I need to be upfront about something: I am a Korean BBQ addict. There is something deeply satisfying about sitting around a tabletop grill with friends, watching slices of marinated beef sizzle over hot coals, wrapping each piece in crisp lettuce with a smear of ssamjang and a sliver of raw garlic. It is, in my humble opinion, one of the greatest dining experiences on the planet. And living in Markham means I have access to some of the best Korean BBQ in the entire GTA.
Over the past couple of years, I have worked my way through a good number of Korean BBQ spots in and around Markham. Some were outstanding. Others were fine but forgettable. A few were genuinely disappointing. Here is my honest take on the ones that stood out, for better or worse.
Sariwon Korean BBQ -- The Reliable Go-To
If I had to pick one spot that I keep returning to, it would be Sariwon. This place has been a Markham-area staple for years, and for good reason. The quality of the meat is consistently high, the banchan (side dishes) are generous and properly seasoned, and the service is efficient without being rushed.
My go-to order is the marinated beef short ribs -- galbi -- which come beautifully caramelized with that sweet-savoury glaze that makes Korean BBQ so addictive. The pork belly is solid too, but honestly, I come here for the beef. The cheesy corn egg is a must-order side. I know it sounds odd if you have never had it, but trust me on this one.
The one downside is the wait. On Friday and Saturday evenings, you can expect a 30 to 60 minute wait, and they do not take reservations for small parties. My advice: go for a late lunch around 2:00 PM on a weekend. Same great food, no line.
My verdict: 8.5 out of 10. Reliable, quality meat, great banchan. The wait is the only real drawback.
Anju -- The Exciting Newcomer
Anju is a relatively new addition to the Markham Korean food scene, and it made an immediate impression. The restaurant feels more modern and upscale than your typical KBBQ joint -- think clean lines, warm wood tones, and a slightly more curated menu.
What sets Anju apart is the depth of their menu. Beyond the standard BBQ cuts, they offer dishes that you do not see everywhere, including ganjang gejang (raw marinated crab) and a bossam (boiled pork belly wrap) that my family absolutely loved. The crab is not for everyone -- it is an acquired taste -- but if you are adventurous, it is worth trying here.
The BBQ itself is well-portioned and the meat quality is a notch above average. The pork jowl was particularly memorable, with a perfect ratio of lean to fat that rendered beautifully on the grill. The ventilation system is also noticeably better than older spots, which means you do not leave smelling like a smokehouse.
My verdict: 8 out of 10. Fresh, modern, and ambitious. Slightly pricier but worth it for the unique menu items.
Myungdong Kalkuksi Noodles and Shabu Shabu -- The Cozy Alternative
Sometimes you want the flavours of Korea without committing to a full BBQ session. That is where Myungdong comes in. While technically known for their hand-cut noodles and shabu shabu, this spot is a personal favourite for its warmth and comfort.
The kalkuksi noodles are outstanding -- thick, chewy noodles in a rich broth that feels like a warm hug on a cold Markham evening. The shabu shabu is communal and fun, especially with a group. You cook thinly sliced meats and vegetables in a simmering pot of broth at your table, and then finish with noodles or rice in the flavour-packed liquid.
It is not BBQ in the traditional sense, but I am including it because the experience is similarly interactive and social, and the food is genuinely excellent. Prices are very reasonable too.
My verdict: 8 out of 10. Perfect for cooler weather or when you want something lighter than a full grill session.
The Owl of Minerva -- Late Night Cravings Sorted
Sometimes the KBBQ craving hits at 10 PM. Or midnight. The Owl of Minerva has you covered. This 24-hour Korean restaurant is a lifesaver for shift workers, night owls, and anyone who has ever thought "I really want galbitang right now" at an unreasonable hour.
The menu leans more toward Korean stews, soups, and rice dishes than tabletop BBQ, but the quality is dependable. Their galbitang (short rib soup) is rich and hearty, and the kimchi jjigae has a proper fermented kick that wakes you up. It is unpretentious, filling, and open when nothing else is.
The atmosphere is very casual -- do not come here expecting a polished dining experience. But that is part of the charm. It feels like a neighbourhood spot where regulars come in, sit down, and eat without ceremony.
My verdict: 7 out of 10. Not the fanciest, but essential for late-night eats and consistently solid Korean comfort food.
Daldongnae Korean BBQ -- Worth the Drive to North York
Technically Daldongnae is in North York on Yonge Street, not Markham proper. But so many Markham residents make the short drive that I feel it belongs on this list. This is the spot that Koreans go to, which is always a reliable indicator of quality.
The pork belly here is exceptional -- perfectly marbled, generous cuts, and the grill setup produces a beautiful sear. Their combo platters are good value for groups of four or more, and the banchan selection is one of the most extensive I have seen. Expect eight to ten side dishes before your meat even arrives.
The restaurant gets loud and smoky during peak hours, and the seating can be tight. Go with people you are comfortable being close to. But if you care about meat quality above all else, Daldongnae is hard to beat.
My verdict: 9 out of 10. The best meat quality on this list, excellent banchan. Just prepare for the crowd and the commute.
Gal's Sushi -- The Unexpected Crossover
I know the name says sushi, but Gal's has a surprisingly solid Korean menu alongside their Japanese offerings. If you are dining with a mixed group where some people want Korean and others want sushi, this is a smart compromise. The Korean dishes are not as specialized as a dedicated KBBQ spot, but the bibimbap is well-executed and the portions are generous.
Think of it as a solid all-rounder rather than a Korean specialist. If you are craving Korean flavours but your dining companions are not all onboard with the full BBQ experience, Gal's gives everyone something to enjoy.
My verdict: 7 out of 10. Great for mixed groups; not the place for a dedicated KBBQ outing.
Tips for First-Time KBBQ Visitors
If you have never done Korean BBQ before, here are a few things I wish someone had told me before my first time:
- Go hungry. Seriously. The banchan alone can fill you up if you are not careful. Pace yourself and save room for the main event.
- Wear clothes you do not mind getting smoky. Even restaurants with good ventilation will leave some scent on your clothes. A dark, casual outfit is your best bet.
- Do not overcook the meat. The biggest mistake first-timers make is leaving the meat on the grill too long. For thin cuts like pork belly, a minute or two per side is usually enough. Watch your server -- they will often cook the first batch for you.
- Use the lettuce wraps. Take a piece of lettuce, add rice, a slice of grilled meat, a dab of ssamjang paste, and a piece of garlic. Fold it up and eat it in one bite. That is the proper way to enjoy KBBQ.
- Bring friends. Korean BBQ is a communal experience. The more people at the table, the more dishes you can order and the better the experience.
My Overall Recommendation
If you want the best meat quality and do not mind a short drive, Daldongnae is my top pick. For a consistently excellent experience right in Markham, Sariwon is the safe bet. And if you want something more modern with unique dishes, give Anju a try.
Markham's Korean food scene is deep and varied, and BBQ is just the beginning. Between the grills, the stews, the noodle shops, and the late-night spots, you could eat Korean food here every week for a year and never get bored. I should know -- I am basically doing that.
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