Alirang Korean Restaurant Review – Consistently Delicious Korean Cuisine – Average EV Score: 7.6/10
Reviewed by Tastes of Ottawa
Each dish is rated using our EV Score (Enjoyment-to-Value Score), based on enjoyment, price paid, and benchmark pricing.
Table of Contents
Alirang Korean Restaurant Overview
1485 Merivale Rd, Nepean, ON K2E 5P3
Alirang Korean Restaurant has long been one of my favourite Korean spots in Ottawa. What keeps me coming back is the consistency — the food is always flavourful, the textures are always satisfying, and the portions never disappoint. With so many restaurants, you sometimes worry about whether you’ll get the same quality from one visit to the next, but Alirang delivers a steady experience every time.
This location on Merivale has become my go-to, but I still remember when there was only the original Nelson Street location. Back then, it was always packed, and I can’t count the number of times I ended up waiting in line just to get a table. When the Merivale location opened, I was thrilled because it gave Ottawa diners a second option, and for a while, it seemed like it might ease the crowds. Sadly, the Nelson Street restaurant has since closed, which means Merivale is now the only Alirang left in the city. It’s also nice that they have their parking lot.
Because it’s almost always busy, my strategy is to head over right when they open. Doing so saves a lot of time waiting, and it ensures we can sit down and enjoy the food without the stress of long lines. It’s not unusual to see the tables fill up quickly after opening, which shows just how popular the restaurant remains. Even with the wait times, though, it’s worth it — once the food hits the table, it reminds me why I keep coming back.
The menu covers a wide variety of Korean favourites, and whether you’re a longtime fan of Korean cuisine or someone just beginning to explore it, there’s something for everyone. From sizzling platters to comforting stews, the offerings feel familiar yet exciting. What I particularly love about Alirang is that even the side dishes — the rice and banchan — are thoughtfully prepared and complement the mains perfectly.
Would return?: Obviously, yes.
Galbi (beef short ribs)
😋 Enjoyment: 9/10
💰 Price Paid: $28
🎯 Benchmark Price: $28
📊 EV Score: 9/10
🔁 Order Again?: Yes.
Galbi is one of my go-to comfort dishes at Alirang. The ribs are always incredibly tender and cooked just right every time I’ve ordered it. The portion is generous, which I really appreciate, and the rice on the side is more than just filler—it’s perfect for soaking up all those deep, savoury juices. It’s a dish I never get tired of.
Jeyuk Bokkeum (Spicy Stir-Fried Pork)
😋 Enjoyment: 8/10
💰 Price Paid: $23
🎯 Benchmark Price: $23
📊 EV Score: 8/10
🔁 Order Again?: Yes.
This is one of those dishes I always look forward to. The spice level hits that perfect balance—it gives me a satisfying heat without overpowering everything else. The pork is super juicy and tender, exactly how I like it. What really ties it all together, though, is the rice. It soaks up all that rich, flavourful sauce, making each bite better than the last.
Seafood Pancake
😋 Enjoyment: 6.5/10
💰 Price Paid: $19
🎯 Benchmark Price: $17
📊 EV Score: 5.8/10
🔁 Order Again?: No.
The seafood pancake was okay, but underwhelming overall. I was expecting something a bit crispier, with more texture and ingredients packed in. Instead, it felt a little too flat—both in form and flavour. The portion size was on the smaller side compared to similar dishes I’ve had elsewhere. Not bad, just didn’t really deliver on what I was hoping for.
Final Thoughts
Alirang Korean Restaurant remains one of Ottawa’s best spots for Korean cuisine. Despite the closure of their Nelson Street location, the Merivale restaurant has carried the torch and continues to deliver on flavour and consistency. Yes, it’s busy most of the time, and yes, you’ll probably need a strategy like showing up right at opening to avoid the long waits, but the food makes it worth the effort.
For me, dishes like the galbi and the jeyuk bokkeum are the highlights, and they keep me coming back even when I know I might have to wait. While not every dish is a winner — like the seafood pancake — the overall experience is solid, and the hits easily outweigh the misses.
If you’re looking for consistently delicious Korean food in Ottawa, Alirang is still a top choice. Whether you’re craving comforting short ribs, spicy stir-fried pork, or just a reliable place that delivers on flavour, it’s a restaurant that deserves its reputation.
Got a favourite Korean spot in Ottawa I should check out?
I’m always on the lookout for amazing restaurants in the city. If you know a place that rivals (or beats!) Alirang Korean Restaurant, let me know—I might just head over and review it next.