Daldongnae Korean BBQ - Waterloo

If you are looking for an authentic, high-quality Korean BBQ experience, Daldongnae is an absolute must-visit! From the moment we walked up to the cool, retro storefront, we knew we were in for a treat. The Food: 🥩 The meat quality here is top-tier. We had the chicken and beef, and everything was incredibly marbled and juicy. One of the best parts is their signature grill—it has those side compartments for the cheesy corn and egg crust that cook perfectly while you grill your meat. It’s a total game-changer! The Drinks & Sides: 🍶 The banchan (side dishes) were fresh and plentiful. We paired our meal with some watermelon soju which was the perfect sweet balance to the smoky BBQ. The Vibe: ✨ The atmosphere is buzzing and cozy, making it the perfect spot for a night out with friends. The staff was super attentive and helped ensure everything was grilled to perfection. Special Thanks to Jin for her amazing hospitality. Final Verdict: 🏆 This isn't just a meal; it’s a full experience. We left stuffed and already planning our next visit. If you haven’t been to Daldongnae yet, stop scrolling and just go! Favorite dish: Beef rib finger meat, the Corn Cheese, cucumber kimchi, chicken thighs.

I’m writing this to share my very DISAPPOINTING experience at the Waterloo location. My friend and I came here to celebrate her birthday and unfortunately the service completely ruined the night. From the beginning, our server (Lia) barely checked on us and we were left waiting for long periods of time. When we asked for additional side dishes, the manager told us we had to completely finish what we had before receiving more — even though there was only a small amount left and the side dishes are advertised as unlimited. We were also cut off after only two additional rounds, which made no sense. We usually substitute egg for extra corn, but this time we were told we could only receive one corn and no substitutions were allowed. On top of that, one of the servers seemed to be in a very bad mood and treated us with little to no respect. The worst part of the experience was finding a piece of hair in one of the side dishes while eating. When I informed the staff, it took about 10–15 minutes for someone to return to us. We could see staff discussing the issue among themselves, but no one properly addressed us. We were not given a sincere apology, nor was the situation handled professionally. Instead, we were told that the head chef is BALD and that the hair must have come from a server — which felt like deflecting responsibility rather than taking ownership. Finding hair in food is extremely unsanitary and completely ruined my appetite. When I asked about proper compensation, all we were given were three cans of pop, which felt dismissive given the situation. After that, it felt like we were being avoided. No one came to properly check on us, and we were left sitting there waiting just to pay the bill. We left unsatisfied, uncomfortable, and still hungry. Overall, this was a very upsetting experience, especially for a birthday celebration. I do not recommend this location, and management seriously needs to address both their attitude and how they handle customer concerns.

Went with my son. He's been several times before and also he went to one in Quebec. The ordering process was simple. Instructions are easy to follow. You can scan a QR code as well. We had a reservation and we're seated right away. When we arrived it was not busy but within 15 minutes of being there it got full quickly. Not sure if they were understaffed but it took a long time to have our side dishes replaced. We were told they were replaced 1 for 1 as they were emptied. We had to stop cooking our meats because we were waiting for our sides and sauces to be refilled. The restaurant itself is very unique in design and I had fun using Google Translate on the signs throughout the restaurant to read what they said.

Server was impolite although the manager was great. We frequent Mississauga location and have never been treated like that. Even one of our children asked about the servers attitude the following day. Great atmosphere and food was excellent.

the food is soooooo yummy, i always look forward to going there :D the cheese corn is probably my favourite dish but everything else is amazing as well. and the vegan set is honestly a steal, it comes with so much food!! definitely recommend this place, it’s so good

The meat dishes are absolutely top-notch! The quality of the meat is excellent, and it's cooked to perfection—tender and juicy all the way through. The unique flavors of the meat melt in your mouth, making each bite a delightful experience. The various sauces and side dishes that accompany the meat really enhance its flavor, making it an all-around satisfying meal. The noodles are also fantastic! The noodles have a perfect chewy texture, and the broth is rich yet clean, providing a perfect balance of flavors. For those who like a little spice, the dishes are just the right amount of spicy, offering something for every taste. What truly stood out, though, was the exceptional service. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure that I felt comfortable and well cared for throughout the meal. Their attention to detail and genuine hospitality made the dining experience even more enjoyable. If you're looking for a great restaurant in Waterloo, I highly recommend this one. If you're craving delicious, carefully prepared food and excellent service, this place is a must-visit!

Great K-BBQ experience in Waterloo. We ordered 4 different kinds of meats (2 pork & 2 beef). The portions of the meats seem a bit small and I believe it is high quality meats! The side dish and cold noodles were enough to fill us up. The vibes inside the restaurant were fun and the server we had, Hayden was so welcoming and kind! We would love to come back soon 👍💗

Second time visiting this week!! Can’t get enough of the high quality meats and sides here. Our servers Chris, Jiwoo, and Jiin were super friendly and helpful - happily refilling our table and checking in on us often. I highly recommend the cold noodles with kimchi broth, a must-get everytime!!

Daldongnae in Waterloo is a fantastic spot for authentic Korean BBQ! From the moment I stepped in, I was drawn to the cozy, bustling atmosphere that made me feel like I'd been transported straight to a neighborhood eatery in Korea. The decor is charming, with rustic touches that create an inviting vibe perfect for a laid-back meal with friends or family. The food itself is exceptional. The quality of the meats is top-notch, and they offer a great variety, from marinated beef to pork belly, each cut bursting with flavor. The tabletop grills add a fun, interactive element, and the staff is always on hand to help if you're new to Korean BBQ. The banchan (side dishes) are generous and delicious, with classic options like kimchi, pickled radishes, and savory potato salad. I especially loved their focus on traditional flavors, and the smoky char from the grill brings out the best in each dish. Plus, they have a great selection of Korean drinks, like soju, to complement the meal. Daldongnae is a must-visit if you're in Waterloo and craving authentic Korean BBQ--it's a fantastic spot to gather, grill, and savor amazing flavors!

Great food at a great price. We went there with a group of 6 people to celebrate a couple of birthdays. A really fun way to dine as well

Fun Korean bbq experience! The meat is nice and fresh and the sauces add great flavour. You get a great variety of side dishes and they will refill them for you as you dine. My personal favourite side is the cheese corn. The service is very quick as well. It's a very fun place to eat with friends!

Best korean bbq in town. Great ambience. Accept reservations.delicious food and unique drinks including sake.

Great spot. The food is awesome and the meet is high quality. All the sides are great too, staff is nice but the wait times however could be a little better generally around 10-25 min on a regular night. Overall, the food and vibe are closer to 5/5.

Visited Daldongnae in Waterloo and the food was pretty good. One of the better kbbq spots in Waterloo. Flavours tasted pretty similar to their other locations. The service was just okay while the restaurant was pretty clean and neat.