Seor Ak San — Restaurant in Toronto

UPDATE AUG 2024: At the time I originally posted (over a year ago), this place was good. But now I have to say, something has changed. All the staff in the restaurant are new and unfriendly, which leads me to believe they are under a new ownership. There is no longer a 10% off cash discount. There is no longer calling ahead for pick-up orders, you need to pay first. This should have been a red flag for me, but I chose to dismiss it, as the food here had been so excellent in the past. I didn't order pork bone soup this time, but the last time we had it, it was completely watered down and bland. The side dishes have also declined in quality. I ordered soybean soup and kimchi fried rice for takeout, and both were mediocre at best. Not to mention that they did not package them in the bag properly, nor did they help me pack it into my resuable shopping bag to carry with me on my commute home. Looking at the recent reviews, I can see that I am not alone in my feelings about this place. As others have mentioned, the service is absolutely terrible. If you're looking for a Korean spot on Bloor, this is definitely not it! Try Damda, their pork bone soup is way better.

Excellent food, excellent prices, and excellent service! So glad that this restaurant opened again, this time in Koreatown (it used to be located on Spadina, south of College). We ordered gamjatang (pork bone soup), jajangmyeon (black bean noodles) with beef dumplings, kimchi fried rice with pork, and vegetable spring rolls - everything, including the side dishes, was absolutely delicious! Our server was so kind and friendly. The washroom and restaurant interior were impeccably clean. Will be back...

We came here today because the other restaurant we’re planning to visit was full. We got a seat pretty quick, but looks like they’re not used to handling busy times. Our food took more than 40 minutes to come, most of their side dishes are gone, and they didn’t give us basic items like bowls, napkins, utensils, water, etc. - we had to keep asking a couple times, resulting in more wait times.

The food itself was surprisingly okay. The plus point is the value we got for the price we pay. I think it’s worth the price and tasted pretty decent. Their side dishes were not as good however as the radish was not fresh and the kimchi tasted sweet than refreshing.

One thing that throws me off aside from the above are the lack of ventilation. The kitchen is within the eating area, and there seem to be no ventilation at all. Upon entry you’re bursted with a strong smell of grill and food in general. Be prepared to smell like food if you eat here. It was very warm and stuffy since no air flow seem to happen inside..

I’d probably give it another chance next time when it’s not...

Real rating: 4.3

A new competitor in the home style Korean fare. Opened for no more than a month, my party was quickly seated to a full restaurant.

Typical Korean food but at an elevated level. The food here comes at a slightly bigger portion and rather quickly. Ordered Spicy chicken, tteobokki with noodles, bulgogi and dumplings. All were more flavorful than what I expected. The Banchan was more bland than expected.

The table adjacent offered Korean fried chicken which looked incredible appetizing. It is on my to try list.

Only two servers on the floor. Although they do their best, service is very friendly but at times slow. Decor is plain and boring and the cooling system must've been not working that day. Was a hot and humid experience.

Very reasonable pricing.

I'm difficult to please but left here satisfied. I strongly support local businesses and encourage everyone to give Seor Ak San a try the next time you're debating...