FIRST LOOK: D1 Korean Table brings authentic sizzling bibimbap and Korean fried chicken to Oaklands Park

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An Oaklands Park restaurant has been given a new name, a completely renovated space and a fresh approach to Korean dining, with D1 Korean Table preparing to officially open its doors later this month.

Taking over the former Alice’s Kitchen on Dwyer Road, the revamped venue brings a menu of Korean favourites, from sizzling hot stone bibimbap and crispy fried chicken to hearty soups and share plates, all inspired by owner Dee’s South Korean heritage.

Dee, who is also involved in the Ban Ban Korean fried chicken business, took ownership of Alice’s Kitchen several years ago. Rather than rushing into a rebrand, Dee spent time getting to know the local community and understanding what customers wanted from a neighbourhood restaurant.

“I took over Alice’s Kitchen years ago, but I didn’t change anything for a while because it was my first business in the suburbs,” Dee told Glam Adelaide.

“I really took my time to understand the customers and what kind of food they want.”

With a new kitchen team in place, Dee has now introduced D1 Korean Table, creating a relaxed dining space where families and friends can settle in for a meal, order a selection of dishes and enjoy time together.

The menu offers plenty to explore, with smaller bites including Korean corn dogs, takoyaki and tempura prawns, alongside a generous selection of Korean comfort food.

One of the highlights is the Korean fried chicken, available in three flavours including snowy cheese, creamy onion, and sweet and spicy.

For something heartier, there’s beef hot stone bibimbap, a classic Korean rice dish served in a sizzling stone bowl, along with beef japchae, featuring stir-fried glass noodles.

Those after something warming can choose from seafood soft tofu stew, beef rib soup and eomuk tang, a Korean fish cake soup.

The variety reflects Dee’s vision for the restaurant, with a focus on dishes that can be shared across the table rather than a quick meal on the go.

“For us, we want a place where customers are able to sit and chat. So I tried to make the menu focus on side dishes, like the Korean fried chicken,” Dee explained.

It’s not just the menu that has changed. The restaurant has undergone an extensive makeover, with both the kitchen and front-of-house areas completely renovated to create a fresh new dining environment.

D1 Korean Table is currently welcoming customers through a soft opening, giving the team an opportunity to settle into the new space and refine service ahead of its planned official launch on Wednesday 28 October.

Initially, the restaurant will focus on dinner service, although Dee is already considering introducing brunch in approximately three months, once the business has found its feet.

And there could be more on the horizon, with Dee hoping to expand D1 Korean Table into other Adelaide neighbourhoods.

The neighbouring shopfront has also been secured, with plans being considered for a separate dessert business in the coming months.

For now, the focus is on establishing D1 Korean Table as a local dining destination, where diners can tuck into Korean fried chicken, discover traditional favourites and spend an evening catching up around the table.