Apkujung - Toronto, Ontario

*Revised Review as of June 2024: Rating Adjusted from 5 Stars to 1 Star Recent Experience: Regrettably, I've had to revise my previously glowing review of this Korean restaurant, which was once a favorite of mine in Toronto. Despite the owners' commendable effort in employing young Korean staff for ordering and translation, ... there seems to be a disconnect that has affected the dining experience. Over time, I've frequented this establishment with various friends and, while often enjoying the meals, I've noticed an inconsistency in the quality of the food. Nonetheless, it continued to be among my preferred Korean dining spots. Incident of June 2024: On a recent visit in June 2024, my friends and I ordered the renowned chicken soup for two—a dish we've savored many times before. Upon its arrival, the portion appeared larger than usual, accompanied by a single bowl of rice, typically indicative of a meal for two. Considering we were the last patrons of the evening, I assumed it was a generous gesture from the owner to utilize remaining ingredients. To our surprise, the bill reflected the price for a chicken soup intended for four, not two. We promptly addressed this with the waitress, who insisted that since the food was consumed, payment was obligatory. After settling the bill, we sought to discuss the matter with the owner. In the owner's presence, the waitress altered her account, claiming that despite our request for a soup for two, the Korean text on the menu indicated "two chickens for four people," leading her to place an order for four, thereby doubling the cost. Our protest that we couldn't read Korean was met with insistence on payment for the consumed food. Exhausted by the back-and-forth and feeling sympathy for the owners, we ultimately departed. My advice to future patrons: if you're fluent in Korean, you'll likely enjoy the food without issue. Otherwise, exercise caution with your orders to avoid misunderstandings. Original Comment: Delicious food with good portion. Employees (grandpa & grandma) are super nice! Read more

I recently visited Apkujung Restaurant with my friends to enjoy some authentic Korean cuisine, and I must say, the experience was outstanding. Although I hadn't been here in a while, their food and service exceeded my expectations. We ordered their signature whole chicken course meal, which I have always loved. Shortly ... after ordering, we were served an array of Banchan (side dishes), all of which were delicious. The kimchi was a bit saltier than usual, but the other dishes were perfectly seasoned. After a brief wait, the server brought out a large pot containing a whole chicken in broth, along with various condiments. She first served us pieces of the boiled chicken, which had a mild, pure taste, allowing the natural flavour of the chicken to shine. For those who prefer a bit more spice, a small bowl of spicy sauce was provided to keep your taste buds engaged. The chicken also had ginseng, adding a subtle bitterness and health benefits. Following the chicken, we were served green noodles cooked in the chicken broth. The noodles, which I believe contained mugwort, were fragrant and perfectly cooked, showcasing their signature recipe perfected over decades. The meal concluded with a rich, flavourful rice porridge made from the thickened chicken broth. Although the server got busy and couldn't finish the porridge, it was still delightful. The final touch was a refreshing yogurt drink, which was a perfect end to the meal. Overall, the whole chicken course meal was exceptional, and my friend found it equally satisfying. The clean restaurant, great service, and delicious food reaffirmed my pride in being a long-term regular at this place. I will definitely be returning and highly recommend it to anyone seeking authentic Korean cuisine. Read more

Well, the authenticity is still presence, but this time, the chicken had a bit of an off smell. The server seemed overwhelmed managing the tables alone, but she genuinely tried her best. I still stand by my previous praise and hope this was just a temporary setback. This time, we ... went for the whole chicken meal to let a friend try it, and despite the minor hiccup, we all enjoyed the experience. The quality and flavor remain impressive, and I'm optimistic that our next visit will be better. -- Continuing to visit this place satisfies our cravings for a whole chicken meal or spicy goat stew, despite a noticeable uptick in prices. This establishment holds a dear place in our hearts as the sole Korean restaurant in Toronto to offer a whole chicken course set. Its unwavering consistency over more than two decades is a testament to its dedication and excellence. Indeed, such a long-standing presence in the culinary scene not only confirms its legitimacy but also highlights its commitment to quality and tradition. It's clear that consistency is a cornerstone of their success, ensuring they remain a beloved choice for those in search of authentic Korean flavors in Toronto. Read more

We ordered the spicy seafood hotpot and it was fantastic. There were many kinds of seafood and they were so fresh. I definitely recommend this place. Will go back here soon. Friendly server and great atmosphere

Highly rate this place as a Korean! Had the pork rice soup and the stir fried squid - sooooo delicious! And the staff is so friendly. I didn’t see any foreigners here, just Korean dads haha