Gangnam eel rice bowl restaurant lunch with dessert: Manmok

My boyfriend and I were deciding what to have for lunch this time, and we ended up at Manmok, a Japanese restaurant near Seolleung Station that specializes in eel rice bowls! It is only about a five-minute walk from the station. Being so close to the station was super convenient.

Manmok hours and parking

• Hours: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
• Break time: 3:00–5:00 p.m.
• Last order: 2:20 p.m. and 9:20 p.m.
• Parking for two cars is available in front of the restaurant.
• Nearby parking: WeWork Seolleung 3 parking lot (428 Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul; spacious parking lot)
• Nearby parking: Samjeong Building parking lot (7 Seolleung-ro 86-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul; mechanical parking)
• Nearby parking: Areumbil parking lot (Areumbil, 11 Seolleung-ro 86-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul; mechanical parking)
• Nearby parking: Nice Park Wondongbang Building (20 Teheran-ro 64-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul; mechanical parking)

I came around 12:30 p.m. on a weekday without a reservation and got in right away, with no wait! Once inside, I noticed lots of office workers. There are plenty of tables, so it seems like a nice place for a solo lunch during lunchtime too.

An interior for solo diners and groups

There are larger tables inside too, so it looked suitable for coming with a group. There is a spot beside them to hang your coats, which should make for a comfortable meal. I liked that it was quiet rather than noisy, and the unusual interior and tables were really interesting haha. Especially that rock under the table—it was so fun.

Ordering a half eel rice bowl and Fanta

My boyfriend and I ordered a half eel rice bowl and a Fanta.

When the food arrives, the staff kindly explain in detail how to eat it. If you order a drink, it comes with a cup of ice.

Mild seasoning and eel to pair your way

The eel rice bowl looked sooo delicious >_< It looked really elegant. I loved the sauce—or seasoning?—on top of the rice, so even after I finished all the eel, the plain rice was tasty on its own! It was not salty and had a lovely mild flavor.

Also, I am not good with fishy flavors or bones, but there were none at all, so I think even sensitive eaters could enjoy it easily. If you do not like rich foods, there is kimchi among the sides, and it pairs amazingly well with the eel. There are plenty of other accompaniments besides kimchi too, so you can enjoy lots of different combinations.

Personally, I thought it went especially well with baek-kimchi (mild white kimchi). My boyfriend told me eel has to be eaten with ginger, and that was quite good too. I think everyone can eat it according to their own taste.

Steamed egg, soup, and ice cream dessert

The meal also comes with a salad, steamed egg, and jang-guk (Japanese-style clear soup). The steamed egg was seriously so soft that it just melted in my mouth... How do they make it like that... haha. There was one shrimp inside, and it was wonderfully plump. And the mushroom in the soup looked so cute... hehe.

Once you finish the meal, they give you ice cream for dessert. You can choose between green tea and black tea, and each person gets one.

Both flavors were richly flavored and quite delicious! They were both good, but personally, the black tea one suited my taste better.

Clean restrooms and handy amenities

And the thing I liked next most after the food was the restroom haha. First, the men's and women's restrooms are separate, and they were clean, which was great. Unlike most places, they also provide hand cream, mouthwash, and floss for guests to use freely, which really touched me haha. You can even choose which hand cream to use!

A half portion that was just right for lunch

My personal overall review: I worried that a half portion might not be enough, but after finishing it, the amount was just right. My boyfriend said he enjoyed it too. As a dessert lover, I was happy that ice cream was included as dessert at this price. The staff were kind as well as the food being good, so I left after a really pleasant meal! I would come back, and next time I want to order a whole eel and a highball to enjoy together!