Sluurpy > Restaurants in Cape Town Central > Galbi Restaurant

Review Galbi Restaurant - Cape Town Central

Fernanda
Got 2 free glasses of wine because I booked with Feastfox between 5 - 6 pm and ordered a tasting menu for 2 (great value for money, the pork is delicious). The waiter who served us offered one of the best services in town! He navigated us through the menu and helped us to experience the best the restaurant had to offer, if you want to try the same, book a table with Feastfox and ask for Edward. It's a really cool experience to cook your own food! The experience is great for groups or great business meetings ;)
Wessel van Deventer
Great experience, this is something different and different is always good. Great drink selection and the food is yummy. Basically it is a fancy braai in a restaurant, instead of yoir house and you do not have to wash the dishes. We had chicken wings, prawns, springbok, zebra just to name a few and you cook your meat and veggies on a charcoal grill built into the table while having a drink with your friends. A must do in Cape Town, a read hidden gem.
Vikash Parbhoo
Interesting experience where you have the option to order raw meat/fish and grill it yourself, complimented with precooked sides or hot pots. The restaurant has mainly meaty dishes, with one veg and one fish dish. The food is not too spicy, however you can control this based on your cooking skills or preferences. Portions are not too big either. Service was pleasant, interior is low-key, however the place does get pretty smokey due to all the coal used by each table for cooking.
Michael De Wet
This place is a hidden gem, if you want to try something different especially as a group you have to try this! You basically recieve your food raw, they then provide you with coals which is placed in the center of the table. You then cook what ever you ordered and then enjoy! If you want something from your waiter you press the button on the table and they come immediately. I LOVED THIS. Best part is they are in the entertainer!
Yasser BinSaeed
Galbi is Korean BBQ restaurant. They serve good quality food . They have good variety of meat . spending time around 1:30 to 2 hours at the restaurant . Because of the Korean way of cooking. It’s fun and fresh way to eat . I like the food and service but the place need some development. I don’t like the area and the entrance. They have one back door and one from the convenient shop. Check the opening hours before you go and try to go in group.
Nicolene Hellstrom
Brilliant atmosphere. It is a unique way to dine, grilling your own food, at your table. They have a wide variety of game meats, from kudu to zebra. The prices are a bit steep. The staff are friendly and very helpful.
Bianca Lucas
I am so glad I discovered this little place! It is tucked away in one of the small streets leading to Long street. We enjoyed having a little private 'braai' (although the place fills up wiyh smoke quite quickly) For appetizers we ordered a braaibroodjie, camenbert and 'oopsie'. All of which were great! You order your mains as raw meat from the menu with extra sides as you wish. The prices are reasonable, but the bill can add up quickly if you don't keep record. I liked the idea of trying different types of meat. The zebra and warthog was amazing and so tender. My favourite was the beef fillet though! I like my steak rear, so I only haf it on the hot coals for a short while - absolutely delicious! (They also have 1 vegetarian opyion available) Overall a good experience with friendly staff. Braai coals are changed are needed. Fun and delicious!
Adrian de Graaf
Walk down a small alley and experience another culture while being here in South Africa. The prices are not too bad and the beer selection is very good. The star of the show though is the meat selection and the service! Explaining the concept will not do it justice
Claire Owen
What a cool experience! And definitely we'll priced, although not cheap. The staff are very friendly, and the tables are equipped with a call button for convenience. The sides can definitely feed two people. It's a good idea to order a bunch of different things and share amongst the table. The entrance is quite tricky to find. Walk into the 210 on long mall, Galbi is on the far left, at the back.
Leanne “Lakshmi” Phillipson
Really great restaurant and experience. Reasonably priced. It would help if they gave you cooking instructions though, especially for the more exotic meats.
Genevieve Chetty
It was quite a wonderful experience to cook your own meat as you were eating at your own table. The wide selection of meats was great (the zebra was a favourite) however I did wish that it had more marinate on it as they flavours were not really noticable after cooking. I also expected more than half a meilie as a side. The lighting could be a little dimmer to create more of an ambience and maybe some decorations along the alley entrance so it doesn't look too scary would go a long way.
Dylan Allison
Asian style menu with local offerings to mix it up. Cook your own meats on the grids to your liking. Have a zebra loin, Wildebeest sirloin or a variety of wild game meats in addition to the usual standard chicken, lamb, beef and pork. Plenty of options to choose from and side veggies are plentiful.
Sharon M
One of those hidden gems, in Cape Town. Great for a group of 4+ to have a leisurely long dinner. The range is great, from Tempura to Wildebeest steaks. Make sure you try the Jalapeño poppers and a shot of their Bek Se Ju
Tiffany Son
Very good staff. The food was delicious. You have to order the banchan unfortunately. The South African twist was cool with the different meats. The owner was also very attentive with attention to detail. Yummy. Try this place!
James Oliver
Great intimate place for couples or small groups, prices are beyond reasonable and a fun experience. Definitely worth the visit
Diandra Damonze
I absolutely love this restaurant. Had my first semi korean food experience here and have been back 5 times already, will definitely be back again especially for the pork belly and deliciously spicy kimchi. If you know how to braai then your food should turn out delectable as the meat is spiced great. Only thing that I would love to make it a 5 star experience would be to give the meat deboned. It's a bit of a pain having to cut around the bones mid air with a scissor.
Abrie Traut
We went early so it was rather quiet. The service was good and the food well priced too. It is a completely different dining out experience from most other restaurants. I will be back again!
Serena Verbon
Great place, delicious food, friendly and quick staff. It is so much fun to “braai” your own food!! There’s a lot of choice in meat and side dishes. The bibimbap is delicious! Not SUPER cosy decorated (this could be better), But the place is great for groups. Make sure to make a reservation!! It’s usually very crowded and fully booked.
Wilmie Visser
Based on the reviews i decided to try Galbi. <br/>Dirty inside, needs attention. The outside area falling apart. The whole place needs a face lift. More aircons or fans. Staff that explain the experience and recommend dishes. The whole experience fell short. Definitely wasn't worth it. R700 for 2 people in this dodge place. It was cool to braai your own meat. Thats it, it takes long to get cooked. I left feeling hungry and disappointed. We had veg dumplings they were cooked deep fried and served cold. <br/>The salad only had leaves. 2 half tomatoes and 4 pieces of cucumber. We had rice (previously cooked and heated, soggy in the middle) and potato wedges (cooked dry served cold) with 2 chicken thighs and 2 sirloin steaks (thin not even 100g). This #review might be a bit #harsh but definitely not as fantastic as everyone claims. Let down, #disappointed, dirty, hungry. Not worth the time effort and #money spent.
Karen Kuhel
Read the reviews and decided to try it. Wonderful restaurant. Fabulous galbi cooking at the table. Great service. We didn’t make a reservation and were very lucky a table was available.
Neville Giliomee
Very nice setting that is intimate enough for 2 people or a small group but can also cater for larger groups. The food...well if its bad its your own fault since you grill your own meat. The only thing they can do is give you proper cuts and thats exactly what they did. If you like game meat or exotic meats, this would be the perfect place to go. The menu would cater for anyone from vegetarian, to picky eaters and ultimately for the brave as well. Over all a pleasant experience. Not the type of place you would go every day but surely one you would visit again some time.
Midhu Sunnyraj
Great vibe, great experience, fun! It's definitely a great place for a new type of eating experience. The service was on point and the food was tasty. To be repeated!
Lynne Leigh Low-Shang
Went to Galbi for dinner with family and the atmosphere was great for people of all ages. Cooking your meat at your table allowed for conversation to flow and eating to be at out own pace. The fusion set is an amazing way to introduce people to this way of eating. The cocktails are amazing and the staff is amazing. Definitely going back.<br/><br/>Had many cancellations from the group on the night and the manager was very accommodating to our smaller group.
Enzo Forgiarini
Great selection and decent price considering the expense of imported ingredients. A little smokey inside but great compared to bbq in Korea. Definitely recommend trying it out. And the safari set is a great local spin
Liza Duckitt
We drove to CBD looking for Galbi on a very rainy Saturday evening (2 June 2018). When we eventually found it we were told they are fully booked. But Sibu (manager) made a plan and got us seated at a table in the middle of the restaurant which was great. Service from there on out was not the best, but they were very busy to be fair.<br/><br/>The meat we received (kudu, beef fillet, blesbok and springbok) were not labeled correctly but luckily we know our meat and figured it out ourselves. It was fun grilling our own food and the fire creates a nice vibe.<br/><br/>The sides are however quite expensive for the size that they are and the sweet potato fries had some sort of weird old oil type batter on the outside.<br/><br/>Other than that it was a good experience and we will probably be back.
April Jou-An Yao
Honestly one of my favorite places for dinner! It is quite pricy so it's not a weekly thing I'd recommend, but definitely for special occasions! Service was great and even though we didn't make a booking, the manager still let us squeeze in for a bite until the bookings arrived (about 1-2hrs later). Food is super yummy and authentic! Their Kimchi is also quite possibly the best I have tasted in Cape Town!
Brent Thomas
Great atmosphere. Good company. And interesting meat selections. But very tasty cuts. Good starters and sides, but don’t fill up with them. A “wild” experience I wouldn’t mind doing again!
Nqobile Msibi
Galbi was a real treat and we just loooved being able to cook our own meat. The Safari platter for 2 could definitely feed more than 2 people so that was a win in our books. We struggled with finding the entrance from Long Street but really liked the "hidden" location. We found the soju cocktail jug to be impractical as we couldn't pour drinks without spilling it everytime due to the very small spout. I like that a 10% tip is already added to the bill as it ensures that waiters are fairly compensated. One thing we note though is that Galbi is not for people looking to have a quick meal and time really runs away with you especially because you can't see outside - this wasn't a problem for us though because we had all evening
Shalen Mohanlall
Galbi... What an incredible experience. I tend to gravitate to restaurants and cuisines off the beaten path and Galbi delivers like few others. Being an avid follower of Andrew Zimmern, I would have to say Galbi would be a definite feature if BF came to SA. I had a trio of delectable meats: Kudu Wilderbeest and Zebra. The best part was that i could control the cooking process. For those of you who don't know Galbi has little braai pots in the centre of the table and patrons cook their own meat. However there are options that are prepared by the chefs. I wanted a braai so a braai is what i had! The zebra was amazingly tender.. the wildebeest was also succulent. I have had kudo before but as a shank in red wine. This version came a close second. All in all a great experience and real value for money.
Merwe Van Niekerk
What a great place. Such a fun-social-chatting-sharing meal experience. Great flavor combinations, really good meat quality and a surprisingly wide variety of craft beers. Went here for my sisters birthday and it was the perfect choice. Love the interaction. Service was great and super friendly. The entrance to the restaurant looks a little dodgy, but just push through...it’s totally worth it!! 😄😄 Looking forward to coming back for round two
Paige Anderson
The food was good, as good as it can be when you and your friend who has never braai'ed before are cooking, the atmosphere was super cool, it was a fun experience not something I would do often, but nice probably with a group of friends.
Aimee Allison
Lovely little restaurant tucked away in town. I ordered the sirloin, warthog, ostrich and chicken. The warthog was super flavorful and once on the grill gets a crispy outside. The ostrich was another winner, tender and lean with a black pepper crust. We also had the tempura vegetables which is a must have! For starters we ordered the beef dumplings which were a little too salty especially with the soy dipping sauce. Great experience and interactive vibe. Will be back!
Food Guru Snapper
For a full African safari culinary tasting, try out Galbi's Restaurant, a korean restaurant where u get to grill your food sitting right at your table! I ordered me 4 types of fillets which included warthog, ostrich, zebra and kudu. Things can get a bit pricey but worth it. Definitely a highly recommended gem.
Chad Marks
Myself and my friend (whom I normally restaurant with) have been wanting to come to Galbi for ages so yesterday we finally managed to go.<br/>First thing was that we were told that they work almost predominantly on a booking basis (which we were unaware of) however despite us not having a booking they managed to get us a table which I felt was an absolutely awesome was to start the day.<br/><br/>The restaurant itself has got a traditional, Korean side street feel to it, both with the decor and atmostwhich which I really loved.<br/><br/>Knowing what it is we came for, we dove straight into ordering our food and ordered the Korean Galbi set to share. The sides came quickly and were absolutely delicious! We had half beef and half pork, and to be honest I love that you can prepare the meat to your own preference.<br/>The soup was tasty though I felt that the rice was slightly undercooked and too sticky but it was delicious nonetheless (I love rice!) <br/><br/>And whilst we definitely enjoyed the meal and the experience as a whole, we both felt that the beef specifically was quite tough and sinue-rich and after all the time I had been excited about coming, made the meal somewhat anticlimactic. This was really unfortunate. <br/><br/>However, more than happy to come back and give it another try, perhaps we just chose the wrong item.<br/>Definitely going to come back again soon though.
Zaid
If you adventurous and looking for a restaurant that's different then Galbi is definitely worth a try. The restaurant setup is amazing for a catchup with friends over the grill in he centre of the table. The meats come raw and ready to grill and send your taste buds on and adventure. The meats available range from the usual chicken and lamb to zebra and springbok. <br/><br/>The waiters are helpful and the service is quick.
Yajna Gold
Management is always nice, friendly and helpful here!<br/>3 words to describe my experience: fun, delicious, slow<br/>3 words to describe the place: unique, korean, pretty<br/><br/>I found the veg options inexpensive and the food is always delicious!  <br/>What I have had here: rice, cabbage side, tofu, veg, chips, sweet potato fries, chicken<br/><br/>Recommendation: sweet tato fries, rice and meat or tofu<br/>Rating: AWESOME
Verlynn Johnson
Galbi is a nice culture experience. Went there to experience the combination of Korean and South african. Galbi reminds me of a fondue where you cook your own food. You also have a bell on your table to call the waiter which is a very clever thing. Instead of the waiter coming to you all the time or looking for a waiter. You can just press the bell. <br/><br/>Overall experience was very nice, my meat was a bit on the tough side but wasn’t a train smash. I had a skilpadtjie for appetiser and it was really good, haven’t had skilpadtjies in years...<br/><br/>PS the owner of the place is a nice friendly afrikaans guy. He will make you feel warm and welcome when you go there. So go give it a try.
Bhavini Bhagwan
Galbi, albeit a little rough around the edges in terms of waiting times etc, was a really cool culinary experience. I love settings which allow you to interact with your food in different ways and Galbi was just that. <br/><br/>Hidden just off long street it’s quite an unassuming little gem and would be the perfect idea for a first date or an interactive dinner between a bunch of friends. The tables are also fitted with a bell to call on your waiter which I think was pretty handy.<br/><br/>- with Pranava Naidoo
Alastair Waldeck
Hidden away down a rather dodgy looking alley in Cape Town CBD, this place is definitely worth a try! All the meals are South African inspired despite the fact that it is a Korean restaurant. The service was attentive although the food did take a little while to arrive which was a little disappointing since the food is raw after all. But we had everything from Zebra, Eland and Warthog, to the usual pork and beef and wasabi mash. <br/><br/>All in all, it was a really great and different experience and I encourage someone to give it a try at least once!
Natalie
Galbi is a great restaurant if you are not in a rush to eat and in the mood to enjoy dinner slowly over food conversation.<br/>The experience of cooking your own food and doing the traditional wrap of rice and lettuce is definitely worth a try. <br/>For the portion sizes the evening can quickly become an expensive one but also remember it is the experience you are paying for.<br/>The staff are friendly and efficient always ready when you ring the buzzer for assistance.
Damien Jack Anderson
The Venue is great, and the experience is quite unique, but it could do with some air conditioning - the venue was quite hot! A great evening though!
Jen
My favourite restaurant in Town! Love their food, and as a regular customer, if you want to taste a real Korean meal, I would recommend Galbi set !! Reasonably priced and I love the barbeque vibes.
Adrian De Graaf
Walk down a small alley and experience a brand new culture in the heart of CBD, The prices are not too bad and the beer selection is very good. The star of the show though is the meat selection and the service! Explaining the concept will not do it justice.
Sara Lohmaier
Came here with my boyfriend for dinner on my birthday.<br/><br/>We used the entrance off Bloem Street which is up a weird little alley with Fairy lights, it was pretty strange and exciting.<br/><br/>They decor is quite minimalist, but looks really cool because of the copper extraction pipes all of the restaurant(and obviously the mini braais built into the table).<br/><br/>We were seated quickly, and the very friendly owner explained the concept of the restaurant and how the menu works. He also explained that due to the nature of the restaurant there are not many waiters and we should ring the bell attached to our table when we need something, this felt so rude at first, but I left finding it pretty funny.<br/><br/>We ordered the sirloin, pork belly, lamb skewer and shorty rib(which was so good we ordered a second) as well as lettuce(for wraps), kimchi and the spring onions salad(which was also so good we ordered another portion).<br/><br/>We really loved the experience, my only concern would be if we were there with more people it may be hard to make conversation around the extractor pipe, which is pretty big when they attach the cooking piece(this wasn't a problem for us, as when we realized we decided to just sit next to each other).<br/><br/>Will definitely be back for a round 2 soon.<br/><br/>Almost forgot, they have a condiment- its the red paste looking stuff. I asked what its called at least 20 times and still can't remember... something with an 'S', it's one of the most delicious savory things like ever!
Aletha Jeftha
If you're looking for a Korean BBQ experience, look no further. Order a bunch of raw meat and cook it to your liking on the grill, wrap it in a lettuce leaf, slather on some Kimchi (which actually is quite nice) and hey presto you have a winning meal and a fun dinner activity all in one. <br/><br/>It is however not "authentic" - more SA/Korean fusion - and I'm typically not a fan of fusion foods/places. If you're seeking real Korean food - stick to the Korean establishments in Seapoint. This is still a great BBQ place though.
Michelle
Had such a wonderful night at galbi, the staff was friendly, very helpful and explained everything so well. All our food was good, the warthog was incredible, the short rib was very tough. Well priced, the cocktails looked good, will definitely go back and recommend it to friends. Was a fun and entertaining night
Llew Adamson
Great concept! Food took a bit long coming out of the kitchen, which is a bit surprising given that it's unprepared. Friday evening saw a well known cricket celeb making his own food as well :-)
Nicolecupido2
One of the coolest eating experiences ever!! It might get a little smokey but the novelty of grilling your own food is worth it. My favourites include the ostrich fillet, baked butternut and bacon wrapped chilly poppers!!
Ivanna Abigail Kemp
We final managed to visit Galbi, and we were not disappointed! <br/><br/>This is a great place for supper, you get to have great conversation while grilling your own meal.<br/><br/>The vibe: 10/10 - they play some rock/pop music which is unexpected since it's a Korean restaurant.<br/><br/>The food: so good! so affordable! We had chili poppers and prawns for starters, for mains we had zebra, lamb and chicken skewers with spinach and cabbage as sides(both these were Korean dishes - yummm!). Dessert was was cutest, smoors and marshmallows! <br/><br/>Drinks: the most amazing Korean vodka, however the second round seemed a bit 'weak'. <br/><br/>Oh and they have these cute buzzers at each table to call the waiters to your table, much fun!
Nel
New experience for me- cooking for myself at a restaurant. Hadn't ever had- didn't think I would enjoy it but surprisingly I did! Had the ostrich steak (absolutely delicious, ordered two portions because I was completely in love with it); would definitely recommend this place. <br/><br/>However the portion sizes aren't that big, think tapas vibes. Though there are extractors, they don't work too well. You'll definitely leave with your hair smelling like you've just left a smiley hall. <br/>Overall definitely would recommend.
Imogene Osoro
Hidden gem on Long Street! So glad I found this recently while out, there's a great feel to the place. However the lack of variety for vegetarians/vegans is disheartening. But overall would go back again
Lyle Curry
An great eating (and cooking) experience. The service is great and the food is amazing especially the Seoul chicken wings. I always have fun when I go there.
Mish Winterwolf
Love this restaurant to bits. <br/>Always have a good time and excellent service :)<br/>Whenever foreign friends come down I recommend going to Galbi's
Amy Imogen Tanzer
Craving kimchi I was delighted to find out Galbi (an African and South Korean BBQ restaurant) was within walking distance of my house. <br/><br/>The waiters and staff were super helpful and courteous. However, I was very disappointed with my food. It's wasn't bad - but it didn't live up to my expectations. <br/><br/>I ordered the kimchi potato pancake and the kimchi as a side. The pancake wasn't very flavourful and tasted fairly starchy. The kimchi was quite stringy, a bit too sour and didn't have any crunchy bits. <br/><br/>I may return in the future to try out their BBQ set up, however I think I'll stick to Seoul Restaurant when desiring any South Korean cuisine!
Tracy-lee Splinter
Such an awesome experience! <br/>Venue: The venue from the outside doesn't look like much but don't let that fool you. <br/>It is beautiful inside and each table has its own BBQ.<br/>Food &a drinks: There are some strange meats to try such as warthog for example but it makes the experience fun and actually tastes quite good. The food is great and cocktails even better. <br/>Service: it seems as though there are too few waiters as the place can get a little busy but other than that the staff was all very friendly. <br/>Overall: Perfect place if you're looking for something different and exciting!
Anaaz A Dirk
Tempura veggies delicious<br/>Veggie set was good choice and well priced<br/>Tofu was good<br/>Service and Hosting was ok<br/>Quesadillas a real treat for dessert
Theo Van Zyl
What great place. Food was great. I like the fact that you can ring a bell on ur table and like magic a waiter appears. Wish I could so that at more places. Its a little pricey, but the experience is worth it. Fair warning. Some people dont know how to BBQ, so it can get a bit smokey in there.
Amy Chen
Firstly I don't understand why it takes them an hour to bring out meat that isn't even cooked. Second, I don't know why they only give us 5 spices (two of which are salt and pepper) when nothing they bring out is preseasoned. It's smokey and it's dingy. Not impressed!
MellaB
After teaching in Korea you will never be quite the same and your taste buds have matured in a sense getting use to flavours you never thought possible. Hence on my return to South Africa I was left with a severe craving for kimchi and their soups. Such a relieve when I found Galbi!!! Great, authentic Korean food just the way and style I was used to. Even have soju and Korean beer. It's been 4 years and we still go there often. Definitely recommend for a group or couple night out.
Kirsty Allen Probert
I would highly recommend Galbi! We joined our friends for dinner and had the most delicious food. The staff were also friendly and helpful. Can't wait to visit again.
Unopa Mazwigwila
I love this place with a passion. I have been wanting to try Korean cuisine for a long time and I finally did. The food is beautiful. The kimchi jijgae is by far the most delicious dish I've had so far. The soju is nice its nots as strong as vodka but its doable. One needs to reserve a table if they are anxious to eat but walks are accepted since I did a walk in. I suggest people to try it out.
Francesca Favero
An interesting Korean -African fusion restaurant , just off  Long street. The alley you have to go down can feel a little dodgy at night time, but the restaurant itself is lovely. Traditional Korean style BBQ with some good offerings.  I like the fact that you order meat per 100g , so you can mix it up a bit and try a few different options. It's really nice, social evening as you all get to cook the meat together around the table. <br/>However, as someone who has lived in Korea, I find it odd for a Korean restaurant to charge for banchan such as lettuce and kimchi -things that would usually be complimentary in Korea.
Craig Shalekoff
The term nou gaan on braai is so south African<br/> . So what do you get when you combine a good old fashioned south African barbeque with Korean fusion. The answer is an awesome evening and awesome food. Unlike the Saxonwold shebeen . This is a true hidden gem. Worth exploring and spending an evening cooking and drinking with friends
Claudia Penny
Galbi is down an alleyway along Long Street, which immediately gives it a hidden feel and makes for a quieter evening away from the hustle of the busy road outside. Its pretty decor and dim lighting is striking on arrival, and so very welcoming. <br/><br/>Both the owner/ manager and the staff members were extremely friendly. Our waiter was new, but very attentive and efficient. I surprisingly like the idea of having a button to ring whenever service is required, even though it took a while for shy me to actually get used to pressing it.<br/><br/>We had a combination of South African (meat) and Korean food and found the Korean food most impressive. We literally haven't stopped talking about how much we enjoyed the Bibimbap and will definitely be back for that! Absolutely loved the cook it yourself vibe. <br/><br/>We took our own wine (at R45 corkage) but the authentic style drinks are also on my list for next time!<br/><br/>The food was good value for money, particularly considering that you pay for the fun element too, and we left stuffed for under R400 for two of us. <br/><br/>Really, really excited for the next visit.
Zanel
I have been keen to come try Galbi for ages and when my brother was in town this past weekend, I thought what better time. Walking down the alley way I felt like I was in another city with the hanging lights and graffiti along the sides. We were a table of 8 and had to be split due to the braai in the centre of the table so if you are a big group, make sure to book early to get the one big table. <br/><br/>I started with a kiwi mojito which was a refreshing alternative to the classic. To braai I chose a fillet steak and a chicken satay, very tasty and for a side I had the best sweet potato fries I've had in a while, especially with the cilantro-jalapeno dipping sauce. I like that you can season your meat as you wish, but the braais are rather small if you have a few items. <br/><br/>Our waitress would take half our drink orders then disappear and we had to remind her more than once about items even though she wrote everything down. <br/><br/>It's a fun and different dining experience at a surprisingly reasonable price.
Ruby Bunjun
Oh my gosh this was amazing. There wasn't anything we didn't love. I have to say though, we tried the spinach side as part of the Galbi set and it was one of the nicest things I've ever eaten. Throughly fun and delicious experience!
Sheryll
Fun fun fun! <br/>The only time I've ever had a braai with my other half and he's allowed me control of the tongs! <br/>The hostess/ waitress was adorable and very helpful (I'm guessing she could see I'm not an expert with cooking on flames) <br/>The flavours made me feel like I was back in Asia <br/>Amazing value for money too. <br/>Go with a group for the best experience
Rrbex Noms
My first K-BBQ experience and I was not at all disappointed! Opted for the traditional Korean Galbi Set which was delicious! The ingredients were all fresh and the overall experience was a wonderful treat. All the side dishes worked well with the meats and the flavours complimented each other so well. The decor wasn't very appealing or inviting, but the quality of the food certainly made up for it. I also had refreshing and sweet the berry cocktail.
Mwinji Siame
A different experience for those who really want to try something new.The food was sumptuous and the menu quite large so I ended up sampling a bit of everything from friends plates.Just wish I had discovered this place sooner!
Jessy Da Silva
Was very excited to visit Galbi, only had good recommendations from friends. I really enjoyed the experience. Got confused with the menu but other than that food was great and very tasty, I would suggest going with a group so you can share and get to try a bit of everything, so much on the menu.
Neil Moll
Great to experience something new for a change, braai your own food Korean style! Helpful staff, nice music and an interactive eating experience, well worth it. Kimchi was good as well, not too hectic.
Wez_Undercover
I liked this place a little to much. It must be the Afrikaner in me but damn what a smart concept. Braai your own food and the sides are amazing. Please try the wasabi mash... it's life changing.
Catherine
Yum, yum, yum! Galbi is a South Korean fusion restaurant, and is a great spot for dinner. The ambience was great and there was a good mix of families, group of trendy folk and other eating there. Service was on the ball, and our meal was delicious and satisfying. My brother, who lived in Korea has confirmed that as a fusion place, the Korean aspect has been done well. Drink selection was varied with some unusual choices. Recommended for an interactive night out. Must love sharing food!
Dennis Chiang
If you like asian BBQ and craft beers this is the place you would want to be. Very nice vibe with copper air vents for all the tables. The price is on the expensive side, but all korean places are a bit pricey. Whats nice is that they do have a wide variety of raw meats that you can order and BBQ yourself including GAME meat. <br/>All in all a great to try out if you have not been here.
Siege
I've been to Galbi twice. First time was a pleasant experience, second time was so-so. The vibe, the ambience, the atmosphere was all great. It's an amazing place for an interactive dining experience because you get to grill the meat yourself. Gabli is a type call Korean BBQ style restaurant with a South African twist. We got a few different varieties of meats off the menu and a pot of Kimchi (love!). They also have an adventurous menu, you can get game meats like warthog and zebra.<br/><br/>Service was below par, our waiter was emo and the hostess had a bad attitude. I would go again for the food and vibe but the service put me off...
Juanita Rene Stears
This place is a must try for all! If in Cape Town ever.... please visit this place!<br/><br/>The service is so amazing, they have a bell, yes a bell you can ring to get the attention of your waiter! <br/><br/>The food is very interesting, yummy, fresh and portioned very well.<br/><br/>Drinks, nice! the guys loved the craft beer selection and the cocktails were yummy too! <br/><br/>Prices: Affordable! Do go prepared knowing you check the menu prices and thought of what you gonna have! it all adds up!! But so worth it!<br/><br/>They are amazing!
LeMarc Gouws
Truly a unique and amazing experience! The only palace I have ever visited where you are the 'chef', basically braaing your own food using the very unique Korean braais in the Centre of the tables. Order some exotic wild meats, braai broodjies, oepsies, Chilli poppers etc. and braai them yourself! This us a perfect place for a great night out!
Vuyo Renene
I thoroughly enjoyed myself here. <br/>I was a bit hesitate firstly because of the location of the restaurant, it felt a bit dingy. But once I entered the actual restaurant itself, I liked it. <br/>We had a large selection of meats to choose from and we took this to our advantage. We ordered the kudu, the springbok, the lamb , the zebra and the ostrich, with a the garlic mash potato ( which I COULD NOT GET ENOUGH OF) , the vegetables and the sweet potato fries. <br/>I love that you grill your own meat, it makes the experience even more fun. <br/>Friendly service and a warm environment. <br/>I suggest you come here in groups :)
Coral Le Roux
Galbi, where have you been all my life? I've been looking long and hard for a fun place like this that serves great food. (However, in this case, you mostly serve food to yourself!) Had I not had the Entertainer, we would never have found it. It's really tucked away, off Long street and down an alley. My husband was apprehensive walking down, but when you get into the restaurant, you immediately feel warm and welcome. The décor is simple and clever. It's a Korean barbeque and you cook your own food at your table. The owner spent a lot of his time explaining the origins of the concept, and suggesting flavour combinations. We chose the Galbi set, a little of everything, and off we went. I love the fact that it's noisy and bustling, and that you can call the waiter with a bell at any point, and they appear like Genie. Not for a romantic dinner, but definitely for a get-together with friends and family. We can't wait to return.
@MzansiGirl
What a fun and yummy dining experience! I've been really into Korean food lately, so I was super excited when Galbi popped up on my Zomato when I was looking for last minute dinner options.<br/>It was a Wednesday night and we didn't have a reservations but luckily they had a table free. Tucked in a...
Gustav Neethling
Had a birthday party at Galbi and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. Preparing your own meat and the wide variety of venison was a treat and kept the interaction between guests going. Lovely Korean spices and ingredients gives it a unique edge. Worth a visit!
Grant Lange
Great for an interactive night out with a group of friends. Think it's also best suited to visit in winter time as it gets quite hot in the small and cosy restaurant.
Jaclyn Woods
Galbi is awesome!<br/><br/>Concept: self-cooking. Each table is equipped with a little cooker inset into the centre and you basically grill your own food over it while you chat in a very civilised, clean and fun fashion.<br/><br/>We went here for a friend's birthday party and it was a great conversation maker between strangers so potentially an excellent first date idea. There were options for the vegetarians and a wide variation of meats for the carnivores.<br/><br/>I'm a bit sad that I haven't been back yet!<br/><br/>
Pia
Went here for dinner and had quite a good time. The open.fire place with the food to grill on yourself was great fun and very social. Some of the plates / portions were prerty.small but all of them were yummy!
Kelly Frielinghaus
Fantastic experience! My friend found this place down an alley in town which she said did Korean food. We entered and found a bright and busy restaurant with built-in fires in the tables. We ordered a bit of everything on the menu. The spicy Kimchi soup was delicious. We braaied warthog, kudu, pork and beef strips. We sliced it all up and shared and chatted, while sipping on the Spice Route Sauvignon blanc. We rolled up our meat in cos lettuce with peanut oil. Absolutely delicious, and healthy too! Awesome experience and really romantic.
Asher Weinsein
Off the bat, the only problem with this place is that I can't go back too soon - you really just can't have too much fun and because I really want to enjoy as much as the first time, without overdoing it.<br/><br/>This Korean and African style gem took us by surprise and blew us away. Initially set on a steak dinner, the idea of tapas style meat was ideal.<br/><br/>Deciding we really want to try a bit of everything we ordered fusion and safari sets. Springbok, fillet, warthog, lamb, ostrich, kudu, zebra & sirloin. Best first. Nothing disappointed - that is if you know what game meat is like.<br/><br/>Great place to take a small (or big) crew where you're allowed to have fun playing with your food over your own grill. Really enjoyable experience and looking forward to going back!
Trinka Mynhardt
From the moment you enter Galbi's, it's an experience. Situated in the centre of town in a dingy alley, the entire atmosphere is completely authentic. The restaurant has a definite Korean feel with interesting interior and a built in "braai" at each table. They serve a range of traditional and slightly different South African meat cuts with a Korean twist. For starters we had the fried dumplings and spicy chicken wings. It was certainly not a taste I am used to, as a lot of sesame oil and ginger is used to prepare most of these dishes. For mains we ordered the xinjin chili lamb sosatie, pork belly with spicy marinade, zebra and kudu loin, chicken satay and my personal favourite, the warthog fillet (this one is a must!). The concept of braaing at the table created an incredibly interactive and social atmosphere, and something I believe everyone should experience! I agree that the music completely killed the authentic vibe, but would recommend Galbi to anyone looking for something new and interesting right in the hub of Town.
ROBERT ELLIS
This was one of my favourite restaurant experiences I have had in a long time. Walk through an alleyway and enter a restaurant that has a grill in the centre of your table and you order some fresh cuts of meat and cook the meat yourself- it really provides a social occasion which was thoroughly enjoyable. We had zebra, warthog and kudu sirloin, chicken satay, springbok sosatie and then the ready made sides get served with the meal. It was a great social occasion and something very enjoyable and different. The service was excellent, and other then some average background music, it was a fantastic evening Trinka Mynhardt
Zeenat Noordien
Perfect little hidden gem in the middle of all the chaos of long street night life. Intimate and cosy great for a date night with a twist. Do it yourself way of cooking made the meal that much more enjoyable. Great concept
Taryn Bain
Just finished having dinner here tonight. And while it wasn't the worst dinning experience of my life, I definitely won't be back. The food was very average. All the meat that was supposed to be excellently basted was bland. The service was lacking, although to be fair it was very full and extremely noisy (which in its self was off putting) And for what we paid, being R500 for two people, I just didn't feel like I got my money's worth. All in all pretty disappointed as I had such high hopes for Galbi.
Kirsty Donald
I love Galbi! You don't just come here for great food. The whole Korean bbq experience is just awesome! The best way to do it is with the platters as you get to taste a little bit of everything. My two favourite are the Korean platter and the wild game platter. This is the best place to come if you want to have some fun with your meal (and perhaps a cooking disaster or two).
Kelly Rae Gifford
This really is a little hidden gem - such a nice spot for a date or to go with a group of friends. It is a very interactive dinner and a nice way to experience a bunch of new flavours. The open grill was my favourite! We had a combination of sirloin, ostrich, springbok and kudu that we fried up and ate with a couple of their spices and sauces. I highly recommend this spot for a different and fun dining experience.
Klara Aizupitis
The term "fusion" may be starting to become overused in the restaurant industry, but Galbi is truly a fantastic one of Korean BBQ and South African braai. It's a fun concept destination without being gimmicky. Go to Galbi if you're looking for a night out of experience and good food (at a decent price). It's basically all family-style, so also make sure that you at least kind of like the people you're going with.
Azele Anne Naicker
The galbi restaurant is tucked away in a little shopping complex on long street. The entryway was decorated with fairy lights and looked beautiful. The restaurant definitely does not look as good as it does on the website. The food was good, the steak fillet being the best meat we tried as compared to the zebra, warthog and kudu. I really enjoyed the sweet potato chips and veg tempura was great. The interactivity was great although the place didn't warm up until the fires were lit. Our waiter was a bit rude and disinterested at times. It was a good experience but needs some improvements in atmosphere.
Christopher
A huge disappointment. After seeing numerous good reviews for Galbi we were extremely excited to try this different dining experience. I had heard it was a warm and cozy spot, perfect for the Cape Town winters but it certainly wasn't. The photos online definitely don't represent the true decor of the restaurant. The food was however the biggest let down, the pork belly was definitely not the 100g as promised and all in all the food was very average.
Where-oh-where
The interactive element of the restaurant is fun, but I feel like there is a bit of ambiance lacking. The sweet potato fries are great. For tourists it's an interesting way to try out some venison.
Nicole Vrede
Such a cooool experience! I highly recommend this place to anyone in Cape Town who is looking for a different dinner and want to entertain friends. <br/><br/>The entrance to Galbi (Bloem street side) is awesome. It looks like a different country with fairy lights hanging across the buildings. You immediately know you are in for a different experience. <br/><br/>On the food side of things you get to try different meat options, which was of really high quality. I felt that my fillet and chicken were more than 100g, so we were totally full afterwards. It's fun to try a whole lot of side options for the table and everyone can pick and choose what they like best. We all loved the sweet butternut and garlicky spinach.<br/><br/>There is a cool buzzer on the table, which you can use to get your waitors attention. This worked like a bomb :) overall I loved the young vibey waitors and everyone was keen to help. They take note of small details and you don't have to ask to keep removing plates (as the table does get pretty full).<br/><br/>Tip: Go in winter, it gets nice and toasty inside with all the 'braais' going. <br/><br/>Overall, really good value for money and I will be back over and over again.<br/><br/>The only thing that held back my last 0.5 point was the chairs...it can get really uncomfortable, need some cushions up in there AND lastly some more wine options to have by the glass (since the wine list is fantastic). <br/><br/>
Nicki
It was a very underwhelming experience -- we had the 'pork belly' which was basically 2 pork rashers (definitely not 100g!), the lamb sosatie, the ostrich steak and the fillet. The meat was all round disappointing and some portions were certainly not 100g as stated... The only partially redeeming factors were the sides - tempura veg, sweet potato wedges and chips. The sticky rice was very dry and tasteless. All in all - disappointing and we will not be returning.
Nicole Forbes
Galbi was so lovely and really something different. This restaurant is so warm and intimate which is perfect for cold winter dates or a night out with your partner. The service was excellent and the food was good too.
Justine Lawrenson
Love the idea of cooking your own meat at the table! Very cool! Not for the faint hearted as there are a few different types of meat on the menu. I've tried almost all and was never disappointed 👌🏼
Leila Osato
Have been to Gabli a few times, I always enjoy the food and try something new every time I go! The DIY part of the experience makes it very memorable :)
Sue-Ann Fourie
Always an enjoyable night out. Venue better suited to small bookings, as their grill system can only really comfortably cater to four people at a time, but that said, the friendly service and excellent food make the 'bun fight' for grill space worth it. I've twice had birthday dinners here with more than 20 people and we've always left with smiles on our faces.
Jenna Manthé
I absolutely love this place! Not only is the food tasty, it's a unique and interactive experience. Each table has their own little "braai" and you can order from a range of different meats and veggies that you pop onto the grid and cook yourself. <br/><br/>Based on the Korean BBQ concept, Galbi adds a bit of a South African twist by offering meats like zebra, ostrich and warthog. So if you ever have any foreign friends you need to entertain, this is definitely a goodie! My American friend raves about the Safari Set.<br/><br/>If you're feeling adventurous, try some kimchi - this is a Korean restaurant after all. Kimchi isn't my thing, but I can vouch for the Jjinmandu, tempura veggies and roasted butternut. The cocktails are also super tasty - Kiwi Crush is an absolute winner! <br/><br/>The decor is pretty average but when you're so caught up in having a great dinner, you tend not to notice. Also, if you're needing a place for a first date - do it! If things are awkward, you can throw a piece of steak onto the braai and pretend to be busy ;)
Michelle Moller
Celebrated my 21st birthday at Galbi as well as took my BF there for his birthday!! Great staff especially Bridget!! Tempura veg and the Rustic mash is a must, Safari set is also great for couples! Love the cocktail jugs, also helps keep costs down in big groups! Unique fun environment!! Only thing i'll change is the trading hours, as they close at 22h00. Overall love the place! 💚
Msomi
On arrival you notice a miniature braai built into the tables and look at the menu. A few glances in I had to get the warthog steak on the grill with a selection of sides, sweet potato fries that melt and kimchi. This Korean styled restaurant is a gem in the the middle of Long Street. Definitely worth the dining experience, plus the wine selection is a treat.
Reshmi Muringathuparambil
We went to Galbi on a whim, with very little expectations. Was nervous for all of two seconds as I walked through the alleyway off Long street closest to the restaurant, but found my friends soon enough! The set up was exciting, with exhaust pipes and a grill right in the middle of the table - anything different and unusual usually floats my boat! The menu was equally exciting, options such as Warthog and Zebra were available, as well as a sufficient vegetarian selection. We had a knowledgable waitor, and besides the no-windows thing, the place was quite cozy! Oh, soju is a must-try! You dont quite realise how potent it is while you're gulping it down (probably incorrectly) but boy, will you realise! The prices do add up, but overall it was a pretty cool experience.
Debbie Bergmann-harris
We were recommended to Galbis and weren't disappointed. Having lived in Asia we are always on the hunt for some true flavours and hubby's kimchi addiction was well taken care of.
Food Ninja
We went to Galbi to celebrate my husband's birthday. We wanted to experience Korean cuisine. Out total bill - 4 adults - with soft drinks came to R638 - Galbi add 10 percent service charge. I was disappointed with the Bibibamp it lacked authenticity. The galbi experience was fun but the extraction fan didn't seem to really work & it got very smokey in the restaurant. The trout was the best galbi dish. Dumplings were good. The restaurant gets ridiculously noisey - so this is not a place for you if you want a quiet nightout with good conversation.
Piglet
My first taste of true Galbi (North Korean style cooking) and enjoyed it thoroughly.<br/><br/>Decide to try this exciting new (to me at least) style restaurant. And dragged a friend along who has been to North Korea and seen how it's done first hand. <br/><br/>Loved the decor. Simplistic but practical. <br/><br/>They kept the service as authentic as possible, by having a buzzer on your table which you press when you want service. So no wait staff that bugs you all the time. <br/><br/>The food was amazing. We ordered a set menu, which contained a list of mostly authentic North Korean items. The full menu has some South African items on it as well.<br/>The items arrived all in its own little bowl. We started grilling our meat and layer the items all into the lettuce leave you use as a base. <br/>The flavours were amazing. I loved experimenting with the different flavour combinations. <br/><br/>My only advice is. Don't go there on a first date, as it can get messy. Other than that, do your self a favor and visit this little hidden gem.
Cptboytjie
First place I've been to where I pay to prepare my own food. This Korean style restaurant has got it right with a unique experience and in the heart of the mother city. Go our to this place if you want something very unique
Dylan Thomas
As far as authenticity is concerned Galbi gets close. For those who have no idea what Galbi is, in Korea it is like an indoor braai. They provide the fire and you order the marinated meat and you cook yourself, while usually drinking yourself blind. The fusion aspect is interesting because you get to eat zebra and giraffe. If you have a foreign friend and want them to try some exotic meats this is the place to take them. Having said that, if you don't know how long to cook zebra it might be a good idea to ask for some help or else you'll end up with dry over-cooked meat. The vibe itself is quite, the price touches on expensive but can be expected given the costs of maintaining the facilities they need. Drinks are a bit pricy, but at least they stock soju. Great fun for family or a date, in the heart of town so can easily be base before you go clubbing. Phone in advance they can be quite busy.
Tamarin Cronje
A great experience at Galbi. Food was delicious, I would definitely recommend the fillet! The vibe starts picking up at 7, make a booking because they are always fully booked. I will come back here, staff and service is great
Emily Kate Smith
Fun evening at Galbi in Cape Town. Definitely a recommended group dining experience. The cooking of your own food makes this Korean Barbeque Restaurant! Food was tasty, service friendly. One or two cockroaches spotted, but hey that's Cape Town!
Theo Van Rensburg
First impressions wasn't a good one but the experience made up for it. Through an alley that opens in a rustic eating area. Barbecue your own meat with very nice sweat patato fries.
Leigh Dermick
Concept with great potential however it has v little to do with Korean bbq and basically a glorified braai area where u cook your own food. Fun night out yes but don't expect authentic Korean food
Carlétjie Van Eck
Very nice concept just very loud and warm in there - the food is quite nice with all sorts of strange selections to choose from - bar is very limited, but hey I'll go back there - was a very original experience!!
Kelsey Spykerman
Good experience...but was a little disapointed it can work out quiet pricey for what you actually getting. Dont go here on a budget cause you will still feel hungry, they do also add a tip on already so be aware.<br/>All in all great experience, food obviously depends on how you cook it.
SvN_lovedining
Loved Galbi! Loved the vibe and that you can braai your own meat to your liking. It is always a great evening when you socialize with friends around a 'braai'.<br/><br/>They also have great veggie options for sides as well a great cocktails using Korean alcohol.<br/><br/>All in all a definitive must try!
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