Namdong Japanese restaurant for 10-piece sushi set lunch: Hongdae

I went with a friend for a good lunch at Hongdae Gureume Incheon Nonhyeon Branch, a well-loved restaurant in Nonhyeon-dong, Incheon. It's a spot where you can enjoy sushi, tonkatsu, ramen, and other Japanese dishes all in one place. The moment I walked in, I felt like I'd stepped into Japan — honestly, it was kind of exciting.

Location and hours of Hongdae Gureume Incheon Nonhyeon Branch

• 📍 17 Nongogae-ro 123beon-gil, Namdong-gu, Incheon, South Korea, 2F Room 202, iFlex Building
• 🕚 Hours: Daily 11:30–21:30
• ✔️ Last order 21:00
• 🅿️ Parking: Basement parking available in the building

A little Fukuoka feel in Incheon

Big Japanese-style lanterns, Japanese signage, cute posters and props — the whole place was steeped in Japanese atmosphere😃

Rather than a flashy, elaborately decorated space, it had the cozy feel of a small diner tucked away in a Japanese back alley.

Personally, it felt like a little Fukuoka I'd stumbled into in Nonhyeon-dong.

Taking photos and browsing the little props with my friend, I could see exactly why so many people come here as a go-to spot in Nonhyeon, Incheon.

How long is the lunch wait?

When we visited, there were already customers waiting for tables, so I could tell just how popular this place is. During lunch hours, guests kept streaming in and the restaurant filled up fast. But seeing how many people were eating ramen, I figured turnover is quick, so the wait probably doesn't drag on too long.

With such a wide menu, it seemed like a great place for a casual lunch with a friend, or even a date with a partner.

Since you can enjoy both delicious food and an exotic atmosphere here, it would suit anyone looking for a good date restaurant in Incheon too.

If a long wait sounds tough, it might be a good idea to come a little earlier than the usual lunch rush.

The chef's touch, properly learned in Japan

Reading the chef's introduction posted in the restaurant, I understood why Hongdae Gureume has been loved for so long. The chef went to study in Japan in 2001 and majored in traditional Japanese cuisine at the renowned Hattori Nutrition College, graduating from the program. Afterward, he spent five years gaining experience at various Japanese restaurants before returning to Korea in 2005 to open Danppopo Japanese Restaurant in Gangnam, the predecessor of Hongdae Gureume. Ten years in Hongdae, Seoul, and another ten years in Nonhyeon-dong, Incheon, keeping the same consistent flavor — it seems there's a real reason this place has been beloved as a go-to Nonhyeon, Incheon restaurant for so long.

Duldul Sushi Set 10P, ₩19,900

We ordered the Duldul Sushi Set 10P and the Snow Double Cheese Katsu Set.

The moment the sushi set arrived, I was surprised by just how generous the portions were.

Sushi, salad, soup, tempura, and side dishes all came piled on the table.

We got to try salmon, shrimp, fried tofu, and egg sushi — the ingredients were fresh, so it was clean with no fishy taste at all👍

It wasn't just sushi — crispy tempura and salad came alongside it too, making it pretty filling as a full meal.

If you're looking for a hearty lunch in Nonhyeon-dong, Incheon, this dish will satisfy you. If you want to enjoy fresh sushi in a varied spread, I'd recommend this as a go-to Nonhyeon, Incheon restaurant👍

Snow Double Cheese Katsu Set, ₩13,900

The other dish my friend and I were amazed by was the Snow Double Cheese Katsu.

Inside the crispy fried tonkatsu, the cheese was packed in without a single gap. When I lifted up a piece, the cheese stretched out in a long pull — mouthwatering just to look at.

Sometimes too much cheese buries the taste of the meat, but with Hongdae Gureume's cheese katsu, you could still really taste the tender meat.

Crispy outside, juicy inside, and loaded with savory cheese — I enjoyed it happily down to the last bite.

Paired with the rice, salad, and soup that came alongside, the portion was more than enough — very filling.

A great spot for both dates and lunch

Hongdae Gureume offers not just sushi sets and tonkatsu but also ramen and scooped sushi bowls, so its varied menu makes it a great place to visit even with people who have different tastes. I'd recommend it for a lunch with friends, and also as a go-to Incheon date restaurant if you want to enjoy a different kind of atmosphere🙌 It's also not far from Soraepogu, so it's a good pick when you're looking for a restaurant near Soraepogu before or after an outing. It's the kind of place that will stay in my memory as a little Fukuoka in Nonhyeon-dong — a Namdong-gu restaurant I'd love to visit again😊