Mansae Korean BBQ - CBD

Overview

The word 'mansae' is Korean for 'hip hip hooray', which is appropriate as this is the type of authentic Korean restaurant where the food is a real celebration.

The atmosphere here is casual and fun, so bring a group of mates for that upcoming birthday or drag your family along for a much-needed catch-up. This is a destination restaurant in Melbourne, and it is bound to be a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Mansae Korean BBQ doesn't take bookings, and there is often a line, so be sure to turn up ready to wait. Then, once inside and seated, quickly start ordering as there is a strict 90-minute limit on seatings. The vibe here is hectic and heaving, with a real market atmosphere to complement the smells and sounds of the sizzling Korean barbecues. 

The barbecue meat includes wagyu scotch fillets, short ribs and oyster blades, while the striploin is especially lean. There are also more exotic options such as the thinly sliced ox tongue, the prime pork belly as well as prime pork jowl. Pair the barbecue with sides and appetisers including lightly spiced edamame, a healthy serving of school prawns dished up like french fries or a kimchi jeon.

The hotpot options are not be missed at Mansae with the seafood feast — haemul doenjang jiggae — the highlight. 

The mural on the wall shouts 'Go beef or go home', which might scare off vegetarians, but being a barbecue it's hard to get too offended. There is however a veggie platter with zucchini, mushrooms and pumpkin, which can be had on its own or shared between servings of meat. But if this doesn't suffice, you might prefer changing up cuisines and heading around the corner to The Happy Mexican's CBD location — a super veggie-friendly diner.