extremely attentive and helpful staff. Great for gatherings, but is on the smaller side, so seating may take longer and be slightly cramped with a bigger party. read more

Sonus meat quality was amazing! The service was quick and fast, staff was friendly. Very clean inside. However their banchan was not my favorite. read more

Amazing restaurant and their staff is outstanding and super friendly!! I definitely recommend eating here

Food is amazing Prices are according to set All you can eat menu chosen ... service is attentive and ambience is pleasantly quiet . Overall a great place to.just enjoy dinner. This is a relax take time to eat enjoy ....no rush here read more

Alright, alright alright. This is a regular spot for my family. We've come here so often that I've stopped counting and checking in. S E R V I C E The wait on Saturday can be long, Sunday is manageable (30-45 mins) and Tuesday (no wait). Getting on the Yelp wait list in advance helps, but the hard part is predicting how fast the line will go and getting there on time with a baby. The line is always faster than Yelp thinks it will be. The restaurant was gracious enough to call and we let them know we were already in the car on our way. The servers at this restaurant are mostly on their A game. Super fast service and they always change our bbq plate as soon as it looks ready. Our baby sat at the end of the table, and our servers make sure to cover the plate when they removed it or move our kid to the side, so it didn't hit the baby's head. There's a button at the table if you need to call for anything. F O O D We really like the brisket, short ribs, thin pork belly, and bacon with enoki, so the Deluxe menu works well. We've gotten the marinated meat a couple of time, but haven't enjoyed it more than our regular go to list. They also dropped off multiple plates of rice paper and bigger bowls of the banchan. The rice paper, which should be a staple everywhere, is perfect here. Yum! They have their fair share of sake and beer, but I like their pear juice and they don't serve it with ice. Perfect. A M B I E N C E Depending on where you're sitting, the music can be loud. A lot of people come here for birthday celebrations and family meals, so the place is always bussin'. P A R K I N G There's an abundance of parking in the parking lot. Truly, this place is one of the best in Oceanside and adding another review will only make them busier, but they deserve the patronage. read more

Ive tried pretty much every kbbq joint from oside, vista, carlsbad, and san marcos and this place is still the best for me. Ive been coming here since I moved down here from Orange County in 2022. The food has only gotten better since. The service has always been top tier as my family are regulars at this place and the staff is so accommodating, patient, and kind. The ambiance looks pretty great for a kbbq joint- clean tables, utensils, frequent grill changes without having to ask, quick to have the meats out shortly after order. I often see the staff cleaning the floors and wiping down surfaces. This place has been and always will be my kbbq go to and i will always highly recommend this place to anyone looking to get good eats read more

I've been coming to Sonu Korean BBQ for a while now, and it's easily one of my go-to spots when I'm craving KBBQ. This is actually my second time reviewing them, and they've stayed consistently solid every time I come in. My personal go-to meats here are the spicy bulgogi, spicy pork belly, wagyu, and the prime cut steak. The marinades on the spicy options have the perfect kick without being overwhelming, and the wagyu and prime cut steak cook up incredibly tender on the grill. You can really taste the quality. The banchan (side dishes) are always fresh and they keep them coming, which I appreciate. Service has also been great every time I've visited--staff are attentive, quick to swap grills, and always make sure the table has what it needs. The atmosphere is lively and it's a great place to come with friends or family when you're ready to grill and eat good. Overall, Sonu has been consistently good every time I've come, which is exactly why I keep coming back. Definitely recommend if you're looking for solid Korean BBQ in the area. read more

Zhu was amazing! The service was quick and the food was delicious! More than dinner- an experience!!! read more

Sonu BBQ - Jeff's birthday dinner!!! - Korean Near Me - Oceanside, California

The food at Sonu is always incredible. The team there is patience, knowledge about their menu, and provides excellent service.

Best Korean bbq I've had. I've been more times than I can count. There is a big selection and I love the kimchi rice. The customer service is amazing and the price is right. If you are looking for a good kbbq spot this is the one. Big plus is that you can add yourself to the waiting list from the app. read more

I have been to Sonu a few times now and have forgotten to leave a review. Even though I live in the Temecula area it is worth the drive versus the other Kbbq that is around us. First of all the food, sides, cooked items from the kitchen and choices of meat are abundant. The taste and quality is exceptional. Most of all, the staff are efficient, friendly, and attentive. They are quick with grill changes and food orders and deliveries. The ambiance is nice and laid back. Tonight we celebrated a friend's Bday and the staff named "New Year" made it special and memorable. I recommend this place and one of the best KBBQ that I've been. Thank you and will be back soon. read more

Great service and food. The staff was all over it and they did a fantastic job. The menu had a ton of variety and choices. Everything was tasty. We will be back. read more

Sonu BBQ - Great food and service - Korean Near Me - Oceanside, California