Daldongnae on Spadina is the latest outpost of the widely popular Korean BBQ chain. 

With multiple locations in and around Toronto, Daldongnae is best known for its communal atmosphere and tabletop grilling experience, complete with high-quality meats and traditional banchan like kimchi, pickled cucumbers, and sizzling egg.

Daldongnae, which translates to moon villages, pays homage to the small hillside residences in Seoul during the 1950s and 1960s.

"Our restaurant embraces this heritage, aiming to transport guests to that bygone era with every visit," shared General Manager Jay.

The space accommodates 100 people. Despite its large size, the warm wooden benches, use of exposed brick, and house-like dividers created a sense of coziness and charm. 

Each table is outfitted with a tabletop grill and overhead fan, so you can take part in the Famous Table BBQ experience. 

You start by choosing from a selection of high-quality meats, including beef, pork, chicken, and the coveted wagyu, or you can go for the vegetarian set. Every order comes with an array of free banchan, flavorful dipping sauces, and crisp lettuce wraps to build the perfect bite.

If you're dining with a group, I'd recommend ordering a variety of protein options so everyone can taste a little of everything.

The Seasoned Chicken Thigh Slice ($21.99) comes pre-marinated in a savoury seasoning with green onions. Once grilled, it's tender and juicy. 

My personal favourite is the Beef Boneless Short Rib ($29.99). Full of flavour, with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, they fit perfectly in the lettuce wraps. I paired the short rib with crunchy kimchi and pickled cucumber for some added spice. 

The Marinated Pork Shoulder Butt ($20.99) offers sweet and smoky flavours and caramelizes well on the grill. I enjoyed it with the house-made soybean paste (ssamjang). 

For beef lovers, there's also the Marinated Chuck Flap Tail ($26.99), which boasts a rich, beefy flavour and a satisfying chew.

And for the ultimate indulgence, there's the Wagyu Beef Ribeye Roll ($78.99). Although a bit of a splurge, its exceptional marbling ensures every bite is buttery, tender, and packed with umami. 

Beyond the table BBQ, Daldongnae also has a variety of entrées, from colourful bibimbap to flavorful kimchi fried rice, along with an exclusive lunch special menu available only at this location.

The Green Onion Pancake with Seafood ($17.99) is a must-try with delicate lace-like edges that are so good they're worth fighting for. Fried until golden brown and crisp, the pancake is studded with mixed seafood, bell peppers, and savoury green onion. 

For a twist on a classic, the Beef Tartare Bibimbap with Veggies and Egg Yolk ($18.99) features thinly sliced raw beef and a rich, seasoned egg yolk. It's served in a traditional stone bowl, making the rice slightly crispy at the bottom, and is piled with thinly sliced carrots, crunchy red cabbage, lettuce, dried seaweed, Alfalfa sprouts, and green onion. 

The lunch special is served every day until 5 p.m.. Whether you choose beef bulgogi, spicy pork stir-fry, or one of the stews or soups, every set comes with a generous portion of stone pot rice and four side dishes, making it well worth the price.

The stone pot rice or Sotbap is a hearty combination of black beans, adzuki beans, chestnuts, pumpkin, jujube, and chickpeas. It's cooked directly in the hot stone pot, which gives the rice its warm, fluffy texture.

After finishing the rich and nutty rice, it's customary to pour hot water into the pot to make sungnyung, a toasty, aromatic, scorched rice tea that’s deeply comforting after a big meal. 

The Pork Bone Soup ($19.99) is made with slow-simmered pork bones, red pepper powder, potato, green onion, cabbage, and soybean paste. It also has some delightfully chewy glass noodles. 

The Spicy Pork Stir Fry ($22.99) is packed with flavour, thanks to a gochujang, red pepper powder, garlic, and soy marinade. The pork is tender yet slightly chewy, with just the right amount of heat.

The Beef Bulgogi ($22.99) is barbequed slices of thin beef seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and green onion. It's tender, juicy and has a smoky, char flavour.

With 18 locations, Daldongnae has earned a reputation as a go-to spot for Korean BBQ, having also welcomed numerous K-pop stars and internet personalities.

Daldongnae Kensington is located at 355 Spadina Avenue.