Kook Korean BBQ Vancouver

Kook Korean BBQ: Premium Tabletop Grilling in East Vancouver

Kook Korean BBQ is a full-service Korean barbecue restaurant on East 1st Avenue in East Vancouver, built for people who take their grilled meat seriously. Every table has its own smokeless grill, the meats are premium cuts, and barbecue orders arrive with a generous spread of banchan. Vancouver Magazine gave Kook bronze for Best Korean in 2026 after an honourable mention in 2025, and it is one of the most-booked Korean restaurants in the city.

Here is how a meal at Kook works, what to order and how to plan your visit.

About Kook

Kook's stated mission is to set a new standard for Korean BBQ in Vancouver. Every table is fitted with a Shinpo smokeless grill system, and the dining room is designed with strong ventilation so you leave without smelling like a barbecue pit, a detail anyone who has done Korean BBQ before will appreciate.

The interior design follows the five traditional elements of gold, wood, water, fire and earth, from the golden ring that holds the banchan to the cherry wood benches. You can cook the meat yourself, or let the staff, who are trained in grilling each cut, take over so you can focus on eating.

The Menu

How It Works

Kook is a classic à la carte and combo Korean BBQ restaurant, not all-you-can-eat. Most groups order a combo built around beef or a mix of beef and pork, then add stews, rice or noodles. Barbecue orders come with a large selection of banchan, around 15 side dishes, which are refreshed as you go.

What to Order

• Premium beef combo: a selection of prime beef cuts for the grill and the easiest order for first-timers.
• Galbi: marinated beef short rib, sweet, savoury and caramelised on the grill.
• Pork collar and pork belly: richer pork cuts that crisp up well on the grill.
• Brisket: thinly sliced beef that cooks in seconds.
• Stews and rice: add a doenjang or kimchi stew and steamed rice to round out the meal.

Dietary Needs

The menu is built around beef and pork. There are vegetable banchan and some non-meat sides, but vegetarians will find limited choice. Marinades usually contain soy (wheat) and sugar, so ask about plain, unmarinated cuts if you need to.

Drinks

Kook pours soju, Korean beer and other drinks that pair well with grilled meat. A round of soju or a soju cocktail is traditional with Korean barbecue, and non-alcoholic options are available.

Atmosphere and Dining Experience

The dining room is modern and polished with a lively, social energy. Expect sizzling grills, groups celebrating and staff moving between tables to help with the cooking.

• Best for: birthdays, group dinners, friends and family nights out
• Noise level: lively, especially on weekends
• Dress code: casual
• Good to know: the smokeless grills and ventilation keep smoke and smell to a minimum

Location: East Vancouver, Vancouver

Kook is at 2800 East 1st Avenue, Unit 211A, Vancouver, BC V5M 4N9, in East Vancouver near First Avenue and Renfrew Street. It is an easy drive from Burnaby and the Trans-Canada Highway, and several bus routes run along First Avenue and Renfrew Street.

Hours of Operation

Hours can change on holidays and with the seasons, so check the restaurant's website or call ahead before you go.

Reservations

• Reservations are strongly recommended; tables fill up quickly, particularly for weekend dinners.
• Book online through the Kook website or OpenTable.
• Call 604-566-5665 for same-day availability.
• Larger groups should book well in advance.

Price Range

Kook is a premium Korean BBQ restaurant, so expect to pay more than at budget or all-you-can-eat spots. Beef combos for two or more are the best value, and lunch hours on weekdays are typically quieter.

Awards and Recognition

• Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, Best Korean: Bronze (2026)
• Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, Best Korean: Honourable Mention (2025)

Contact Information

• Address: 2800 E 1st Ave #211A, Vancouver, BC V5M 4N9
• Phone: 604-566-5665
• Website: kookbbq.ca
• Neighbourhood: East Vancouver, Vancouver
• Cuisine: Korean BBQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kook Korean BBQ all-you-can-eat?

No. Kook serves premium à la carte cuts and combos, which come with around 15 banchan side dishes.

Do I have to cook the meat myself?

No. You can grill it yourself or let the staff cook it for you at the table.

Will my clothes smell like barbecue?

Kook uses Shinpo smokeless grills and a strong ventilation system designed to keep smoke and smell to a minimum.

Does Kook take reservations?

Yes, and they are recommended. Book online or call 604-566-5665.

What are Kook's hours?

Noon to 11:00 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and noon to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Where is Kook located?

At 2800 East 1st Avenue, Unit 211A, in East Vancouver.

What should I order at Kook?

First-timers should try a premium beef combo, galbi, pork collar and a stew with rice.

Has Kook won any awards?

Kook won bronze for Best Korean at the 2026 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards and an honourable mention in 2025.