Honest Review of Donpilsal Jamsil Branch in Songridan-gil, Perfect for When You're Too Lazy to Grill Meat

How I Discovered Donpilsal Jamsil Branch, A Place That Exceeded My Expectations

These days, the weather has suddenly gotten so hot that I crave meat but honestly find grilling it a hassle, and I'm not really in the mood for jokbal or bossam. I found the perfect place for such days. A colleague kept recommending it, so I visited Donpilsal Jamsil Branch out of curiosity!

I stumbled upon this restaurant while browsing Instagram, and since it's located in Songridan-gil, I thought it would be perfect for a date course, so I went there with my boyfriend on a weekend evening. As a couple who usually loves meat, we always welcome such charcoal-grilled meat restaurants. Especially since they grill it for you, it piqued my curiosity even more.

Just a 2-Minute Walk from Seokchon Lake! Excellent Accessibility

Donpilsal Jamsil Branch is located in Songpa-dong, Songpa-gu, and it's just a 2-minute walk from Seokchon Lake, making it really easy to find. The navigation address is '10-6, Ogeum-ro 16-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul,' and it wasn't difficult to get there.

With many attractions nearby like Lotte World Mall, Seokchon Lake, and Songridan-gil, it was perfect for a date course. We stopped by after a walk at Seokchon Lake, and the location was really good. There are also several parking lots nearby, so those coming by car can use them without inconvenience.

Songridan-gil is emerging as a hot place these days, with many restaurants and cafes, making it a great location to go for dessert after a meal. It's also about a 10-minute walk from Seokchon Lake Station, so it's easily accessible by public transportation.

The Clean Exterior That Caught My Eye at First Glance

As soon as we arrived at the restaurant, the clean exterior caught my eye. The modern interior and sophisticated sign gave off a luxurious feel. From the entrance, there was an atmosphere that raised expectations.

We visited around 7 PM on a Saturday evening, and as expected, there were some people. But since we had made a reservation in advance, we could enter without waiting. Here's a tip! If you plan to visit on a weekend evening, a reservation is a must. If you book in advance by phone, you can sit down without waiting.

As soon as we entered, the fragrant charcoal-grilled meat smell tickled our noses, but it didn't feel like the smell would cling to our clothes. The ventilation system seemed to be well-maintained. I appreciated such attention to detail.

Comfortable and Modern Interior, Spacious Tables

The interior of the restaurant was much more spacious and comfortable than I expected. The tables were spaced out enough that we could have a comfortable conversation without bumping into or being disturbed by the noise from the neighboring tables. The ventilation system was also well-maintained, so there wasn't much meat smell.

The exhaust fans installed at each table seemed to immediately absorb the meat smell, so it seemed like the smell didn't cling to our clothes as much. I always worry about the smell clinging to my clothes at meat restaurants, but here, I could worry less about that.

The lighting inside was moderately bright and atmospheric, making it perfect for a date. The music was not too loud, making it easy to have a conversation. There were various seating options, from couple seats to four-person tables and group seats, so we could choose according to the number of people.

Especially the seats were comfortable, so we could sit for a long time without discomfort. Many hot places these days have uncomfortable seating, but here we could enjoy our meal comfortably without such worries.

A Menu That Exceeded Expectations, The Menu We Finally Chose

When we received the menu, it was composed so that we could taste various parts of Korean pork. What particularly caught my eye was the 'Aged Korean Pork Assortment.' They said they use premium Korean pork, and this menu consisted of only the best cuts, so I was curious.

While we were contemplating the menu, I saw the food coming out at the next table, and the meat was really thickly sliced. Seeing that, I made up my mind. We ordered the 'Aged Korean Pork Assortment (for 2).' The price was in the 50,000 won range for two people. We also added doenjang jjigae and rice.

What was unique here was that when the staff recommended the menu, they insisted on adding 'water parsley.' They said the combination of meat and water parsley was really good. So we added water parsley as well. I was curious about how this combination would taste.

Also, they said the corkage for whiskey or wine is free, so we brought wine we had prepared in advance, and they set up the glasses beautifully, allowing us to enjoy the pairing of meat and wine. It's a small detail, but I felt this service was thoughtful.

Side Dishes and Service While Waiting for the Order

While waiting for our order, the basic side dishes came out. Kimchi, lettuce, garlic, peppers, and other typical meat restaurant side dishes were served, and they were fresh and tasty. The kimchi, in particular, wasn't too spicy and had a moderate fermentation, which went well with the meat.

While we were eating the side dishes, the staff came and set up the charcoal. They said that since it's charcoal-grilled here, the aroma and taste are more special. As the charcoal aroma rose, my appetite was further stimulated.

About 10 minutes after ordering, the meat came out faster than I expected. What sets this place apart from typical meat restaurants is that the staff grills the meat for you. We could just sit back, chat, and watch the meat being grilled. This is the charm of this place!

The Aged Korean Pork Assortment Finally Arrives, A Visual That Was Different from the Start

The long-awaited aged Korean pork assortment finally arrived! Wow, the thickness of the meat was really different. It was much thicker than what I usually see at meat restaurants. Various cuts like neck meat, pork jowl, and rib meat were beautifully presented, and just the visual made my mouth water.

The staff grilled each piece of meat, and the cooking time varied by cut. Especially the rib meat was grilled a bit longer to retain the juices. It felt professional, like I could just trust them with it.

The aroma rising as the meat cooked was really good. It wasn't just the smell of pork but a harmonious aroma of charcoal and well-aged meat that tickled my nose. At this point, my boyfriend said, "This is going to be delicious," and I agreed.

The Taste of Meat Spreading in the Mouth, Feeling the Difference of Aging

The first bite of neck meat was really tender. It was definitely different from the neck meat I usually eat at meat restaurants. The savory juices spread in my mouth as I chewed, and perhaps due to the aging, there was no off-flavor at all. It just felt like a harmonious blend of savory and sweet.

Especially the pork jowl had a perfect ratio of fat to lean meat, making it really enjoyable to chew. Eating it wrapped with the water parsley recommended by the staff, the savory taste of the meat and the fragrant taste of the water parsley went really well together. I highly recommend this combination!

The rib meat was also really delicious, and this cut, in particular, absorbed the charcoal aroma well, making it taste even better. The slightly charred parts had a different flavor, which I think is the charm of charcoal grilling.

Personally, I like to dip my meat in salt, and here, the meat was really delicious even with just a little salt. I think it's because the meat itself was so good. My boyfriend wrapped it in ssamjang and said it was delicious too.

Enjoying a Perfect Meal with Doenjang Jjigae

Eating just meat can get a bit greasy, but here, the doenjang jjigae perfectly countered that greasiness. The doenjang jjigae was hot and savory, and the large chunks of tofu added a nice texture.

Taking a spoonful of doenjang jjigae with rice and then eating the grilled meat was a fantastic combination. It made me think, "This is what a Korean meal is like." A bowl of rice was gone in an instant.

There was a funny episode here. Seeing my boyfriend enjoying the doenjang jjigae so much, the staff asked, "Would you like more jjigae?" My boyfriend shyly said, "Yes..." and they brought more with a smile. Such thoughtful service was nice.

After finishing the meat, we poured a little doenjang jjigae broth over the rice and ate it like fried rice, and it was really delicious. Stir-frying it slightly on the charcoal gave it a different taste. We cleaned the last spoonful completely.

The Friendly Service and Thoughtful Consideration of the Staff

Another advantage of this place is the service of the staff. It was nice that they grilled the meat for us, but I also appreciated their attentiveness in checking the table from time to time to see if we needed anything.

Especially when they were grilling the meat, they explained which cut was being served and how to enjoy it best, allowing us to enjoy it more. It was a service that felt professional.

We did a wine corkage, and they set up the wine glasses beautifully and even brought an ice bucket so we could enjoy the wine chilled. Their attention to detail was impressive.

When we finished eating and went to pay, they were friendly, allowing us to end our meal on a good note. It made me want to come back again.

Was It a Reasonable Choice Considering the Price?

The total came to about 70,000 won, with the Aged Korean Pork Assortment (for 2) at 55,000 won, two doenjang jjigae at 8,000 won, two bowls of rice at 2,000 won, and an additional 5,000 won for water parsley. For two people, it was about 35,000 won per person, which might be a bit pricey compared to typical meat restaurants.

However, considering the quality and quantity of the meat, and the service of having the staff grill it for you, I think it's a price worth paying. Especially since I could really taste the difference in the aged Korean pork, the satisfaction with the price was high.

Moreover, considering that the smell clings less to your clothes and you can enjoy your meal comfortably without the hassle of grilling the meat yourself, I think it was a reasonable choice. I believe it's a price range worth visiting for special occasions or as a date course.

Of course, it might be burdensome to go every day, but it's a good place to visit occasionally on special days. It's a place I'd recommend for a meal when you want to truly enjoy the taste of meat with someone special.

Willingness to Revisit and Recommendation Points

Personally, I have the intention to revisit. The meat was delicious, the service was satisfying, and above all, having the meat grilled for us allowed us to enjoy our meal comfortably while chatting.

It's perfect for days when you're too lazy to grill meat but still want to eat delicious meat. When you don't feel like jokbal or bossam, and you want samgyeopsal but find grilling it a hassle, I think I'll think of this place.

I especially want to recommend it to couples or small gatherings. You can enjoy the meat while having a conversation. It's also perfect as a date course in Songridan-gil. After the meal, it's in a good location to go for dessert at a nearby cafe.

However, it might be a bit burdensome for large groups. Since the staff grills the meat, if many people go, the waiting time could be long. It seems most suitable for small gatherings of four or fewer people.

Tips to Know When Visiting!

If you plan to visit Donpilsal Jamsil Branch, here are a few tips!

First, make sure to make a reservation on weekends or holidays. It's a popular place, so there might be a wait. If you book in advance by phone, you can sit down without waiting.

Second, be sure to add water parsley! The combination of meat and water parsley is really fantastic. At first, I was skeptical, but after trying it, it really went well together.

Third, since the corkage for wine or whiskey is free, if you have a favorite drink, feel free to bring it. The pairing of meat and wine was quite nice.

Fourth, it's convenient to use the nearby public parking lot. There aren't many parking spaces in front of the restaurant, so it's better to use the surrounding parking lots.

Fifth, when the meat is fully cooked, try eating it with water parsley and a bit of salt. It's perfect for enjoying the original taste of the meat. Of course, it's also delicious with ssamjang, but the meat here is tasty enough with just salt.

Nearby Places to Visit

I'll also introduce some places to visit after dining at Donpilsal Jamsil Branch!

Seokchon Lake is just a 2-minute walk away, making it a great place for a walk after a meal. We also walked around the lake after our meal, which helped with digestion and was a nice atmosphere.

Songridan-gil has many pretty cafes, making it great for enjoying dessert. We stopped by a nearby gelato shop and had ice cream, which paired really well with the sweet dessert after eating meat.

Lotte World Mall is also nearby, making it a good location for shopping. It's also nice to go see a movie after a meal. With so many things to enjoy nearby, you can plan a full day date course.

Especially on nice weather days, a walk around Seokchon Lake is highly recommended. After eating meat, strolling around the lake helps with digestion and provides a romantic time.

Wrapping Up the Special Meal at Donpilsal Jamsil Branch in Songridan-gil

Donpilsal Jamsil Branch was the perfect place for days when you're too lazy to grill meat but still want to eat delicious meat. Having the staff grill the meat allowed us to enjoy our meal comfortably while chatting, and above all, the meat was really delicious.

You could feel that they use premium Korean pork, as the quality of the meat was exceptional, and perhaps due to the aging, the savory and tenderness were outstanding. The combination with water parsley was also much tastier than I expected.

The price is on the higher side, but considering the quality of the meat and the service, I think it's worth it. It's a place I'd recommend for a meal with someone special on a special day.

This place, perfect as a date course in Songridan-gil, is worth a visit. It will surely be a good memory. When you want to eat meat but find grilling it a hassle, Donpilsal Jamsil Branch will come to mind!