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    Sanbada

    4.5 (86 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

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    Helen Z.

    Boston is a bit of a food desert for authentic Korean food and I'm so glad this place is here now, in what was formerly TITS. We came for early dinner on a Sunday and were seated immediately, though it did start to get busy around 5:30-6. I wish they had more options for the main dish, including maybe a gukbap dish, but the focus of this place is more for the banchan (side dishes). They set down the set of banchan with zucchini and potato soup, japchae, and this other soup I forgot the name of (it's like a concentrated bean paste soup you mix with rice). We ordered the spicy pork and the meat patty mains and they took quite a while to come out (especially the pork). They were pretty good, but we filled up so much on the banchan, which were excellent, that we couldn't finish and had to take most of the mains home. I really loved the sesame lotus root and the pumpkin salad ones, and later discovered the jellyfish salad at the banchan bar, which was probably my favorite. I would say that the banchan were most of what we ate for this meal, and now we have leftovers of the main for lunch tomorrow, so this was a very cost effective, tasty, healthy meal. Also they have melona bars for dessert which is always a win. Service was friendly but scant, and as I said, the main dishes took a long time to come out. This place is not fancy and feels kind of like a (nice clean) cafeteria, but the banchan is so good and I would definitely return.

    Grilled mackerel and belt fish sets
    Kim B.

    This has got to be one of the best Korean spots in town- Boston had been needing a place like this one with comfort food. We waited 20 minutes on a Saturday afternoon to be seated. There were about 7 parties ahead of us so the wait was fine with us. I ordered the mackerel set, and my friend got the belt fish set. Can you believe everything besides the fish had unlimited refills? I couldn't even refill anything besides the kimchi because the portions were more than enough. Interior is lovely, bright with some traditional flair. Service was good for a busy weekend afternoon, I could tell they were a little overwhelmed so had to flag down a waiter towards the end of our meal. I highly recommend this place, and believe it's worth the wait. I'd recommend to families as well since the portions are good and the food is comforting and filling. If you're unfamiliar with how to debone fish, it's time to learn!

    Howie H.

    stopped in for a saturday night dinner during the summer when the college kids are away. put in my name at the front desk via ipad and was on the yelp waiting list. we got a couple belt fishes and a mackerel. complimentary barley tea along with sides were brought out. there is a "buffet" with all the sides that you can go refill yourself. the fishes were all really good. cooked perfectly. the sides were all very tasty in their own way. will return.

    Yanni P.

    Service was great. The food could have been hotter though. The soup was lukewarm and the pork was warm as well but wasn't hot. There food has good flavor and the banchan were delicious. The unlimited Melona fridge was novel and I liked it!

    Spicy pork
    Jack T.

    Went to Sanbada and had a mixed experience. We ended up waiting a long time before getting seated, which definitely took away from the overall vibe and made the meal feel less worth it. Once we finally sat down though, the service was super attentive. The staff checked in often and were really kind, and they brought out a lot of freebies and extras because of the wait, which helped balance things out. The food was good overall, nothing bad at all, but also not quite enough to justify how long we waited. Got a fish dish which was kinda plain and dry. What did stand out the most were the side dishes and they were beautifully presented and kept coming, which made the table feel really full and lively. Overall, solid food and great service, but the wait was a bit much for what it was.

    Rachel S.

    I really liked the belt fish and the spicy pork here! The portions are gigantic. I wasn't as impressed with the banchan selection though. They had some more unusual banchan that I've never seen before -- not bad but I did really want the typical stuff. The banchan bar is a really neat idea though so kudos for that and maybe if I come again on another day they will have the banchans that I am more familiar with!

    Banchan
    Monica L.

    Lively bright modern atmosphere with really great food! We got the spicy pork and mackerel sets. The service was quick and friendly and the food was amazing especially for the price. The banchan was unlimited and they had melona bars too. I particularly enjoyed the fried eggplant, radish soup, and japchae. Would come again!

    Hanna H.

    I can see why this place has been so busy recently! We came on a weekday for lunch so there wasn't a wait. How this place works is that each person is required to order an entree, then it's all you can eat soup, japchae (korean glass noodles), white rice, ban chan (side dishes), and melona ice cream! For entrees, there are a few types of fish (including mackerel and belt fish), as well as spicy pork and bulgogi patty available. I was barely able to touch my entree since there were so many side dishes to try! We loved the japchae and spicy stir-fried eggplant (and I'm usually not an eggplant person). Everything was all very yummy, not overly oily or salty. We finished the meal with melona ice cream bars. For all this food and variety alone, I would definitely come back. What we ordered: - Mackerel Entree - Spicy Pork Entree

    Thoughtfully packaged utensils
    Iris X.

    Finally tried Sanbada in Boston and now I understand the hype. My husband got the atka mackerel and I ordered the spicy pork; both were delicious, but honestly the real star of the meal was the banchan. They just kept bringing out dish after dish until the entire table was completely covered. Every time I thought we had tried everything, there was somehow more food appearing. And the best part? Unlimited refills on the banchan, which made the whole experience feel so abundant and worth it. The presentation was beautiful too-- everything looked colorful, fresh, and thoughtfully plated. We did have to wait about an hour to get seated, and they require each person to order an entree, but the staff handled it really well and brought us a complimentary beef side dish to apologize for the wait, which we really appreciated. They even gave us free Melona ice cream at the end, which was such a cute finishing touch after such a massive meal. Overall, really good customer service, generous portions, and one of those meals where the table is so full you don't even know where to start eating first.

    Nhung N.

    Sanbada is a Korean restaurant located in Brighton, MA. The restaurant is located on Brighton Ave, with street parking on both sides of the street, and easily accessible by public transportation. Sanbada stands out with their unique and unlimited self served side dishes station. Each member of the party is required to order a main item. One of their main, belt fish, is a must try. I usually pass on this fish but Sanbada's was very enjoyable. The mackerel main was another surprised. Both were more enjoyable because they were cooked in a brick oven, a healthier choice. The bulgogi pattie set was a hit with the kids as was the spicy pork. As for the many side dishes to accompany your main dish, there were plenty of standouts. My two favorites were the mixed seasoned seaweed and the fried eggplants. We ordered two additional dishes to try. First, the marinated shrimp is something I work order again. But I recommend it be shared with a group as I didn't want more than one piece. If you do not enjoy raw seafood, I would absolutely skip this dish. The sliced beef tendon was a hit with my daughter with a simple clean taste. Also where the side dishes buffet was, there was also an additional soup station as well as a good variety of Korean ice cream to end your meal with. I will absolutely be back to try more items. See my pictures.

    Unlimited sides
    Emi H.

    Finally tried this restaurant and it is definitely worth the hype! I went on a Saturday and waited around 30 minutes after getting on the Yelp wait-list. Note that you can't do this through the mobile app so you have to go in person to get on the wait-list. It was worth the wait though! I got the Belt Fish set ($30) which came with 2 fillets of fish, unlimited rice, japjae, salad, soybean stew and an assortment of banchan. The food came out fast and everything was delicious! The belt fish was the most buttery and tender fillet of fish I've ever had and the skin had a nice char. Beware of the fish bones though! The banchans were the perfect pairing and they helped cut through the richness of the fish. I especially loved the crispy eggplant, kim chi, and pickled chayote. The japjae and the soybean stew were tasty as well! Overall, this is probably the best new Korean restaurant in town. The value and quality of the food can't be beat! I love that they have a banchan bar so you can get refills and they even offer free melona for dessert. The service was friendly and efficient and the restaurant was spacious, brightly lit, and modern. I would 100% come back again!

    Outside
    Connie C.

    Okay, I get the hype now. One of the newer additions to the Allston food scene, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit. The banchan were incredibly fresh and flavorful. My favorites were the kimchi, sweet potato mash, and pickled chayote, but honestly every single one was delicious. The grilled belt fish was cooked to perfection with crispy skin and tender meat. It looked like it was prepared in one of those high-heat pizza ovens, which gave it an amazing finish. The spicy pork set was a generous portion and arrived sizzling on a stone plate, staying hot throughout the entire meal. Each person is required to order their own set. It's a great spot for a casual meal. My one request: please sell the banchan to-go. I would happily take home containers of those sides. The restaurant gets busy, but there's a Yelp waitlist available at the door. Be sure to stay nearby--your spot is canceled if you don't check in within five minutes of receiving the text. Food comes out quickly, making this a great option for a satisfying and efficient meal. Plus, there's self-service for additional banchan, rice, and miso soup. Bonus: unlimited Melona popsicles toooo!

    Atka Mackerel and Belt Fish
    Caroline S.

    Sanbada is raising the bar for good Korean food in Boston! As of April 2026, they're serving unlimited side dishes with the purchase of an entree (my literal dream! I love banchan!). Every side dish is unique and prepared with care. I personally really liked the mashed pumpkin/potato, eggplant, and pickled chayote. Their fish was also very delicious. It's seasoned lightly but cooked very well, which pairs wonderfully with all of the available sides (and soup). The interior is bright and modern and their servers seem to be well trained. They're super attentive and offer plenty of explanations where needed. Excited to try their sister restaurants as well!

    Fish

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    1 month ago

    Very good food and service. Side dishes selection was good. The entrees was amazing as well

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    2 days ago

    Eggplant banchan is superb and raw marinated crab was delicious. Kimchi stew was spicy but good, and unlimited Melona ice cream dessert!

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    Ask the Community - Sanbada

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    After our hotdog at our first Fenway game, we were hungry. The hotdog was good but it was not…read moreenough LOL We decided to find a place nearby and decided on some Asian food. We found KChickin nearby on Peterborough Street and they're open until 9:30pm. We walked quickly over as hunger is a good motivator to walk fast. The restaurant has takeout but offered enough space to hold three famished Fenway newbies. Service was quickly and friendly and the food was served fairly quickly. Seems like most restaurants begin at the suggested 18% tip to start. Some calculate their tipping suggestions at your subtotal before adding the taxes to your bill. This restaurant included the taxes as part of its tip calculation so be aware that you're actually tipping more than 18%. FYI: as a customer, you decide how much to tip for quality service. Bringing your orders to your table is basic. How many times they filled your water cups and check up on you are important and expected. Tipping is not automatic in my humble opinion. Servers who work diligently for their tips so tip accordingly to those who provided a great dining experience.

    KChickin is one of those places that earns its high rating without much argument. We walked into a…read morespace that buzzes even on weeknight evenings, with a menu spanning Korean fried chicken, sushi, hand rolls, and Japanese comfort food. That combination sounds like it could go sideways, but the kitchen handles the range with enough confidence that the whole thing works. The fried chicken is the anchor of the menu and the reason most people come back. We ordered the soy garlic wings, the most talked about item, and they justified the reputation. They came out freshly fried with a glaze that coated evenly and a crunch that held. The chili basil version is worth ordering alongside if you want some heat, and the classic crispy is the right call for anyone who wants to taste the chicken itself without much interference. The calamari is a strong starter, well fried and light enough that it did not weigh down the rest of the meal before it got going. On the Japanese side of the menu, the kaisen don stood out. The presentation was careful and the fish was fresh in a way that made it feel like a dish the kitchen takes seriously rather than an afterthought. The hand rolls are solid and satisfying, though they lean more reliable than revelatory, making them a good addition to a larger spread rather than the sole reason to visit. For a spot covering this much ground, the consistency impressed us most. People drive over an hour to eat here, and that says something. It earns the trip. We would come back for the soy garlic wings and a bowl of kimchi tofu soup, and we would bring friends who want both Korean fried chicken and fresh sushi under one roof.

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    Somenya - Soba restaurant

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    Handmade noodles... no need to say more! I'm in! I was not disappointed. The restaurant is small,…read morecozy, casual nestled unassuming on the edge of bustling Chinatown. For an appetizer my friend and I had the spicy salmon tartare which was excellent. Thick cubes of salmon poke tossed in a bright yuzu vinaigrette that enhanced the flavor of the salmon excentuated by bursting ikura added another level to a refreshing texture. The saffron threads added aesthetic and a perfectly delicate garnish. For entrees, we had to try both the homemade soba and udon noodles. Both were so soft with great flavor that provides the essential reminder that homemade is superior. The soba noodles, if you have never had them, are almost sweet. The tofu in the yasai soup was a delightful fluffy pillow of fried tofu skin thinly cut and same flavor as inari tofu. I added a poached egg and the flavor of the yolk mixed into the noodles is unrivaled. I want to eat it for breakfast. I will definitely be back to try more of the menu.

    I've been here a couple times. The soba noodles were refreshing and the broth has been umami. Had…read morethe tofu here as well. The service was pretty typical, so the wait staff were friendly and attentive. Ambiance and decor was pretty cool too. The pricing is pretty typical of Chinatown Boston restaurants. 8/10: food gets the job done. Effort was shown to the dishes but nothing was extremely mind blowing. Definitely worth a try.

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    This was our second time ordering delivery from Seoul Topokki. We remembered it being really good…read morethe first time, so we went for round two. We ordered the cheese topokki (soft rice cake, fish cake, vegetable, & mozzarella in Korean spicy sauce) & the beef bulgogi bowl (fried marinated beef, vegetables, steamed rice & side of soup). The cheese topokki was just as good as we remembered - chewy, flavorful, comforting, & a little bit weird. The cheese was poorly distributed, but it was still very tasty. The beef bulgogi bowl was really underwhelming. Firstly, it was very little food. We were promised vegetables, but there were only a few scarce onions & zucchini pieces mixed in. It was also dry. It was devoid of moisture & sauce, so we added some from the fridge at home. The side of soup was a joke. It filled only about 2/3 of the container & looked so sad, we wondered if it was the sauce that we we so desperately needed. Nope, just a meager amount of watered down miso soup. So the conclusion - great topokki, sub-par bulgogi, non-existent soup.

    We came here on a Saturday evening without a reservation and were seated with no wait. The service…read morewas great and our orders both were taken and came out pretty quickly. For the food, we got the tuna kimbap, Seoul toppoki, and bulgogi hot pot for two. Everything was SO good. The ingredients were fresh and the food was flavorful (sweet from the bulgogi, savory from the mushrooms, spicy from the toppoki sauce, salty from the tuna, and sour from the pickled vegetables). The price for the portion size was a great value and we ended the night feeling very full and even had to pack up an entire container of the hotpot for two that we didn't finish. Overall, we had a great time and I can't wait to come back again. This might be my new favorite Korean food spot in the Boston area.

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    Sanbada - korean - Updated July 2026

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