Best Korean Food in Ottawa

Ottawa's Korean food scene has grown beyond the traditional BBQ joints. From award-winning tabletop grilling to Canada's first Jokbal specialist, there's authentic Korean flavour across the city. Here are 4 spots that deliver.

1. Daldongnae Korean BBQ — The Award Winner

Daldongnae Korean BBQ has earned recognition among Yelp's Top 100 Restaurants in Canada. The Chinatown location brings premium Korean BBQ with quality cuts of meat cooked on tabletop grills.

With multiple locations across Ontario and a growing reputation, Daldongnae has become a destination for Korean BBQ lovers. The experience is authentic — grill your own meat, wrap it in lettuce, and enjoy with banchan (side dishes).

What to order: Beef Brisket, Pork Belly, Bulgogi, Combo Sets.

Good to know: Reservations recommended. Book online or call ahead.

Neighbourhood: Chinatown (also in ByWard Market)

2. Table SODAM — The Modern Comfort

Table SODAM represents fine Korean comfort cooking. Everything is made from scratch — delicious, plentiful, and fairly priced. The modern setting with rustic decor makes it aesthetically pleasing and Instagram-worthy.

The small space has only 7 tables, so expect a wait during peak hours. But the quality is worth it.

What to order: Bibimbap, Bulgogi, Japchae, Korean Fried Chicken.

Good to know: No reservations. Expect lines 6-7 PM. Only 7 tables.

Neighbourhood: Old Ottawa South (Bank Street)

3. Hanyang Jokbal — The Unique Specialty

Hanyang Jokbal is the first and only Korean restaurant in Canada specializing in Jokbal — braised pork hocks. This traditional dish is made by braising pork hocks and feet for hours with flavorful ingredients until tender and delicious.

If you want something you can't find anywhere else in Ottawa, this is it. Featured on CTV and expanding across Canada.

What to order: Jokbal, Bossam, Jokbal + Bossam Set, Makguksu.

Good to know: Join waitlist online. Expect 45+ min waits on weekends.

Neighbourhood: Downtown (Bank Street)

4. Pelicana Chicken — The Takeout Classic

Pelicana Chicken is a Korean fried chicken chain from South Korea that's been around since 1982. The Ottawa location inside OK Mart on Merivale makes some of the best Korean fried chicken in the city.

This is takeout only — no seats. But the chicken is crispy, well-seasoned, and worth the trip. Shop for Korean groceries while you wait.

What to order: Original Fried Chicken, Yangnyeom, Soy Garlic, Half & Half.

Good to know: Takeout only. Located inside OK Mart. Free parking.

Neighbourhood: Nepean (Merivale Road)

The Quick Comparison

Restaurant	Style	Best For	Price
Daldongnae	Korean BBQ	Tabletop grilling, groups	$$$
Table SODAM	Modern Comfort	From-scratch cooking, ambiance	$$
Hanyang Jokbal	Specialty	Unique Jokbal experience	$$
Pelicana	Takeout Chicken	Quick pickup, consistent quality	$$

Korean Dishes to Know

Korean BBQ — Grill your own meat at the table. Wrap in lettuce with ssamjang sauce.
Jokbal — Braised pork hocks. Tender, flavorful, unique.
Korean Fried Chicken — Double-fried for extra crunch. Various sauces available.
Bibimbap — Rice bowl with vegetables, meat, and egg. Mix it up with gochujang.
Bulgogi — Marinated beef, sweet and savory.
Tteokbokki — Spicy rice cakes in red pepper sauce.

Tips

For Korean BBQ — Daldongnae is the award-winning choice.
For fried chicken — Pelicana for takeout.
For something unique — Hanyang Jokbal is the only Jokbal specialist in Canada.
For ambiance — Table SODAM has the modern, Instagram-worthy setting.
For west end — Pelicana inside OK Mart on Merivale.