Restaurants, Bars, Clubs and Nightlife in Seoul, Korea

Guest Author: Lindsey

Whether you are a fully fledged sashimi connoisseur or a timid novice, Mitaya in Gangnam offers an authentic experience of Japan’s most revered delicacy. While the restaurant came highly recommended, I soon discovered why due to the beautifully designed Japanese décor, fresh sashimi, and extensive Japanese alcohol selection.

Mitaya Stream Seating

Despite Mitaya’s sober façade, the thing that first struck me upon entering was the décor; natural stone, pale woods, and bamboo to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Traditional Japanese motifs are used to enhance the mood with different colored cherry blossoms, branches, and flowers hidden around every corner while pools of water with koi run under the glass seating area.

Private Room Seating Interior

Privacy was a focal point of the restaurant. So, we decided to take advantage of this and sat in one of the private rooms.  The décor continued to enchant us as we were seated on red paisley cushions atop a bamboo floor mat, inscribed with Japanese characters.

Private Room Exterior

We ordered the sashimi platter (90,000 won). The selection included salmon, tuna, blow fish, low fish, and sea bass as well as octopus, squid, and fish eggs.  The presentation was beautiful with a fine attention to detail, such as small gold leaf flakes smattering the deep pink tuna and the molded wasabi balls perched atop the uniform cucumber slices decorating the outside of the plate. The sashimi seemed fresh and of high quality.

Sake and Sushi Bar

We accompanied our sashimi plate with Japanese style chicken skewers (15,000won) covered in BBQ sauce and grilled along with small cuts of scallion. However, menu items other than the sashimi are suggested as appetizers rather than entrees. We topped off our meal with premium sake (80,000 won) and darusake (65,000 won).  Their menu boasted a wide selection of alcohol so if you don’t like sake, there are other options.

Mitaya Stream

In terms of pricing, Mitaya’s sashimi isn’t cheap. The portions are not large and many of the other menu items are appetizers , not main dishes. Yet, you receive high quality for your money in terms of the food, drink, and surroundings which reportedly draws in many celebrities. Although I didn’t rub shoulders with any stars on my visit, I left Mitaya feeling excited about the food and my new found enjoyment for Japanese alcohol. Altogether, the night with my favorite delicacy was well worth remembering.

The Good

• High quality sashimi and sushi
• Relaxing, Japanese inspired décor
• Extensive Japanese drinks menu

The Bad

• Staff lacked English proficiency
• Untidy bathrooms
• Small portions

Alcohol Prices

Premium sake upwards of 80,000won
Darusake upwards of 65,000 won
Shochu (Japanese Soju) from 50,000 – 98,000 won

Note: When I inquired about the drinks menu, Mitaya mentioned that alcohol prices varied depending on the time of dining and the current products in stock. So, exact drink prices are difficult to quote.

Address

서울시 강남구 역삼동 635-13 대종빌딩 지하 1층

Contact

02-541-8488 or 02-567-7741
www.mitaya.co.kr

Directions

Take exit 8 at Gangnam station. Walk straight out of exit 8. Pass Watsons Pharmacy on the left and walk until you reach the first road on your left with a GS25 on the corner. It is about 300 meters from exit 8. Turn left at this road. Continue walking straight on this road. The restaurant will be on your right just past the Espresso Coffee shop on your right and the Rosebud on your left.

Map

View Mitaya in a larger map

Editor and Photographer: Mike Porto