Hinoak

The Verdict

The brand new kid on the block in Glen Waverly isn’t one you can easily miss. In fact, we're struggling to think of a more beautiful opening all year. It’s a smoky Korean BBQ joint with the most oooh and ahhh architecture you’ve ever seen.

The simple, yet sophisticated shop front is made from timber bars that were crafted especially for Hinoak, so it stands out from the brick buddies on either side. 

On the inside, you’ll be left gasping before you even take a bite. Every single little thing inside Hinoak is specially designed and an architect's dream. From the roof to the chopsticks, we’re guessing if you squinted and got down on the floor, everything would line up in one straight, mathematical line. 

Now down to business: the food. This place is serving some seriously good Korean BBQ. Think fried tiger prawns with hot pepper sauce that will knock your socks off, seafood pancakes and cold buckwheat noodles. (we told you it was authentic).

There’s also the Char Char Char BBQ set, a bunch of meat and other goodies that you can cook up on your built-in BBQ plate. Like the name suggests, these guys do it on a charcoal BBQ, and the taste is lip-smackingly good. If you're a fan of Wagyu, order the Miss Korea set: buttery tender beef, grilled over hot charcoal...throw in some house-blended soju liquor and you've got one hell of a night. They even do Korspresso Martinis...

Why doesn’t it taste this good when we cook it at home? Beats us. And with food this good, we don't really care. Go get your architecture geek on, and save us a plate of beef. 

Image credit: Jenna Fahey-White