Jin Dal Lae Korean Restaurant

Jin Dal Lae is a solid spot for Korean food that delivers on expectations, though it might not be as amazing as some reviews make it out to be. With just nine tables, there’s usually a wait—mine was about 25 minutes, which wasn’t too bad. Food: - Spicy Pork Bone Soup: The broth had a deep, rich flavor, but there was a bit too much ginger, which overpowered everything else. - Seafood Pancake: Nice and crispy on top but got a little soggy underneath. It was a bit saltier than I’d like, and the soy-based dipping sauce could’ve used more vinegar for balance. Still, it was tasty overall! - Korean Fried Chicken: Probably the highlight! The spicy sauce was flavorful and could rival, if not beat, some dedicated Korean fried chicken places. The only odd part was the menu mentioned “wings or thighs,” but there was just one drumstick in the basket. - Chicken Katsu: Unfortunately, this was my least favorite. It tasted pretty basic, like something from an all-you-can-eat spot. The sauce didn’t help much either. - Banchan (Side Dishes): These were okay but not memorable. They were a bit too salty and didn’t have that nice tangy, fermented kick. Service: The staff were super friendly and efficient, which made the experience better! Final Thoughts: If you’re in the mood for Korean food and the wait isn’t too crazy, Jin Dal Lae is worth a try. While some dishes stood out, others were just okay, so set your expectations accordingly!

December 15, 2024 on Google

If you’re looking for authentic and affordable Korean food. This is the place to be! We got the fried dumplings, shredded beef stew and fried chicken with hot sauce for 40 bucks (5% disc if paid by cash) I ordered the fried chicken with hot sauce but asked them if they can put the sauce on the side just bcause im a messy eater 😂 Overall experience was good! Will come back for sure.

October 29, 2024 on Google

Amazing small little place! Will be back for sure! Came at 5:10pm on a Sunday. We were 2 people so we were seated fast at the small table in the back, but there was already a small line up for parties greater than 2. They were kind enough to bring out the side dishes shortly after ordering. You have to ask. Side dishes were tasty. We ordered the Fried Chicken Wings with special sauce, shredded beef stew, and the scorched rice with vegetables and seafood. The chicken wings are super crispy, battered well, and sauced nice. It comes with approximately 10 pieces. Amazing value and would get it again! The shredded beef strew was good The seafood stew came loaded with muscles, calamari, squid, shrimp, and much more. The soup was thick, and very tasty. The scorched rice was crispy and complementary to the whole stew. Overall would recommend!

October 20, 2024 on Google

Very busy restaurant and I can tell why. The food is really amazing, staff is really polite and friendly and service is fast. The food was so amazing and the portion sizes are huge for how decently priced they are. Loved the seafood pancake the most! And the pork bone stew was amazing! The meat was just falling off the bone! Side dishes were amazing too!

September 28, 2024 on Google

Food Portions was big, and the price is reasonable, I ordered seafood pancakes, pork bone soups, and japchae. The seafood pancake was crispy and big portions, but a little too greasy. The japchae was too wet and overcook, not as chewy as I thought. The pork bone soup was good . It will be nice to have in the winter time because the air conditioner was not cool enough to enjoy the food. My friend was sweating 😓 while eating, and he couldn't enjoy much during a hot day😀 ! Overall, that will be a nice place to go .

September 2, 2024 on Google

This little Korean restaurant is our favourite place to go when we're downtown anywhere near there. The food and prices are great! There's always a lineup at the restaurant even near closing time. Our favourites are the seafood pancake, pork bone soup, seafood tofu soup and the BBQ meats. Their sides are delicious too!

August 23, 2024 on Google

Had stir fried squid and seafood pancake. Food was great. Seafood pancake was different style than typical Korean style but it was tasty. Portion is quite big and enough veggies on both dishes. However the restaurant environment was bit disappointed. Ceiling fan was running with dust, dishes came with red stain, chopsticks wasn't correct pair and was just right after their open time but server's clothes was dirty as well. It was first time visiting after heard good reviews and recommendations from coworker but I don't think I will revisit in the future.

August 15, 2024 on Google

Got seated quickly on a Saturday night. Service was amazing, super attentive servers who offered to refill our side dishes right away. Ordered their teriyaki chicken and their stone bowl chicken bibimbap. Flavours were great and prices were reasonable. A solid spot for authentic Korean food!

August 9, 2024 on Google