Rushed to Itamae Sushi Dogok Branch after Watching the Show!
Upon hearing the news that the much-recommended Itamae Sushi has finally opened in Dogok, I rushed there out of curiosity! With the title of one of Tokyo's top 3 sushi restaurants, I visited with mixed feelings of excitement and concern...
Expectations Rose from the Journey
It's conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Dogok Station Exit 4. Situated at 21, Eonju-ro 30-gil, Gangnam-gu, B1, it's easy to find. It has a road shop format, which feels different from the usual stores in department stores or malls.
First Impressions and Store Atmosphere
The clean Japanese-style interior was impressive as soon as I entered the store. There are both counter and table seats, and I enjoyed my meal leisurely at a table. The staff were all friendly, and seeing the chefs who trained in Japan making sushi right in front of you was reassuring.
Ordering Process and Menu Selection Dilemma
The menu was more diverse than I expected. From nigiri sets to single sushi pieces, and even kaisendon! I ordered the nigiri set, which is Itamae's signature menu. The price was in the 30,000 won range, which was a bit burdensome, but considering its reputation as one of Tokyo's top 3 sushi places, I thought it was reasonable.
The Nigiri Set Finally Arrived - Overwhelming Visuals
Wow... it was truly a work of art! The moment I saw the neatly arranged sushi on the wooden board, I thought, 'Ah, this is why it's famous.' Starting with three types of honmaguro (bluefin tuna), followed by sea bream, salmon, horse mackerel, mackerel, squid, and flatfish... Each fish had its own unique charm.
Taste Review - Each Piece Was Truly Different
The three types of honmaguro were truly the highlight. The akami was light and clean-tasting, the chutoro had a perfect balance of fat and chewy texture, and the otoro... wow, it just melted in my mouth! I finally understood what the fuss was about.
The sea bream was slightly aged, and its umami flavor was impressively strong. It paired perfectly with the rice. The seared salmon had a slight smoky flavor with mayo sauce on top, making it a popular taste that was delicious without being overwhelming.
The gunkan maki was also excellent. The combination of minced tuna and pickled radish was unexpectedly good... The seaweed was crispy, enhancing the texture. The hosomaki with pickled radish was a real delicacy. Its salty taste kept lingering in my mind.
Additional Order of Tamagoyaki Sushi
It was so delicious that I ordered tamagoyaki sushi as well. The clean, unsweetened layers of egg were not only pretty but also perfect for ending the meal.
Value for Money - Honest Opinion
The price isn't cheap. The nigiri set is in the 30,000 won range, so it can be burdensome. However, I was satisfied with the freshness, composition, and taste of everything. Especially the quality of the tuna was top-notch, and it was amazing to experience such flavors without going to Tokyo.
Visit Tips and Precautions
There might be a wait during lunchtime, so I recommend going with some time to spare. I went around 2 PM on a weekday and still had a short wait. Also, note that there's a break time from 15:00 to 17:30!
Parking is available in the building's underground parking lot, and it's convenient to use public transportation since it's close to Dogok Station.
Suggested Nearby Courses
Near Dogok Station, Tower Palace and Daechi-dong Cafe Street are close by, and the Yangjaecheon Trail is great for a walk to digest after a meal. I took a light walk along Yangjaecheon after my meal, and it felt really good.
Honest Overall Impression
It was a truly satisfying meal! The reputation of being one of Tokyo's top 3 sushi places was well-deserved, and the quality of the tuna was the best I've ever had. Although the price is a bit steep, it's a great place to visit for a special occasion or with someone special.
Next time, I want to order the honmaguro as a single item to taste it more thoroughly. I also plan to actively recommend it to my friends!
