Sunset-view sushi buffet date in Nowon: lamb chops twice, Kuu Kuu

It was one of those days when I wanted proper rolls and sushi, not conveyor-belt sushi! So my boyfriend and I went to Kuu Kuu Nowon Branch (쿠우쿠우 노원점) for the first time in a while. The menu is much more varied than it used to be, and I ended up finishing five plates all by myself, haha.

Kuu Kuu Nowon Branch hours, location and parking

Kuu Kuu Nowon Branch is open 11:00–21:30 on weekdays and 11:00–22:00 on weekends, about 800m on foot from Hagye Station (하계역) Exit 2. Parking is free for up to 2 hours at the Seoul Onchun Building parking lot, so family gatherings are no trouble.

Parking is a must for a family get-together, so I was really happy we got plenty of time!!

We went at 5:30pm on a weekday, and even at 7pm you can get in without waiting~

Atmosphere and seating at Kuu Kuu Nowon Branch

The restaurant is over 300 pyeong with more than 400 seats, and in the evening you can watch the sunset through the windows. We went in around 6pm, the sun was going down outside, and you could even see Namsan (남산) far away~ So nice~~

It was quiet when I took the photo, but once 6pm rolled around and people got off work, everybody showed up, haha.

The guests were a real mix: families with kids, people treating their parents, two elderly diners, even someone eating alone. There's a playroom, high chairs and group seating too, so I could see why people pick it as a Nowon (노원) spot for family gatherings.

Kuu Kuu's seasonal new menu: how were the rolls and sushi?

The seasonal new menu at Kuu Kuu Nowon Branch had lots of choices, and the quality was better than I expected. The seasonal new items I was most looking forward to 👇♥️ So many, so varied, and better quality than expected! Let me show you the real thing~

Kuu Kuu is all about rolls and sushi, after all! There are lots of kinds of fish sushi, and with rolls lined up with sauces and fancy toppings too, it was hard to decide what to put on one plate.

Aged kimchi beef tartare roll and tako wasabi

I tried the aged kimchi beef tartare roll (묵은지 육회말이) that I'd seen praised in reviews, and I recommend it too.

It's a different combination from the sushi you're used to, so it stuck in my memory. And the tako wasabi (octopus with wasabi) is a must! Haha.

The popular raw salmon

The raw salmon was really popular! Trying it myself, it was in good condition and I was satisfied.

Alternating between the different fish sushi and rolls, my plate filled up in no time at the sushi station alone.

Food Party new menu, seafood and hot dishes

The new Food Party menu at Kuu Kuu Nowon Branch this time was impressive, with dishes using Uljin snow crab. The Food Party new items also caught my eye this time,

from steamed scallops and steamed shrimp

to mala shrimp, the seafood choices were varied.

There were lots of salads too, and at the live cooking station the chefs were making food right there.

I liked that it's not just reheated dishes being put out.

I started with sushi, then moved on to hot dishes,

I don't like salmon steak, but this one had no fishy smell at all and was so good that it surprised me too!

Then I went back for salad, and even with so many kinds, I didn't get tired of it.

Lamb chops at Kuu Kuu Nowon Branch: why I got them twice

My top pick of the day at Kuu Kuu Nowon Branch was, unexpectedly, the lamb chops. They were dripping with juices and the meat was so tender that after trying them once I brought another round.

I came for sushi and ended up eating lamb chops twice, haha. Picking out all sorts of things with my boyfriend was fun.

Dessert corner: crepe cake, bubble tea and bead ice cream

The dessert corner at Kuu Kuu Nowon Branch has tarts, cakes, waffles and fruit, plus self-serve bubble tea and bead ice cream. You can't skip dessert.

I loaded up on tart, cake, waffles and fruit,

and you can even make your own bubble tea. There were so many ice cream flavors too, and I was happy to see Kuu Kuu's signature bead ice cream. Four kinds of bead ice cream?! La la la~

I wrapped up with dessert~ The crepe cakes came in cheese, chocolate and matcha; I tried cheese and chocolate and both were good!! The cheese one was the best!

An unlimited draft beer promotion was also running when I visited.

Who is Kuu Kuu Nowon Branch for?

Kuu Kuu Nowon Branch suits family meals where everyone likes different things, company dinners in Nowon, and dates where two people want a big spread. I hadn't been in a while and was more satisfied than expected! From rolls and sushi to Korean, Western and Chinese dishes, lamb chops and a dessert finish, it was a textbook buffet.

I went with my boyfriend, and the wide choice made it great for a date meal. It's good for family gatherings, but also for days when the two of you just want to eat a lot.

Things to know before you go

• On weekends, the Seoul Onchun Building parking lot may be full.
• Check your exit time for the lunch price.

I'm supposedly on a diet, and I ate five plates by myself… it felt like a 10,000-calorie challenge, haha. It was delicious, though, so no regrets!