A Restaurant Worth Travelling To: Dongnae, Bristol

Dongnae sits on Chandos Road, a quietly buzzy stretch already home to Wilson’s, Little Hollows Pasta and The Kensington Arms. From the outside, it’s understated – but step inside and you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to South Korea. The interiors are minimalist and slick, with clean lines, pale wood and a soft industrial edge. Diners can sit at the bar to watch the chefs at work or in the main dining room that feels calm and cocooning. It’s all very Seoul-meets-Scandi – functional and quietly confident.

We arrived towards the end of the lunch service and were the last to leave, but never once felt rushed. The team moved seamlessly into dinner prep around us, and the atmosphere remained warm and unhurried. It’s the kind of place where you could happily linger over a second bottle of wine or a final cocktail.

The à la carte menu is split into four sections: small plates, dishes from the bulpan (charcoal grill), shishka (larger plates) and extras, featuring sides like fluffy rice and banchan. There’s also a set lunch menu (£24pp, Tues-Fri) and a Hanjungshik-style tasting menu (£55pp) for those who want to hand over the reins. We opted for a mix of à la carte dishes to get a feel for the breadth of the menu.

We started with the tuna belly hand rolls – delicate, fatty and well-seasoned – and a plate of chicken wings so large and lacquered they could have been a main course. Sweet, sticky and smoky, it was one of the best things I ate all day. From the grill, the wagyu was some of the best beef I’ve ever tried in the UK. That’s high praise but it’s worth noting that beef holds a particular reverence in Korean cuisine – often reserved for special occasions and treated with care. Here, that reverence was palpable: the meat had clearly been sourced with intention and cooked with precision. It was charred on the outside, melting within and served with a trio of house-made condiments including fermented clam (jeotgal), ssamjang and fresh wasabi. It was a masterclass in balance – rich, sharp, salty and deeply satisfying.

Other highlights included the wild mushroom dolsotbap, served in a hot stone bowl with crispy rice and topped with a golden egg yolk, and the grilled sardines, served like traditional kkochi on sticks. The banchan – small side dishes like kimchi, pickles and namul – were vibrant and essential, bringing freshness and crunch to every bite.

Dessert was also excellent, which is just as well, given there’s currently only one on the menu. Fortunately, it’s a standout: the matcha terrine is served simply, with a sprinkle of rock salt and a quenelle of mezcal-infused cream. Earthy, bitter, creamy and boozy, it was a totally unique finish to the meal.

Alongside the food, there’s a short but thoughtful drinks list. Korean beers sit alongside a tight edit of low-intervention wines from Bristol-based importer Vine Trail, chosen to complement the fermented flavours in the food. Cocktails are elegant and considered – we loved the negroni and paloma, both served in chic glassware over huge block ice. There are also non-alcoholic options and Korean spirits for those who want to explore further. 

If there’s one note, it’s that the menu can be a little opaque for those unfamiliar with Korean cuisine. That said, the team are more than happy to explain each dish. This isn’t a place for fussy eaters – it’s for the curious and those who want to be surprised.

Over the years, I’ve interviewed countless chefs and when I ask them about the city that’s home to the UK’s most exciting food scene, nine times out of ten they mention Bristol. Dongnae is the perfect example of what they mean by this – it’s a spot that feels truly Bristolian (relaxed and, of course, independent) while showcasing inventive cuisine you genuinely want to eat. It’s also unlike any other restaurant I’ve been to this year – in the best way possible. It’s a place that feels both deeply personal and polished. It’s clear that Kyu and Duncan have considered every detail, from the open kitchen where you can watch the chefs at work, to the excellent playlist that floats around the dining room.

It’s also a restaurant that rewards trust. Let the team guide you, try something unfamiliar and lean into the experience. Whether you’re a Korean food devotee or a total newcomer, you’ll leave with a new favourite dish – and probably a few new cravings. You’re in Redland – but for a couple of hours, you could be in Seoul. For me, it’s a must-visit – and a compelling reason to plan another trip to the city.

Dongnae is a 15-minute walk from Clifton Down station or a short taxi ride from Bristol Temple Meads. It’s open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday. Reservations are recommended, especially for the tasting menu.

5-7 Chandos Road, Redland, Bristol, BS6 6PG

Visit DONGNAE.CO.UK & follow @DONGNAEBRISTOL