Chula Vista residents and aficionados of all things grilled have a new dining destination to explore with the recent opening of Sura Korean BBQ. This is the latest venture from Joon Lee and Cris Liang, the minds behind Common Theory Public House and the Convoy District's Realm of the 52 Remedies. As reported by Eater San Diego, Sura offers an all-you-can-eat (AYCE) Korean barbecue experience with a self-service option and tableside service, taking up residence next to their Kearny Mesa gastropub.

The 4,500-square-foot space features 32 grill-topped tables, with a dining concept designed to cater to varying appetites, providing three tiers of pricing starting from $36.99, and allows diners to select from a baseline assortment of meats or opt for the premium cuts depending on the tier they choose, Lee and Liang are opening Sura Korean BBQ at Otay Ranch’s Mix at Millenia development, Andy Ahn is also a collaborator in this venture; he’s mentioned as a partner in these meat-centric establishments. In true AYCE fashion, unlimited sides, soft-serve ice cream, and soda complement the primary offerings, aiming to please a broad spectrum of customers seeking to indulge in a feast.

According to San Diego Magazine, Lee has been contemplating opening a Korean BBQ spot for over a decade, including traditional Korean foods and local favorites to cater to the diverse palettes in the community. "I love meat," Lee says, explaining his long-held aspiration, "I was trying to do that ten years ago, but [our] situations didn’t let us. It was always on our back burner. Now, we’re realizing our first goal that we had 12 years ago."

The restaurant extends its reach beyond just the dine-in experience, as it will be launching a to-go kit for enthusiasts wanting to enjoy Korean barbecue at home. It will include fresh and marinated meats, side dishes, and condiments as Sura seeks to establish itself as a community staple in a growing region where a new SDSU campus is emerging. Lee is confident in the potential growth of the area and the success of the dining establishment he told San Diego Magazine, "This area is still expanding," he adds, "SDSU campus is being built right now, across the street from Sura. So, I see a lot of potential in this area. It’s going to be great."