During a casual conversation back in April, my mom and I were discussing how expensive eating out has become since the pandemic. We noticed that some of our favorite restaurants not only increased their prices significantly but also reduced the portion sizes, effectively doubling the cost of a meal. This brought to mind a restaurant recently recommended by a friend: Gyubee, an all-you-can-eat (AYCE) Japanese grill chain with several locations in the GTA. At $28.99 per adult for weekday lunch buffet, it seems like a great value, especially considering that a large rice dish or noodle bowl can now easily cost close to $20 after tax. We decided to wait for my college-aged son to return home the following month so the three of us could enjoy family bonding over a sumptuous meal.

As my son finally returned home and we were ready for our feast, we chose the Markham location of Gyubee not only for its proximity but also because it is the original branch that paved the way for the other successful locations. Although the restaurant was a bit challenging to find, tucked away at the base of an office building, our efforts were well rewarded. Upon entering, we were greeted by a modern yet cozy interior, with sleek tables and comfortable seating that set the stage for a relaxed dining experience. Large windows bathed the space in natural light, making our lunch even more enjoyable.

The lunch buffet at Gyubee offers a wide selection of marinated meats, vegetables, and side dishes. After browsing the lunch menu, I ordered our first round of food. Within just 5 minutes, the waitress arrived with numerous plates, quickly filling up our table.

Below are some of the Lunch Buffet Highlights:

Soup

The pumpkin soup was undoubtedly the standout dish. It was incredibly delicious, with a rich, creamy texture and a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. We enjoyed it so much that we couldn't resist ordering it again during our second round of the buffet.

Salad & Side Dishes

The cabbage salad was crisp and lightly dressed, giving a fresh and crunchy start to our meal. The array of side dishes -- Kimchi, Spinach, Bean Sprouts & Cold Tofu -- added a delightful touch to the buffet experience, offering a variety of flavors and textures that perfectly complement the main grilled items.

Appetizer

Gyubee has recently added two new appetizers to their menu.

Takoyaki: These delicious Japanese octopus balls were perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, filled with a tender piece of octopus and topped with a savory sauce and bonito flakes.

Deep Fried Rice Cake: Crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside, these rice cakes were a delightful treat, offering a unique texture and flavor that added variety to our meal.

Meats & Seafood

Beef Brisket: Available with two types of seasoning, marinated to perfection, these were juicy and flavorful.

Black Pepper Kalbi: These beef ribs were seasoned with a robust black pepper marinade, adding a spicy and savory kick to our meal.

Pork Belly: Offered with two types of seasoning, it crisped beautifully on the grill, providing a delightful mix of textures.

Chicken Thighs: Tender and succulent with a hint of soy and ginger.

Shrimp: fresh and perfectly prepped for grilling.

Vegetables: The vegetarian options included a range of grilled vegetables such as butter corn, mushrooms, and zucchini.

Dessert

No meal is complete without a sweet ending. The lunch buffet included one ice cream cone per person. While it wasn't particularly special, it provided a refreshing conclusion to the savory feast.

The Grilling Experience

An especially enjoyable aspect of dining at Gyubee is the hands-on grilling experience. Each table is equipped with its own smoke-free grill, enabling diners to cook their meats and vegetables just the way they prefer. This interactive element added a delightful twist to our meal, particularly for my son, who relished experimenting with various grilling times and techniques to achieve the perfect char.

Lunch vs. All-Day Buffet:

While the lunch buffet at Gyubee was impressive, the all-day buffet takes things up a notch with even more variety and premium options. This includes prime kalbi, steak, beef short ribs, beef tongue, lamb chops, chicken wings, squid, salmon, and clam. Additionally, there's now the delightful addition of crème brûlée to satisfy your sweet tooth. For those seeking a wider selection, the all-day buffet is available at $40.99 per person on weekdays. In summary, while the lunch buffet offers excellent value with its extensive offerings, the dinner buffet promises an even more indulgent dining experience for those looking to treat themselves.

Conclusion

Gyubee tops my list due to its exceptional value for money. At $28.99 per person for a BBQ lunch buffet on weekdays, it offers a remarkable quality-to-value ratio, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a high-quality dining experience without breaking the bank. The restaurant meticulously selects all ingredients, with the beef being sourced from the finest Angus beef available on the market—100% Certified Angus Beef. Additionally, the pork is organic, sourced from LiberTerre. Anyone familiar with T&T Supermarket knows the quality and value of these ingredients. Furthermore, the service was attentive, with servers promptly fulfilling orders, clearing plates, and replacing the barbecue grill as necessary. Throughout our visit, we savored two rounds of food, with the grill being changed three times to ensure an optimal grilling experience.

Gyubee Japanese Grill has truly raised the bar for buffet dining in Markham, and we eagerly anticipate many more satisfying meals there in the future.