One of the biggest food developments in Pittsburgh this year was the arrival, or at least the announcement, of several all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hot pot restaurants. There have been seven announced for the area: Hong BBQ and Hot Pot in the North Hills, Korean BBQ in Oakland, KPot in Squirrel Hill, Shabu Shabu Hot Pot and Grill in McCandless and Robinson, Top Pot Hotpot & Korean BBQ for the Southside, and most recently Running Dish at the Waterfront. Though work has continued on most, only one has actually opened this year (Hong BBQ).
Work continues at 414 Semple St. (map) on Korean BBQ, which now aims to open later this year. Recently signage advertising the restaurant's hours and website went up---the website is no longer online---but ownership says an opening is not set for the immediate future. Signage for the new restaurant went up in September 2023, in the spot formerly occupied by Korea Garden, which moved to the Novo Asian Food Hall in the Strip District. This small strip of Semple St. is an interesting enclave of dining options in a neighborhood increasingly dominated by chains and university-owned property.
