Ilpyeon Sirloin Myeongdong Korean BBQ — Restaurant in Seoul

Rating: 2 / 5 Stars ​Title: Disappointing Service Ruins a Birthday Dinner - All Hype, No Substance ​We chose this highly Instagram-hyped Korean BBQ restaurant to celebrate my mother's birthday, and while the meat was excellent and the interior design is nice, the service was an absolute disaster from start to finish. ​We were a party of three and were very excited, but the staff completely failed to deliver the basics, especially for the premium price point. ​The problems started immediately: ​The rice arrived only after more than half of our meat was already grilled. ​The lemon slices for our drinks came when the soda in the glass was already half empty. ​Side dishes (Banchan) were not refilled, and we had to specifically ask for staples like Kimchi, which should have been served automatically. ​The most unbelievable moment was when the server didn't light the candle meant to keep the grilled meat warm. A colleague pointed it out, and the server simply waved their hand and said something along the lines of "never mind" or "it doesn't matter." The meat was cold quickly. ​Finally, the cashier didn't even say thank you or goodbye when we paid. ​In South Korea, even much cheaper KBBQ places offer 20/10 service—you are treated like royalty for half the price. It seems this restaurant, with its young staff, is a classic example of an Instagram hype that fails in the real world. Perhaps an older, more experienced person is needed to manage and train the team. ​1 star for the great interior, 1 star for the quality of the meat. It's a shame that what should have been a lovely birthday celebration was completely overshadowed by such poor service. We won't...

Please Note: This is a Tourist Restaurant!

I originally left this review in exchange for a free dish (cold beef noodles) and have since edited it to reflect my honest experience while maintaining the star rating to honor our agreement.

There seems to be a correlation between the high number of positive reviews and the restaurant's practice of purchasing these reviews, including this one. This raises questions about the authenticity of the feedback.

Here’s my genuine review:

If you enjoy Ed Sheeran, you’ll be in for a long night—his music is all they play, and it really brought down the atmosphere. His songs are repetitive and uninspired, making it hard to enjoy the dining experience. A suggestion for the restaurant: please, for the love of all that’s good, expand your playlist!

Overall, I’m uncertain if I’d return unless someone else was covering the bill. I won't delve too much into the food, as my opinion may be biased given the restaurant’s questionable practices. I did enjoy the beef, but I’ve always liked beef. However, the prices felt inflated, which is typical for tourist spots.

The practice of buying good reviews feels shady and raises concerns about other questionable management activities. That said, the service and staff were commendable.

After a bottle of soju, I’m feeling indifferent. Come here to eat, drink, and have fun—I’ve certainly been to worse places. Just don’t expect it to be the best experience based on the glowing reviews.

I’m curious to hear the restaurant's perspective on this. I aim to share my honest feelings about my visit.

Cheers! And seriously, ditch...

One of the best Korean BBQ experiences I’ve had in Seoul — hands down! Ilpyeon Sirloin at Myeongdong absolutely lives up to the hype. From the moment we stepped in, the service was top-notch. The staff were incredibly polite, helpful, and knowledgeable. They guided us through the menu, recommended the best cuts, and even helped grill the meat to perfection.

We ordered their signature sirloin and a few other premium cuts, and every single bite was unforgettable. The beef was beautifully marbled, tender, and packed with flavor — you could taste the quality. They also served a generous variety of side dishes (banchan), each freshly prepared and thoughtfully paired to complement the meat. Their dipping sauces were also excellent, enhancing the natural taste of the beef without overpowering it.

What stood out most was the attention to detail — from the elegant plating to the clean and cozy dining environment, everything was carefully curated for a great dining experience. Even though it’s located in the busy Myeongdong area, the interior felt calm and inviting, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a hearty meal after a long day of shopping or sightseeing.

Definitely worth every won spent. I’ll be recommending this place to all my friends visiting Seoul. If you’re a meat lover, Ilpyeon Sirloin is a must-try!

Do remember to make reservations prior to avoid long queuing line.

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