In the heart of Lisbon, you'll find Busan Korean Table BBQ, an extraordinary dining experience that transports you across the globe to the bustling streets of South Korea. Its futuristic décor, exquisite menu, and incredibly attentive staff satisfy the palate and leave a lasting impression.
From the moment you step inside, the tone is set for a dining experience that is anything but ordinary. The first thing you'll notice is the décor — a seamless blend of traditional Korean elements with sleek, modern futurism. The interior design is bold yet inviting, combining the relaxed elegance of micro cement and low-light ambience with futuristic metallic tones, innovative lighting and cool neons. When stepping into Busan, you're entering a space that bridges the owner's vision of South Korea's rich heritage and an avant-garde vision of the future. Kristina and Zhang opened this, their first restaurant in Lisbon, and have been receiving excellent feedback, which has prompted them to look for a second location - watch this space.
Their attention to detail in creating this unique atmosphere sets Busan apart from other Korean BBQ restaurants. Every table is fitted with state-of-the-art smokeless grills, ensuring diners can fully immerse themselves in the cooking experience without any discomfort.
The impeccable service is evident from the moment you walk in. The staff welcomes you with warm, genuine smiles and are happy to offer recommendations to ensure that your dining experience is as enjoyable as possible. Whether you're a seasoned Korean BBQ enthusiast or a first-time diner, the Busan staff ensures you're well taken care of, making you feel valued and pampered.
The food at Busan Korean Table BBQ is delightful. As with any Korean BBQ, the quality of the ingredients is uppermost, and Busan does not disappoint. The menu features a wide variety of premium cuts of beef, pork, and chicken, all of which are beautifully presented.
Busan Sky Wheel
The restaurant's signature Busan Sky Wheel is a must-try. It features little boats of shrimp, squid, and various cuts of beef, pork, and lamb. It's not only visually impressive but also bursting with delightful savoury flavours. We went all out and ordered the delicious seafood pancake, too, which came with a lively surprise. The variety of dishes and the bursts of flavours will leave you excited and eager to try them all.
One of the highlights of Busan's menu is the variety of banchan (small side dishes) that accompany the meal. These little dishes of pickled vegetables, kimchi, pumpkin soup and other traditional Korean sides are crucial to the Korean BBQ experience. Busan does an excellent job presenting a diverse and flavoursome selection.
The staff are always ready to explain the best combinations of sauces and meats, ensuring you get the most out of every bite.
Each table has a buzzer that gently alerts the floor staff that you would like some attention. This tech-savvy approach feels modern and efficient, but never at the cost of warmth and hospitality. It enhances the experience, allowing diners to enjoy their meal at their own pace without constant interruptions.
Busan also offers a range of other traditional Korean drinks and desserts for those exploring beyond the BBQ.
Teddy Bear Milk Tea
Their hugely popular Teddy Bear Milk Tea is all over Instagram. Still, we followed our server's suggestions. We went for what is probably my new favourite summer drink: grapefruit soju and cass lager, and my friend had a homemade red iced tea. Both were excellent. The desserts are homemade, and Kristina is constantly developing new recipes so that repeat guests will always have something new to look forward to. Her attention to detail can be felt throughout the venue and experience.
The futuristic décor, high-quality food, and exceptionally attentive service make it a standout destination in Lisbon's vibrant dining scene. Whether you're looking for a fun, casual meal with friends, a long, slow dinner, or even a unique group dining experience, Busan caters to all occasions with flair.
Our lunch was a very leisurely affair. We were there for around two and a half hours and waddled out the door feeling very satisfied. The bill was around €150 for the two of us, but we ordered way too much and ended up taking doggy bags home. Honestly, I think we ordered enough for three or even four people. Hence, it's not expensive at all for the quality and experience.
Av. Fontes Pereira de Melo 3E, Lisbon, 1050-115
Open from 12 - 15 and 18.30 - 22.30, it's a perfect spot for lunch or dinner.
213 530 584 / 926 848 100
Sarah Young, an Algarve-based food writer, captures the essence of local cuisine with her evocative storytelling and insightful culinary explorations. Passionate about showcasing the region's gastronomic treasures.