Apgujeong Chef Song Min-su's Sushi Shinkai - A Perfect Guide to Premium Omakase at Mid-range Prices

Basic Store Information

Sushi Shinkai is a sushi omakase specialty restaurant opened by Chef Song Min-su in March 2023. 'Shinkai (深海)' means 'deep sea', and as the name suggests, it features a sophisticated black-tone interior reminiscent of the calm depths of the ocean. Located in the basement of the Coffee Bean building near Apgujeong Rodeo Station, it offers excellent accessibility and is highly rated among mid-range omakase in the Gangnam area.

Location and Accessibility

Address: B105, Basement 1, 461 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Cheongdam-dong 118-17)

Transport: It is a 3-5 minute walk from Apgujeong Rodeo Station on the Suin-Bundang Line, offering excellent accessibility. It is easy to find as it is located in the basement of the Coffee Bean building.

Parking: The building's underground parking lot is available, supporting 1 hour 30 minutes for lunch and 2 hours for dinner.

Operating Information

Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-22:00 (Break time 14:00-19:00)

Closed: Regularly closed every Sunday

Contact: 070-7607-5779 or 0507-1395-5779

Reservation: Reservations are required through the Catch Table app, with particularly fierce competition for dinner slots.

Menu and Prices

Omakase Course

Lunch Omakase: 90,000 KRW

Dinner Omakase: 180,000 KRW

Course Features

The lunch course starts with chawanmushi, followed by sashimi, about 12-15 types of sushi, miso soup, maki, tamago, and dessert. The dinner course includes a richer selection of tsumami and various premium neta. Signature items include Hokkaido uni, various cuts of tuna, and hikari-mono (blue-backed fish), with mackerel and horse mackerel receiving particularly high praise.

Chef and Features

Chef Song Min-su: A chef recognized for his skills in Korea after training in Japan, particularly praised for the quality of his shari (sushi rice). The shari maintains an appropriate acidity and temperature to maximize the flavor of the neta.

Quality of Ingredients: Fresh wild-caught fish is used, with proper aging to enhance flavor. The handling of hikari-mono is particularly excellent, providing a clean taste without any fishy smell.

Recommended Menu

Signature Sushi:

• Horse Mackerel - Crisp texture and the unique flavor of blue-backed fish
• Mackerel - Thick, rich in oil, with a hint of char
• Hokkaido Uni - Sweetness of the sea with a buttery flavor
• Various Cuts of Tuna - Akami, chutoro, and more
• Herring - Soft texture with proper aging

Store Environment and Atmosphere

Interior: A luxurious black-tone interior with a 'deep sea' concept, creating a calm and sophisticated atmosphere. It is primarily counter seating, allowing for intimate interaction with the chef.

Seating: A small store focused on counter seating, allowing for a private dining experience.

Beverages and Corkage

Beverage Menu: A variety of Japanese sake, soju, and wine are available. Quality wines such as Far Niente and Chablis are also prepared.

Corkage: Set at 50,000 KRW, allowing for the bringing of personal collection beverages.

Reservation and Usage Guide

How to Reserve

Catch Table: Reservations for Sushi Shinkai can only be made through the Catch Table app. Dinner reservations are particularly competitive, akin to 'applying for a popular concert'.

Reservation Tips:

• Lunch reservations are relatively easier to secure
• Consider on-site rebooking or looking for cancellations for dinner
• Weekdays are more favorable for reservations than weekends

Usage Tips

Optimal Visit Time: Lunch starts at 12 PM, dinner at 7 PM, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Additional Orders: Additional hikari-mono (blue-backed fish) can be ordered, with horse mackerel being highly recommended.

Shari Adjustment: The amount and seasoning of rice can be adjusted to personal preference.

Price Range and Value for Money

With lunch at 90,000 KRW and dinner at 180,000 KRW, it is considered reasonably priced among mid-range omakase in the Gangnam area. Considering the quality of ingredients and composition, it offers excellent value for money, especially with lunch providing a high-quality omakase experience at an affordable price.

Special Services and Precautions

Service: Accompanied by friendly explanations, making it comfortable for omakase beginners to enjoy. Seasonal special presentations (such as Santa objects during the Christmas season) are also attractive.

Precautions:

• Cannot be used without a reservation
• Photography is allowed, but consideration for other customers is necessary
• If you have allergies or ingredients you cannot eat, please inform in advance when making a reservation

Latest Update Information

As of late 2024, it continues to receive high ratings, with ongoing improvements in ingredient sourcing and menu composition. There are many reviews noting the further enhancement of the quality of hikari-mono and tuna.