Mapo Korean BBQ — Restaurant in Toronto

From the moment I stepped through the door, I was transported to the heart of Seoul. This hidden gem seamlessly blends a fantastic atmosphere, immaculate cleanliness, an authentic Korean experience, and the most exquisite food, all served with warmth and grace by the friendly staff.

Atmosphere (5/5): The moment I entered this charming establishment, I was taken aback by the captivating atmosphere. The décor, inspired by Korean culture, created an inviting and cozy ambiance. The dimmed lighting, traditional artwork, and soft Korean music playing in the background set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The tables were spaced perfectly to ensure privacy while still allowing a sense of community. The restaurant managed to strike a balance between being intimate and spacious, making it perfect for romantic dinners or social gatherings.

Cleanliness (5/5): Cleanliness is paramount in any dining experience, and this Korean restaurant excelled in this department. The entire restaurant was impeccably clean, and every surface gleamed with an inviting shine. From the polished wooden floors to the spotless dishes and utensils, it was evident that hygiene was a top priority. This attention to detail significantly enhanced the overall dining experience.

Authentic Korean Experience (5/5): One of the standout features of this restaurant is its commitment to delivering an authentic Korean experience. From the moment you walk in, you are greeted by staff who are not only fluent in Korean but also passionate about their culture. The menu, both in English and Korean, features a wide range of traditional Korean dishes. The restaurant goes the extra mile to offer a true taste of Korea, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an immersive cultural experience.

Food (5/5): The extensive menu provided an array of choices, from classic dishes to more adventurous options. The flavors were nothing short of exceptional. Every dish was an explosion of taste, and the presentation was beautiful. The ingredients were fresh, and it was evident that the kitchen took great care in preparing each dish. The kimchi, a staple of Korean cuisine, was crisp and tangy, and the barbecue dishes were perfectly cooked at the table.

Staff (5/5): I mustn't forget to mention the staff's exceptional interpersonal skills. They not only provided outstanding service but also engaged in delightful conversations with the customers. Their warm smiles and genuine kindness created an inviting and friendly atmosphere. From the moment I entered to the time I left, I felt like a cherished guest, and the staff's genuine friendliness added an extra layer of comfort and enjoyment to the entire experience. Their eagerness to share their culture and enthusiasm for the food was palpable, making me feel like I was dining with friends rather than mere staff. Their impeccable service and approachable demeanor truly set this...

EXTREMELY PUSHY WITH TIPS "MANDATORY" 18% Main critique and reason for the 1 star is the passive aggressiveness and pressuring from the staff while asking for tips. There was a discount (no tax) if you pay in cash and they had an ATM, our bill was around 160 and the ATM only gave out 20s. So I ended up withdrawing 180. After I handed the waiter the cash, he looked at me funny and started tapping the tablet screen showing how much 18% of my bill was and asking how I was going to pay the extra. I was kind of taken aback since I'm giving him around 17 dollars in tips which was a couple dollars short of the 18% he's asking. It would be fine if it was by card but since I already withdrew cash and he cant charge me separately by card, how does he expect us to tip? The whole time he was saying "oh customers usually tip 18%, you can withdraw more from the ATM", there's a 3 dollars fee for the ATM. Kind of pissed me off with the way he was being so passive aggressive to me. So I joked and asked my friends to look for loose change in our wallets to give him. He probably thought we were being for real (crazy) and kept asking us even while walking through the door. Maybe I'm crazy but it really didn't make sense to tell me the "mandatory" tip % after I withdrew money and ask me to withdraw more money from the ATM. 17 dollar tip is around a 11% which is pretty good I feel like. Again I would have just tipped the 18% if I was paying by card, but I wasn't. Won't be going back again. Experience was not bad and service was decent. The waiter kept talking to us every time he came, sometimes longer than we would've liked, it was decent convo, but it seemed like they're trying really hard to get tips or forced. Higher price point, not too keen on whether the qualities of the meat was worth it. More expensive per person...

One of the waiters is actually the nicest guy in the world. He smiles so much and has such a pleasant demeaner. He has a pleasant voice which uplifts your own mood.

Was sitting by myself eating my Pork Bone Stew. Their is a couple eating in front of me. Felt that the waiter was being extremely inappropriate with the questions and smalltalk that I was over hearing.

Later on as I was leaving the restaurant, I did speak to the waiter who I felt was being inappropriate. He explained that they were friends and their was no malicious intent in his words. Me, very confused, still was quite adamant against this gentleman. He was happy to let me even question the couple. I spoke to the couple as well, and everything was cleared. I appreciated the couple for hearing out my side as I felt the man would understand my sentiment which he did, also his girl. They were both pleasing and did not mind at all me asking.

Jon was an absolute gentleman. He cleared up the situation with zero hostility or ego. Just well spoken and managed conversation which doesn't occur much in this day and age without someone becoming aggressive. Everyone understood why I misinterpreted the "sentiment" of his words and everything was cleared up. Jon didn't want me to leave upset and we shook hands pleasantly like men used to do after they fought back a long time ago.

I did try the Pork Bone soup which was okay. They speacialize in KBBQ and for sure I will be trying that rather than something they do not specialize in. Was an interesting take on Gam Jah Tang, but for me I do like homey feeling much more. The environment is very nice and seems quite upbeat

Pork Bone soup $7 more expensive than Yummy...