Kalbi Korean BBQ & Sushi in Islington

Edit: 01/04/2022Update service was good. Food was excellent. We had buffet. Staffs keeped asking us “do you want anything else?” One thing please stop using plastic cup.Old review.DO NOT RECOMMEND AT ALLSTAY AWAY FROM THIS RESTAURANT.RUDE WAITRESSESWE CAME 6-8 AND PROVIDED ONLY ONE BBQ GRILL. NOT ACCEPTABLE.NOT EVEN WORTH ONE STAR.

People who think this place is 5 star are really missing out on the real deal.The quality of the meat is just not good. The flavours of the food were unauthentic. The kimchi and pickles taste old and not in a good fermented way.Set A is not worth it so don’t bother. The rib eye was so bland and the beef bulgolgi didn’t really taste like bulgolgi. The meat is sliced thick and marinaded in flavours that didn’t taste good or was bland.The service was good though, on a busy Saturday night. The server offered to cook the galbi for us but was struggling with cutting the meat. It was so awkward 😓All you can eat for about £35pp plus drinks. Drinks weren’t cheap but I guess that’s how they make their money. So many better KBbq places in London. Try elsewhere.

We found this korean restaurant near Farringdon Been there with group of friends Meat was little sweet But staff were really friendly and helpful in bbq as we were unsure about cooking. Good service Recommended

We had an amazing time at Qalbi. It’s halal and you get pretty much unlimited sides - my only regret is I wish I had gone hungrier!! They let us stay for ages and the food was so so delicious

I’ve been to many samgyupsal places in London and this one is quite ‘special’.Firstly the meat is way sweeter than the Filipino jollibee spaghetti. Sugar, sugar everywhere even the kimchi is. We went 3 of us and we went with Set A which is £3 extra as of 02-2022. When we finished it we went with set B which is way sweeter which made it unbearable to enjoy. We haven’t finished set BAlso they call sparkling water ‘still’ water.The only thing I liked would be the fried rice and the friendly service.For the experience there are better places than this. I ended up spending £45.50 for the sugary food 😓. Total of 136.50 for 3 people with sojus and whatnot.I understand this Kalbi defends its profit revenue by adding sugar on food and rigging the induction grill against the food abusers but there are also legit people who don’t want to abuse when eating and are there just for the experience.Tone the sugar down and I’ll probably come back. K-town New Malden is still the boss. Kalbi is only for the disinformed koreaboos. 💯✅ㅎㅇ

really good service and value for money. Meat was seasoned well. Kimchi was fresh. Def coming back. The flavoured rice wine was nice too.

The bbq buffet we had was delicious and reasonably priced. The meal came with so many side dishes and options of rice. We were blown away by the freshness of the meat marinated in Korean sauces. Awesome flavours. 5 out 5 star recommendation.

It’s an amazing experience for the price. I enjoyed everything.My friend didn’t like that meat was marinated in very sweet sauces so If you don’t like sweet you need to mind that.The staff is very friendly and they let you take leftovers home.

This is just not authentic Korean barbecue. 1) the kimchi didn’t taste fresh; 2) there was very limited lettuce for us to eat with the meat - even after we asked, and they were not fresh; 3) the meat quality was disappointing; and 4) it was worst bibimbap we ever had (bibimbap without hot stone bowl, egg and meat?).The sides they served was different to their menu.The service was not great either - the entire dining area was only served by three ppl during peak times.

If you are looking for an OK korean buffet experience then this is what I would recommend. The food quality was ok but nothing exceptional. Reserve your seats, good space and the service was ok. There were times when the the waitress didn't know how to pronounce the food or even explain it but still made an attempt to find out from other colleagues and that is a plus!