4 of the Best Korean Barbecues in the Tampa Bay, Florida Area

One of the hottest international foods that are gaining popularity across the country and now into the Tampa Bay area is Korean Barbecue. If you love anything barbecued you're going to love it Korean style. The most popular of these bbq dishes is Galbi and Bulgogi. Galbi is marinated beef or pork short ribs, whereas Bulgogi is thin slices of sirloin or other cuts of prime beef. Chicken and pork are also used in Bulgogi. Scallions or shiitake mushrooms are also added on the Korean grill. Some of these Tampa Bay area Korean restaurants may have grills already built into the tables, while others will bring you a portable stove right at your table.

I have lived in South Korea where these dishes are still very popular. There's nothing like savoring international foods from its native country. The marinade sauces used are absolutely mouth-watering. One of the things I still miss about Korea is their bbq dishes. Thankfully there are four Korean barbecue restaurants in Tampa Bay you can partake when you're in the mood for some bar-b-que. Besides each of these restaurants offering Korean barbecue as their main staple, there are other Korean dishes offered such as kimchi and bibimbop. You may even find some offering other Asian cuisine besides Korean. Get ready to learn more of what these Korean Barbecue restaurants are all about here in Tampa Bay.

1.) Rice Restaurant- Tampa, Florida

Here is Tampa's only Korean barbecue where the grill is built right into your table. They also serve other Asian cuisine from Japan such as sushi. However, Korean bbq and other authentic Korean dishes is definitely where it's at. The Rice Restaurant has won awards as one of the Best Korean Restaurants in America and Creative Loafing's Top 50 Restaurants in Tampa Bay. Mama Kay is the owner and very well known in the Korean community throughout Tampa Bay. Rice Restaurant's hours are 11:30AM to 10PM daily. They are located in the Town 'n Country Plaza at 7525 W. Hillsborough Avenue. (813) 889-7766.

2.) Sa Ri One Korean Restaurant- Tampa, Florida

Out of 41 consumer reviews this Korean restaurant received 4 and a half stars out of 5. Located near the Westshore business district it's a popular restaurant for the business crowd at lunchtime. Sa Ri One is also open for dinner too. It may be a bit pricey and the atmosphere inside isn't exactly the fanciest, but their Korean barbecue especially the short ribs are out of this world. If you want authentic Korean dishes along with the famous Korean bbq be sure to check them out at 3940 W. Cypress Street. (813) 874-2911.

3.) Soul of Korea- Tampa, Florida

Like they say on their website this Korean restaurant is "The Heart and Soul of Korean Cuisine". They offer the savory grilled and marinated ribs, beef and chicken Korean bbq- style with prices ranging from $13.99 to $16.99. You'll also find Chinese cuisine offered on their menu too. Soul of Korea is located in north Tampa at 7612 N. 56^th Street. (813) 989-9030.

4.) Han-Il Kwan Restaurant- Tampa, Florida

Many of the Koreans or those who love Korean food love this restaurant. Based on some of the reviews by Koreans they say it is one of the best Korean restaurants in Tampa. The cuisine is definitely authentic, plus their galbi and bulgogi is by far the best. However, they seem to emphasis more on their Japanese cuisine, such as sushi, instead of the Korean dishes. More than likely sushi is better known and more popular at the moment, which is why they might advertise that instead. Don't let that throw you off. Come check out what all the Koreans in Tampa Bay are saying about Han-Il Kwan at 8104 W. Waters Avenue. (813) 806-1551.

In my opinion Rice Restaurant is the closest I've seen and tasted when it comes to Korean Barbecue just like it is in South Korea. The other three restaurants offer superb Korean barbecue as well. It's just a matter of taste, price and décor. No doubt there's something for anyone who loves barbecue.

SOURCES:

ttp://www.koreanrestaurantsusa.com/mstc/koreanrestaurantsusa.nsf/RestDisplay?OpenForm&sView=RestByCity&State=FL&City=Tampa

http://www.thefoodsection.com/foodsection/2005/04/korean_barbecue.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page