The team behind Namoo Korean BBQ in Marina Del Rey is bringing an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ concept to Santa Monica. The MOO Korean BBQ will open at 225 Arizona Ave., according to an ABC filing.
Owner Daniel Hwang told What Now Los Angeles that The MOO is a spinoff from the Namoo concept, which opened two years ago and offers full-service Korean BBQ. The MOO will be an all-you-can-eat — or, as Hwang calls it, all-you-can-handle — take on the Namoo concept.
“I’ve been watching Santa Monica for 10 years, and it’s been a dream of ours to be part of that community. After COVID, everything changed — lots of closures, lots of unemployment. Santa Monica has been fighting to come back,” Hwang said. “We wanted a place where we could fit in and give some love to the local community.”
The MOO Korean BBQ will offer an elevated, modern and upbeat environment, featuring a fixed all-you-can-eat price of $49.95. There will be more than 45 menu items and a beverage lineup including soju, beer and cocktails.
“We’re super excited,” Hwang said. “We’re authentic and traditional, but we’re born here in the Beach Cities, so we’re going to bring a Santa Monica twist to it. A few dishes will be influenced by the Beach Cities.”
The team is planning an opening this spring, though the exact opening date depends on the alcohol licensing. Hwang is targeting an opening by April.
Moving forward, Hwang hopes to continue to fill in gaps in the market for Korean BBQ, eyeing other Beach Cities such as Manhattan Beach. He hopes the forthcoming Santa Monica location will offer a welcoming environment for tourists and locals alike.
“We attract tourists, date nights, families, corporate dinners — we like the diversity,” Hwang said. “I’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and that’s the ambiance we want to create, designed for all different ages and groups.”
