Gogi Korean BBQ newlands — Restaurant in Newlands

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Gogi and I must say, the highlight of our visit was the exceptional service provided by Luka. From the moment we were seated, Luka's warm and friendly demeanor made us feel welcome and at ease. She greeted us with a genuine smile that set the tone for the entire meal.

Luka's attentiveness throughout our dining experience was remarkable. She ensured that we were comfortable and had everything we needed, all while maintaining a level of professionalism that is truly commendable. What stood out most was her ability to anticipate our needs before we even had to ask. Whether it was refilling our drinks, checking on our meals, or making thoughtful recommendations from the menu, Luka was always one step ahead.

Her knowledge of the menu was impressive, and she was able to provide insightful suggestions based on our preferences. It was clear that she takes great pride in her work, as she described each dish with enthusiasm and a deep understanding of the ingredients and flavors. Luka’s recommendations were spot on, and we ended up enjoying some of the best dishes we’ve ever had.

Beyond her technical skills, what really made Luka shine was her personable nature. She took the time to engage with us, making us feel like more than just customers. Her friendly and approachable manner made our dining experience feel personal and special. It's rare to find someone who can strike the perfect balance between being attentive and giving guests space to enjoy their meal, but Luka mastered this effortlessly.

Even as the restaurant got busier, Luka maintained her composure and continued to deliver exceptional service to each table she attended to. It was clear that she genuinely cares about the experience of every guest and is committed to making sure everyone leaves satisfied.

In addition to her outstanding service, Luka’s ability to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere is something that cannot be overlooked. Her positive energy and genuine passion for what she does made our evening truly enjoyable. She is a true asset to Gogi restaurant and we will certainly be requesting her the next time we visit.

Overall, Luka provided an outstanding dining experience that went far beyond our expectations. Her friendliness, professionalism, and dedication to her craft are truly commendable. If you have the opportunity to dine at Gogi restaurant I highly recommend asking for Luka – she will undoubtedly make your...

I recently had the chance to dine at Gogi Korean BBQ in Newlands, and it was such a great experience from start to finish. The restaurant has a welcoming vibe that mixes casual dining with an authentic Korean feel, making it a good choice for both groups and smaller gatherings. The staff were friendly and attentive without being intrusive, which really added to the evening.

We started off with some refreshing Cokes, which paired nicely with the bold, flavorful dishes that followed. Korean cuisine often has strong, layered flavors, so having something light and familiar to sip on in between bites worked perfectly.

The first main we tried was the Dakgalbi Soy. This dish is a stir-fried chicken marinated in a savory soy-based sauce, cooked with vegetables. It had a lovely balance of sweet and salty notes, and the chicken was tender and well-marinated. For those who prefer milder flavors without too much spice, this is a fantastic option.

Next up was the Dakgangjeong, which we ordered in both soy and spicy versions. Dakgangjeong is a type of Korean fried chicken, coated in a sticky glaze. The soy one was crispy, slightly sweet, and really comforting, while the spicy version had that addictive kick that makes you keep going back for more. The spicy glaze was bold but not overwhelming, and the crispiness of the chicken held up beautifully even with the sauce. These were definitely a highlight of the meal.

We also had the Seafood & Vegetable Pancake (Haemul Pajeon). This dish was hearty and packed with flavor – crispy on the outside, with tender seafood and vegetables folded into the batter. It’s a great sharing dish and works almost like a Korean-style savory crêpe. Alongside that, we tried the Kimbap Jeyuk, which is a Korean rice roll filled with stir-fried spicy pork. It had a nice balance of rice, vegetables, and the flavorful pork filling, making it light yet satisfying.

Overall, the variety of dishes gave us a chance to try different sides of Korean cooking – from fried chicken to stir-fries, pancakes, and rice rolls. The bill for the table came to R1,046 before tip, which felt very fair considering the portion sizes and quality. Gogi is definitely a place I’d recommend if you want to explore authentic Korean flavors in Cape Town. It’s the kind of spot that makes you want to come back and work your way through the rest...

Food was Good, but the Service and Staff Disappointed Greatly.

​I recently visited Gogi Korean BBQ in Newlands and while the food was enjoyable, the overall experience was significantly marred by the poor hospitality and unprofessionalism of the majority of the staff.

​Service & Hospitality Issues ​I had a confirmed reservation, which I called to confirm twice the day prior. However, upon arrival, the host couldn't find it. A waitron then rudely and aloofly instructed us to wait outside. I refused, as we had reserved an inside table. Thankfully, the Manager/Owner intervened and quickly allocated us a table, which I appreciated. ​Once seated, the service remained slow. It took an unreasonably long time for our drink order to be taken, and the food order took just as long, all handled by the same waitron who was unhelpful earlier. ​The most disappointing part was the visible lack of effort and professionalism from most of the team. I observed many staff members standing around chatting while tables (including ours) needed clearing. We also witnessed an unprofessional verbal dispute between two waitrons.

​The Highlight: Shaquelle ​The one exception to the poor service was a waiter named Shaquelle (apologies if the spelling is incorrect). He truly went above and beyond for every customer. He was attentive, quick to clear tables, and proactively ensured our complimentary side dishes were always filled. This excellent service only highlighted the contrast with the rest of the team, particularly the female waitron who repeatedly walked past our table, ignoring empty side dishes.

​Food Quality & Cleanliness ​We ordered the Korean BBQ set for self-cooking, which was enjoyable and high-quality. However, there was a significant lapse in hygiene when one of the lettuce side refills arrived with visible traces of dirt/unwashed residue still on the leaves.

​Summary: ​I am giving two stars because the quality of the BBQ meat itself and the outstanding service provided by Shaquelle made the meal enjoyable. However, the initial reservation fiasco, the extended delays, the unwashed lettuce, and the overall rude and unprofessional conduct of the majority of the staff, excluding Shaquelle and the Manager who seated us, made the...