One of My Favorite Meals in Nashville
Whenever I travel for work, I make it a point to seek out authentic, locally loved restaurants instead of the usual chains. I first found Onda about a year ago during a previous trip to Nashville, and it's become one of those places I try to visit every time I'm back in town.
Onda's name comes from the Korean word meaning "to come," and that's exactly how it feels. It's an inviting, modern Korean restaurant that celebrates traditional cuisine with thoughtful hospitality. The restaurant itself is beautiful--a bright glass-front corner space in Midtown that's clean, contemporary, and welcoming. Parking couldn't have been easier with a dedicated lot right across the street, and I believe they also offer outdoor seating, although on this rainy visit everyone was happily inside.
My go-to is always the L.A. Kalbi, and Onda absolutely nails it.
The marinated beef short ribs arrived sizzling over caramelized onions on a cast-iron platter, filling the table with that unmistakable sweet soy aroma. The meat was tender, beautifully caramelized, and pulled effortlessly from the bone. Every bite reminded me why this is one of my favorite Korean dishes.
The meal came with a generous assortment of banchan, and honestly, those little side dishes are half the experience for me. The kimchi had just the right balance of tang and spice, the potatoes were comforting and delicious, the crisp pickled vegetables and radish added that refreshing bite that perfectly balanced the richness of the beef, and every little dish complemented the meal beautifully.
The rice also deserves a mention. It wasn't plain white rice but a darker grain blend served piping hot in an adorable little copper bowl with its own lid. It's those thoughtful touches that make a meal memorable.
I usually judge a Korean restaurant by two things: the quality of the kalbi and the banchan. Onda excels at both. Their menu also offers everything from japchae, bulgogi, seafood pancakes, tteokbokki, soft tofu stew, kalbitang, Korean fried chicken, kimchi fried rice, and traditional Korean barbecue favorites to creative dishes like kimchi arancini, plus cocktails, soju, makgeolli, and even milk bingsoo for dessert.
What also stood out was the atmosphere. The dining room was filled with people who clearly knew and appreciated Korean food, which always gives me confidence that a restaurant is doing something right. The service was warm and welcoming, and checkout was quick and easy using a handheld payment app.
Perhaps the biggest surprise? The value. Around the country, L.A. Kalbi often costs well over $35. Onda's was just $28, and the portion was generous enough that I couldn't even make room for dessert--even though I was eyeing the milk bingsoo and homemade madeleines.
Nashville's food scene continues to impress me, and Onda has earned a permanent place on my list of must-visit restaurants whenever I'm in town.
Life is too short not to eat well. If you love Korean food--or you're simply curious to explore it--put Onda on your list. I don't think you'll leave disappointed. read more