Founded by Thousand Oaks-resident and second-generation Korean-American Jae Chang, Gen Korean has more than 40 locations around the county. Wang's Octopus Restaurant Group also operates H2O Sushi & Izakaya restaurants, which once had a location in San Diego on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest.
The first San Diego location of Gen Korean BBQ House opened in Mira Mesa back in 2018. A second location will open later this year within Westfield UTC mall in La Jolla. Like other branches, the menu includes a selection of premium meats, seafood, and vegetables, which patrons cook on tabletop grills. All meals come with traditional Korean banchan side dishes.
Diners can look forward to an extensive menu that features items such as marinated bulgogi, spicy pork belly (samgyupsal), garlic shrimp, Wagyu beef tongue, and even adventurous options like daechang (ox intestine). The restaurant also serves a variety of hot dishes, perfect for rounding out the meal. With the addition of a full liquor license, the new Westfield UTC location is expected to offer a robust menu of soju, sake, wines, cocktails, and craft beers.
Gen Korean BBQ House will open at some point in 2025 at 4373 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite G12, within the bustling Westfield UTC mall. For more information, visit genkoreanbbq.com.
Gen Korean BBQ House will open at some point in 2025 at 4373 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite G12, within the bustling Westfield UTC mall. For more information, visit genkoreanbbq.com.
Originally published on January 2, 2025.
