Daegu Korean restaurant with group seating and a self-bar: Cafe Dongi

This is the kind of place where you can enjoy a neatly arranged spread at a reasonable price — set meals starting under ₩10,000, with unlimited rice and eggs, real value for money. The space is bright and spacious, with seating variety that can accommodate large groups. This has to be one of the best Korean lunch spots around, and it's conveniently close to Apsan and Seobu Bus Terminal — starting my honest review of Cafe Dongi, a Korean set-meal specialist in Daemyeong-dong, Daegu.

Cafe Dongi Daemyeong Station Branch: hours and how to find it

• 🕒 Daily 10:00–21:00
• 15:00–16:30 break time
• Last order at 14:30, 20:30
• 🏠 122 Daemyeongbokgae-ro 4-gil, 1st floor, Nam-gu, Daegu, South Korea

Outside: the blue sandwich board and welcome hovenia tea

The entrance stands out with its blue standing signboard.

Cafe Dongi's signature move! Right outside the restaurant, refreshing hodgepodge tea is set out like a welcome drink.

As you can tell from the outside, the Daemyeong Station branch stands out for its roomy interior. The bright sign and the minimalist placement of the restaurant name give it a lovely feel.

Inside Cafe Dongi: solo seats and the central group table

Just like the Dongseongno flagship location, the interior here is bright and airy. The group table right in the middle of the restaurant looks great for gatherings or work dinners.

Given how popular this place is for lunch with nearby office workers, it's equipped with group seating, and the clean interior really stands out. The soft lighting seems to make the food look even more appetizing.

From solo tables to 2-person, 4-person, and group tables, any kind of group can dine comfortably here, and the tables are spaced generously, making it easy to chat over the meal.

Right by the entrance there's a sink for washing your hands, so you can start your meal clean without having to go to the restroom.

What's free at the self-bar: barley gangjeong, five-grain rice, hovenia tea, seaweed and fried eggs

You can feel the thoughtful touches here — even toothpicks and hair ties are provided. Barley gangjeong, five-grain rice, hodgepodge tea, and seaweed are all free to help yourself to at the self-bar.

And the fried egg is free too! Fried in plenty of oil for a nutty flavor, layering it over rice adds protein and doubles the deliciousness.

What we ordered: charcoal pork 12,900 won, jjukkumi 16,900 won, mini tangsuyuk 9,900 won

We ordered the Dongi charcoal-grilled pork stir-fry set served on a brazier for ₩12,900, the Grandma's octopus stir-fry set for ₩16,900, and the mini tangsuyuk (tasting size) for ₩9,900. Both set meals come with a main dish, doenjang stew, 3 side dishes, and a seasonal drink (plus seaweed and fried egg).

Grandma's jjukkumi (baby octopus) stir-fry set, 16,900 won

This is the Grandma's octopus stir-fry. Chewy octopus meets a smoky char to give it a tender texture.

Here's everything that came with it. Neat, tidy side dishes plus an omija (schisandra berry) drink for dessert — perfect.

It comes out on a brazier, so it stays warm even until you've almost finished eating.

Dipping it in the accompanying sauce makes it even softer and tastier.

The doenjang (soybean paste) stew served in a stone pot was seasoned just right and paired well with the octopus dish. Mixed into rice, it's plenty filling too. The portion size was generous, so there was more than enough.

Dongi charcoal-grilled pork stir-fry set, 12,900 won

This is the Dongi charcoal-grilled pork stir-fry. The subtle smoky flavor soaked into the meat gives it real depth, and it's just moderately spicy — even people who can't handle much heat should be fine.

The seasoning soaked into the meat so well that even the color looked amazing. Stir-fried with plenty of vegetables, it releases juices on the brazier, making it even more moist and a great match with rice.

Mini tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork), 9,900 won

The mini tangsuyuk. It has a nutty, fluffy texture with no off flavors at all. The sauce isn't overly sharp but has a mild sweetness, giving off a healthier feel — I dipped generously.

Verdict: is Cafe Dongi good for group meals near Apsan and Seobu Bus Terminal?

Located close to both Apsan and Seobu Bus Terminal, right in the central Dalseo-gu area. With so much foot traffic nearby, this place is a top pick for office workers' lunches and get-togethers, and it's known in the area for its clean, well-put-together Korean set meals. Beyond the food itself, the bright interior and clean space are what make this restaurant appealing. That was Cafe Dongi Daemyeong Station Branch, a top Korean set-meal spot in Daemyeong-dong, Daegu.