We independently research and recommend any products or places but we may earn a commission if you click on links we provide. Learn More.
At the Kore Steakhouse restaurant, you get to indulge on an elevated Korean dining experience. From the atmosphere, to the dishes, and of course, the food, everything is well thought out.
However, the most unique thing about the restaurant is that you get to do your own cooking. The table has a built in grill that allows you to cook your own meat. This tabletop grilling experience combined with fresh and flavorful ingredients, make this restaurant in Sarasota one of a kind.
Kore Steakhouse Restaurant Experience in Sarasota
As soon as you arrive to Kore, you will be met with an elegant atmosphere. The outside is painted in a fresh white, matching the buildings around, and leads into an even more modern interior. The gold pops of color against the black walls make the space feel sophisticated and stylish.
When we first walked in, we were greeted very promptly and quickly led to the table. This was before the dinner rush so not their busiest time of day.
The first thing you will notice when you arrive at your table is that it is perfectly set up with all gold utensils. The restaurant has branded and curated all of their plates, cups, and utensils to create a seamless and stunning dining setting.
It is a good thing to know how to use chopsticks if going to eat at this restaurant since they are the only utensil you get for eating your food. You may ask for a different utensil if you really need one and they will give you one.
After having a look at the menu, you will notice that they have two ways to order. You can either order everything a la carte, or you can try one of their combinations.
For first time visitors, it’s best to try one of their combinations first. There are a few options to choose from which include the Chef’s Choice ($72), Seafood Lover ($90), Butcher’s Pride ($92), Nice 2 Meet U ($115), and Soora ($180). These are all packages that are recommended for two people and they come with a salad, two sides, and a selection of meat or seafood.
The last package they have is the Kore Experience which is for four people and includes a large selection of meats along with the salads and sides.
As soon as you place your order, they bring out your other side dishes – six traditional Korean sides that tantalize your taste buds along with your main meal. These side dishes include pickled cucumber with Chilli oil, Korean egg salad, fermented spicy radish, pickled onion & jalapenos, kimchee, and seasonal banchan.
With your order of a combination, you get sides, so there were a green onion salad, cheese corn, bulgogi mandoo(dumplings), and a cup of plain white rice. We also ordered an additional bone marrow and the fried squid tentacles from the appetizers menu. The steamed dumplings were absolutely delicious with the citrus soy sauce. The bone marrow was also delightful with intriguing flavors. However, the fried squid tentacles would have been a hit but they were more on the hard and chewy side so much so that the star of that dish was the delicious sauce they paired it with.
What this restaurant really does know how to do well is make and serve up delicious sauces. They are one of the highlights of the dining experience since you have so many to choose from. At the table, you have three dipping sauces you can use for any of the food items, especially the meats. Also, many of the sides come with their own sauces so the abundance of sauces and dips really make the flavors pop.
Once the meat arrives, it’s time for the fun. The grill is turned on when you are seated so by the time the meat comes, it is hot and ready for grilling. There is a ventilation system built into the grill that pulls out the air so that there is no smoke or smell while the meat is being grilled.
For your first cut of meat, the waiter shows you how to prepare it and cut it up properly to enjoy. After that, it is up to you to grill your own meat at your own pace. You can grill it to your liking whether you like your meat medium or well done. If you have any questions, the waiters are always happy to help you out.
The meat is definitely the highlight of the meal. They serve the most tender cuts of meat that are outstanding. The Wagyu was especially tender and buttery in flavor but still perhaps the favorite one was the marbled ribeye.
This restaurant is a great pick for special occasions whether it is for a fun date night or a family get together. From the atmosphere to the food, it is a unique experience that everyone at the table can share together.
After your meal, you can walk around or lounge in the beautiful area outside of the restaurant. The chic shops and restaurants of the area and the beautiful lake make the place a peaceful hotspot. Nearby is one of the best coffee shops in Sarasota that you can stop by for a treat, if you have any room left, that is.
The restaurant operates every day with varying hours in the Lakewood Ranch area of Sarasota.
Address: 1561 Lakefront Drive, Suite 111 Sarasota, FL 34240
Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 AM – 2:15 PM / 5:00 PM – 9:15 PM
Fri 11:30 AM – 2:15 PM / 5:00 PM – 9:45 PM
Sat 12:00 PM – 9:45 PM
Sun 12:00 PM – 8:45 PM