Six barbecue restaurants that are hot tips for us

Fire and flame

Summer still has some way to go. But that doesn't mean you have to miss out on the favorite pastime that defines the warm season. Barbecuing is in season all year round in Düsseldorf. Not least the numerous Japanese and Korean restaurants tempt you with deliciously fragrant dishes from the hot grill, which you are welcome to prepare yourself at the table. There is also a not insignificant number of steakhouses that specialize in delicious grilled food. Below, we have compiled a list of six international experts when it comes to hot embers.  

The Grill Upper Kö 

The Grill Upper Kö clearly bears its location in its name. Where the designs of Parisian fashion house Dior exude their high-priced elegance on the ground floor of the prestigious address Königsallee 30, the top floor of the three-storey building is a relaxed but perfectly formed celebration of American steak culture - in a spacious ambience that combines gray oak and designer furniture with velvet and leather. The room is dominated by a glass front that opens up magnificent views of the Kö. But those who come to The Grill don't just come for the panorama. The most compelling argument for a visit is the selection of meat. First and foremost, Nebraska beef in every conceivable cut - from tenderloin to New York strip, rib eye, T-bone and porterhouse steak, some dry-aged and from renowned breeder John Stone. Argentinian beef fillet is also on the menu, as well as steaks for families to share. The heart of the kitchen is the 800 degree Southbend grill. It ensures that the surface of the steaks caramelizes while their juices remain inside. You can easily choose from side dishes such as sweet potato fries, grilled vegetables or cole slaw salad to accompany your meat. An official starter menu, several fish and vegetarian dishes and 50 different wines round things off. Just like the bar, with a DJ at weekends.  

Izmir Kebap House

In Turkish, "kebap" means "grilled or roasted meat". But even though the word is often mentioned in the same breath as kebab, probably the most popular Turkish food import, and Izmir Kebap Haus really does know how to make a great kebab, we are particularly keen on something else here: the grilled dishes. The atmosphere in the location at Worringer Platz 3 is rather unspectacular. It is that of a Turkish snack bar and restaurant, which could easily be found in the metropolis on the Aegean, after which the Kebap Haus is named. So is it the charcoal grill that makes the difference? Is it the spices that have earned Izmir the reputation of serving some of the most authentic Turkish cuisine in Düsseldorf? Probably both. From Kuzu Pirzola, the lamb chops with rice and salad, to Köfte and Karışık Şiş, the mixed skewer plate with fries - it simply tastes good. Also noteworthy: the selection of soups and "mezeler", the hot and cold starters. 

The Bull Steak Expert 

A little less grandiose, but no less excellent. And this time in Argentinian. The Bull Steak Expert, which is located in an inconspicuous building in Pempelforter Taubenstraße, mainly serves meat from the Angus and Hereford cattle breeds. The animals are reared in the Argentinian pampas, without hormones or growth promoters. And you can taste it. The small menu of the brightly decorated restaurant with a 100 percent focus on steak offers various cuts, from 150 g Lady's Cut to 800 g Tira de Ancho. When it comes to sauces, you are spoilt for choice between an Argentinian chimichurri, made from finely chopped herbs, and a great truffle mayonnaise. The authentic Argentinian wines come mainly from the Mendoza region. The founder of The Bull Steak Expert is Daniel Verón. He brings decades of experience as a barbecue trainer and consultant in many European steakhouses to the table. The excellent starters such as empanadas or chorizo criollo, as well as grilled prawns, are recommended as an introduction. Due to the limited number of tables, you should definitely make a reservation.     

Gogimatcha 

Gogimatcha is a typical Korean grill house - so typical that large sections of the Korean community in Düsseldorf seem to have agreed on this restaurant. The proportion of guests who can speak Korean and who communicate this vividly with the friendly, helpful service is certainly high. With its wood-paneled walls, the spacious interior is somewhat reminiscent of a brewery. In addition to the usual wooden tables and matching chairs, there are also low Asian tables where guests can take off their shoes. The concept of the Korean BBQ: you prepare your own meat on the grill set into the table. For a long time, rib-eye steak, beef tongue, Iberico pork shoulder or fine Wagyu shoulder meat was cooked here on real charcoal. The restaurant has since switched to gas. Various dips and side dishes are served with the BBQ - and refills are always free of charge. Not keen on picking up the barbecue tongs yourself? No problem: Gogimatcha also serves great Korean classics that are brought to your table ready-prepared. These include indispensable starters such as Korean pancakes with kimchi, but also a seafood stew with vegetables or the various bibimbaps served in a hot stone pot. 

Kushitei of Tokyo 

Everything here is wonderfully Japanese, the decor, the flair and also the majority of the guests. The atmosphere resembles that of an authentic but more upmarket izakaya, the Japanese version of a tapas bar, so to speak. Accordingly, Kushitei of Tokyo is uncomplicated and sociable, especially in the grill room. But don't be fooled by this and make sure you book in advance. Because the restaurant on Immermannstraße is very popular. And for good reason: the kushiyaki, the Japanese grilled skewers from the open charcoal grill, are as delicious as they are varied. Combinations such as prawns with Wagyu beef are skewered here, as well as simpler dishes such as duck breast, chicken meatballs or squid. The skewers can be individually arranged into platters so that everyone can have a taste. The grilled eel and salmon in teriyaki sauce are also delicious. There are also other Japanese snacks and dishes, as well as an extensive menu of great sushi. The owners of Kushitei of Tokyo also run another barbecue restaurant in Düsseldorf: Ah-Un on Hansaallee, which is dedicated to yakiniku, Japanese table barbecue with particularly high-quality beef.

El Lazo 

Bolker Straße in the old town is better known for its party culture. But one thing is certain: El Lazo has been here since 1975 - and was even expanded last year to include the premises of the closed Bolker 9 pub. Spanish specialties and Argentinian steaks grilled on real charcoal - this dual strategy has worked perfectly for decades. Because the price-performance ratio is top. This applies all the more to the lunch menu. In addition to the great steaks, we also recommend the pimientos de padrón and other Spanish tapas. The ambience is relaxed, the interior can be described as rustic - typical of the old town - including brown spotted cowhide. If you want to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the Bolker while you eat or simply enjoy the view of the town hall square, you can of course also sit outside. Bar hopping afterwards is not excluded. 

Cover picture: Düsseldorf Tourismus