Daldongnae Ottawa Review 2026: Retro Korean BBQ & Lunch
Step into 1990s Korea at Daldongnae Somerset in Ottawa. From sizzling BBQ to stone-pot soft tofu stew, here is why this retro spot is a must-visit in 2026.
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Step into 1990s Korea at Daldongnae Somerset in Ottawa. From sizzling BBQ to stone-pot soft tofu stew, here is why this retro spot is a must-visit in 2026.
During my recent travels starting from Toronto, we planned a quick stop in Ottawa to see the iconic Parliament Hill before heading off to Montreal and Quebec City. On the final day of our tour, we were craving some serious comfort food, which led us straight to an incredible Korean spot for lunch.
The place is called Daldongnae. Interestingly, the owner actually started out as an interior designer, and they used their incredible design talent to create a highly authentic, immersive restaurant space.
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The Exact Tour I Booked (Toronto Departure to Quebec 3D2N)
[Small Group / 3D2N] Toronto Departure Montreal + Quebec Tour with TEAM ON
Daldongnae Somerset features a stunning retro 1990s Korean street-style interior. It is incredibly popular with locals, and K-pop fans frequently visit due to rumors that several famous idols have dined here while passing through Canada.
Even though you are in the heart of Ottawa, stepping inside feels like you have been instantly transported to a cozy, nostalgic neighborhood in Seoul.
They serve phenomenal Korean BBQ, but they also have a fantastic lunch menu featuring traditional table d'hote (Hanjeongsik) sets. I noticed that while most locals were busy grilling up meat at their tables, many of the Korean diners were opting for the hearty lunch sets.
The restaurant is incredibly spacious and well-managed. Most of the staff members speak Korean, and the owner personally welcomed us at the door, making the ordering process super smooth and friendly.
Daldongnae Somerset Menu Highlights
Just like in Korea, they offer a separate, highly affordable lunch menu. Since we wanted a quick yet satisfying meal rather than a heavy BBQ session, we decided to order from their lunch set options.
They have bilingual menus available, making it easy for everyone to order exactly what they want.
One of my family members ordered the Bibimbap lunch set. It arrived beautifully presented, clean, and in a very generous portion size—just like you would get in Seoul.
Sometimes when you order Bibimbap outside of Korea, the portion sizes can be a bit underwhelming, but Daldongnae definitely does not skimp on the ingredients.
The banchan (traditional side dishes) tasted incredibly fresh, and you can tell they make them in-house daily. Absolutely delicious!
I was craving a hot, savory soup, so as a self-proclaimed soft tofu stew lover, I ordered the Beef Sundubu-jjigae (Beef Soft Tofu Stew).
It was packed with tender beef, perfectly spicy broth, and high-quality silken tofu. It tasted exactly like the comforting stews back home in Korea.
But the absolute highlight was the rice! I was not expecting it, but they serve the lunch sets with authentic Sotbap (hot stone pot rice), which means you get to make Nurungji (scorched rice tea/soup) at the end of your meal.
The stone pot rice was cooked to perfection, topped with sweet pumpkin and jujube dates. This attention to detail is exactly why Daldongnae has earned such a massive reputation in both Ottawa and Montreal.
The portion of soft tofu and beef was incredibly generous, making it an exceptionally satisfying, filling lunch that will keep you energized for a full day of sightseeing.
The side dishes are presented beautifully and accompany the hot soup perfectly. Each lunch set comes with the same high-quality assortment of banchan.
The soft tofu stew comes with a perfectly soft-boiled egg poached right inside the broth, so there is no need to crack one in yourself. Mixing that rich, velvety yolk into the spicy broth elevates the flavor to a whole new level!
Enjoying this comforting meal in Ottawa was the perfect way to wrap up our 3D2N tour through Quebec and Montreal.
If you are looking to experience Eastern Canada efficiently but thoroughly, I highly recommend booking this 3D2N group tour.
Finding such a beautifully designed, authentic Korean space in the middle of a historic Canadian city felt incredibly comforting and nostalgic.
It was not just the delicious food that made it special, but the entire atmosphere and retro decor that made us feel right at home.
After our satisfying lunch, we walked over to the nearby Parliament Hill. I will share a detailed review of the Parliament Buildings in an upcoming post!
Canada is truly fascinating because every city has its own distinct vibe and charm, making each stop feel like a brand new adventure.
If you have the chance, I highly recommend planning a road trip or tour to explore Eastern Canada—it is an experience you will never forget!
The Exact Tour I Booked (Toronto Departure to Quebec 3D2N)
[Small Group / 3D2N] Toronto Departure Montreal + Quebec Tour with TEAM ON
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📍 Daldongnae Korean BBQ - Somerset
610 Somerset St W 1st floor, Ottawa, ON K1R 5K4 Canada
The interior was personally decorated by the owner, who also runs an interior design shop, and it features a recreation of the retro vibe of 1990s Korea. Thanks to its unique atmosphere, it is very popular among local Canadians, and it is also frequently visited by fans due to rumors that a K-pop idol has visited.
During lunch, they mainly sell traditional Korean set meals (Hanjeongsik). There are separate menus for Korean BBQ and a menu in Korean. Korean visitors usually order set meals like Bibimbap or Beef Sundubu (soft tofu stew), while foreigners tend to grill meat.
It is served with Korean-style stone pot rice (Sotbap) containing sweet pumpkin and jujube. After scooping out the rice, you can make Nurungji Sungnyung (scorched rice tea) with the crust at the bottom, making for an even more hearty meal.
Yes, most of the staff in the restaurant can speak Korean, and the owner personally welcomes guests, so you can comfortably order in Korean. Additionally, a separate Korean menu is available, so there are no communication difficulties.
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