Jongno gyukatsu restaurant lunch set for two: Ichigyu

I’d been looking for a good lunch spot around Gwanghwamun lately, so I went to Ichigyu Gwanghwamun Branch, a gyukatsu restaurant famous for its cutlets, with a close younger friend 🥩

I’d been curious about it for ages, so I went in with high expectations—and it was just as good as I hoped. Office workers and anyone looking for a date spot, take note! It was also perfect for lunch in Gwanghwamun.

What is the atmosphere like at Ichigyu Gwanghwamun Branch?

Ichigyu is in the basement of Le Meilleur Jongno Town. Even the sign gave off a distinctly Japanese feel. Once inside, the wood-toned interior was easy on the eyes. The lighting was soft, and everything felt neat and tidy! It was quiet enough to chat comfortably, with gentle music playing in the background for a calm mood. Even at weekday lunchtime, there were quite a few customers.

Everyone was enjoying their own gyukatsu. There were hiragana practice sheets beside the counter too, which was a little fun touch! Near the entrance, aged meat was on display, giving it the look of a proper gyukatsu specialist. The staff were kind as well, and clearly explained how to eat it to us first-timers.

Ichigyu Set 1 for two: what is included and how much is it?

Looking at the menu, there was plenty to choose from: individual gyukatsu, steki, omurice, and noodles. After debating it, we ordered Set 1. It comes with two sirloin gyukatsu and two drinks for ₩42,000!

Since we could each have one gyukatsu, it came to just over ₩20,000 per person, which felt just right. If you’re visiting as a pair, I totally recommend Set 1. We chose cola for our drinks.

An individual order is ₩19,500 anyway, so the set is much better value. If two of you want gyukatsu plus drinks, I highly recommend a set menu.

• Set 1: 2 sirloin gyukatsu + 2 drinks, ₩42,000
• Set 2: sirloin gyukatsu + hamburger steak omurice + 2 drinks, ₩39,500
• Set 3: sirloin gyukatsu + steki set meal + 2 drinks, ₩42,000
• Set 4: sirloin gyukatsu + teppan chopped steak + 2 drinks, ₩40,500
• Individual sirloin gyukatsu ₩19,500 / individual sirloin steki set meal ₩19,500
• Hamburger steak omurice ₩17,000 / steki-don (steak rice bowl) ₩19,500 / Japanese curry rice ₩13,000
• Karaage (Japanese fried chicken) & fried shrimp ₩7,000

The look of the thick-cut sirloin gyukatsu

When the gyukatsu arrived, the presentation was insane from the start. It was golden and fried on the outside, vividly pink inside, and seriously thick. You could tell at a glance that it would be juicy. The cabbage salad, house sauce, salt, and wasabi all came perfectly set out alongside it! A light dip in the sauce was not too salty, just right, and kept me reaching for more. It went so well with the meat.

How long should you grill gyukatsu on the brazier?

Gyukatsu comes partially cooked, so you finish it yourself on a personal brazier. They said about 7–8 seconds is perfect. I put butter on top and let it sizzle, and the rich aroma spreading through the restaurant instantly made my mouth water.

The staff replaced the coals regularly, so we could grill comfortably until the end. It was nice that butter was freely available too.

We could also serve ourselves rice easily. Put a piece of meat over rice and eat it like a gyukatsu rice bowl—it’s so good. The meat was really juicy, and you could immediately tell that the meat itself was delicious.

A look at the seating and facilities

We sat comfortably at a table for four. Each table has a QR code to call staff, so we could quickly ask for water or napkins whenever we needed them. The restroom is in the hallway outside the restaurant, but there is a separate sign, so it was not hard to find. The restaurant is not huge, but the tables are spaced reasonably well, so we did not feel bothered by the next table. With its quiet atmosphere, I think it would be great both for dates and for visiting with friends.

Why I recommend it for a Gwanghwamun date

I don’t think there’s a better place for gyukatsu on a Gwanghwamun date. The meat is thick, and the staff keep an eye on things so you can eat comfortably. It would be nice to add karaage or fried shrimp as a side too.

On cooler days like these, I crave sizzling gyukatsu even more. I saw lots of office workers at lunch and couples on dates in the evening. I think dinner would be a little more relaxed than weekday lunch.

Location and visitor information

Ichigyu Gwanghwamun Branch is on B1 of Le Meilleur Jongno Town. It is a Japanese gyukatsu specialty restaurant within walking distance of Jonggak Station. Hours are 11:00–21:30, with a break from 15:00–17:00. Last orders are at 20:30, so keep that in mind. You can use the building parking lot, and reservations are available through Naver. There may be a wait, so I recommend avoiding peak meal times.

With thick, juicy gyukatsu and attentive service from the staff, it was a hearty meal. If you’re wondering what to have for lunch in Gwanghwamun, how about gyukatsu? It would be more than good enough for a date too. Next time, I’ll come back to try the steki set meal. I’m 100% planning a return visit.