Gwanak beef cutlet restaurant, sauce-paired set: Izawa

Gyukatsu is something I find myself seeking out whenever I get a craving, and this time I visited Izawa Sharosugil Branch, which is known for its tonkatsu in Sharosugil. I feel this every time, but gyukatsu (Japanese-style breaded beef cutlet) is genuinely satisfying every single time I eat it. I went in with high expectations this time too, and it was, once again, a satisfying meal.

Getting to Izawa Sharosugil Branch and the atmosphere

The address is 28 Gwanak-ro 14-gil, 2nd Floor, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, South Korea, in the inner part of Sharosugil. Sharosugil itself is a network of alleyway shops reached on foot from Exit 3 of Seoul National University Station, so it takes roughly five minutes to the entrance of Sharosugil from the station, and around seven to ten minutes to the inner alley where Izawa is located.

This space has all three: coziness, tidiness, and cuteness. It is nice for eating quietly alone, and the atmosphere is neither loud nor hectic—just pleasantly calm and quiet—so it also felt easy to come with a friend and chat about this and that. The tables are spaced a comfortable distance apart too, so I could eat without worrying about the people next to me. It was especially nice to find such a tidy space, and I thought it would be lovely to come back again.

Izawa’s menu and what we ordered

Izawa menu

• Gyukatsu set (sirloin) ₩18,000
• Gyukatsu double (sirloin) ₩32,000
• Steak set (sirloin) ₩18,000
• Curry gyukatsu (sirloin) ₩20,000
• Steak rice bowl (sirloin) ₩18,000
• Tontoro rice bowl ₩13,000
• Gyudon ₩12,000
• Mazesoba ₩12,000
• Panmomil ₩9,500
• Kara ramen ₩12,000
• Basil ramen ₩12,000

We ordered two gyukatsu sets (₩18,000 each) with one drink. It was exactly the right amount for me, but once I had finished, I was left with a tiny bit of regret that I had not ordered ramen too and enjoyed some broth as well.

What is the best way to eat gyukatsu?

We ordered the gyukatsu set, and it had that signature gyukatsu texture perfectly intact: crisp on the outside and tender inside. I have had it many times, but what I realize again every time is that gyukatsu really is delicious. A light dip in the sauce brings out a savory richness as it mingles with the meat juices.

Personally, I like to have the first bite plain to taste the meat itself, the second with only salt, the third with wasabi, and then sauce from there on. Eating it that way keeps it from becoming too much right through to the last bite.

Why I want to add ramen next time

The gyukatsu sets were just the right amount for two people. It was neither overly filling nor lacking—just right—but once we had finished, I thought it would have been even better to add ramen and round things out with noodles and a hearty bowl of broth. The ramen options are kara ramen and basil ramen, with panmomil and mazesoba available as additional noodle choices. I am definitely planning to add one next time!

Next time, I think I will come back for another perfectly enjoyed gyukatsu set—and make sure not to forget to add ramen. If you are looking for a great tonkatsu spot in Sharosugil, you will not regret Izawa Sharosugil Branch!