Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Slaps]

Edward Kwon's The Mixed One in Bundang is the best buffet I've had in Korea.

[geldedgoat]

[braindrops]

Sushi and Steak!

Here's the opinion of one person who's been to the following places:

D'Maris Bucheon
D'Maris Busan
D'Maris Bundang
D'Maris Apgujeong
Todai Busan
Todai Mokdong
Todai Myeongdong
Todai Bundang
Seven Springs
The Mixed One Bundang
Ashley (all over)

Hands down the best place is The Mixed One. If you're talking about "chain" buffets, The Mixed One is miles ahead. I had a good impression of D'Maris Bucheon, mainly because they had a fantastic steak grill. It's been a while since I've been there but their steak is legit. Everything else was typical D'Maris fare, which is okay. Todai is mediocre everywhere. Seven Springs and Ashley don't really focus on sushi, and they're okay in a pinch.

If I had one recommendation, it would be The Mixed One. I think the prices are a tick above Seven Springs and Ashley but pretty much the same as Todai and D'Maris. So same price, better food...c'mon.

D'Maris in Bundang and Busan are pretty good, probably a half-tick below Bucheon. But worth it from time to time.

As for steak, save your money and get a real steak. Don't go to VIPS. If you're going to go to VIPS, just go to Ashley. Ashley does a decent steak at a cheaper price than VIPS.

As for non-buffet type places, I think the rule is basically that you can get world-class sushi and steak but you will pay premium prices.

SUSHI: I absolutely detest the Korean-style "cho-bap" places that make a mockery out of traditional Edo-style nigiri sushi. That said, there are a few top-shelf sushi places in Seoul. My personal choice is Sushi Hyo. It is consistently excellent. It is also consistently in the 150-200K won range, so I tend to save a trip for a special occasion. The sushi is to die for, however. There are a few other boutique style places like Hyo in the affluent areas. Other than that, I steer clear of sushi altogether.

STEAK: Some good steakhouses have already been mentioned. Isabella's and Butcher's Cut are legit. Mercado (Brazilian BBQ) is legit, although I have a few quibbles with them. I was recommended Goo Steak in Nonhyun-dong; I haven't been, but I only hear good things.

One place I've been to is a place called "A-Cut" in Bundang. It's pretty new, opened in August 2013, and it hits the right balance of good steak + happy price. The chef who started it has a pretty righteous resume, not unlike the guy who does The Mixed One. I think his name is Alex Shim and he worked at Le Bernardin and a few other name places. I think a 6 or 8 ounce filet is like 22,000. Petite, but well cooked and good quality. It's pretty unpretentious. So I like it because it's different yet quality.

I'm leaving out hotel food because there's some amazing hotel places that require you to pay close to a month's rent for a good meal, and I imagine that kind of info wouldn't be too useful.

Cheers!

[SeoulNate]

Best steak in Korea?

Buy it and cook it at home. Paid upwards of 200k at a number of different places and nearly all of them have been underwhelming.

[Dr. Lipschitz]

No idea about Seoul-

But as far as Busan goes:

D'Maris has closed in Busan, except for a small express one-

The best buffets in Busan are "The Party". They have several locations with a premium one at Haundae Beach. If makes D'Maris and Todai look like cafeteria fare.

. Real good steak, sushi, tapenkayi, western fare, Chinese etc... Even has crab legs that weren't frozen. However, they give them out only at specific times-

A close second is Grand Apple in Centum City- I had my wedding party there-

[braindrops]

The party in haeundae...is that underground? I forgot about that place. Yes, it was a good one too. I didnt pay though so i dont know the price.

[Dr. Lipschitz]

Yes it is good! On weekdays it is around 35 with unlimited time - on weekends it's around 40 with a 2 hour limit.

I have been to most of the buffets in the area and I think it holds it's own against the hotel buffets- especially given the price.

[Gaininganadventur]

For any Seafood go to Norangin! The fish market.

[Captain Corea]

[optik404]

Seen pictures of "The Mixed One" in Bundang. It's just a pain to get there.

[Stan Rogers]

Could you all please specify if you went to the lunch buffet or the dinner buffet. They have different prices and in many cases very different qualities.

[Stain]

[cdninkorea]