Seorae Korean Bbq

This is a large chain Korean BBQ restaurant with numerous locations around the world. The service here is excellent, although the prices are a bit on the higher side. There are plenty of menu options, and each table features a large fan overhead. The quality of the meat and food is outstanding, which is also reflected in the prices. Once again, the service was remarkable; they checked on us frequently and changed our grills multiple times during our meal. Overall, it's definitely worth a visit!

The food quality is excellent, and we appreciate the quiet location in Richmond, which is conveniently near the River and Oval. However, we found the seating to be less comfortable than we anticipated. The tables are quite small, and the "chairs" are not very comfortable. The service could also be improved, as the waitstaff seemed very busy and overlooked us at times. Additionally, it can get quite smoky inside the restaurant when it’s full.

In terms of quality, I think the pricing is reasonable, but this is not one of those all-you-can-eat or budget-friendly Korean BBQ spots; the meat here is of good quality. If you’re seeking value, this might not be the right place for you. For those new to this restaurant or Korean BBQ in general, I have a couple of tips: First, avoid ordering only a la carte meat, as it can be pricey and the portions are relatively small. To get the best value and feel satisfied, I suggest opting for a meat set—typically a beef set and adding a few side meats like pork belly and beef skirt. Complete your meal with carbs such as cold noodles, japchae, seafood pancakes, or rice. Secondly, always ask for refills of your banchan (which includes kimchi, salad, pickles, corn, and steamed egg) because they are complimentary. Make sure you make the most of your meal! As a new Korean BBQ establishment, they are still fine-tuning their service. Some reviews have criticized the service, but I found it to be understandable given the occasional disorganization. We did have a Korean server, but it appears they have also hired a lot of Chinese staff, given the location in Richmond. One thing to note is that the ventilation isn’t great, so be prepared to smell like oil and grease after your meal—definitely avoid wearing fancy clothes here. Also, keep in mind that it’s a first-come, first-served place. If you want to avoid a wait, it’s best to arrive early and be prepared for that. Overall, I had a pretty good dining experience!