Seoul Prime: Elevated Korean Barbecue in Falls Church
By Chef Gabriela Ackerman
If you’ve had Korean barbecue before, you might think you know what to expect: lively tables, smoky grills, and plenty of marinated beef. But Seoul Prime takes that familiar energy and refines it into something much more elegant—an intimate dining experience centered around some of the highest quality beef cuts you’ll find in Northern Virginia.
We started with a trio of appetizers that set the tone right away. The Seoul Prime Beef Tartare was beautifully balanced: tender strips of USDA Prime NY strip layered with sesame, egg yolk, and crisp sheets of fried seaweed. A touch of Korean pear kept it bright and refreshing.
The Seafood Chive Pancake was exactly what you want it to be: crispy on the outside, full of shrimp and cuttlefish inside, hearty without ever feeling heavy.
The most surprising bite of the night came from the Crispy Bossam: melt-in-your-mouth pork belly paired with a shattering piece of pork skin, lifted by a pear gastrique and a smooth soybean-butternut squash purée. It was a perfect balance of richness and restraint.
Of course, the centerpiece of the evening was the Prime Steak Tour, a progression of cuts grilled right at the table. Each one showcased a different side of beef:
- Dry Aged Ribeye – deep, nutty flavor
- Ribeye Cap – impossibly tender and rich
- Prime Short Rib – practically dissolved after a few bites
- Marinated Prime Galbi – sweet, smoky, and deeply satisfying
The staff handled the grilling with just the right amount of attention—engaged but never rushed—so the experience felt more like a guided tasting than a typical barbecue free-for-all.
The atmosphere is what really distinguishes Seoul Prime. Calm, intimate, and just a little luxurious, it’s perfect for a special dinner out. The dining room is softly lit, the pace is unhurried, and the focus stays exactly where it should: on the food.
Just when it seemed impossible to add another layer, dessert arrived as a quiet but memorable finale: a Korean Rice Donut made with sweet rice flour and egg, filled with yuzu cream and red bean paste. Chewy, crisp, citrusy, and just sweet enough, it captured the balance of tradition and refinement that defines the whole meal.
Seoul Prime isn’t just another spot for group dining and sizzling plates—it’s a place where you can slow down and appreciate the craft of Korean barbecue at its highest level. Whether it’s a date, dinner with close friends, or a family celebration, this Falls Church gem is well worth the trip.
If You Go
📍 Location: Seoul Prime – 106 Founders Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046
🍴 What to Order: Prime Beef Tartare, Crispy Bossam, the Prime Steak Tour (especially the ribeye cap), and don’t skip the Korean Rice Donut for dessert.
✨ Vibe: Elegant and intimate—ideal for date nights, small celebrations, or family dinners with older kids.
💲 Price Point: High-end, fitting for the quality of the beef and the overall experience.
