Maroo — Restaurant in Ottawa

Update, Oct 24, 2024:

I've always ordered delivery from Maroo but decided to stop by and dine in today to have the new Dak-galbi menu!

It was honestly a bit more expensive than I was expecting ($29) as I'm so used to the other menu items being more affordable, but after eating it I can somewhat come to terms with the pricing.

There's actually a lot more quantity than you initially think. If you're a big eater, you could finish the meal on your own but you'll likely feel really full at the end, so I'd say it's a two-person dish. Even after eating most of the chicken, half my bowl of rice and all the tteok, I mixed in the remaining rice with the leftover sauce and chicken and it ended up looking like another 'new' plate of food, so the portion is really not bad. Flavours were amazing! The softness and moistness of the chicken??? I was in awe! I'd been craving tteokbokki for a while too, so I loved every moment of biting into the chewy, sauced-up tteok. The plate came in bubbling hot, so it was for sure worth eating it at the restaurant, plus the restaurant vibe is so clean and relaxing and service is great too so it was nice stopping by. I'd definitely order this again but as a shareable to eat with someone else along with one other dish on the side. Note- you can choose either the soy or spicy base dak-galbi. I went with spicy and it was a bit hot but not burning level, 2.5/5 heat? Curious what the soy version tastes like but I definitely recommend the spicy.

I'll be back, Maroo.

Review from 3 years ago, sometime in 2021:

Ha........ At this rate, I'm going to go broke ordering Maroo almost every day. LOL. They're just THAT good!!

I'm on a quest to try everything on the menu but I always make sure to get the bulgogi sandwich every time.

The potatoes are also soo delicious, I just wish there was a bit more in each plate 🤭.

Anyway, definitely encourage everyone to patronize this restaurant. My credit card is crying but my tongue and stomach have never been happier.

(For first timers, you won't be disappointed if you start with any of the following - Bulgogi sandwich, Yaki beef udon, Chicken cutlet with curry sauce)

Happy Eating!v

Edit: I asked for extra potatoes in my next order and they came through!~...

First Time at Maroo

I visited Maroo for the first time and tried the kimchi-pork mandu and kimchi fried rice, both recommended by the server. While I’m curious to explore more of the menu, I feel the glowing reviews are overhyped.

FOOD

Kimchi-Pork Mandu: The dumplings were perfectly cooked with a crispy bottom, and the accompanying ponzu sauce added a delightful citrusy flavour. However, the pork-to-kimchi ratio leaned heavily toward pork, which overpowered the balance. With a 1:1 ratio, these could have been exceptional. As it stands, I wouldn’t order them again.

Kimchi Fried Rice: Great. Ordering a bowl of rice is not something I would usually do at a restaurant but I am glad the server recommended this. The flavour combination was great with the kimchi being the star ingredient. I ordered this will a sunny side up egg which helped balance the spice. It’s spicy, but not overwhelmingly so; if you can handle standard hot wings, you’ll be fine. The flat meatball topped with seaweed added a sweet and salty contrast that worked well. As the portion is generous in rice, I would recommend sharing this dish between two or three people, so you can order other dishes.

SERVICE

The staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. However, service could be more attentive—I had to wait and then request a water refill despite the spicy food. No one checked in during the meal to see if I needed anything or how the food was.

ATMOSPHERE

The restaurant is cozy and clean, with a modern-rustic vibe thanks to exposed stone and brick walls. Seating is a mix of chairs and booths, but the chairs are standard and lack cushioning, making longer stays less comfortable. The open kitchen adds a sensory element, filling the space with...

If you're in the mood for Korean fusion, Maroo, located at 281 Kent St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2A3, is sure to catch your attention with its diverse and exciting menu. Fusion cuisine blends elements from different culinary traditions, creating a unique experience that transcends any single cultural category. This innovative approach to food, which gained popularity in the 1970s, is a hallmark of many contemporary restaurants, and Maroo embraces this with its Korean fusion offerings. The restaurant combines traditional Korean flavors with global influences to create dishes that are both familiar and adventurous.

One of the great things about Maroo is that, no matter where you are in Ottawa, you can easily enjoy their food thanks to delivery services like Uber Eats. So even if you're not close by, you can still savor the taste of their fusion creations from the comfort of your own home.

However, if you find yourself passing through downtown Ottawa, Maroo is definitely worth a visit. While parking in downtown can be a challenge, Maroo makes it easy by offering free, dedicated parking to its customers. This convenience allows you to park without hassle and fully enjoy your dining experience in the restaurant.

To give you a better sense of what Maroo has to offer, I've included a few pictures showcasing the restaurant’s warm atmosphere as well as a glimpse of their menu. The menu highlights a range of Korean fusion dishes, complete with pricing, so you can get an idea of the variety and cost before you visit. Whether you're dining in or ordering out, Maroo is an excellent spot to explore the delicious world of...