Daldongnae Korean BBQ - Somerset — Restaurant in Ottawa

Unprofessional and demeaning staff whom lacked respect and would not follow through with their word. Upon entering the restaurant, I waited for 7 minutes and no one was at the reception to provide service. I kindly asked a waiter if we could be added to the queue, and I had a few other questions in the mean time regarding food portions, prices, and wait time. The waiter claimed only the host would address these issues. After waiting for 3 more minutes, the host finally appeared. I tried to talk to him because we were waiting for a while without any updates or information whatsoever. The host immediately said let me address this table, and when I'm back I will answer your questions. We continue to wait; however, when the host returns within a minute he immediately goes on to assist another table without addressing me at all. I try to talk to him and he is instantly enraged. The host immediately starts pointing at the waiting line, and talks in a jeering and mocking like term. He consistently points at a sign signalling that I was someone who didn't understand English. He continued the commotion without hesitation and made many customers around feel uncomfortable. When I tried to address the issue with him, I was met with snarky sarcastic responses to constantly belittle me. Each time he pointed at the line, the line itself was not evident as people were cramped in the entrance. I wanted to have some food with my friends, but I was worried if we would lose our spot or go on waiting for longer than 15 minutes only to learn another 45 minutes was required. The line was extremely difficult to understand as people would push forward with reservations, be already waiting, or in line. The line bewildering with the lack of structure.

I understand that the front of house was very lacking as the host seemed extremely under stress and pressured with the high amounts of customers and people with reservations. It seemed that they were quite backed up as many people with reservations were not able to obtain their tables on time. The other people in the front were working with money and were not to be disturbed. The waiters were always moving around to help serve the customers giving the host little time to breathe. However, even with all of the ongoing challenges of a packed night, service should not be rude to this extent. I saw vividly that many other customers were uncomfortable and were willing to leave or mute themselves because of the out burst from the host. Without even having the dining experience the front of house, lack of manners, and discourtesy drove me away instantly. It is not worth your time to try and enjoy a meal here.

The host was angry very quickly and did not follow through with his word. Which seemed to be caused by a lack of organization in the front of house, as only one person was assigning seating, taking reservation requests, and responding to all questions. The restaurant seemed in this one night to fall immensely under pressure when it was full with backed reservations.

Based on other reviews it seems that the place has fascinating decorations. In addition, the meat seemed not bad overall with decent taste. However, I would not recommend attempting to enter here on a busy night with backed up reservations. It is not worth the time and effort to try and enter the building and ask about the average wait time, or discuss food prices and portions. I would say you would have to book a reservation on a busy night or you will be met with hostility. There is almost no one managing the front of the restaurant.

Main issues Lack of resources in front of house during busy nights Caused high stress and made the host become enraged very quickly whilst belittling customers.

If you want to try the restaurant on a busy night Reservation, to avoid the discontented and disjointed staff

0/5 Service, unbelievably poor 0/5 Food, did not even have the chance to sit down 0/5 Ambience. The bickering and demeaning tone and messages made people around feel uncomfortable. People eating even stopped at...

🔥 KOREAN BBQ EXPERIENCE IN OTTAWA – A MUST TRY! 🔥 I’ve been to my fair share of Korean barbecue restaurants, but something about this one truly stood out. From the moment I arrived to the last sizzling bite, the entire experience felt elevated and memorable.

Let’s set the scene: the restaurant is tucked away in Ottawa’s ever-evolving Chinatown—a neighborhood that has undergone a fascinating transformation over the past few years. What was once a relatively quiet strip has now blossomed into a lively hub full of trendy restaurants, artisanal coffee shops, and creative culinary experiments. You’ll walk past decades-old bakeries, then stumble into a neon-lit noodle shop, followed by a dive bar, and suddenly find yourself in a sleek and modern Korean BBQ joint like this one.

But fair warning for first-timers: parking here can be a challenge. Street parking is limited and can get competitive, especially during peak seasons or weekends. Be ready to loop around a few times or park a bit further away.

The moment you step inside, you’re welcomed by a cozy and charming vibe. The exterior is eye-catching, and the interior, although dimly lit, creates the perfect mood for an intimate meal or a casual night out with friends. Despite not having a reservation, we were lucky—they managed to squeeze our group of three in fairly quickly. Props to the staff for being accommodating!

Speaking of which, the service was top-tier—attentive, friendly, and impressively fast. We never had to wait long for anything. Whether it was more meat, sauces, or side dishes, they were always ready to refill before we even had to ask.

Now let’s talk price. For two people, the bill came close to $100 with just one drink and no appetizers. That felt a bit steep, considering what we ordered, but the overall experience did help justify it… somewhat.

The quality of the food was exceptional. Everything tasted incredibly fresh—from the thinly sliced beef to the side dishes and dipping sauces. The grill was hot and ready, and we had full control of how we wanted our meats cooked. If you enjoy an interactive dining experience, this place nails it.

The ambiance was lively without being overwhelming. There was a good buzz in the air, laughter from nearby tables, the comforting sound of sizzling meat—all the makings of a great Saturday night hangout. The restaurant itself was spotlessly clean.

If I had one tiny suggestion? I wish I had asked for a bit of rice to balance the richness of the grilled meat. That part’s on me, though—next time I know better!

✅ Final verdict: If you enjoy trying new foods, love group dining, and don’t mind grilling your own meat, this place is 100% worth a visit. A perfect spot for foodies, date nights, or a fun evening out with friends.

⸻ 🔥 UNE EXPÉRIENCE BBQ CORÉEN À OTTAWA – À NE PAS MANQUER ! 🔥

J’ai déjà testé plusieurs restaurants de barbecue coréen, mais celui-ci avait quelque chose de vraiment spécial. Du début à la fin, l’expérience a été unique.

Le restaurant se trouve au cœur du quartier chinois d’Ottawa, un secteur qui a beaucoup changé ces dernières années. Ce quartier, autrefois tranquille, est aujourd’hui un carrefour vibrant de restaurants branchez.

Trouver du stationnement peut être un vrai défi. Il y a peu de places dans la rue, surtout le soir ou durant les saisons touristiques. Prévoyez du temps.

Dès qu’on entre, l’ambiance est chaleureuse et accueillante. L’extérieur du resto est charmant et moderne, et l’intérieur, bien que légèrement sombre, est parfait pour un dîner en amoureux ou une sortie décontractée entre amis.

Concernant le prix, l’addition pour deux personnes a frôlé les 100 $, avec une seule boisson et sans entrée. Un peu cher à mon goût mais l’ambiance générale compensaient en partie.

Côté nourriture, rien à redire. Tout était frais et savoureux. Le gril fonctionnait parfaitement. Si tu aimes participer à ton repas, c’est l’endroit idéal.

L’ambiance était vivante. Il y avait une bonne énergie dans la salle. Parfait pour un samedi soir ! Et le restaurant était...

For an unparalleled, immersive dining experience that transports you to the bustling streets of Seoul, look no further than Daldongnae Korean BBQ on Somerset in Ottawa. This restaurant offers a piece of the vibrant Korean culinary scene right in the heart of our city, creating an experience that is as authentic as it is unforgettable.

The main attraction, of course, is the Korean BBQ. The selection of meats is top-notch, including beautifully marinated beef bulgogi, tender pork belly, and juicy chicken. These cuts are of the highest quality, ensuring a flavorful and succulent BBQ experience that is hard to beat. Grilling your own food right at the table only enhances the overall experience, making it fun and interactive.

Alongside the BBQ, the assortment of banchan - the small side dishes served with the meal - is excellent. The kimchi is perfectly fermented, striking a balance between tangy and spicy, while the variety of pickled vegetables and savory pancakes offer a delightful array of flavors and textures to enjoy with the grilled meats.

The bibimbap deserves a special mention too. A colorful array of vegetables, perfectly seasoned, served atop a bed of fluffy rice with a sunny side up egg crowning the dish. Mix it all together with the spicy-sweet gochujang sauce and you have a bowl of comfort that is both hearty and nutritious.

Daldongnae doesn't stop impressing at the food. The staff is extremely attentive and patient, even during the busiest hours. They guide you through the menu, offer fantastic recommendations, and are always ready to assist in your grilling process if needed.

The atmosphere of the restaurant encapsulates the exciting hustle of a Korean market. The interior is modern and clean, and the noise of sizzling grills and cheerful conversation creates a lively and exciting atmosphere.

Whether you're a Korean BBQ aficionado or a first-timer, Daldongnae Korean BBQ offers a vibrant dining experience that will satisfy your cravings and leave you looking forward to your next visit. This restaurant is a shining star in Ottawa's food scene, proving that you don't need to book a flight to experience the rich flavors of Korea. I highly recommend making Daldongnae Korean BBQ your next dining...