Gwangju Premium Japanese Cuisine Restaurant Gamailshik - The Perfect Guide by Black and White Chef Master Ahn Yoo-sung 2024

Basic Store Information

Gamailshik is a premium Japanese restaurant operated by Korea's 16th Culinary Master Chef Ahn Yoo-sung, located on Sangmu-daero in Seo-gu, Gwangju. Since opening in 2002, it has established itself as the top high-end Japanese restaurant representing Gwangju for 22 years, and recently gained nationwide attention through Netflix's 'Black and White Chef'.

Address

1104-26, Sangmu-daero, Seo-gu, Gwangju

Phone Number

062-352-7711

Business Hours

Mon-Sat 11:30 ~ 21:30 (Break Time 14:00 ~ 17:30)

Closed

Every Sunday

Website

http://www.gamajp.com

Introduction to Chef Ahn Yoo-sung and Awards

Chef Ahn Yoo-sung, the owner of Gamailshik, is a Japanese cuisine expert who was selected as Korea's 16th Culinary Master in 2023, the first in the Honam region. He embarked on his culinary journey at the age of 18, gained experience at famous Japanese restaurants in Seoul, and returned to his hometown Gwangju to open Gamailshik.

Main Career and Awards

• Korea's 16th Culinary Master (2023, first in Honam)
• President of the Korean Sea Chef Association
• Former Head Chef of Japanese Cuisine at a Luxury Hotel
• Worked at famous sushi restaurants in Seoul (Apgujeong 'Yukki', Yeoksam-dong 'Nan')
• Appeared as the White Chef on Netflix's 'Black and White Chef'

Visits by Famous Personalities

Gamailshik has been loved by many famous personalities for its outstanding taste and quality. Four presidents, including Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, and Yoon Suk-yeol, have visited, and it is also a favorite spot for celebrities like Yoo Jae-suk, Choi Min-sik, and Ahn Sung-ki.

Menu Composition and Price Information

Signature Menu

Signature Menu - President Tendon

The 'President Tendon', a signature menu of Gamailshik, became nationally famous through 'Black and White Chef'. It includes a variety of ingredients such as lobster, shiitake mushrooms, shrimp, squid, onion, and asparagus, and is served with Gwangju's unique lettuce wrap.

Omakase Course

The omakase, priced at 100,000 KRW per person, consists of a variety of dishes including sashimi, sushi, special udon, tempura, seaweed roll sushi, abalone sashimi, and fruit, offering a rich dining experience. It follows a traditional style where the dishes are served based on what is most delicious that day, rather than the trendy explanatory omakase.

Reservation and Usage Information

Reservation Methods

• Catch Table: Counter seat reservations available
• Phone Reservation: 062-352-7711 (Room reservations available)
• Reservation Tip: Even if Catch Table is fully booked, phone reservations may be possible
• For 4 or more people: Phone reservation inquiries recommended

Characteristics by Time of Use

Lunch Time (11:30-14:00)

Focus on lunch sets, relatively easy to reserve

Dinner Time (17:30-21:30)

Omakase and special menus, advance reservation essential

Break Time (14:00-17:30)

Closed for business, entry allowed from 17:20

Accessibility and Parking Information

Transportation Accessibility

Parking Information

• Dedicated Parking Lot: Ample parking space available
• No Parking Concerns: Plenty of parking space mentioned in several reviews
• Accessibility: Easy entry from Sangmu-daero

Store Environment and Atmosphere

Interior and Atmosphere

Gamailshik features a neat and quiet exterior and a clean interior without being excessive. It offers a calm and quiet atmosphere, making it suitable for various purposes such as formal meetings, family gatherings, and business receptions.

Seating Arrangement

• Counter Seats: View the cooking process in the open kitchen
• Private Rooms: Equipped with private rooms accommodating up to 8 people
• Table Seats: Mix of chair-style and floor-style tables

Service Features

• Suitable for quiet family gatherings or business receptions
• Takeout service available
• Containers provided for leftover food
• Direct cooking explanation by Chef Ahn Yoo-sung (depending on the situation)

Usage Guide and Tips

Recommendations for Different Situations

Formal Meetings and Family Events

Use private rooms, recommend omakase course

Date

Dine while watching the cooking process at the counter seats

Business Reception

Recommend booking a room in a quiet atmosphere

Solo Dining

Use counter seats, recommend lunch set

Order and Usage Tips

• Reservation Essential: Advance reservation recommended, especially on weekends and evenings
• Menu Composition: Recommend set or course menus over individual dishes
• Allow Time: Ensure ample time for omakase
• Utilize Takeout: Takeout available if portions are large

Precautions

• Closed on Sundays
• Closed during break time
• Possibility of waiting if visiting without a reservation
• Consider budget as prices are relatively high

Special Services and Latest Information

Changes After 'Black and White Chef' Broadcast

After the broadcast of Netflix's 'Black and White Chef', the popularity surged to the extent that over 70% of customers come from Seoul. In response, a new set menu combining tendon and omakase sushi, which did not exist before, has been launched.

Branch Information

• Gamail Sushi Culture Center Branch
• Gamail Sushi Sangmu Branch
• Gamailya Lotte Department Store Branch
• Jangsu Naju Gomtang (Operated by Chef Ahn Yoo-sung)

Reservation Status

Currently, reservations are fully booked for about 2-3 weeks, and with many customers coming from Seoul, advance reservations have become even more important. Even if Catch Table is fully booked, phone reservations may be possible, so don't give up and inquire.

Overall Evaluation and Recommended Points

Strengths of Gamailshik

• Proven Skills: Over 20 years of accumulated know-how by a culinary master
• Fresh Ingredients: Top-quality ingredients personally selected at the market every morning
• Versatility: Suitable for various situations from formal meetings to solo dining
• Convenient Accessibility: 1-minute walk from the subway station, spacious parking lot
• Reasonable Prices: Reasonable prices compared to premium quality

Pre-visit Checklist

1. Confirm reservation (Catch Table or phone)
2. Check business hours and break time
3. Select appropriate seating based on the number of people
4. Check budget and menu in advance
5. Communicate special requests in advance for special occasions

If you want to experience authentic Japanese dining in Gwangju, Gamailshik is a must-visit restaurant. Create a special dining experience with dishes infused with the dedication and philosophy of a culinary master.