Look, I’ll be honest, my nieces won’t quit when it comes to the phenomenon that is K-culture. Between KPop Demon Hunters marathons and BTS deep dives, I’ve been inadvertently educated on why Korean everything has taken over the world. So when Maru Korean Steakhouse landed on Bree Street, it felt less like a surprise and more like Cape Town getting what was inevitable.
What Makes Maru Different from Traditional Korean BBQ
Maru flips the script on Korean barbecue. Instead of you sweating over hot coals like it’s a Saturday braai, their chefs handle the grilling. It’s a genius move. We already spend enough time manning the fire at home – this is about sitting back, bubbles in hand, watching the theatre unfold while someone else does the work.
The restaurant comes from The PAN Collection (the folks behind Iron Steak, Nikkei, Hacienda and more), with consulting chef Rikku O’Donnchu bringing credentials from Doshi, a fine-dining Korean-American spot in Florida. Those in the know will make the connection to the concept that is Coqodaq in New York, where champagne and fried chicken create an absurdly perfect pairing. Why has it taken so long for it to be ok to bring these two faves together? Nevermind though, we’re here now and we’re happy about it.
The Menu: Golden Nuggets and Champagne Dreams
Two experiences dominate: The Butcher’s Experience features premium grass-fed beef and Wagyu cooked KBBQ-style, while By The Bucket showcases what might be Cape Town’s crispiest Korean fried chicken. The secret? Rice flour batter that’s naturally gluten-free and ridiculously light, fried in sustainable cultured oil. This is a hallmark of Maru – better meat, better oil, better batter, better all-round.
But let’s talk about those Golden Nuggets. These aren’t your childhood chicken nuggets, oh no, they’re deboned perfection that you can opt to top with truffle or caviar. Yes, caviar. On chicken nuggets. It’s the kind of playful luxury that defines everything Maru does.
The banchan (those essential Korean side dishes) arrive with proper care: divine perilla seed cold noodles, crunchy sesame-dressed veggies, fresh lettuce cups for wrapping, and enough variety to keep things interesting between bites of perfectly charred meat.
Buckets & Bubbles: The Weekend Move
Every Saturday from noon to 4pm, Maru runs their Buckets & Bubbles special: order a bucket of Korean fried chicken, get a complimentary bottle of Zardetto Prosecco, all soundtracked by a resident DJ. It’s indulgent, it’s excessive, and it’s exactly the kind of weekend ritual that was made for the trendsetters of Cape Town.
The Vibe: Seoul Meets Bree Street
Orange neon illuminates dark walls, flames sizzle at grill stations, and the whole space channels modern Seoul energy without trying too hard. It’s moody enough for date night, lively enough for groups, and strikes that rare balance between upscale and approachable.
Why Maru Works
Korean culture’s global takeover isn’t accidental, and Maru brings that same sensibility to Bree Street: sophisticated without being stuffy, rooted in tradition while feeling completely contemporary. At the end of the day, just pure fun. The tagline “Where soul meets Seoul” isn’t just marketing; it’s an accurate description of what happens when Cape Town’s laid-back cool collides with Seoul’s high-energy food scene.
In a city where new restaurants open weekly, Maru manages to feel fresh. Whether you’re here for chicken buckets and champagne-soaked afternoons, precision-grilled Wagyu, or just trying to understand what the kids have been going on about, this is Korean dining done right, Cape Town style, and we’re here for it.
107 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
