BORI - Spring Branch

"With a location in Spring Branch and Montrose, this upscale steakhouse kicks the classic Korean barbecue formula up a notch. Complement flavorful ready-to-grill meats like dry-aged wagyu beef belly, spicy marinated pork, and filet mignon with dishes like its octopus carpaccio, fried chili eggplant, kimchi fried rice, or seabass risotto. Finish the meal with the Hotteok ice cream — a Korean street market-style pancake stuffed with cinnamon sugar and peanut filling and served a la mode — or an ice cream sandwich made with Korean rice pop crackers. Walk off the food with a tranquil stroll through BORI’s Peace Garden." - Brianna Griff

"A meal at this South Korean steakhouse is a complete experience, with patrons invited to stroll an adjacent gallery displaying Korean artwork or to relax on a serene terrace. Bori features Japanese A5 wagyu, marinated boneless short ribs, and dry-aged meats. Finish your meal with the Hottek ice cream sandwich—a Korean street market confection pairing cinnamon sugar, peanut filling, and ice cream." - Brianna Griff

"A meal at the KBBQ spot Bori feels like adding a few flares to something classic, like when you add a shiny brooch to a well-tailored blazer. By appearance alone, Bori feels like any other modern KBBQ spot (brown and gray shades, large windows to soak the space in natural light, a huge domed grill in the middle of every table). But between the in-depth, attentive service and the built-in activities, Bori feels like a cut above the rest. While it may be a casual Wednesday night dinner for Houstonians with deep pockets, most people going out to the Spring Branch restaurant are celebrating a special occasion. Which is why you'll want to savor your evening here, and the best way to do that is with the “Butcher’s Feast” platter. Have your pick of all the cuts of meat available while experienced staff members grill everything on your behalf right in front of you (which feels luxurious, even when it turns your server into an unofficial table guest). And after spending an hour or two slinging back hot pieces of pork jowl wrapped in perilla leaves, finish the night off strolling through the in-house art gallery. From the moment you walk in to the last look at pastoral portraits, Bori feels like the sort of restaurant you should plan your entire week around. photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Liz Silva photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Liz Silva Food Rundown photo credit: Richard Casteel Corn Cheese Salted strings of cheese coat sweet corn in our favorite medley ever. Get this dish every time you come. photo credit: Richard Casteel Butcher’s Feast Only the best food here makes it to the Butcher’s Feast, which features your choice of four different cuts of meat, as well as banchan, corn cheese, egg souffle, and kimchi or soybean stew. Order this platter when you come with a crew, and make sure the marinated rib meat makes your board. photo credit: Richard Casteel Japchae These dainty glass noodles have a slightly sweet finish that make them a great add-on to whatever meal you get. photo credit: Richard Casteel Seafood Pancake It’s a bit thicker than ones you’d find at other restaurants, but that’s because they’re packing in at least four different sea creatures in the middle. If you’re ordering your meats a la carte at Bori, add the seafood pancake to bulk up your meal." - Gianni Greene

"The food is just half the fun at this South Korean-inspired steakhouse. Seating is centered around open grills, where a member of the Bori staff cooks proteins like filet mignon and marinated boneless short rib, allowing guests to take in all of the sights, sounds and smells of their culinary experience. Here, the grilled meats aren’t the only thing worth feasting your eyes on — Bori is home to its own art gallery featuring local Korean artists, as well as pieces from the owner’s private collection." - Megha McSwain

"Bori, an upscale new Korean barbecue restaurant with a serious emphasis on quality steak, has officially opened its doors in Spring Branch. General manager Joon Cho tells Eater that the restaurant made its debut this week, bringing a bounty of premium steak options and more proteins to the neighborhood. Like most Korean barbecue joints, Bori allows diners to order individual portions of meats that can be grilled directly at the table after feasting on plenty of appetizers and banchan. At Bori, diners can start off dinner with dumplings or a kimchi pancake, then move on to a selection of top-quality beef, including ribeye that’s dry-aged for at least 41 days, boneless short rib, and outside skirt. There’s also a few pork options, including marinated pork rib and pork jowl, along with pork and beef combos that pair the respective proteins together into combos that serve two or four people. On the side, order Korean corn cheese, steamed rice, kimchi stew, and spicy naengmyun (noodle soup). Bori is now open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday from 11:30 to 9 p.m." - Amy McCarthy