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Dear Barbecue Buffet, located at 401 Swanston St, Melbourne, offers a delightful culinary experience for buffet enthusiasts. This buffet restaurant specializes in Korean BBQ, where patrons can enjoy an all-you-can-eat (AYCE) feast, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Many reviews applaud the restaurant's extensive menu, including standout items like their original fried chicken, la Galbi, and a variety of meats such as wagyu and marinated sausages. Customer Mariate Chacko noted the thoughtful service and the chef's dedication to personalizing their dining experience, creating a warm, home-like atmosphere. Additionally, the range of side dishes and banchan has left a positive impression on diners, enhancing the overall meal experience.
While some have mentioned minor drawbacks, such as certain meats being slightly frozen, the overall quality and freshness of the ingredients have been well-received. For just $40-$45 per person, patrons find great value in the diverse offerings, from savory mains to delectable desserts.
If you're in Melbourne and looking for a satisfying buffet experience, Dear Barbecue Buffet is a place worth visiting. With friendly service and a welcoming ambiance, it promises a memorable dining adventure for both seasoned and new fans of Korean cuisine.
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Amenities & More
Service options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Popular for
- Dinner
Dining options
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Reviews for Dear Barbecue Buffet
Review highlights
Based on 1,344 reviewsDear Barbecue Buffet is praised for its extensive and diverse Korean BBQ offerings, with customers appreciating the variety of meats, side dishes, and desserts available. The interactive table-cooking experience and fresh, flavorful ingredients enhance the dining atmosphere. Guests also note the attentive and friendly service, often highlighting the staff's effort to accommodate and guide those less familiar with Korean cuisine. The buffet is considered good value for money, with affordable all-you-can-eat pricing. However, some feedback points to occasional concerns about the meat’s quality and clarity regarding the halal designation, which applies only to certain items. Overall, the restaurant is recognized for its welcoming environment and satisfying dining experience.
The place was so nice, with a wide variety of delicious options to choose from — everything was super yummy! The staff were incredibly sweet, especially the chef. He went out of his way to understand our preferences and even suggested dishes, since we weren’t very familiar with Korean cuisine. It truly felt like a home-cooked meal with such thoughtful care and attention. We had such a sweet experience and will definitely come again. Highly recommend it to all our friends!
Great range for such a cheap price! Would not mind eating their original fried chicken, and their la Galbi. Meat however is a bit frozen. Also love their sweet potato fried balls with salted egg or cheese.
The Korean BBQ was great. The meat was fresh and tasty, and the side dishes were really good. Everything was cooked at the table, and the service was fast and friendly. I’d go again.
$40 for AYCE is a good price for me personally. I came here quite late, almost at 9 PM. I noticed a sign that said “halal” but it only applied to the chicken and beef. However, I also saw that pork was served, which might be the reason why some people felt misled or thought it was a scam. For the sake of clarity, I think it would be better to remove the halal sign altogether. Since I arrived late, there weren’t many people around, and I didn’t experience the smoky atmosphere that others mentioned in their reviews. This place seems to be “a family-run business.” The staff don’t wear uniforms and move around casually, almost as if they’re at home. That’s why I gave 3 stars for the atmosphere. As for the service, it was okay. Not great, but not bad either. Compared to other AYCE places I’ve been to, this one doesn’t offer many side dishes but since the price less than them; it’s OK. Still, I personally think it’s worth trying. I also liked that they provided cones for the ice cream. Would I come again? Yes, definitely. I might even return tomorrow. They offer a discount for late dinners, but only on Fridays. However, it might not be worth it. When I arrived late, several food options were no longer available as they were preparing to close. UPDATED I visited them again on 21 June 2025. It was full and since I didn’t reserve I had to wait. It didn’t take so long, but yeah I experienced the “smoke”. I could smell the smoke in all over my jacket and clothes. Anyway I still find it worth to try. Personally I prefer to visit after 9 since it is better, I don’t have to “fight” with smoke.
Came back for the third time! There were so many side dishes and banchan; fried food, sushi, fish cake,… There were a variety of meat types; wagyu, marinated, sausages, ribs,… And definitely the same with desserts too. It was $45pp which is decent for a Sunday night!!
When I first visited about a year ago, the menu boasted a much wider variety of options. Although the range has since become more focused, the quality of their meat and cooked dishes remains impressive. They continue to cater to diverse tastes, offering everything from succulent spare ribs to fresh fruits, delightful desserts, refreshing ice cream, and a selection of hearty vegetables. This curated range ensures that whether you’re in the mood for a rich, savory meal or something sweet and refreshing, there’s still plenty to enjoy.
Dear BBQ is a paradise for all-you-can-eat lovers! The variety is amazing — unlimited Wagyu, fresh meats, sushi, plenty of cooked dishes, and even a big selection of ice cream to finish off your meal. Everything was fresh and tasty, and there’s so much to choose from. Great spot if you’re looking to eat your heart out and enjoy a good mix of BBQ and Japanese-style food!
Affordable AYCE Korean BBQ in Melb CBD KBBQ all you can eat for $39.90 non-stop grilling with unlimited meat wagyu beef, marinated pork bulgogi, seafood, lamb… you name it! My top picks: Pork Bulgogi – juicy, flavour-packed perfection LA Galbi – so tender and rich Fried chicken was crunchy and satisfying, There’s also a wide variety of cooked dishes, desserts, and ice cream to finish on a sweet note Heads up: it gets smoky so maybe don’t wear your wool cardigan. But hey, that’s just part of the vibe! *Thank you @dearbbqbuffet for having me* /invite/ #koreanbarbecue #ayce #melballyoucaneat #koreanfood #KBBQ #internationalfoodiechat #melbourneoodie #Vicfoodie #aufoodie #melbfood #melbfoodblogger
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Quick info
Opening hours
- Monday 5:30 AM - 11:00 PM
- Tuesday (Today) 5:30 AM - 11:00 PM
- Wednesday 5:30 AM - 11:00 PM
- Thursday 5:30 AM - 11:00 PM
- Friday 5:30 AM - 11:00 PM
- Saturday 5:30 AM - 11:00 PM
- Sunday 5:30 AM - 11:00 PM
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