Kobi-Q — Restaurant in Melbourne

I usually go out to a Korean restaurant in the city, it was Friday 26th January Public Holiday and my niece wanted to eat Korean at our usual restaurant in the city when she checked online it was closed. Looking for another Korean restaurant Kobi-Q came up. She was so happy because it was nearby and had 5 star reviews. She rang to make a reservation and a lady answers laughing loudly on the phone and takes the reservation for the night. My niece says after hanging up, " I love the place already, 5 stars, around the corner, and even the lady on the phone is a character ". In my heart I said to myself where am I going. Anyway we went and we were greeted by the lady that answered the phone, who turned out to be the owner, ordered the BBQ meat banquet, which comes with your choice of complimentary soup and a variety of sides which were replenished.I ordered a plate of hot chillies which didn't come, which wasn't a big deal. From the very first bite, the freshness of the salads, then the meats, so flavoursome, so tender. Both of us were impressed, so impressed my niece wanted to come back the next day. Five stars. Anyway on Sunday went back again the owner recognised us and took our order again which was the same as last time. She personally brought us the food for us and started cooking for us the whole time, and with the food came the plate of hot chillies which I ordered the first but didnt received, I said to the owner " I didn't order hot chillies so not to embarass you and yet you remembered from last time. Thank you" She doted over us like a mother feeds her children. She laughed at the way I was holding my wooden chop sticks, I was holding them upside down. Then she pointed to the lettuce and radish ring plate and asked us why we were not eating it, then made us a lettuce radish and BBQ meat with kimchi sandwich each. What a taste, the highlight, of the evening. If the first time 5 stars , this time 10 stars. Very highly...

Kobi - Q is run by the original members (i.e., the chef and cashier lady) of Sopoong in the CBD's Paramount food court. All their dishes (bibimbap, fried chicken and jjigae stew/soup) back then were already great with reasonable portions.

The lady gets along with all her customers, and I have definitely heard many times them encouraging her to start her own restaurant because everyone knew these guys would do well. I am very happy for them in taking on those encouragement and made the move.

I went with a friend for lunch ordering 3 dishes (fried chicken, Korean pancake & japchae) and 2 rice; the bill was $33 each and the food is just as good as what they used to be. I plan to go back for dinner to try out their barbecue as well.

One lesson I learnt from occasionally eating at Michelin-star restaurants: it's the staff that earned the star(s) and not the physical shop space we call the "restaurant". Quality staff makes...

Okay, let’s talk about Kobi Q Korean Restaurant – because WOW. We’ve now had their BBQ combo set multiple times for lunch, and honestly? It just keeps getting better.

From the sizzling meat to the flavour-packed sides ( our favourite was the fish cake ), everything is cooked to perfection and full of that authentic Korean taste we crave. The atmosphere? Cozy, vibey, and just the right amount of K-drama energy.

But what truly sets this place apart is the unmatched service from the lovely owners – especially the incredible ‘imo’ / ‘ajumma’ (Korean aunty vibes = 100/10). She treats you like family, always smiling, attentive, and just radiating warmth. Saranghaeyo! 💕🥹

It’s the kind of place you leave with a full belly and a full heart. Worth every cent – and then some.

Highly recommend if you love Korean BBQ or just need a delicious pick-me-up with great vibes. We’ll be back again… and again. And...