The Woo Korean BBQ and Cuisine in Fairfax offers a sophisticated dining experience that blends traditional Korean flavors with modern sensibilities. From its unique banchan to the option of grilling your own beef brisket at the table, this restaurant provides a fresh take on Korean cuisine.
A Culinary Experience Like No Other
Diners at The Woo are treated to an exceptional array of banchan, the small side dishes that accompany a Korean meal. Notable offerings include sweet, soy-braised lotus root, delicate quail eggs that burst like caviar, and spicy raw octopus. While the restaurant’s kimchi is a must-try, it’s the variety of banchan that truly sets this place apart from other regional offerings.
Co-owner Eric Woo, who moved to Northern Virginia in 2002 to study at George Mason University, explains the goal behind the restaurant: “We wanted to share the traditional flavors and modern sensibility of Korea with people.” Woo, a Korea native, also owns Sushi Cho in Fairfax and runs a woodworking business in Springfield, with his craftsmanship evident in every piece of caramel-colored wood throughout the restaurant, from the tables with built-in grills to the stylish room dividers.
Traditional BBQ and Innovative Dishes
While many tables at The Woo are equipped with barbecue grills for an interactive dining experience, Woo encourages guests to explore dishes that don’t require grilling. The restaurant’s signature meats, such as the marinated yang nyum galbi and crispy beef brisket, remain popular but are complemented by other standout dishes. One such dish is naengmyun, a buckwheat noodle soup served in two styles: the icy, refreshing mul naengmyun and the spicy, slightly sweet bibim naengmyun, which is even more delicious when paired with grilled meat.
Crowd-Favorite Comfort Food
Hot, comforting dishes are also a hit at The Woo. The restaurant’s assortment of Korean pancakes, filled with beef or seafood, has quickly become a customer favorite. Another popular option is the galbi jjim, a braised beef rib dish served in either a mild or spicy broth that’s perfect for the colder months.
These warming dishes, along with the restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere, have been drawing large crowds since it opened in September. “We didn’t know people were going to come this much!” Woo says with excitement. As his restaurant empire expands, with a second Sushi Cho set to open in Sterling this year, The Woo Korean BBQ and Cuisine remains the go-to spot for modern Korean fare in Fairfax.
Location: 4070 Jermantown Rd., Fairfax.
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