Manna BBQ — Restaurant in San Diego

The wait can be a little bit long, even if you got on Yelp and put your name on the waitlist. Believe it or not, it's slower around 5- 6pm, then slows down again after 9pm. Between 6- 9 is the busiest time so avoid that time if you can. Here are some tips: Do not park to the left of the restaurant (if you're facing Manna). There are plenty of signs that warns you not to, and they WILL tow. Park to the side of the bank and Hive bar. Ask for sesame seed oil to mix with your salt to dip your meat. They used to bring them out automatically but now you have to ask for the sliced garlic, the jalapenos, and the ssamjang. The steamed egg is kinda... eh. I don't like how it smells. They changed the menu so that some of the best cut meat are no longer on the A2 menu. Just shell out the extra $5 per person and get the A1. Remember that the entire table has to get the same menu, i.e. you can't get A2 when everybody else gets A1. Decide this before the server gets there and you'll save yourself some embarrassment. If you don't finish youre soju or beer, ask the next table if they want the bottle. I detest wasting alcohol so I always do. Ask them to change out the grill often. You're not bothering them and they'd rather switch out the grill twenty times rather than you create a thick cloud of greasy smoke that wafts through the restaurant. They'll turn down the fire under the grill if you start burning your meat. The controls are below the table so turn it up if you know what you're doing and needs must. Wear clothes you don't mind smelling like burnt meat. If you're going somewhere nice after KBBQ, take an extra shirt and your cologne/ perfume... and keep them in your car or purse. Know what you're ordering before you push the button on the table to call then over. They're busy so they get annoyed if you make then wait... and if you can help it, don't use the button. It's weird, but kbbq servers don't seem to like that sound. It might take a few tries to get everything you asked for. Don't get indignant if it does - it won't help you. Don't yell "Excuse me!" I know it's loud in there but... don't. Yes, that birthday song is kinda cool. But don't lie and say that it's your birthday when it's not. They'll remember that. When you order, ask everyone on the table what they need and then tell your server everything you need instead of pushing the button over and over again. Tip them well and remember your server's name. You'll be surprised by the extra stuff you get on...

I love Korean BBQ, and this is my go to place. Most of their menu items are good, for example my favorites are their brisket, bulgogi, gyeran-jjim (steamed eggs), and salad. I normally get around 3 salads, that's how good they are. I don't know the name of the salad, but there is no need because they will give you it as soon as you sit down. I am normally not an egg person, but I would eat their steamed eggs every other day if I could make them. Definitely try the eggs as an app. My two favorite beef's at this BBQ, their brisket and bulgogi are blind buys to have the Korean BBQ experience. The brisket is more like an appetizer, because they are thin pieces of meat that cook really fast. I recommend eating the brisket first when you start eating your meats. The bulgogi is a very tasty thicker beef. I would eat it second or third.

This is a once a month restaurant. When you get there you are super exited and then after the meal you are completely sick of it. When you get to your 4th meat, you normally start feeling full. But while eating, its AMAZING.

So, the reason I gave this restaurant a 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the medium quality food, the crowds, and some bad menu items. While the food tastes amazing for the most part, I do have to mention that it is medium - low quality food. I would warn people that only want to eat the best quality foods. Also, the crowds are crazy. It is jam-packed. There are dozens of people there and I would be extra careful with COVID. Finally there are some bad items on the menu, such as the ribeye with rosemary. This is not my favorite, because its a plain piece of steak, and the rosemary in my opinion, tastes weird.

All in all, I would definitely recommend this Korean BBQ. Make sure to get the brisket, bulgogi, gyeran-jjim (steamed eggs), and their one salad. And keep in mind the the medium quality food, the crowds, and some bad menu items. I love Korean BBQ and this is my go to place out of all the ones in SD, make...

Manna has been one of the original KBBQ places in San Diego and although it doesn't quite rival K-Town LA KBBQ, it's one of the best we have an way better than that Frisco stuff they call KBBQ.

I've come here opening, weekdays for lunch, dinner, weekend dinner. What they do well is consistency in product. Always with the fresh grill (ask if you are unsure), always with the banchan (ask if you want more, and assuming you don't go over your meat limits and time limits it's worth it if you are hungry. Manna may not get customer service the way you want it, but the squeaky wheel gets the grease and maybe you put your own happiness in your own hands once in a while. Like I'll say again you get 1 shot at this being your first time here.

Pro's steer clear of the rice, its just filler. Get the brisket (looks like meat rolls ups), pork belly (uh bacon). Steamed egg is light and refreshing. Sauces (sesame seed mixed with salt).

Cons are parking, service can be slow at times, time limits, limits on just getting 19 orders of brisket. Don't come in a big group, most people don't eat all their banchan, so unless it's your first time know what you'll eat a lot of and order early. It's rude not to man the grill to allow the person doing most of the cooking to eat.

Obviously some items take longer to cook than others and I am not a fan of the seafood. I'm not a fan of how crowded it can get, but despite the original location (newer SM one is more spacious) it serves most people well. Again don't bring a gang of people here.

Price is ok, cleanliness is ok, you'll never be able to lie to someone that you weren't at KBBQ after eating here. I suggest a massage around the corner afterwards. It's a staple for KBBQ in San Diego and you can search for other places that give you "better service", but sometimes you gotta grow...