Named after the Korean word for ‘neighbourhood’, Dongnae fittingly prioritises a laidback, community-focussed approach to authentic Korean dining.
Fans of nearby Korean favourite Bokman will be pleased to know that this new venture is owned by the same British-Korean chef duo and married couple, Kyu Jeong Jeon and Duncan Robertson. In a similar vein to Bokman, this new venture promises an accessible approach to Korean cuisine, while also aiming at a slightly more refined menu inspired by the couple’s time living in Seoul as a young family.
One of the major innovations of the new menu is a greater focus on fermented Korean staples, such as doenjang, gochujang, and makgeolli all made in-house. This focus is mirrored by a collaboration with various local suppliers, such as Rocketman Produce which grows traditional Korean leaves and herbs in a Bristol allotment, and by a wine list centred on low-intervention wines, creating what the owners call a ‘symmetry’ between fermentation in Korean cuisine and natural wine.
In terms of price point, there is truly something here for everyone - the Jungshik set lunch is excellent value, consisting of a rice bowl, soup, side dishes, and kimchi for only £24. At the other end of the spectrum the Hanjungshik (omakase style tasting menu) showcases some of the chefs’ favourites for a competitive £55, including Korean beef tartare and wild mushroom dolsotbap. The menu also has a dedicated section for Korean BBQ dishes made on the authentic charcoal grill.
Jeong Jeon and Robertson have a keen interest in art and artisanal crafts, and this is reflected in Dongnae’s precisely curated space. The counter and tables will be handcrafted by local carpenter Liam Rush, and handmade ceramics and bulpan (a Korean BBQ grill pan) will play a key role in the decor.