Mapo Japanese restaurant for a solo nabe set: Jongno Donburi Yeonnam

Looking for an easy Japanese restaurant for a solo meal in Yeonnam-dong?

People go to Hongdae and Yeonnam for dates and solo outings all the time, right? But when it comes time to pick a meal, it gets tricky... As someone who goes out alone and is super shy, it can be hard for me to walk into places that are too packed and all that~~ But?! I found the absolute perfect spot today.

I... genuinely love all Japanese food?! And tonkatsu (Japanese breaded pork cutlet)... I am absolutely obsessed with it.

It is tucked into an alley in Yeonnam-dong and was easy to spot! It is right on that stretch of alley where everyone goes on dates. The sign is neat and pretty too, and the restaurant sits half a level down; the space you can see as you pass by looked so clean, which I loved.

Plenty of space, from counter seats to tables for two or four

There were counter-style seats where you can watch the open kitchen, plus tables for two and four, and the tables were wonderfully roomy?! So many restaurants have tiny tables these days, which can be uncomfortable... But this place has made the whole space nice and spacious, so it totally won me over. There is lots of roomy space for solo diners too, so I think it would be comfortable for both a solo meal and a date!!

Settling on the katsuobushi hire nabe set

They also have a review event going on, so keep that in mind. There were seriously so many menu items!! So many kinds of rice bowls, you know? The sides looked delicious too~~ If only I had not been eating alone....ㅠ

Since the weather had gotten a little chilly, I decided on the Katsuobushi Hire Nabe Jeongsik: a nabe (Japanese hot pot) set meal with a katsuobushi (bonito flakes) base, fried shrimp, and hire katsu (pork tenderloin cutlet). You know it is good without even trying it lol. (No, I want to eat it.)

When you are dining alone, you weirdly feel self-conscious choosing a seat, but the staff member was so kind and told me anywhere I felt comfortable was fine. She also said the salmon was in really great condition that day and offered to recommend it if I was interested?! She must have been confident in it!! I had actually already chosen my order, so I hesitated for a secondㅠ But.... stay the course lol.

Katsuobushi aroma and moist tenderloin katsu

First they brought out soup and side dishes, then the nabe set and rice arrived!! They said rice refills were available too, and I was like, wow. People with big appetites would seriously love this place. The nabe first came covered with a plate, and the second I lifted it, that katsuobushi aroma just burst out—it was insane.

Moist tenderloin katsu and huge, crispy fried shrimp? Plus a delicious sauce, and there were loads of onions inside too. I really want to show you the cross-section after a bite, but there is a bit of a messy-photo issue lol ㅠ It was seriously, seriously delicious!!

And this photo was taken after I had already eaten some, but the portion was reaaaally huge. And it was so moist... There was practically nothing to chew; it just melted. The side dishes included pickled radish, garlic scapes, and seasoned cucumber pickles, and having them just as the meal was starting to feel a little rich was such a good combination.

Service kind enough to make me want to return

No.... I went on a weekday evening, and I wondered whether that female staff member working there might be the owner? Seriously, if she is an employee, owner, please give her a raise. She was sooo kindㅠ Even when I ordered, she said, “We’ll prepare it deliciously for you~,” and whenever she brought something out, her tone and expression were just the best.

Honestly, there are lots of good restaurants, right? I am usually pretty easygoing unless there is, like, a bug in my food or it smells strange, but the staff member here was so kind that I really felt looked after. You will know exactly what I mean if you go.... I want to go back because of her lolllll

Even the restroom inside was clean

The restroom is inside the restaurant, and it is clean too!! I always check restroom cleanliness first when choosing a restaurant, and this one is honestly a 7/10. I am really strict with my restroom scores, you know? Totally good.

Next time I come to Yeonnam-dong for a date with someone, I have to bring them here. It made me curious about the other menu items too. From the food and service to the pretty, clean space, it is well worth a visit for a solo meal or date around Hongdae and Yeonnam. Recommended.

I was so full that, walking home, I came across this cutie dog at a bus stop.