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Welcome to Ilbunjee(#1 Restaurant)

At Ilbunjee, the heart of Santa Clara, culinary excellence meets authentic Korean BBQ. This women-owned gem, nestled at 2325 El Camino Real, offers reservations, outdoor seating, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for families or groups. The menu shines with premium cuts like Black Angus brisket and Wagyu ribeye, expertly grilled at your table. Diners rave about the complimentary banchan, including addictive fish cake soup. While the intimate setting fosters a cozy vibe, the busy ambiance hints at its popularity. Expect delightful service, a casual yet vibrant dining experience, and a commitment to quality that makes Ilbunjee the #1 choice for Korean cuisine.

Ilbunjee(#1 Restaurant): Reviews & Ratings

Kevin T.
Kevin T.

This really hit the spot after a long Saturday hike. The quality of the food was amazing. Definitely on the pricier side, but all of their meat portions are 1lb which is actually a lot. 5lb for 5 people was more than enough to fill our bellies. We ordered 2lb brisket, 1rib eye, 1lb pork jowl, and 1lb pork belly. Next time, I'll probably stixk to only brisket and pork jowl because these were amazing. The spot is small, but the right size to make you feel how authentic it is. No shade to the big AYCE Korean spots etc. This is where you would want to go for the most authentic Korean night. First time, but I will be back! Oh yeah, they give you free fish cake soup which was fire

Anthony G.
Anthony G.

Valentines Day. A day meant for couples in love. I was neither in a relationship nor in love, but regardless I went to this restaurant in a group of 8. We had called ahead and were able to secure a table very quickly. So, excited, we waited until they had set our table and entered when ready. We ended up doing 2 of the large combos they offer which was plenty of food for us(it did end up being 60 per person, because of a hefty service fee). Regardless, once the meat arrived I was excited to start. One of the servers started cooking for us, but I told her I'd be doing it, while the other people in the party needed more help. Luckily, because I already know how to cook Kbbq, everything was a breeze and the meat quality speaks for itself. Overall, it was a great experience and fun ambiance, but I marked atmosphere a little low because our tables didn't have vents.

Kathryn B.
Kathryn B.

This was such a fun restaurant! It had been several years since I've eaten at Korean Bbq, but this one seemed better than the others in the past. The meal started with salad, and it was sooo good, loved the dressing. Then there were small plates of lots of yummy dishes like potato salad and fish cakes. Also all really good. Finally came the meat! We got the meal for 3-4, which came with two types of beef and two types of pork. I liked the beef a bit better than the pork personally, but it was fun to try them all. The waitstaff was very nice and answered my questions about all the food, so thank you so much to them. Ambiance is what you would expect but be warned that the parking situation might be tricky! We came early so had no trouble getting a spot, but when we left, there were cars waiting for spots to open. The restaurant is in a very tiny strip mall with very few spots and a couple of fairly popular restaurants. You might want to park on the side street instead if you come during the dinner rush.

Love K.
Love K.

As small as this Korean BBQ spot may seem, it fits large parties nicely. Our party of 6 had a great dinner at Illbunjee. The meats and banchan were very flavorful. The restaurant is not cheap with their banchan; they are quick to refill plates when they were finished. With that said, our waiter was also our cook. Our friends asked to take over but the waiter insisted. He insisted so much that he over cooked a lot of our meats. Personally, I like my meats well done so I didn't mind but even I received some over-done pieces. Our platter felt like endless meats and we were stuffed at the end. All in all, I quite enjoyed it. A heads up, parking is horrible. You are lucky to find a spot in the complex. Otherwise, you will have to find street parking in the residential area. Cheers!

Victoria T.
Victoria T.

Good quality meats - delicious and tasty Basic but tasty and refillable bonchons - cucumbers, kimchi, sprouts, radish, fishcake Excellent customer service Casual atmosphere, good place for small group of friends to chill and unwind over good food and maekju. Simple menu that focuses on select cuts of meats, popular side dishes and appetizers We came here on a Thursday evening around 5:45 and were promptly seated. It was not crowded, but as 7:00pm approaches the tables filled up and there was a wait. Parking can be a challenge as their lot is small and shared with other business in the plaza. I saw street parking available on the smaller side street. Each metal table has a portable gas grill. You choose the meats and grill yourself. If they're not busy, the staff will grill for you. Depending on their shipment that day/week, they'll have special premium meat choices. We had the sirloin, Wagyu and pork belly - tasty goodness! Definitely one of my new favorite places for Korean bbq and small group gatherings.

Trewen W.
Trewen W.

Came to Ilbunjee on a Saturday right when they opened. We were a table of 5 so the seating arrangement was kind of weird with 2 circular tables. The grill was on the side instead of towards the middle. However, the staff were super friendly, and this place is probably my top 5 favorite Korean BBQ places in the Bay Area. We ordered their Combination for 4, and also added beef tongue to our order. It also came with these delicious rice balls, salad, and soup. And we also added an order of cold noodles too a must order when getting Korean bbq. The meat quality was really good, the meats were well marbled and not too fatty. The pork jowl, beef tongue, pork belly, and brisket are definitely the cuts you have to order. Especially with the cold noodles, after every bite was refreshing and you were ready to have another bite. This is definitely one of the places I will come back to when craving Korean bbq.

Janet L.
Janet L.

Delicious! My fav were the cold noodles.. and the pork was also really good! Service was friendly and attentive as well.

Cindy L.
Cindy L.

Fish Cake Soup 3 salty, slightly spicy, flavorful Waygu Short Rib 4 chewy, medium juicy Waygu Skirt Steak 4 chewy, medium juicy

Gagan S.
Gagan S.

Hidden away in a corner of a plaza with no wait and authentic kbbq vibes. Relatively small interior with service as expected. Pictured: combination order with a variety of different meats to accommodate for a larger party. Brisket was the best item in my opinion with everything else being equally behind. The ban chan and sauces were similar to most other kbbq places but I do appreciate the unlimited refill on them. Wish the prices weren't as steep but still a good spot nonetheless. 8/10 will come once in a while!

Location

Welcome to the culinary gem known as Ilbunjee(#1 Restaurant), nestled in Santa Clara, CA. As a passionate food reviewer, I’m thrilled to introduce you to this charming spot specializing in authentic Korean cuisine. With its commitment to quality and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Ilbunjee stands out as a must-visit destination for both Korean BBQ enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Located at 2325 El Camino Real, Ilbunjee offers an experience that is both casual and immersive. The restaurant features an array of utilities designed to enhance your dining journey. You can expect:

  • Takes Reservations
  • Offers Delivery
  • Many Vegetarian Options
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Good For Groups and Kids
  • Credit Card and Mobile Payment Options
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Wi-Fi
  • Affordable Beer & Wine Selection

The ambiance is casual yet lively, perfect for a night out with friends or a family gathering. However, be prepared for the parking situation—this popular restaurant can fill up quickly!

What truly sets Ilbunjee apart is the quality of their dishes, especially their premium meats. Diners rave about the Black Angus Prime Sliced Brisket, Wagyu Boneless Short Rib, and Berkshire Pork Belly, which are not only generous in portion but bursting with flavor. Each meal begins delightfully with complimentary fish cake soup—a true Korean starter that showcases the kitchen's attention to detail.

When you step into Ilbunjee, you immerse yourself in Korean culture, as guests grill their own meat right at their tables, enhancing the communal dining experience. The enthusiastic staff is always on hand to assist, pushing the deliciousness to new heights with their expert cooking tips.

It’s important to note that many patrons recommend sticking to the standout items like the brisket and pork jowl, which have possessed the taste buds of many. Judging by glowing reviews, the combination of flavors in the banchan sides such as cucumber, kimchi, and radish significantly complements the main dishes, making every bite memorable.

In summary, Ilbunjee(#1 Restaurant) is a delightful testament to Korean BBQ—where high-quality meats and a welcoming atmosphere combine for a memorable dining experience. So gather your friends and family and head to this top-rated eatery for a night of savory indulgence and fun!

For reservations or inquiries, you can reach them at (408) 241-9658.