KorBQ

KorBQ brings a modern twist to Korean barbecue in the heart of Canberra's CBD. Situated at 13 Petrie Plaza, this Korean BBQ restaurant has carved out a reputation for its interactive grill-your-own dining and Korean-Japanese fusion flair. The restaurant operates across two floors within Bailey's Corner, offering a lively setting where groups gather around tabletop grills to cook premium meats, seafood, and vegetables to their liking. With a 4.0-star rating from over 600 Google Maps reviews, KorBQ is a well-established name on the Canberra dining scene, known for its buffet-style approach and hearty lunch and dinner services.

The team behind KorBQ describes the concept as modernised Korean cuisine adapted for Western culture while retaining the elements of traditional Korean food. The head chef, classically trained in Italian cuisine, brings an unexpected fusion dimension to the menu — expect to find Korean-Japanese and Korean-Western crossover dishes alongside classic Korean BBQ staples. This creative blend positions KorBQ among the more distinctive Asian restaurants in Canberra.

Menu Highlights at KorBQ

The menu at KorBQ is built around the Korean BBQ buffet experience, where diners can select from a range of proteins and grill them at the table. Based on the restaurant's own descriptions and customer feedback, the most talked-about items include:

• Seafood Pancake: A savory, crispy-edged pancake packed with seafood, frequently mentioned as a popular starter among Google Maps reviewers.
• Pork Belly: A Korean BBQ essential, thick-cut and ready to render into caramelised, juicy slices over the open flame.
• Fillet Steak and Vegetables: Highlighted as a premium option, offering a Western-friendly cut paired with fresh veggies for the grill.
• Korean Chilly Fried Chicken: A fusion favourite that appears in the restaurant's popular items, combining Korean fried chicken techniques with a spicy kick.
• Bibimbap: The classic Korean mixed rice bowl with vegetables, protein, and gochujang sauce, available as a comforting prepared dish alongside the grill-it-yourself offerings.

The buffet format allows diners to sample a variety of meats, seafood, and side dishes throughout the meal. KorBQ's fusion influence means you may encounter unique marinades and dipping sauces that blend soy, garlic, and chili with unexpected Western or Japanese pantry ingredients.

The Dining Experience

Dining at KorBQ is hands-on and social by design. Each table features a built-in grill, encouraging groups and families to cook their food together, controlling the pace and doneness to personal preference. The restaurant describes its atmosphere as young, energetic, and comfortable — a reflection of a team that aims to make every guest feel welcomed from open to close.

Based on Google Maps attributes and the restaurant's own service information, KorBQ offers multiple ways to enjoy its food:

• Dine-in: The full Korean BBQ experience with tabletop grilling.
• Takeaway: Available for those who want to enjoy Korean dishes at home.
• Delivery: KorBQ provides delivery services, widening access to its menu across Canberra.
• Reservations: Tables can be booked online through the restaurant's website, a recommended step for peak dinner times.
• Online Ordering: Available for both takeout and delivery orders directly through the website.

The restaurant is also noted as LGBTQ+ friendly, adding to its inclusive and modern Canberra CBD atmosphere.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

KorBQ holds a 4.0-star rating on Google Maps based on 649 reviews. Review sentiment splits between the fun of the DIY grilling experience and the quality of certain ingredients. Recurring themes in customer feedback provide a balanced picture of what to expect.

Positive reviews frequently highlight the group-friendly atmosphere and the enjoyment of cooking at the table. One reviewer described a party of six who "really enjoyed the experience and the food," noting that even with limited staff, the chef and servers performed well. Another reviewer praised the staff's effort and the overall fun factor of the self-cook setup.

On the critical side, a pattern of feedback mentions ingredient quality. Some reviewers felt the meat and seafood were thawed rather than fresh, and noted that the soy tiger prawns were unavailable on one visit, leading to disappointment. One reviewer commented that the kimchi pancake lacked authenticity and that the service needed improvement, even on a quiet Friday evening. These reviews suggest that while the concept and atmosphere score well, consistency in food quality can vary by visit.

KorBQ in Canberra Civic

KorBQ is located at 13 Petrie Plaza, inside the Bailey's Corner complex on London Circuit in Canberra's Civic district. Civic is the commercial and entertainment heart of the ACT, packed with government offices, theatres, bars, and shopping. Being on the ground floor of Bailey's Corner places the restaurant in a convenient, pedestrian-friendly zone, easily accessible for city workers, shoppers, and visitors staying in central hotels.

The address is well-served by public transport, with multiple bus routes running along London Circuit and nearby Northbourne Avenue. For those driving, paid parking is available in surrounding commercial lots and street bays. Canberra's light rail terminates a short walk away at Alinga Street, making the restaurant reachable from the northern suburbs without a car. The venue is wheelchair accessible through its ground-level entrance within Bailey's Corner.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

KorBQ operates with a split schedule that covers both lunch and dinner on most days, closing on Mondays. The current hours from Google Maps and the restaurant's own website are:

• Tuesday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM (lunch), 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM (dinner)
• Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM (lunch), 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM (dinner)
• Monday: Closed

Booking a table is straightforward via the online reservation system on the KorBQ website. For direct inquiries or large group arrangements, the restaurant can be reached by phone at +61 415 341 918 or by email at korbq.canberra@gmail.com. Online ordering for pickup or delivery is also available through the website.

Common Questions

Does KorBQ offer an all-you-can-eat buffet?

Yes, KorBQ operates as a Korean BBQ buffet where diners pay a per-person price to access a selection of meats, seafood, and side dishes for grilling at the table. Contact the restaurant directly for current pricing and any time limits.

Can I make a reservation at KorBQ?

Yes. KorBQ accepts table reservations through the online booking system on its website. Reservations are recommended, particularly for Friday and Saturday evening service.

Does KorBQ have vegetarian or vegan options?

While KorBQ centres on grilled meats and seafood, Korean BBQ buffets typically include vegetables, rice, and side dishes such as salads and kimchi that can suit vegetarian diners. For specific vegan dietary requirements, contact the restaurant before visiting to confirm available options.

Is KorBQ wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of Bailey's Corner at 13 Petrie Plaza, with level access from the street and no internal stairs required to reach the dining area.

Does KorBQ offer takeaway or delivery?

Yes. KorBQ provides both takeaway and delivery services. Orders can be placed online through the restaurant's official website.

What payment methods does KorBQ accept?

Contact KorBQ directly to confirm accepted payment methods. Most Canberra CBD restaurants accept major credit cards and EFTPOS, but it is best to verify before your visit.

If you're comparing Korean dining options in Canberra, visit Ilistify to explore other Korean restaurants, read reviews, and find the best fit for your next meal out.