Bon Dabang is a cosy Korean cafe-restaurant in Boscombe, a little east of Bournemouth town centre. It built its name serving handmade Korean dishes from a small unit in the Sovereign Centre, and has since moved into bigger premises at Calendula Place on Christchurch Road, a modern parade of units between the Wolverton Road and Gloucester Road junctions.
On the menu
The kitchen specialises in handmade Korean comfort food. Signature dishes include mandu dumplings and rose tteokbokki, alongside options such as tempura prawn and avocado cup bap and a katsu curry. Kimchi is served free with mains, a small touch that regulars mention often. There's also an extensive drinks menu covering hot and cold drinks, smoothies and milkshakes, and a children's menu with simpler options like battered chicken for younger diners.
Atmosphere
Inside, Bon Dabang leans into a warm, homely feel, ambient lighting, comfortable furnishings and relaxing background music, with board games and children's books kept on hand. It's the kind of place suited to a slow lunch or an easy stop with kids rather than a big night out.
Good to know
Bon Dabang is easiest to reach by car, with customer parking on site at Calendula Place, or a short walk from elsewhere in Boscombe. As with any small independent cafe, hours can shift, so it's worth confirming opening times directly before making a special trip.
Bon Dabang is one of the more distinctive spots in Boscombe's food scene, worth seeking out if you fancy something different from the seafront's usual fish and chips. For more places to eat nearby, browse our food & drink guide, or see what else Boscombe has to offer in our things to do guide.