Seating for Two: A Taste of Seoul, A Touch of Steakhouse
In Falls Church, Virginia, there is no shortage of great dining options, but Seoul Prime stands apart as one of the region’s most exciting new additions—a restaurant redefining what Korean barbecue can be.
Born from the success of Centreville’s Honest Grill which opened in 2021, and with nominations from Washingtonian’s Best Restaurants (2023 & 2025) as well as a feature as one of the 50 best Northern Virginia Restaurants, it was clear to Founder Wan Bok Lee that they could shoot for something more ambitious. This is Seoul Prime, where they take the heart of Korean BBQ and fuse it with the sophistication of an American steakhouse.
The vision behind the restaurant is simple: Korean BBQ deserves better—this includes everything from food, to drinks, to atmosphere. There should be a higher benchmark to what Korean BBQ can be and Seoul Prime is leading that charge in change. Their north star? “Good steak with good people.” And that philosophy extends into the ambiance itself, from the original artwork that brings the space to life to their private dining “library,” it is clear that this restaurant is an experience and not just food.
While Korean BBQ is typically known for their vast selection of meats, Seoul Prime intentionally narrows its lens, dedicating itself entirely to beef. Hosting their very own in-house dry aging system, the only Korean spot in the area currently doing this, to demonstrate their commitment to quality.
That same commitment flows right into their drinks menu. Here, it’s all about quality over quantity: well-balanced, clearly defined drinks made with fresh ingredients and intentional craft. Their lead mixologist, Alberto, believes mixology isn’t just about what goes into the glass—it’s about how the drink makes you feel. Every cocktail is designed to create a personal experience, one where guests feel heard, seen, and ultimately surprised in the best way possible.
Their standout drink is the Old Fashioned Flight: four unique variations that took time, care, and experimentation to perfect. Basil Hayden anchors the classic. Angel’s Envy brings notes of toasted marshmallow. Filibuster Bourbon is infused with maple and black walnut bitters. And Filibuster Rye rounds out the lineup with warm brown sugar and cinnamon notes (my personal favorite). Drinking here is more than sipping—it’s connection, intention, and a reminder that everything goes back to the basics: “Live, love, learn.”
Every detail of their menu reflects a blend of heritage and modern culinary craft. Signature highlights created by Executive Chef & Co-founder Sang Hyun Lee include the Prime Steak Tour—their most recommended experience—alongside galbi coated in a flavorful house marinade, crispy bossam that strikes the perfect balance of sweetness, savoriness, and texture, and a galbi-jjim risotto topped with perilla leaf chimichurri. I would turn back time to experience their crispy bossam for the first time…it’s that serious.
Dining at Seoul Prime is intimate, theatrical, and pleasantly familiar. Where guests walk away not just full, but with the feeling that they’ve experienced something thoughtfully curated and uniquely Korean-American. By dedicating themselves to premium beef, expert grilling, and respect for Korean culinary tradition, Seoul Prime is creating a category of their own.
If you’re ever in the falls church area, or maybe a quick weekend trip to the DMV, I guarantee this is a spot you will want to check out, and of course: Let us know what you think!