„May your gatherings this year be filled with laughter, great friends, and of course, plenty of mouth-watering Korean BBQ.“; Sura
There are some evenings that are simply perfect. The atmosphere is perfect, the food is delicious, the ambiance is exactly our thing – and you go home feeling like you didn’t just eat, but also experienced something together. That’s exactly how our evening at Sura, in the heart of Vienna’s 1st district, was.
If you like Korean BBQ – or want to try it – Sura is the place to be. And even if you don’t consider yourself a hardcore grill master (like my husband), you’ll get your money’s worth there. I promise.
A table, four friends and a grill in the middle
We met on a Monday—yes, a Monday. This often inconspicuous start to the week suddenly became a highlight. Perhaps it was the desire to give the week a good vibe right away. Or simply a bit of soul food after the weekend. In any case, the table at Sura was reserved, and we—my husband and I, plus a couple of friends—were looking forward to an evening that promised more than just dinner.
“ … a touch of Korean flair „
The restaurant itself is modern, stylish, yet pleasantly warm. Lots of wood, atmospheric lighting, a touch of Korean flair without being kitschy. In short: a place where you’ll want to linger.
Korean BBQ:
When food becomes an experience
The heart of Sura is, of course, the Korean BBQ – grilling right at your table. For me, it’s the epitome of convivial dining. Various types of meat, fish, and vegetables – all served raw on platters – are freshly grilled at your table. You choose, sizzle, and enjoy. And above all, you share. For me, it’s more than just a culinary concept – it’s a social experience. Slow eating at its finest.
Personally, I think it’s great to put together your own meal the way you like it. My husband, on the other hand… not so much. He wants to eat, not grill. „I don’t feel like working on my own dinner,“ he likes to say with a wink.
Luckily, there’s our friend—let’s call him the Grillmaster 3000. As soon as the first slab of meat lands on the table, he grabs his tongs and scissors (yes, scissors—that’s perfectly normal in Korea!) and takes control of the action on the grill. No piece escapes him. He flips, cuts, and distributes—with a combination of precision and passion that is impressive.
The Grillmaster 3000
My husband? Relaxes, leans back, and enjoys the perfectly cooked meat that lands on his plate without any effort on his part. His wife? Calmly sips her beer—just like almost all of us that evening.
Yes, really: Beer is traditionally Korean when it comes to BBQ. And it pairs perfectly with it. The taste, the atmosphere, the warm light, the crackling of the grill – it’s this mix that makes such a simple Monday night special.
What did we eat? Anything good.
We opted for a mixed BBQ platter: tender beef, spicy pork belly, and marinated chicken. We particularly enjoyed the bulgogi (marinated beef) and samgyeopsal (pork belly). Both taste simply different straight from the grill—juicier, fresher, more intense.
These dishes are complemented by the typical banchan—small side dishes like kimchi, pickled radishes, marinated sprouts, potato salad, and cucumbers. They’re on the table from the start, refilled as soon as they’re empty, and are the secret centerpiece of every Korean BBQ.
If you’re not in the mood for grilling, you can also order classic dishes like bibimbap, tteokbokki, or Korean stews at Sura. Everything is served fresh, looks great—and tastes just as good.
My summary
Sura makes everything better on Mondays
I’ll be honest: I’ve rarely had such a wonderful Monday evening. Sura manages to transform dining into an experience. With a great mix of quality, atmosphere, and interaction. And if you’re lucky enough to have a „grillmaster“ in your group to do the grilling for you—even better.
For me, it was an evening where everything was perfect: the food, the drinks, the conversations. And above all, the feeling of having done something together. Not just eating, but sharing. Laughing. Grilling.
OVERALL Conclusion
🔥 Korean BBQ right at your table – interactive, sociable, and simply delicious
🍖 High-quality meat, plenty of side dishes, and authentic flavors
🍺 Traditionally Korean: Drinking beer with it is a must (really!)
👯♀️ Perfect for an evening with friends – especially with a grill master on hand
_____________________
RELATED POSTS
_____________________
FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM
