Daldongnae Korean BBQ — Restaurant in Toronto

After getting recommended from a friend to go here, I went with my boyfriend on a Saturday night. We had a bad experience, and are likely never going to come back.

Problem #1: We got there around 6, but it took us almost 2 hours (got a table at 8pm) and I had to convince my boyfriend to wait a little bit longer as he was getting irritable. It’s understandable that the restaurant was busy as it’s the weekend and its dinner service but a different waiter told us it would only take 30-45 minutes (which was the case for most people except us). When you get there there is a list that you sign up with, where only ONE of the servers sit you down. The problem is that the server didn’t even go through the list based on a first come first serve basis (there was even someone ahead of us that never got called!!!). It seemed as though he was biased towards Korean people and larger tables, as his personality switched from a table across from us (happy vibe) and even brought them tea. I think an improvement could be made is that we could be given bags to put our clothes into so our clothes don’t smell.

Problem #2: After sitting us down, we got the beef rib eye roll (18.99), and beef hanging tender (19.99), Corona ($6.50), and Green Grape Soju (16.99), and the bill came to around $71. Note that your order has to be a minimum of two types of meat! The meat is overpriced, although it is higher quality than most places… I found it mediocre at best. Instead of going here, I could have made KBBQ at home and we would have been more full and enjoyed it more. It is only $30 for a box of MARINATED short ribs and $10-12 bucks for MARINATED bulgogi at PAT Central. Highlight of the meal was honestly just the potato salad, corn cheese and egg; which makes this place unique to a small degree. We were given some pork (service) for waiting so long, but ended up cooking it and not enjoying or eating it at all because it was disgusting due to the high levels of fat and put it onto a little dish for them to throw away. Servers weren’t as attentive since it was a busy time, but another male server came by to refill our corn cheese and egg, and switched our grill when it burned which was really nice. For the most part though for the rest of the servers, it seems as though the servers don’t care much about their service or tables at all.

Problem #3: Since the establishment was really small, it’s a bit difficult to wait around in the front of the store since it is a narrow hallway. There is also only one washroom each for women and men, so you may have to wait a little bit to use the washroom downstairs. I noticed that an older lady who worked there kept going downstairs, and saw that there is a staff door across from the washroom, and she was bringing up tofu for the soup banchan (which is a little bit questionable). If you do go, try to get a seat in the back patio as it seems a lot more spacious and has ventilation for your cooking (apparently you can’t sit there if you are drinking though :/).

I do not...

Daldongnae was one of the place that my friend recommended me to try and it was absolutely amazing. I came here with a small group of friends on a Friday night. We were lucky that we were seated quickly.

My friends and I ordered a shared platter of Skirt Meat, Beef Ribs, Rib Eye, Oden Soup, Seafood Pancake, Black Tiger Shrimp and Pork Belly. All of their meat was expertly butchered, fresh, high quality and seasoned perfectly which made it super delicious, tender and juicy. If you want the hot plate and meat, you would have to order a minimum of 2 (200g) portions of beef or pork or 1 of each.

In addition to our meal, it also comes with a number of banchans (small side dishes) to enhance the Korean BBQ experience. It includes onions, spicy cucumbers, konjac (acorn) jelly with spice sauce, beansprouts, soft tofu soup and lettuce to make a ssam (wrap).

Around the hot plate includes eggs, corn cheese (which was fire 🔥), garlic, and kimchi. It also comes with 2 sauces, salt and pepper with sesame oil and ssamjang (thick and spicy paste used with food wrapped in a leaf in Korean cuisine). The banchans and sauces are all refillable but you will most likely be full before that's needed 😅.

Out of the meat we have ordered above, their Pork Belly is one of the legendary meat items 🔥. That is going to get a 'WOW' moment 😋.

If you struggle to find parking, there is a plaza across the restaurant. You can also park along Patricia Ave and walk a block.

Overall, the staff was very nice and the restaurant has a cool wood themed ambience. Although, Daldongnae is a bit pricey but Korean BBQ is always pretty expensive. I would highly recommend coming here with friends because it is best to share a bunch of meats, banchans and just have a good time 🙂.

Daldongnae is one of North York's best authentic Korean BBQ experience with a vintage vibe. I would certainly be coming back to try everything else on...

Food - This establishment offers a classic Korean BBQ. Having explored various venues, I can confidently say this is among my favorites. What sets it apart is its unpretentious presentation, allowing the exceptional quality of the food to take center stage. The abundance of unique side dishes, some unfamiliar to me, added a delightful surprise. While an extra charge for rice might raise eyebrows, the BBQ experience, with a minimum order of 2 servings, compensates generously. Around the grill, an enticing array of cheese, egg, kimchi, and garlic complemented the diverse cuts of beef and pork. The lettuce provided with the order enhanced the overall dining experience. Our group of five relished every bite, savoring the authentic Korean flavors. It's safe to say we all left thoroughly impressed.

Service - Booking in advance is advisable, given the limited space available. The staff's friendly, attentive, and professional demeanor added to the overall positive experience. Notably, most of the staff members were Korean, a touch that resonates well in an ethnic restaurant setting. Their commitment to service left nothing to be desired.

Ambiance - The ambiance features dim lighting and abundant natural wood, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Secluded booths contribute to a conducive environment for conversations and a sense of privacy. Ideal for group gatherings, the establishment pays homage to its Korean heritage through subtle touches, enhancing the overall cultural experience.

In conclusion, this establishment currently holds the top spot on my list for Korean BBQ. Its combination of exceptional food, attentive service, and a culturally rich ambiance makes it a standout choice for those seeking an authentic and enjoyable...