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Gyu - Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Santa Monica, Santa Monica, CA

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Santa Monica

4.3
4.3
142 Reviews
$30 and under
Japanese
Spending time with Friends and Family is what Gyu-Kaku is all about. Gyu-Kaku offers the fun of "Shared Plates" through Japanese barbeque dining experience called Yakiniku. We want our food dining experience to inspire laughter, conversation, and amazing times! You can't help it - with a personal grill installed at every table, everyone instantly becomes an expert cook. Our friendly staff aspires to lead guests through the dining experience with helpful suggestions. The sounds around you are of parties and laughter - the PERFECT choice for first dates, families, and catching up with friends.

For more info, please check https://www.gyu-kaku.com/santamonica/ .

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 18 times today
Experiences are available.

Additional information

Gift card

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Experiences

  • Now through Father’s Day, Enjoy Premium BBQ...

    $55.00 per person

    May 28 - Jun 19, 2023
    This limited time course for 2 or more includes appetizers, signature Gyu-Kaku BBQ items, your choice of BBQ Booster (dipping sauces), and the perfect dessert to enjoy with the whole party! (Bonus Points applicable for Gyu-Kaku App users) About Gyu-Kaku: Our authentic Japanese yakiniku (grilled barbecue) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming smokeless grill, while sipping on Japanese sake, shochu, and frosty cold beers. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends, family, and co-workers alike!
  • Exclusive Offer on these Premium Meats!

    $45.00 per person

    May 28 - Jun 19, 2023
    (à la carte price estimate) For limited time enjoy premium meats such as this limited-time A5 Wagyu Chuck Set, Sukiyaki Bone-in Kalbi, and New York Steak with this exclusive Bonus Point offer! (Bonus Points applicable for Gyu-Kaku App users) About Gyu-Kaku: Our authentic Japanese yakiniku (grilled barbecue) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming smokeless grill, while sipping on Japanese sake, shochu, and frosty cold beers. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends, family, and co-workers alike!

What 142 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 3.8Service
  • 3.9Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Westside

    Good for groups

Sort by

  1. MarcusK

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 29, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience4
    My girlfriend and I went on Sunday (May 30th). We had made a reservation for 5:30. When we got to the restaurant there were only about five tables seated. We were told we had to wait. After about ten minutes I asked the hostess why we weren’t being seated considering the place was pretty empty and she seemed irritated but seated us. We wanted to get the “All you can eat” barbecue and we’re told it was stopped for the weekend so we ordered regular meals. We asked for sodas and waters. The sodas arrived (but no waters) and they were in plastic cups with lids. It turns out the dishwasher wasn’t working that day. The server did not come back to the table very often so we had to get up and go request salt, soda refills and water (which still never came). They are supposed to oil the grill you cook on, but the waiter didn’t do it so I had to ask him to come back. Overall, the food is good but the experience was not a very pleasant one. If the service is improved the restaurant will be awesome.
  2. DavidM

    Pittsburgh

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Had to move tables twice due to problems with the grills in the table. The staff was nice but seemed like only half interested in being there. No discounts or add ons from having to deal with all the hassle. Was a bad experience but hopefully not a common one.
  3. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience2
    Go to gyu-kaku in Beverly Hills or another location if you can. The service was terrible and the staff was very unprofessional. Our server took our drink order and then never came back. After waiting 30 minutes for our drinks, we had to walk up to the front desk to ask for our server to come back. He had a horrible attitude on top of being absent. They couldn’t keep track of the food we ordered so we had to keep asking for our missing plates. Things were slapped together haphazardly when we asked for it. They dropped our check before we got all our food, assuming our meal was over. It just made the night feel tense. The people bussing tables were so kind and helpful, however our server and the staff handling seating was unprofessional. It changed the whole experience of our night. I love gyu-kaku and have been going for years to BH. I wanted to try a different location. Never again.
  4. TATA

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was our first time here. So impressed with the food, ambience and price. Thank you for participating in Dine LA, otherwise we wouldn't have found you!
  5. SepiB

    Los Angeles

    7 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience2
    Service here is beyond terrible. Food was okay we got charged extra for having a lite bit Kimchi left over...we all had the ultimate all you can eat and barely got any food really so it was a little crazy to be charged for left over kimchi. Wouldn't come back again.
  6. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience2
    This restaurant should not be featured on Dine LA. The service was very slow it took 20 minutes for the waiter to come to us. Once the food came we realized we were missing 1/4 of our order. We had to convince him that we didn’t receive the items and it took another 15 minutes for our food to come. Half of their items were not available and we had to ask for our appetizers 3 times. Food was delicious but service was very lacking.
  7. Sandyjk

    Los Angeles

    328 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    328 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience5
    DineLA lunch was good! More than enough food and it was "fun" cooking on our in table hibachi. Definitely would go back!
  8. LAvisitor

    Los Angeles

    29 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall2food1service1ambience1
    Rude hostess made us wait ten minutes before seating our party of four. There was an empty restaurant with over half of the tables empty. Very unfriendly staff. We waited patiently for our table. The food was very average and it has definitely declined in freshness.
  9. Rebecca

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall1food4service2ambience2
    Poor service but decent food. My daughter loves it which is why we go…
  10. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This food was delicious and they were very accommodating with my gluten allergy! Really cool experience
  11. JessicaL

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 28, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience4
    The food and pricing are always great when I eat here, but I consistently encounter extremely rude service. I always give places multiple chances but at this point, I think the rudeness from service overshadows the food and overall experience. There’s too many barbecue places in Los Angeles for restaurants to mistreat customers. When there is competition, there are options.
  12. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience3
    Was there for a birthday and it was amazing They came and sung happy birthday lol it was hilarious
  13. ValerieA

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    we had a great time. everybody was lovely. thank you, gyu!!
  14. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was so amazing!!! They had a really good special on the price for the Lunar New year. Filet mignon was my favorite meat and the garlic fried rice is an absolute must !!!
  15. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience2
    We came early and the place was empty but they still made us wait until the reservation time.
  16. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 11, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    Alot of the meats were very average. Don’t think it was a great night for them.
  17. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 2, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great food and overall experience
  18. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Food is always good and the service is pretty consistent as well. I like this location because it’s pretty comfortable as far as space, I think it’s a bit bigger than the other locations.
  19. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 27, 2022

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    Small dinner with long time friends, even with a reservation it took a while for them to seat us and take our drink orders. And when it came time to order it seemed like the weight staff was annoyed and unwilling to help especially with dietary restrictions (vegan). It took a while for our food to come out (even though we were the ones cooking the food at the table) and once it did certain items were missing until you’d request for them. Luckily the manager did have a very friendly and helpful attitude which saved the day.
  20. AldoS

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 26, 2022

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    In all fairness it was Christmas. The food was good. The services was slow , confused and some staff was rude. It took 4 times of asking to get napkins and water. The staff was slow to clean tables which made the environment less appealing. The staff felt distracted and overwhelmed. I will go back and give it another shot gonna chaulk it up to Christmas night and who wants to work on Christmas.
  21. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was great and so was the price! Our server was attentive! Pleasant dining experience on Christmas Day!
  22. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 23, 2022

    overall1food2service1ambience4
    The restaurant had no bartender so we couldn’t order alcohol beverages, also when we walked in, we got asked by three different people did we have reservations and then we were told a shipment didn’t arrive and they were out of 50% of their meat.
  23. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 23, 2022

    overall1food4service1ambience1
    Service is terrible at this location, I’ve been to several Gyu Kaku locations and this one is by far the worst. Avoid if possible.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 15, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Very tasty! Their food has always been consistent and comes out reasonably quick. Highly recommend the Yaki Shabu beef and toro. The spicy tuna volcano is really good too.
  25. LarryK

    Los Angeles

    44 reviews

    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Dinner was fabulous and so fun. Ivan was an excellent guide to our eating extravaganza. Grilling our own food was a trip and made for a very hilarious evening. We will be back!
  26. OpenTable Diner

    West Palm Beach

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Food was great and it was fun cooking our food!
  27. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Birthday experience was great! The food was amazing, will recommend
  28. MiekoM

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Server was talking other server and no pay attention for customer. This place Rice was horrible. Other locations was ok.. Kitchen need training how to make it. Also, usually servers change new grill cover change many time but this place not. And my order missing. Guy-kaku chain restaurant came from Japan. I know that happened from Covid no people . But I never go back this place.
  29. GladstonesGladGuests

    Los Angeles

    14 reviews

    2.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2022

    overall2food4service1ambience3
    This was my first visit and likely my last. The service was terrible. They claimed that the kitchen was backed up so our food took over an hour to come out. Meanwhile, everyone around us had plenty of food. Our server didn't check on us and at one point asked us if we were ready for the check and we barely had appetizers. We had to complain to the manager just to get what we asked for.
  30. JameyE

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome food and great service. Fun place to take the kids as well!
  31. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2022

    overall3food3service1ambience3
    Took 15 minutes to get waters and drink order
  32. JonD

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2022

    overall2food3service2ambience4
    Service was extremely slow. portions were small but their delivery took a while so you will have to wait for them constantly.
  33. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2022

    overall1food3service1ambience1
    Customer service is very baddd
  34. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Nice food and funny experience
  35. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    My boyfriend loves Japanese & Korean BBQ but I have a TON of allergies along with celiacs so I never thought I’d find a place where’d I’d feel comfortable. But after looking at the menu online, decided to give it a shot and couldn’t be happier! Our waiter walked us through how to order and was very good about my allergies as well! Plus, Happy Hour pricing made this an unbelievable deal. We both left stoked that we’ve found a new favorite so close to home and will definitely be coming back often :)
  36. miarock

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I used to go to West LA location & Santa Monica was much bigger & nice ambience & service was great , it was weekday lunch hours so it was not many people & enjoy the food however the rice was a little mushy & the server was nice to gave us a new rice which was great 👍
  37. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 24, 2022

    overall2food4service1ambience3
    Service was slow, rude staff who kept forgetting what we had asked for multiple times. Condescending manager. This location makes all the gyu Kakus look bad, stick to Sherman oaks or Beverly Hills locations.
  38. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 22, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    This was a terrible experience. I would give no stars if I could because we didn’t even end up eating anything. After being seated my family and i waited for over 20 minutes without anyone coming to us after watching the waiter(s) helping out those seated around us who were predominately white. I finally went up to the host desk and asked if we had a waiter assigned to us. He said “be right back” and then didn’t return. I turned around and saw the waiter had finally come over. Per my wife, the waiter just asked “what can I get you” without any apology for the delay in service. We proceeded to order and then was informed that the restaurant only had one type of obscure marinade left for all of its meat options. Upon hearing this we decided to just leave, the waiter responding with a flippant “alright then”, shrugged and left. Clearly this gyu-kaku has no regard for ensuring a competent dining experience, we will not be returning.
  39. Aaronbo

    New York Area

    19 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We were 4 persons and ordered the 4 person meal. Easily could have been for six people. For Santa Monica it is reasonable prices for both quality and quantity and fun
  40. AngelicaH

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2022

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    Dropping my daughter to college

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Santa Monica does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now and Uber Eats. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Santa Monica also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (424) 744-8220.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Santa Monica is rated 4.3 stars by 142 OpenTable diners.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Santa Monica does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 18 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Santa Monica

231 Arizona Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401-1203

Additional information

  • Neighborhood

    Santa Monica

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:45 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:15 pm Happy Hour Mon 11:00 am–9:45 pm Tue–Sun 11:00 am–6:30 pm Tue–Thu, Sun 8:30 pm–9:45 pm Fri, Sat 8:30 pm–10:15 pm

  • Cuisines

    Japanese

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Parking details

    None

  • Additional

    Takeout

Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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