Gyubee Japanese BBQ Ottawa Review – Fun Experience, Tender Meats, and a Pricey Feast – Overall EV Score: 7.5/10
Reviewed by Tastes of Ottawa
Normally my reviews are written where each dish is rated using our EV Score (Enjoyment-to-Value Score), based on enjoyment, price paid, and benchmark pricing but since this was a fixed-price buffet, the EV Score will be given as an overall score and I will highlight specific dishes and provide an overall impression.
Table of Contents
Gyubee Restaurant Overview
1463 Merivale Rd, Ottawa, ON K2E 5P6
Located on Merivale Road in Ottawa, Gyubee is a Japanese BBQ (yakiniku) restaurant where you order unlimited plates of raw meat, grill them yourself at the table, and enjoy as much as you can within the two-hour limit.
This is Gyubee’s second Ottawa location, and personally, I prefer it to their first in the ByWard Market. The downtown spot often means dealing with traffic, crowds, and paid parking, while the Merivale location is in a plaza with lots of free parking, making the whole visit more convenient and stress-free.
The interior has a dark, modern ambiance that sets the mood for the experience. It’s a popular spot that’s always packed, so I highly recommend making a reservation – without one, it’s unlikely you’ll get a table. Groups of six or more will see an automatic 15% gratuity added, and the staff make sure to remind you when paying so there are no surprises.
The servers here are friendly and attentive. For our large group, one nice touch was that they sent out an order of assorted beef right away so we wouldn’t be waiting too long, giving us time to browse the menu (available via QR code) and place additional orders. Service was efficient, and they replaced the grill plates frequently so we were always cooking on a clean surface.
At roughly $60 per person (including tax and gratuity, no drinks), it’s not a cheap meal, but it’s also not surprising for Japanese BBQ. The focus is on quality cuts of meat, and overall, the value depends on how much you enjoy both the food and the interactive grilling experience.
Key Stats
💰 Price Paid (excluding tax and gratuity): $45
😋 Enjoyment: 7.5/10
🎯 Benchmark Price: $45
📊 EV Score: 7.5/10
📌 Note: I normally assign EV Scores per dish, but because this is a fixed-price buffet, this score reflects the value of the overall enjoyment of all dishes.
Would return? Yes.
The Experience
The Gyubee experience is best for those who enjoy variety and want to try many different dishes. The all-you-can-eat setup can feel overwhelming at times when the table is filled with plates of raw meat, but that’s part of the fun.
While beef is the star of the show, the menu also includes sides, appetizers, and desserts. At this Merivale location, the dessert selection included crème brûlée and ice cream cones, but I did miss the Melona bars that the ByWard Market location has.
Food Highlights
Bibimbap
The bibimbap came as a small bowl, which is perfect for a buffet setting since you can always order more. The rice was fluffy, and the sunny side–up egg broke and mixed nicely into the bowl. I added grilled meats into the mix to make it even more enjoyable. A solid side dish that worked well.
Grilled Beef Brisket Assortment
One of the highlights. The brisket was very tender and nicely marinated. Even without dipping sauces, the meat had plenty of flavour, but the sauces they provided (soy-based, sesame, spicy, etc.) added an extra punch. Each piece was soft, juicy, and grilled beautifully.
Hokkaido Potato Chips
These came in a waffle fry–style lattice cut, crispy and light. I expected them to be salty like regular fries, but they were actually slightly sweet, which was a surprise. Interesting to try once, but not something I’d crave again — when I want fries or chips, I expect saltiness. Still, they were crunchy and fun to snack on.
Miso Marinated Steak
This was a special feature on the menu and one of the best dishes of the night. Thick slices of beef arrived raw, marinated in miso, and the servers provided scissors to cut them into smaller pieces once cooked. The flavour was bold, the texture tender, and it quickly became a group favourite. We reordered this several times.
Miso Beef Brisket
The marbling on the miso beef brisket was beautiful even before it hit the grill, a clear indicator of quality. Once cooked, it was buttery soft, juicy, and packed with flavour. This dish alone showcased why Gyubee is worth the higher price tag.
Final Thoughts
Gyubee on Merivale is a fantastic option for Japanese BBQ in Ottawa. Between the friendly staff, ample plaza parking, dark and stylish atmosphere, and consistently tender cuts of meat, it offers both quality and experience. While the price per person is high for a buffet, the value is there if you take full advantage of the wide selection of beef and sides.
Highlights included the miso marinated steak, miso beef brisket, and grilled beef brisket assortment. The bibimbap was a nice complement, and while the Hokkaido potato chips were an interesting novelty, they weren’t particularly memorable.
Overall, this location feels like an upgrade over the downtown one and is the spot I’d recommend if you want to try Gyubee in Ottawa. Whether you’re new to Japanese BBQ or already a fan, the Merivale location delivers on both food and atmosphere.