Review Hinoak Korean Charcoal Bbq - Glen Waverley

The venue is so sleek, the timber panelling gives it such a great aesthetic. I loved that we didn't have to actually cook our food, the waiters come and set everything up so everything is cooked to absolute perfection without having to think about a thing. We tried the dumplings, pork neck, wagyu scotch fillet, ox tongue, cheesy corn and fried chicken and everything was phenomenal. Great cocktails too. The stand out for me was the smoked salt and pepper powder, I would buy this by the kilo if they sold it!

The Korean BBQ experience that is worth the asking price. The meat quality is the most important part of a good Korean BBQ, and this place does not disappoint. The cuts are premium and the taste is exquisite. The best is probably the pork and the beef ribs marinated in sauce. The food is cooked vertically as there are two charcoal slabs put into the table vertically. This means the meat is cooked evenly on both sides with a timer to precisely control the cooking process. The waiters will come to your table to cook AND cut the meats so you can simply eat bite sized pieces without any hassle. The side dishes are pretty good too, the mum’s beef and mushroom hotpot provided excellent soup that is so flavourful it is arguably more delicious than the beef in the soup. Highly recommended. The only issue i found when I visited was the staff being worked quite hard as they have to cook and cut all the BBQ table side and that means hectic pace of service. There were some water on the ground when I sat down and a waiter spilt some soup as they were trying to bring out the hotpot. This was on a Wednesday night so it will probably be a lot more hectic on a weekend. Don’t get me wrong, the waiters are very polite and professional but the working environment they are in means inevitably something might go wrong. That is my only complaint. Overall I would definitely go back again, perhaps finding a less busy time but it is always packed full it seems. It is an experience and worth the high cost of entry.

Fantastic experience. Delicious food with exceptional staff. Top quality cuts of meat served with all the vibrant, fresh sides and accompaniments.

Love coming here for good quality Korean BBQ - can't fault it! Customer service is awesome and the quality of food is even better! Highly recommend this place to anybody!

Walked in without a reservation luckily got a table. Ordered the Seoul Starter, with a side of Korean Fried Chicken and Bibim Buckwheat noodles and for dessert got the Matcha Heaven. The Seoul Starter BBQ had Pork Belly, Wagyu Scotch Fillet and Marinated Beef Ribs. The staff kindly and professionally cooked the meat for us and explained how to cook the food more kn the unique vertical charcoal cooker. Couldn't go wrong with the KFC which was served boneless. Buckwheat noodles were alright but are served cold. Matcha Heaven came last which was matcha shaved ice which was great as it wasn't too bitter in combination of the syrup and condensed milk. Overall, good meal for 2. All overall a great experience and interesting way to see food cooked vertically. Highly recommended and also suggest booking ahead to secure a table. Will definitely come back again sometime.

Good service, plenty of room and good selection of food on the menu, however if you know and love Korean BBQ, this one isn’t for you. With their system, there was a lack of charring on the meat and flavour. We over cooked the meat to try and get that flavour. The timer was a good touch that I liked, we didn’t feel forgotten about, but we also felt like we were interrupted every 2 minutes and told how our meat should be cooked. Finally there was some scrimping on sauces and drinks we noticed.

We've had our ups and downs (mostly ups), and in the end we still like this place. A great experience, unique cooking stove (don't worry, the staff cook for you and they do a fantastic job), and good quality food. A definite must try for those who've not had Asian style barbecue before.

Hands down the best Korean BBQ in Melbourne!!! This place is something special - from the sleek and classy decor to the DELICIOUS food and wine to the beautiful staff that treat you like family, I am impressed time and time again by Hinoak. Massive thank you and congratulations to Jason the owner for all his hard work. I can’t recommend highly enough!!!

Where to start - this little gem would have to be one of the most well thought out, impressive restaurants I’ve been too in a long time. About the food – this is by the far the BEST Korean bbq I have ever had! The cuts of meat were clearly of a very high quality and the taste, well I’m getting hungry just thinking about it – absolutely delicious! The actual bbq’s were unique, nothing I’ve seen before and I believe this is the first restaurant in Aus with this particular type of bbq… The sides were delicious and traditional, and wines were perfectly matched. We left it up to Jason (the owner) to order for us and boy he did well! The wagyu beef was a highlight for me, just wow! A must try for sure! The façade and interior look great, love the wood theme. The place has a great vibe (and great acoustics too), love that we could be here as a group of 10 and not have to shout at one another. The staff were sweet and attentive and Jason and his wife Ella were more than accommodating, well done guys, you should be very proud. Hinoak is a MUST try! Can't wait to go back!

I didn’t know what to except and all I can say is amazing, the food, the service, the atmosphere was amazing. What a fabulous place a hidden gem, loved everything about this place. Quality was top notch. Thank you � we will see you again soon

The best Korean BBQ in Melbourne. Jason & Ella you guys + your staff are the best. This is our favourite restaurant & you continue to surprise us. Love you guys

Excellent food, service, staff, words can't describe the joy and satisfaction this place provides! Never tried Korean BBQ until I discovered this place, now I'm hooked, can't get enough. Well done! Great food served with love!THATS ALL!! Thankyou <3

I lived in Seoul for six months a few years ago, and since then I have eaten at a lot of Korean restaurants in Melbourne. Hinoak is by far my favourite! The innovative grill is fantastic, cooking the meat perfectly without the smoke or splatter. The jeon was crispy and a generous size, and the mandu full of flavour. The staff were attentive and supplied us with extra kimchi without us asking! #win! I love the look and the atmosphere. Thanks for a great night, we'll be back soon!

Great place. Food really good - quality and clean. Cooked through a modern technique, making the experience and food better. Our waitress was great in explaining and talking to us about the new technique and any facts we may have wanted to know. All round great place. Will be back :)

Great ambience Excellent staff Excellent food Never had Korean beer before it is a really nice brew. We’ll go back Only negative, cooking a BBQ on your table when it’s a 36 deg night ain’t a lot of fun.

If you want to have the most succulent meat with multiple sides and sauces to fulfill your needs this place is the way to go. Great customer service and quality food!

Amazing little restaurant!! Absolutely lovely staff, delicious food and welcoming atmosphere!! Definitely a new favorite!

We tend to play it safe with restaurants that deliver in all aspects of a dining. I am very pleased to say that we will add Hinoak to our short list of VSR (Very Special Restaurants) that we like to share with our family and friends. Congratulations to all involved in making this a fantastic and memorable experience!

Just wow, it was as our first time at a Korean BBQ, amazing food!! amazing service, James wen above and beyond to fit us in. highly recommended we will be back.

Fantastic restaurant! Such lovely staff and amazing food! Definitely will be back again soon �

Drove from the western suburbs to try this place out. Been to plenty of KBBQ places and Hinoak is up there on my go-to list. First of all, THE RICE THEY USE IS CREAMY AF. Meat is high quality and service is top notch. Friendly staff and very attentive, normally something new start up hospitality venues lack due to working out the kinks. The smoked breast duck played with my mind and taste buds because it tasted like smoked ham as well as retaining the roast duck texture. 10/10. Must try their house made soju and cocktails. Had a taste of the "Melona" and it was tasty as hell. The soju they make in house doesn't taste strong but it does hit you hard! This place hasn't been around for long and is already kicking a lot of goals. Will definately be coming back!

Great addition to the neighbourhood - great place to entertain or have a date night. Meats are yum but serving size could be bigger.

Interesting concept of a vertical charcoal KBBQ!! <br/>Food wise is similar to most KBBQ places but featuring a vertical charcoal grill. <br/><br/>Each table has a timer for staff to cook and cut the meat. The meat cooked surprisingly quick, with most items only taking 2-3minutes from going town the grill to be taken out, cut and served. Quality and price is reasonable, would recommend their sets. Had the “Seoul taster” for 2 people which was a good serving size, seemed small but once it was cooking and cut it was a fair bit. Also had “crispy sweet and tangy pork” (not pictured) but would not recommend this one, there was barely any sauce and it was too dry. Regret not ordering another BBQ dish serving instead.<br/><br/>Inside the tables are pretty spacious and it’s a clean/minimalistic vibe. Since the grill is vertical there isn’t the usual hanging exhaust fan. While it doesn’t smell like BBQ smoke inside, clothing will still have a little bit of a BBQ smoke scent. <br/><br/>Would recommend a visit if you’re in the Glen a Waverley area or wanting a fairly quick KBBQ experience (thanks to the friendly prompt service and quick cooking grill). Might visit in the future but I do have other places I prefer for KBBQ in the CBD

Best Korean restaurant I've been in Melbourne

We came to Hinoak on a busy Saturday evening without a booking, and were very very lucky to secure a table for two, albeit for 40mins as we had to clear the table before the people who booked it came!<br/><br/>This was absolutely no issue at all, as we usually eat everything quickly. The food came extra quick too, in catering to the situation and tasted really good. Ambience here is dark but intimate, whilst staff here are very friendly and warm, a friend-like vibe between all staff which shows a very welcome supportive work culture which reflects in the environment we dined in. We ordered today the fried chicken and beef bulgolgi, both were awesome. The fried chicken was tender, a light batter which came with some mayo and sweet chilli sauce. The bulgolgi was also really flavourful, tasting good, whilst vegetables were fresh.<br/><br/>Really good Korean restaurant with good food, staff and value. Would recommend!<br/><br/>Food: 4/5<br/>Service: 4.5/5<br/>Ambience: 4/5<br/>Value: 4/5<br/><br/>Overall: 4/5

Ordered “ char char char” set and the stone rice. All the meats are delicious and the rice is delicious too.

Amazing Korean BBQ restaurant. The food is delicious, they have a wide range to choose from. The waiters do everything for you including most the cooking side of things. There beef is amazing and there cocktails are delicious. Amazing modern fresh vibe. Definitely worth a visit if your in Glen Waverley.

Pretty average Korean BBQ in Glen Waverley area. The quality of the wagyu and beef is quite nice however at quite a steep price. Some of the cuts were also slightly chewy. <br/>Also ordered a Bingsu ($17 for the large - and I was quite surprised to see the bowl was actually quite small)

The staff were good. It wasn’t value for money. We were charged a corkage fee for the bottle which is not a problem but then we were also charged a fee for the wine glasses we need for the bottle of wine that’s double charging. So if you take a bottle and are sharing with 4 people you pay the flat corkage charge and then $2.50 per empty glass. First time u have come across this. Wont be going again. There are better places in Glen for Korean so I know I wont be missing out on anything.

Finally got to try this place, the service was great and the interior was nice. We ordered the army stew and kimchi pancake. The army stew was delicious but a little pricey for the portion that we got. The kimchi pancake was a little soggy for me, I think if had a bit more crisp to it then it would be excellent but presentation was spot on!

Hinoak is a Korean bbq place located next to syndal station, perfect for those getting off work. <br/><br/>We came here on a Monday night without reservations and were lucky enough to get a table. I love the interior of this place. It’s so nice. I really like black and wood theme. This Korean bbq place is quite unique. The way they cook their meat is something completely different from other places I’ve been to. They cook the meat for you but sandwiching the meat and sliding it into a slot which has a grill on both sides. They put a timer on and when it goes off they get it out for you. It’s weird but it works.<br/><br/>We ordered the wagyu oyster blade, the pork neck and the short ribs. The wagyu oyster blade was such bad quality. It was so dry and chewy even the pieces that were more on the rare side. I’ve never had such dry wagyu in my life. The pork neck was also really dry and the only think that saved them was the short ribs. The short ribs were marinated really nicely. I do think if you want a good experience you have to buy the top thing that they offer. But I mean, I’ve had wagyu oyster blade at some other places and it’s melt in your mouth worthy. I also didn’t enjoy the condiments. They weren’t those ones that you would finish and order more. I didn’t like the sour kimchi they used. <br/><br/>Overall, I don’t think I would return. The meat is pretty low quality and there’s definitely better places out there.

Went there randomly with my partner and they accommodated us even though they were busy and we had no booking they managed to squeeze us in. Food was great and food was delicious definitely different KBBQ from many in a good way, was left so full that we had to take a doggie bag for the leftovers. Nice atmosphere in a unique location with plenty of parking and friendly staff. Service was impeccable.<br/>

Pros: meats were cooked very precisely with a timer on each table that beeps when the meats ready. Aswell, meats were cooked differently than other kbbq places which was interesting to experience. The pork belly was flavoured perfectly and other meats were fresh. Service and also interior were outstanding.<br/><br/>Cons: the corn cheese was very average. It wasn't the usual corn cheese like other places, it came with actual corn cobs which were bland if not fully coated in cheese.

This is a awesome place for people who love Korean BBQ. My financee and I have finished 1 kg meat! That's so delicious! We ordered the meat set called Char Char Char, which includes pork belly, wagyu scotch filter, wagyu ribs and beef ribs. Highly recommend this restaurant!

Never encountered bad service here! Meat was delicious as well. Would’ve preferred cooking the meat myself but I guess that’s a part of the service they provide. Lovely place to eat at

Absolutely love the decor and architecture of this restaurant! The service was attentive and friendly, and there was nothing to fault with the BBQ sets - good quality and quantity of meat. It was a pity we were too full for dessert, because the dessert selection looks delightful.<br/><br/>Also love that my clothes don’t reek of BBQ smoke afterwards!

Hinoak is one of my top favourite Korean BBQ restaurants. It's easy to find parking at the train station across the road. I've been here 4 times and love the food and set meals they have available.The staff are great and friendly and cook everything for you! I love how the setup of the restaurant is very modern. I will visit again one day!

Love the bbq sets here. The meats especially the wagyu and the scotch fillets were amazing. The beef ribs were fantastic too. Pork belly was ok. Definitely go for the bbq sets if you aren’t sure what to order.

Fantastic food. Meat quality is superb and i like the way they cook it on the table with their own unique charcoal system. Staffs are attentive and they will cook the food for you. The thing that annoyed me was one of the waiting staff put us in allocated dining time slot after we were already seated on the table. No one told us when we were waiting for a table. It made me felt a bit rush. Great food though. I will definitely come back.

Hinoak felt like a little hidden gem in a quiet suburb. Food was great, however cooks too fast when being let to rest on the plate so prepare to swap to your plate quickly. Sets were overpriced for what you were getting but still delicious nonetheless. We went at night and the lighting inside the restaurant was just as dark so photos didn't turn out well. The service was beautiful & the waiters explained the cooking procedure as well as the cut of the dish to us.

So this turned out to be my birthday dinner, so you know it's going to: a. be more than a usual dinnerb. and be great already. :P Tonight we're delighted to be dining at Hinoak Korean Charcoal BBQ which we've had on our list since they started construction (and appeared on instagram), beside Syndal Station, on our line (since moving home from college).

The BBQ sets were slightly overpriced for what they were. You didn’t get a lot for the amount of money you paid for each set. The KFC was super crispy and delicious though. Was not a fan of the cold noodles as it was a bit bland. Customer service was great and the way they barbecued the meat was definitely unique and interesting.

Wow! What a hidden gem! This is no where near the standard restaurants in Glen Wav, but instead across from Syndal train station. <br/>So went with family (12 people), restaurant is clean and service friendly and accomodating. <br/>Food, nothing to fault here at all. The serving sizes are decent, and very good quality meats (which includes wagyu). Highly recommend, and will be back.

We came to Hinoak on a Sat night. It was packed and cleary very popular. The interior was modern and clean but was a little dark so photos didn’t turn out so well. We tried one of the sets which had pork belly, 2 types of beef ribs and wagyu scotch steak. We also ordered ox tongue and a tofu soup. The meat was tender and the delicious and we were promptly served. The soup was packed full of seafood and tofu and was spicy and yummy. All the servers were friendly, catered to all our requests cheerfully and cooked all the meats for us. I was fascinated by the charcoal grill which was designed to minimise smoke and charring of the meat. The highlight of the meal was the bingsu - both the matcha and coffee flavoured bingsu were delicious and a satisfying way to end the meal. It was approx $50+ per person including a bottle of soju which I thought was reasonable. We will be back.

Nice place for Korean BBQ, they have an interesting cooking methods, ensures the meat doesn't overcook. My friends enjoyed the place for dinner

Truth be told, this post is almost two months overdue. As I would not be in Melbourne to celebrate WL's birthday, I tricked him into coming out for dinner with my friends and although it backfired, I do give myself credit for trying. WL is a big fan of meaty dishes and so, dinner at a Korean bbq made sense at that time. Well, that and because of the miserable cold weather we have in Melbourne.

The staff at Hinoak were exceptional. Each was super attentive, friendly and informative. The food was fabulous and the bbq was on point. Wagu ribs were divine, as was the japchae. Highly recommend, whether you order the bbq or not. Definitely book (we had five adults and one toddler). Overall great night, with a great vibe.

Best Korean BBQ place I've been to so far, and I've been to a fair share of restaurants. To start off they use coal to cook the meat, not an electric or fire grill, but it is also cooked vertically surrounded on both sides by coal. The meat, especially the wagyu, was very juicy and tender, and they cook everything on a timer. The servers cook and cut the meat for you, you just have to sit and eat when it's ready. All of this for a reasonable price. I am definitely going to bring my friends here to try it.

开车路过很多次，也进去吃过很多次。墨尔本目前为止唯一一家竖起来炭烤<br/>每次去都会点和牛，牛舌，五花肉，海鲜饼，海鲜豆腐汤，服务小姐姐态度一如既往的好，很耐心的讲解👍<br/>一定要提早定位，不然会没有位置。而且一定要问清楚什么酒不能带，一定要重复多问几遍，我们上次去带了五粮液和日本清酒，他们说可以喝，回头又不让。

A very cute korean bbq restaurant. Very unique design and ever time I walked pass here I wasn’t sure what it is until I have been in. Booking is essential for this restaurant, as it got limited table. Staffs are friendly and very helpful. <br/>I ordered one bbq set, a tofu seafood hot pot and a match dessert (can’t remember what is called). All of them are very nice, especially the match dessert, highly recommend for those match lover, a must try!!!

When I first walked into Hinoak, the first thing that impressed itself upon me was it’s cosiness and feeling of warmth. The food is delicious and very reasonably priced and proportioned. <br/><br/>We ordered the Seafood Soft Tofu Hotpot soup and the Fly Me to Korea between 2 people and that was more than sufficient. The kBBQ comes with unlimited lettuce to eat with the meats. The soup was generous with seafood. Loved the BBQ meats too and the explanations and directions that went with them by the lovely staff who grilled them. <br/><br/>But what enhanced the experience even more was the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff. They were so very friendly and engaging as they cooked the BBQ meat for us over the grill (which in itself was an interesting and ingenious design) and really added to the appeal and life of this place because you could feel that they placed the customer first in the manner and attitude of how and what they did. Awesome crew you have there Hinoak!<br/><br/>Make sure you try their cocktails too. We had the Cheeky Kojito and that was so refreshing, which served as a good palate balancer to the heaviness of the meats.

깔끔하고 모던해서 외국인 손님 데려가면 좋을 것 같다. 고기는 기본 세가지는 시켜야 해서 생갈비, 양념갈비, 항정살과 된장찌개를 먹었다.(버섯과 떡을 함께 줌)둘이 고기 4인분이 적당할 듯 하다..한국에서도 보지 못한 방식으로 고기를 구워주는데 뒤집을 필요도 없고 냄새도 안나고, 적당히 익힌 후 취향에 따라 더 익혀먹을 수 있는 불판이 참 편한 것 같다. 서빙하는 직원들 대부분은 한국인이 아닌듯 하지만 아주 친절하다.

Waitresses were friendly and charcoal man was very aesthetic and appealing. Food was great and plan to come again in the future. Hope to see charcoal man again

Went here twice and loved it both times! The meat was cooked splendidly and the staff were nice and friendly. <br/>In particular, one of the employees’ names was Jacky and he provided the friendliest service I have ever seen at a restaurant. Will definitely be coming back for thirds!

Very traditional and yummy Korea bbq. Very Good place, staffs are friendly. Food are fresh and yum. Drinks are also good. We love the beef and soup.

I was Pleasantly surprised<br/>the food was great we had the bbq set for 1-2 ppl and that was a good serving size<br/>the staff were nice and helpful

Great services and good atmosphere. I particularly like they cook for us, Not fatty, fresh and juicy texture of variety Korea meat. Such a pleasant experience

We ordered the Wagyu set, with the soybean soup, Jap chae, and spicy chicken cheese. First off the Wagyu set was DELICIOUS!! Good quality meat, cooked really well and it was so soft and melted in your mouth. Unfortunately all the other things we've had was mediocre. The soybean soup tasted more like a stew and it had that minestrone-like taste to it. I'm Korean and I know that it didn't taste close to what it should be. I understand maybe it's the chef's take on the soybean soup but we weren't a fan of it. The chicken cheese was delicious, but we could've gone without it. Jap chae was a bit sweet to my liking, but maybe it'd suit someone else. Except that, the ambience was great, the staff were attentive and I'll say again, the Wagyu set was DELICIOUS!!! I'd come back for the Wagyu meats alone.

Came here during the Mother’s Day weekend for dinner. Was packed as expected but we made a booking in advance so that wasn’t an issue. Service was great, the staffs who attended to us was attentive and friendly, also explained everything to us clearly. Good selection of dishes available on the menu. The kimchi soup we had was average, a bit bland. The restaurant doesn’t seem to be as ventilated as it is supposed to be. I suppose with everyone barbecuing in a closed space it will seem that way. Besides that, our experience was an alright one.

I read many of the reviews here and had raised expectations. <br/>My advice is do not waste your money at this restaurant, if your after Korean BBQ. <br/><br/>Yes the interior is nice & yes the staff are very attentive. <br/><br/>But it's the food the matters and the price. <br/>There was nothing special about the food at this restaurant. That is, nothing that says this place is so much better then so many other Korean BBQ places. <br/><br/>We walked out feeling disappointed. For $110 (for 2 people) I expected more & better. For example, one meal that was meant to have meat in it, only had 3 small thinly cut pieces (the size of a 10 or 20 cent coin).<br/><br/>My advice is go to cheaper places and you will get just as good quality food. <br/>Don't waste your money. Its overpriced for what you get.<br/><br/>I love Korean BBQ and I have had more fulfilling Korean food at Chadstone or the Glenn for less then a 1/3 of the price.

Staff were very attentive and friendly, they gave a swift greeting to table. Highly social and engaging in conversation, Hinoak effortlessly merges the atmosphere of a upmarket restaurant with the tenderness reflected in their scotch fillet. Unparalleled customer service with delicious cocktails to follow. 10/10 would recommend.

Korean charcoal bbq with great interior design. Simple, clean and a modern kkq system where meat is sandwiched between the grill and inserted between the charcoal that is inserted vertically.<br/><br/>Staff are very attentive and friendly and cook the meat. Ordered the fly me to korea.<br/>Pork belly was amazing, wagyu scotch fillet was kind of chewy and tough and the marinated beef ribs were tender. Ordered additonal rice cakes which were toasty on the outside and soft inside. Ordered a melona which was a melon icecream, hwaro41, melon liquor and lemonade. Simple yet refreshing.<br/><br/>Overall, a nice experience

Was very excited to try this place. Made a booking one week in advance. When I got there they had no table for us and told us to go outside and wait 10mins, we then walk around the street with nothing to see in the cold then came back and they still have no expected time and there was two tables of 8 with only with only two people on them. Ended up cancelling our booking and going someone else. All in all bad experience so far - but I do believe in second chances and will definitely go back to try one more time one day.

I wanted to love this place! The exterior and the interior of this place is sleek and sooo aesthetically pleasing. I also heard good things about how they cook their meat in a “healthier” way by avoiding the use of coal. Frankly, it was great, not amazing, not bad but just above average. The super huge downside for me was how expensive it is compared to other KBBQ which tastes be same or even better. I probably won’t go back again as there are plenty of other KBBQ that satisfy me just the same for a more affordable price.

Food and interior were great. Were not sure whether because everyone was in a rush to get home but we walked in at 8:45 and they hesitated to seat us in (room was pretty much empty and they supposedly close at 11pm) they still took us in, however we felt really rushed. We got our meats to cook and they didn’t even give us the chance to enjoy cooking our own food and they practically cooked all the meat for us and just chucked it all in. 5mins into eating and they came around asking if we were done with some plates. By this time 9:20pm, the surrounding tables around us had all the chairs up and everyone was pretty much closing down. It was abit uncomfortable eating (date night) whilst everyone stared and waited for you to finish eating. We pretty much just rushed ourselves to finish everything just to make them happy. There is a plus though, we asked for a bowl of kimchi as opposed to the tiny side size and they gave it to us for free. They should have just said no, were not taking any more customers instead of taking us in but making the experience real crappy.

This is a modern korean bbq place. Not quite the traditional korean restaurant environment that I prefer but the minimalist design may be attractive to others. Parking is easily available as it is near the train station and gym. My husband and I ordered both bbq and hot pot. The table was on the smaller side and we have to spill over to the neighbouring table temporarily. Food was tasty, definitely above average. Menu was not large but interesting enough to make us want to go back again. They don’t serve a lot of side dishes though which is my favourite thing about korean cuisine.

TLDR: smokeless grill design means less smokey char taste on your meat, but still quite tasty. Only Iceberg lettuce provided. Loud and busy venue. <br/><br/>Hinoak has been featured in many online publications, not just for the food but for the modern design of the restaurant.<br/>It’s clear that that they want to stand out in a challenging area, which they do with eye-catching wood exterior and continues inside.<br/><br/>The grill – Hinoak feature an innovative smokeless charcoal grill where the charcoal is placed in vertical slats. <br/>The meat is then sandwiched in a grill rack and slid in between the slats, grilled for 2 minutes, before being finished on top.<br/>The juice and fat from the meat drip down onto a tray below and not onto the charcoal, hence less smoke.<br/>Now, the thing about this is two-fold – when you enter the restaurant there is still a distinct smell of smoke, which will cling onto your clothes/hair. I don’t have a problem with this, as this is what you should expect when you go to bbq.<br/>The main issue I have is the “smokeless” grill. I actually want the juice and fat to drip onto the charcoal. I want the smoke to rise up into the meat, giving it that flamed, smokey taste.<br/><br/>The meat – We went for the “char char char” platter which feeds 3-4 people for $119. Still slightly more on the expensive side, because you would typically order 2 or 3 more dishes like the soybean stew (slightly on the thick side, not many ingredients), and cold beef noodles (didn’t get to try).<br/>The pork belly is cut thick and perfect for k-bbq. Excellent with the ssamjang paste.<br/>Wagyu scotch fillet & Wagyu short beef ribs – good amount of marbling, probably a marble score of 7+. We cooked it medium-rare and was tender, with oils flowing out as you bit into it. Really good with a dab of salt.<br/>Marinated beef ribs – the sugars in the marinade caramelise and char first, and the length of time in the marinade produces a wonderfully soft meat. <br/>The salad – only a wedge of iceberg lettuce provided. Huge negative for me – iceberg is the cheapest, worst option. At least provide perilla leaves, 1 or 2 long chillis.<br/>The sides – basic variety of endless sides given: kimchi, bean sprouts and pickled onion.<br/>The atmosphere – as mentioned previously, there’s still a smokey smell in the room and ventilation isn’t great so the door is ajar during a cold night. It is very busy and packed, and the noise level is right up there with loads of people talking but also music thumping really loudly, like a bar. Difficult to talk.<br/>Service – very friendly service. No need to worry about cooking your meats as the wait staff will do this for you.<br/><br/>As a side note, the Aerobics Room at Monash Sport Clayton has exactly the same (if not very similar) wood interior design.

After seeing this Korean BBQ open up across syndal station, decided to check it out with a walk-in attempt,<br/><br/>The staff that greeted were friendly and provided body language and conversation that a table would be free, to be then told in a condescending tone by a male staff to "next time call us" and proceeded to hand the business card whilst opening the door.<br/><br/>Booked for a second attempt and was told to wait "5mins" which is reasonable on a busy Saturday (9pm) however staff looked rushed and frantic on the organisation.<br/><br/>Prices for the quality cut of meat in honest opinion were not value for money. <br/><br/>We ordered the "Fly to Korea" set,<br/>The pork was lean and not the greatest of quality,<br/>The wagyu delivered but didn't have the "wow" factor.<br/>p.s Rice is additional <br/><br/>Service attempts during each BBQ interval brought mistakes such as placing the grille tray before even receiving charcoal, dropping our sides/mushroom into the oblivion, meat being dropped into the grille etc etc<br/><br/>TLDR<br/><br/>Hinoak has great potential to be one of the best Korean BBQs in the area with ease of convenience, <br/>Prices are higher than average, Quality is hit and miss,<br/>I've had better Korean for the $$. <br/>Venue and decor interior/vibe is nice, clean and modern but I'd rather focus on the food than atmosphere.<br/><br/>It's a place you'd take someone to for social aspects where the food/drinks/desserts are a bonus.

DO: Any of the bbq sets. We couldnt decide so chose all of them since we were in a large group. <br/><br/>DON'T: Forget the chilli chicken in melted cheese. <br/><br/>TIP: They take bookings. Park across road in multi deck or at Fitness First.

Overall a nice dining experience. Great food and the staff are attentive, cooking the food on front of you and providing tips on how to best cook the food. However, some staff members automatically assume you want the food cooked for you instead of asking.<br/>Quality of meat is amazing. Their Wagyu beef features very rich marbling and has a strong flavour. The quantity of meat for the price is not fantastic.<br/>Great for couples, groups of 4 but groups of 5 are hard to accommodate. Larger groups are fine.<br/>Don't expect a cheap meal, but expect to have a lot of fun!

Korean BBQ places in Melbourne are increasingly in popularity and Hinoak sits on my scale as a great BBQ place. Located opposite Syndal station, you can come by train, bus or car. The menu itself is good and the bar offers a wide selection of beverages. However, you go to a BBQ place to eat meat and this place as a unique way of cooking. Rather than grilling meat above charcoal, the meat is cook vertically. I thought it very strange at first but with the fat running straight off, it seems healthier and the taste is superb! Boasting a unique interior, the place gets very busy during peak times so either book or aim to arrive either side. Love this place and highly recommended.

Joining the influx of Korean BBQ restaurants in the eastern suburbs - Hinoak sets itself apart with its beautiful design and extraordinary service that is unrivalled by any restaurant I've been to. This is such a beautiful restaurant that is inspired by asian and modern influences. I loved the distance between the tables which gave us some privacy and less noise. The service as mentioned was amazing - so attentive and used Korean etiquette such as bowing. On another note - there is a great variety of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks and I would highly recommend the cocktails!

Great interior design to this korean restaurant, with polite staff and a great menu to choose from. The cooking process for the BBQ is nothing like I’ve seen/experienced before, with some cuts being pressed and placed between charcoal hot plates. Overall taste was great, nothing out of the ordinary for korean bbq. The pancake was nice, however different because of the use of egg on the exterior. The army stew was hearty and had a good mix of meats, vegetables,fish cake and ramen, however needed a top up of soup towards the end. In addition, I felt the soup definitely needed some sort of rice to balance the saltiness (very flavourful though) of the broth.

My Korean food-loving friends and I came here for dinner and it did not disappoint. They have lived in South Korea and were very satisfied with the food. The highlight for me was the Korean fried chicken (I am a sucker for all things deep-fried I must admit!) - they nailed the crunchiness and the amount of spiciness was perfect for my taste buds. The spicy pork bulgogi was bursting with flavour and the bibimbap was delicious too. <br/>Like other reviewers hace mentioned, the staff really are super friendly there! Made the dining experience that much more pleasant :) I also loved the decor mood lighting.<br/>Big thumbs up from me! 👍👍

Nice great place, yummy food, fresh lettuces, nice service, friendly staff. We love the grill, love cold noodle. Sure be back with friends and family. Thank you. We have a great family mealtime. We were all busy eating and forgot taking photos. Recommended.

Busy modern Korean bbq place newly opened in Syndal where staff grill all your kbbq for you with their modern BBQ system. <br/><br/>Service was good from staff who were trained and a bit hit and miss for those still in training. The meal felt rushed as staff controlled the cooking process and everything was cooked back to back with not enough adequate break in between to fully enjoy the meal.<br/><br/>Meats were of quality though some cuts were chewy and dry if left too long on the grill or cooled down quickly. The Kimchi stew needed more flavour and seasoning as it was quite bland. Pricey but you pay for the BBQ system, cooking service and interior design.

I had a great time at Hinoak! What stood out to me the most was the friendliness of the staff. Everyone was super cheerful and eager to help. They are quite attentive with the meats so you can pretty much leave the meat cooking to them! The interior was very nice, but slightly more cramped than I expected. The cooking grill was quite unique too! <br/>For the barbecue, we tried the scotch fillet, pork belly and marinated beef. The marinated beef was super good and probably the stand out for me. The kimchi stew was delicious as well. They give you a heap of lettuce with traditional Korean sides which are refillable! <br/>It is a more ‘upmarket’ place to dine which is reflected in the cost. However we had a very pleasant time and will definitely return in the future for special occasions and also to try their non-BBQ options!

Went in on Sunday night and I can say that you’re really only paying for the impeccable service from staff. There wasn’t much flavour to the meats and it’s pretty expensive for what it is. I do like that you don’t get the usual BBQ smell from a traditional Korean BBQ stuck on all your clothes and hair. <br/>We had ordered an additional rice to our bulgogi dish but didn’t receive it. Was easy enough to have it removed from the bill. Probably wouldn’t come back again but a good experience to have nonetheless.

When korean bbq arrives on the east side and you don’t need to head into the city. The design of the restaurant is architecturally pleasing. Located in front of Syndal station there is ample parking. <br/><br/>We ordered a set of meats, korean pancake and kimchi soup which was more than enough for 3 people. The unique thing about this place is not only the architecture is stunning the method of cooking is perfect.

Went to Hinoak for Valentine's Day and had the most wonderful time! I'd tried to visit earlier in the year, but bookings are essential.<br/><br/>We had the set Valentine's menu that was $79 pp - it was plenty of food for me, but not enough for my personal trainer boyfriend. He said he was still hungry when we got home.<br/><br/>We had chicken skewers, dumplings, glass noodles with beef, vegie pancake, steamed rice, kimchi soup and a selection of meat. We had a glass of sparkling each and ended the evening with a pannacotta to share.<br/><br/>The staff are super friendly and attentive and the venue is spaced out so it never feels crowded. It is always nice to see your food being prepared in front of you. It is not a cheap night out, but I highly recommend visiting Hinoak for a special occassion.

Food was delicious and staff warm and friendly. It was our friend's birthday and they made it special for him. The signature soju with infused flavours were a fantastic thing to try. A must go to, especially for a special occasion. Recommend: the Wagyu scotch fillet and signature soju flight.

Hold up, I HAVE to mention the stunning interior of this place. Without a doubt this is a sweet spot for special occasions that match a slightly higher end vibe than any regular kbbq restaurant. <br/><br/>And now, the meat. Cross my heart, i had the best kbbq experience here. Meat tasted fresh and was cooked perfectly by the very friendly staff. I can't emphasise it more. And i gotta love the grill design so smoke is evaporated UNDERNEATH rather than suctioned out above and lingering in your clothes for daaaays.<br/><br/>As with any bbq place, serving size didnt satisfy me but the quality of the food made up for it so im overall a happy child. <br/><br/>Would recommend!!

New style sort of Korean bbq, still using charcoal but differently. Doesn't quite have the "burnt" charcoal taste that I enjoy from a charcoal bbq. Wagyu is nice tasting and cooked the way you like (medium rare). Unfortunately the beef bulgolgi is cooked on a sizzling plate instead of on the charcoal. But I do recommend the excellent customer service. Food always tastes better when served with positive, friendly service. Booster seat is available but the little shop may be a little tight for prams.

Simple, clean fit out and not too cramped. Never seen charcoal BBQ like here before but I like it! Had the Seoul Taster BBQ set with pork belly, wagyu beef and ribs. Not overly marinated and good amount for 2 people if you order mains too. <br/><br/>Banchan was disappointing with only 4 but refillable upon request. Seafood pancake was eggy like an omelette but not too bad. Chicken on sizzling plate came with rice and was spicy and very cheesy! <br/><br/>Fav would be the refreshing bibim cold noodles and soju tasting board was interesting - give it a go if you can. Seating time approx 2 hrs and there's only a handful of tables so book ahead. And yes, you still smell of BBQ but only slightly!

Food was delicious, service was fantastic. Ordered 2 starters and the Seoul taster - was more than enough for two. Especially lived the seafood pancake. Will definitely go back

Since the shop's facade was built, I've been ever so eager to try this place!  Got in the first week of opening and I loved their wooden panels and the insightful conversation with the owner.  She explains it's a unique, healthier way of BBQ-ing with the benefit of still using charcoal with less smoke/charcoal affecting the meat.<br/><br/>I have been back numerous times.  They have excellent meat quality and are priced well.<br/>Recommended to dine here when you're not in a rush.  Good food does take time to cook!

What a pleasant surprise. Was driving into Glen Waverley late on Monday night with a friend and saw this place along Coleman parade and decided to give it a go.<br/><br/>We were welcomed. Beautiful atmosphere. Warm, friendly and informative service.<br/><br/>We had never had Korean BBQ before so we weren't sure about how it all worked. We weren't confused for long though! The lovely young lady and gent there told us all about how to go about it and how the vertical charcoal BBQs worked. Very interesting.<br/><br/>The food was outstanding. Fresh and of beautiful quality. Especially the wagyu. All the side dishes were very authentic tasting and plentiful. We will definitely return.<br/><br/>Thankyou for an amazing first experience. Keep up the great work! :)

5 star service and food , lovely staff. Fresh meat. open till late. free drink on birthday. perfect place for event . love it. love it. love it.

Small portions, overpriced and over complication with the whole bbq mechanism. Customer service was the only highlight. However seemed understaffed due to the need for them to be attentive with the complicated grill to assist customers.

Do come here if you want to come check out the nice decor cause you’ll be staring at it for quite a while, and don’t worry about cutlery cause they expect you to eat with your hands.<br/>Portions are also very small<br/>Overall, overpriced and not worth the wait<br/>(The 1.5 is for the kimchi, that was quite nice)

No value for money. Overpriced. Small portions. Confronting customer service. Not worth the value. For this money just go fine dining. Upset with our time here.

Fantastic introduction to Korean BBQ! The seafood pancake to die for then bring on the BBQ😀😀😀. Owners and Staff so helpful and made us feel so welcome. Do yourself a favour<br/>

Good ambience. Good service, staffs were very friendly but nothing spectacular. Portion small. Cheese on the buldak, too strong. Menu limited. Internet blind spot.

Great food and atmosphere! <br/><br/>Also like the design of the restaurant. <br/><br/>Fun and innovative BBQ!<br/><br/>The waitress are well trained, always smiling and very helpful!

Finally made it here after weeks of driving past this place! Booking is a must to avoid disappointment.<br/><br/>We took the recommendation from the first reviewer and tried the Miss Korea - wagyu set in 4 parts. The cooking experience was definitely different from the traditional style and yes lesssss smoky, but our clothes were still smelly which couldn't really avoid.<br/><br/>The meat was above average in quality. The set also came with cos lettuce which we were told to use to wrap the meat in, along with the mushrooms and onions, kinda like Korean San Choi Bao. The hot stone BiBimBap was not bad and the seafood hot pot was a little blend. <br/><br/>We tried the Korspresso Martini which was quite an interesting match together with the wagyu meat.<br/><br/>Overall above average and we will come back to try the other dishes. <br/><br/>

The ambience is lovely and the beef was spectacular! We ordered "Miss Korea" and the wagyu was really divine. Buttery, soft, juicy and tender. The grill was different to the ones I've seen too. No overhead hanging exhaust but it wasn't smokey.<br/>We ordered more beef as it was so good. Our favourite cut was the wagyu chuck tail flaps. So good.<br/>Must try: The infused soju, blended in-house by the owner. Choose 6 flavours. All incredibly well crafted and leaves you no doubt as to what the flavour is.<br/><br/>My personal favourite drink was the peach rice wine and the lychee sweet love.<br/><br/>A great night! I'll add pics when I get them off my partner's phone.