Sure, barbecue can mean pulled pork from a food truck near Vaughan Mills. But it can also mean Texas-style brisket in Maple, Korean galbi in Thornhill, or smoked ribs in Kleinburg. In some Vaughan neighborhoods, it’s easier to find a maple leaf than great barbecue, so we made this list—all the smoked spots worth seeking out.
Kobi Korean BBQ
$$ | (905) 597-1548 | WEBSITE
Head to Kobi Korean BBQ for tender, marinated meats that deliver the perfect balance of flavor and umami. There are both indoor and outdoor tables for enjoying the interactive barbeque experience, while the rest of the space offers a lively atmosphere for group dining. It has an impressive selection of Korean classics—we’re talking standout favorites like the marinated beef ribs and homemade kimchi.
The must-haves are the abalone pot rice, which is tender and rich when mixed with the abalone innard sauce, and the spicy seafood tofu soup, which is savory and satisfying. Whether you walk in for a casual dinner with friends or enjoy a meal on the patio, you’ll be dreaming of Korean barbeque by tomorrow.
Big Bone BBQ & Wicked Wings
$$ | (289) 304-9000 | WEBSITE
Big Bone BBQ & Wicked Wings is the type of place where, in preparation for our meal, we eat light all day just so we can fill up on specials like the Monday mania deal with two ribs and wing meals, a generous brisket sandwich large enough for two, and those perfectly balanced onion rings with the ideal batter-to-onion ratio. Their dining room is always buzzing, and that’s because it’s one of the best barbecue spots in the city (plus, they offer those buy-one-get-one wing specials).
Come here for a fun night where you can soak up the comfy atmosphere, pair incredibly tender ribs with spicy parmesan wings, and crack open that special craft beer that’s been sitting in your fridge unopened for weeks.
Wood House BBQ 烤8喝9 Lunch club
$ | (416) 590-1315 | WEBSITE
Wood House BBQ is a cozy spot that delivers one delicious dish after another. The dining area has a handful of comfortable tables where you should settle in with a few friends, along with some smaller setups near the windows if you want to enjoy the view during a relaxed lunch. Their menu includes the house special fried rice, spicy clam with naan, BBQ lamb, beef, and chicken skewers, and sweet and sour pork.
Everything here is made to enjoy together so you can share several plates with your group, and with their no-tipping policy and profit-sharing program for staff, the meal feels more affordable and welcoming.
La Parrilla
$$ | (905) 605-8899 | WEBSITE
The best empanadas in Vaughan are tucked away in an unassuming strip mall. That’s where you’ll find La Parrilla, which consistently draws crowds so large you’d think they were handing out free empanadas. The golden crust and perfectly seasoned meat inside makes an empanada worth navigating the suburban sprawl of Vaughan. The casual eatery also serves exceptional chicken with chimi, so balance out the savory empanadas with a generous half-chicken lunch portion.
Memphis BBQ
$$ | (905) 265-9003 | WEBSITE
This barbecue joint in Vaughan delivers exactly what you want when you’re craving serious comfort food. It serves crispy and flavorful wings (the creamy garlic ones are a must-try), and the ribs and pulled pork are so moist and juicy you’ll need extra napkins. They don’t hold back on the range of sauces, either. So find a spot between a family celebrating a birthday and a couple on a casual date night, order your meal, and prepare to leave with leftovers for tomorrow.
Daldongnae Korean BBQ
$$ | (416) 226-6034 | WEBSITE
Daldongnae Korean BBQ is a Korean barbecue joint that’s as good for a lively dinner with friends as it is for a solo feast of grilled meat. At this table-service spot, you’ll find groups gathered around sizzling grills, solo diners at the bar near the open patio, and rotating, glistening-meat selections to salivate over by the kitchen. The menu is what you’d expect: fresh cuts of beef and pork, vegetable sides, and seafood pancake, almost all cooked right at your table.
And while it’s a restaurant full of familiar Korean barbecue staples, the housemade side dishes, attentive service, and cozy patio feel special every time.
Hank Daddy’s Barbecue
$$ | (905) 417-4545 | WEBSITE
Hank Daddy’s Barbecue has been a Vaughan barbecue staple since it first fired up its smokers. The welcoming spot serves finger-licking dry rub ribs, showstopping brisket tacos, and the best smoked chicken wings in the neighborhood. If you’re looking for something with a kick, they have the Nashville hot chicken sandwich that comes with sweet potato fries.
If you’re craving comfort food, or really anytime you need a hearty meal, there’s the tender brisket that pairs perfectly with their famous cornbread. It’s also accommodating of dietary restrictions, so if you’re like us and appreciate clear allergen guidance, you’ll feel right at home.
Flo’s Grill & Kitchen
$$ | (905) 856-9930 | WEBSITE
Flo’s Grill & Kitchen is a Nigerian spot in Vaughan serving things like jollof rice, fried rice, Ayamase designer sauce, asun, and some of the best chicken suya in town. And with an open kitchen at the back, you can have a front-row seat to folks creating something as beautiful as another taste of Lagos.
Kum Hong BBQ Restaurant
$ | (905) 881-6704 | WEBSITE
Kum Hong BBQ Restaurant makes the best Chinese-style barbecue in Vaughan. The meat somehow stays moist and flavourful despite working as a crispy delight firm enough to hold the optimal fat-to-meat ratio that comes on their classic BBQ and roast pork box. One of our favorites at this takeout-only spot (which offers their dishes at reasonable prices), is the simultaneously crispy and tender roasted pork, topped with ginger and onion sauce over a layer of perfectly cut char siu.
Etob Restaurant
$$ | (416) 746-9703 | WEBSITE
Etob Restaurant is a Somali eatery in Vaughan that serves some of the best halal barbecue in town. The menu has hits like BBQ short ribs, chicken steak strips, and goat meat, all for around $15. And they even have a refreshing mango juice that’s most certainly an upgrade to whatever you usually drink with dinner.
Sun Up Barbecue
$$$$ | (416) 789-5023 | WEBSITE
Finding quality barbecue in Vaughan used to be a real challenge. But Sun Up Barbecue has made it wonderfully simple. Everything at this popular take-out spot, from the crispy calamari to the mouthwatering chicken wings, is excellent and designed for feeding a crowd. Orders come with generous catering-sized portions, and the service is quick and efficient. Grab some fantastic wings before a big game, or pick up a tasty spread for your next party at home.
Daldongnae Korean BBQ – Elgin Mills
$$ | (905) 780-1498 | WEBSITE
Daldongnae Korean BBQ – Elgin Mills serves fantastic marinated meats grilled tableside, an array of impressive side dishes like kimchi and marinated onions, and perfectly cooked egg and corn. The Elgin Mills location doesn’t look like much—it’s possible you’ll be the only person inside who isn’t a regular—but it’s easily the best place to eat Korean barbecue in Vaughan.