Yeonnam-dong donburi in a converted house: sake-don, Jongno Donburi

Jongno Donburi is a restaurant I already know well and visit with full trust, and now that a branch has opened in Yeonnam-dong too, I went to try it myself and wanted to share the experience. This is 'Jongno Donburi Yeonnam.'

What's the atmosphere at Jongno Donburi Yeonnam like?

Jongno Donburi Yeonnam is a Japanese restaurant built by converting a residential space in Yeonnam-dong, and its look is clean and calm. Jongno Donburi is already full of that tidy, calm feel, and I personally like it more because the atmosphere leaves such a good impression. This Yeonnam branch was made from a converted residential building, so it feels even cozier, almost like a local restaurant in a quiet alley in Japan, and that really appealed to me.

The inside was very well kept, and the staff greeted us kindly the moment we walked in, which made the place feel even friendlier to me.

What's the seating like? Can you eat alone?

Jongno Donburi Yeonnam has a good variety of seats: tables for two, bench-style tables for four, single seats that are great for dining alone, and bar seats facing the open kitchen. The variety really stood out, from two-person tables to bench-type four-person ones, plus single seats that work fine for a solo meal. The space is roomy overall and the table types are varied, so you can choose what suits you.

Since it's an open kitchen, there are also bar-style seats where you can watch the cooking up close, which added to the fun of choosing where to sit.

How does Jongno Donburi's signature sake-don taste?

At Jongno Donburi Yeonnam, I ordered the signature sake-don (salmon rice bowl). The menu is quite varied, so I was a little torn about what to get, but in the end I went with the sake-don, the signature of 'Jongno Donburi.'

The basic table setting was also neatly prepared, and it looked hygienically kept, which made me trust the place even more.

The sake-don looked great from the start, which made it even more satisfying. Just looking at it, I loved seeing it generously loaded with thick salmon. They also give you a very generous amount of wasabi, and when I dipped the salmon in the wasabi and tasted it, it was so good I gave it a thumbs up.

Thick salmon that fills your mouth

The sake-don at Jongno Donburi isn't topped with a few thin slices of salmon. The raw salmon is cut thick and chunky, so much that "filling your mouth" is the right way to put it, and it completely covers the rice, so you can really enjoy the salmon.

The salmon had that glossy sheen, which whetted my appetite even more.

The salmon had no fishy taste or smell, so its natural flavor really came through, which I loved. After a few chews it melts softly in your mouth, so it was a real pleasure to eat.

Fluffy rice soaked in tare sauce

The rice in the sake-don was really good too. The grains were fluffy and blended well with the seasoning, giving a great texture. The special tare sauce (Japanese-style soy-based sauce) soaked into the rice just right, adding extra savory depth.

The tarako I ordered alongside

The tarako (cod roe) I ordered with it was really good too, and it paired nicely with the sake-don.

Is Jongno Donburi Yeonnam good for a date or for going with kids?

With fresh ingredients and a atmosphere and taste I was happy with, Jongno Donburi Yeonnam felt good both as a date spot and for going with a child. It's great for a date, but there are also plenty of dishes suited to kids, so I think a visit with a child would be satisfying too.

Jongno Donburi Yeonnam hours and break time

Jongno Donburi Yeonnam is open from 11:30 to 21:30, and until 21:00 on weekends. The break time is 16:00–17:00.

They also run a stamp card based on the amount spent, which makes it even nicer to visit often. The place is fairly spacious too, so even at lunchtime you can go without worrying about finding a seat.

• Hours: 11:30–21:30 (until 21:00 on weekends)
• Break time: 16:00–17:00
• Stamp card based on amount spent