Overview Reviews
Dawa Kitchen offers a vibrant fusion of Korean and Asian cuisine that impresses many diners with its generous portions and flavorful dishes. Most reviewers highlight the value for money, with large servings perfect for groups. The ambiance is a blend of casual and trendy, complemented by attentive service. Diners rave about must-try items like the crispy pork katsu, beef belly ramen, and the delightful shrimp Korean pancake.
While parking is noted as a challenge, many patrons appreciate the ease of making reservations and the efficient service during peak hours. The restaurant is also commended for its variety of banchan, ensuring each meal is a delightful experience. With options for outdoor seating and features like compostable containers, Dawa Kitchen is not only a culinary joy but also a socially responsible choice.
All in all, Dawa Kitchen stands out as a go-to spot for a satisfying and enjoyable meal.
Additional Services & Amenities
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible seating
Featured Insights
1
Generous Portions
Dawa Kitchen is renowned for its massive portion sizes, making it an excellent choice for large groups. Diners frequently rave about the value, with many dishes, like the pork katsu and beef belly ramen, providing enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
2
Vibrant Atmosphere
The ambiance at Dawa Kitchen is both trendy and casual, featuring unique art and a lively background. The space is designed for comfort, whether you're enjoying a meal indoors or on the heated outdoor patio, providing a welcoming spot for gatherings.
3
Outstanding Service
Customers consistently praise the attentive and friendly service at Dawa Kitchen. The staff ensures timely food delivery and is accommodating to dietary needs, contributing to a positive dining experience that keeps patrons coming back.
Customer Reviews & Ratings
Dawa will always be the best food for value and portion and taste. Parking needs to be expanded to make this place perfect one day. Service is great and wait time for food to come out is fair. Highly recommend everyone to give this place a try in a large party!
Best food that's set at the best price and portion. I personally love the selections of banchan and the mac and corn cheese is a must-try!! Service has always been great and I appreciate that the background music isn't too loud. Will always be a proud regular at this spot
Had an awesome first experience at Dawa Kitchen! Parking lot is small, but thankfully there were plenty of spots (kind of small I'd recommend taking a smaller car if you have one). We had a reservation for 12:00PM today (Sunday), but it wasn't too busy. We were seated quickly and Ryan served us both quickly and with plenty of kindness (thanks Ryan!) The ambiance is really nice, even the light covers have art and language on it. Food was fresh and yummy (see ratings in the photos). No photo of the shrimp Korean pancake but that is definitely a must get! Loved the rice cakes, but not a fan of the way the fish cakes are cut all thin and put on top. Would definitely come back and price for the amount of food eating was INCREDIBLE!
Ate at Dawa this past Sunday and thought the food was solid. We arrived when they opened at 11:30 and it wasn't busy but by the time we left around 12:30 most of the tables were full. There isn't a ton of parking outside but it wasn't difficult to find a spot around noon. Service was quick and friendly - the food didn't take long at all to be ready. For the food itself, we ordered the pork katsu with curry, beef belly ramen, shrimp korean pancake and Bulgogi Bibimbap. The katsu is what everyone shows pictures of and rightfully so - it's absolutely massive and crispy. The beef belly ramen was good and had a medium kick to it. The shrimp pancake was probably my favorite of the items we ordered - good flavor and texture. The Bulgogi Bibimbap was solid but wasn't my favorite of the four. Overall the portion sizes here are very large and a good value for the price. All the dishes were good but not amazing - would come back if I were in the area and craving Korean food but wouldn't make a special trip to come back.
Dawa Kitchen is the place to go to with a large group, the portion sizes are HUGE! They also take reservations now which is a plus. Our group split the beef belly (basically giant pepper lunch), curry katsu, and pork belly simmered in pork broth (like jinsolqgukbap style). This was more than enough for our group of 6 to share, and we even had leftovers from the curry katsu. Service was attentive, and polite.
Super good restaurant that I'll definitely have to come back to in the future. Two dishes were enough to really fill up 3 people, probably could have fed 4 and still been comfortably full Would definitely recommend the spicy rice cakes and chicken cutlet curry to anyone that goes here
This place has always been on my list for a while now and funny story; I thought this was in the Korean district but it was in Santa Ana and I was going the wrong way for 10 minutes until I realized it was the other way. Anyways, shoutout to the staff for welcoming a large part last minute. Galbi Jim (5/5): A little bit on the pricier end, but definitely a must get with a large party, especially if you love meat. The meat was so tender and juicy. The marinate made it very sweet Chicken Katsu Curry (4/5): Should've gotten pork instead, but my party mostly eats chicken. Regardless this was the biggest katsu I have ever seen in my life. Even though chicken is usually dry, I think there should be more curry to accommodate the giant katsu. Bulgolgi pancake (5/5): Very comforting and flavorful! Overall, I really enjoyed my time here.
Was craving curry as had a bit of a hungover from new years celebration. After seeing insta and rave reviews gave this place a try as one of the few restaurants open serving curry. Food: Portions are large where one dish is enough to split for 2. Curry flavor was on point. Had to add more curry where they do charge additional $4. Both dishes came out super hot where rice gets crispy on the bottom. They include banchan where you get free refills Server: Was attentive and helpful by providing great recommendations. It's not a very big place where they have about 10 or so booths. Highly recommend and will be back to try other dishes
Food: 4/5 the braised pork bellies were mouth watering oh so good. The Katsu(s) were a bit too thin, not meaty enough. Service: 5/5 Super accommodating to our big party celebrating our friend's bday, special shoutout to IAN for going above and beyond to service our table. Ambiance: 4/5 can be a little loud, great for big groups, probably not ideal for date night, unless you don't mind the noise. Cozy, and you'll be leaving with your garments smelling delicious :D
Tri D.