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

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Santa Monica

4.4
4.4
133 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 32 times today

Additional information

What 133 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 3.9Service
  • 3.9Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Westside

    Good for groups

  • Westside

    Hot spot

  • Westside

    Good for special occasions

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  1. 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
  2. JessicaL

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    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.
  3. OpenTable Diner

    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
  4. ValerieA

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

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

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 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 !!!
  6. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    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.
  7. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 11, 2023

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

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 2, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great food and overall experience
  9. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 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.
  10. 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.
  11. AldoS

    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.
  12. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 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!
  13. OpenTable Diner

    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.
  14. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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!
  17. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2022

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

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2022

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

    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.
  20. GladstonesGladGuests

    Los Angeles

    13 reviews

    2.0

    13 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.
  21. 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!
  22. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2022

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

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    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.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2022

    overall1food3service1ambience1
    Customer service is very baddd
  25. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Nice food and funny experience
  26. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 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 :)
  27. miarock

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    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 👍
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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
  31. AngelicaH

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2022

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    Dropping my daughter to college
  32. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food Great staff Moderate prices
  33. NicoleB

    Los Angeles

    11 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience3
    Food was fairly good at the time. Staff was quick and responsive. Both my friend and I had stomach issues as soon as we got home.. probably won’t come back unfortunately.
  34. Jamie

    Los Angeles

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So fun! Meats were so delicious and tender. Service was excellent. Great experience!
  35. WSHalsted

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 14, 2022

    overall1food4service1ambience3
    Gyu-kaku is a chain but the entire staff here have missed out on what other locations are doing in regards to service training and organization. It took 4 people at the front to sort out which party was next to be seated. No plates or utensils brought out until after several dishes were served. No tongs delivered. No scissors for some cuts of meat. No mention as to what any of the dishes were. Drinks were finally served half way thru the meal. The grill was never exchanged for a clean one AT ALL. Table busing staff went by several times without removing plates despite the huge amount of clutter on the table for all the dishes. Water never refilled. Child seat never given despite asking. Entire wait staff should be either fired or the place shut down until someone sorts out what the inefficiency and disorganization issues are. Avoid this location. Make the drive to another.
  36. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a great experience! No complaints at all
  37. Jack

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Luvvved it.
  38. Heim4

    Chicago

    40 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on June 22, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    It was a neat experience
  39. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    I was able to take my dad out for Father’s Day! We have so much fun grilling our food!
  40. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was great! The food was amazing!

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 4.4 stars by 133 OpenTable diners.

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 32 times today
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

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