Jamsil Padojib: Must-Visit Aged Winter Yellowtail & Sashimi Hotspot in Seoul – Long Wait, Worth It!

Looking for the best aged winter yellowtail (Bangeo) in Jamsil, Seoul? Look no further than Padojib (파도집)! This restaurant has quickly become a sensation, especially on Instagram, and for good reason. While notorious for its long queues, the exceptional quality of their aged sashimi makes the wait absolutely worthwhile. Let me share my recent experience at this popular seafood haven.

Unbeatable Aged Sashimi Experience at Padojib

Located near Jamsil Station Exit 10, Padojib is nestled in the Bangi Mukja Golmok (Food Alley), slightly off the main street. Despite its slightly hidden location, finding it is easy, just head towards the Sokcho Nosu right-hand side. Be prepared for a wait, though! On a weekend, even arriving before opening time is recommended.

The Waiting Game – Is it Worth It?

Padojib opens at 5 PM, but on the weekend we visited, we arrived at 3:45 PM and were already the second waiting group! The queue forms upstairs from the 2nd-floor entrance. By 4:30 PM, the line extended up to the 4th floor. They use the Catch Table app for queue management after the initial seating. Even at 7 PM, an hour after opening, there were still about 35 teams waiting. Yes, the wait is considerable, but trust me, the taste is a fantastic reward.

Dive into the Menu: From Aged Bangeo to Assorted Delights

Padojib’s menu is a seafood lover’s dream. Their specialties include:

• Aged Winter Yellowtail (숙성 대방어)
• Aged Flatfish (숙성 광어)
• Sea Bream (참돔)
• Yubiki Sea Bream (유비끼 참돔) – Lightly seared
• Large Spanish Mackerel (대삼치회)
• Assorted Sashimi (모듬회)

They offer sets combining these delicacies as well. For our group of four (one woman, three men), we initially ordered the medium-sized Bangeo and Flatfish set. However, we quickly realized that for four hungry adults, the large size would be more appropriate. We ended up adding a small Assorted Sashimi later.

Tasting the Masterpiece: Bangeo & Flatfish Set

The sashimi is pre-ordered while you wait, so it arrives almost instantly after you’re seated. The Bangeo and Flatfish platter was a sight to behold – thick, generously sliced, perfectly aged, and beautifully presented. The aged Bangeo was simply divine, with its signature rich, oily flavor amplified by the aging process. The thick cuts provided a satisfyingly full bite and incredible texture. My companions, who had endured the long wait, were instantly won over with the first bite, agreeing it was the best aged sashimi they’d had recently.

The aged flatfish was equally impressive, boasting a delightful sweetness and an even chewier, more satisfying texture than the Bangeo. Even the fin part of the flatfish was skillfully prepared and delicious. Dipping it in soy sauce enhanced its savory notes.

Unexpectedly Generous Services

Padojib goes above and beyond with their service. We were pleasantly surprised by two complimentary dishes:

1. Grilled Fish and Grilled Fish Head: The grilled fish was likely sea bream (“Dom”), and the fish head, though unidentified, was equally delicious.
2. Yuk-sasimi (Raw Beef) and Nakji-tangtangi (Live Octopus): We received the Nakji-tangtangi by leaving a review. The Yuk-sasimi was presented in a unique style, reminiscent of Daejeon’s Taepyeongso Gukbap, and made for a perfect side dish with drinks. These complimentary protein-rich dishes were a fantastic bonus!

More Sashimi Please! – Assorted Sashimi Addition

Craving more of Padojib’s exquisite sashimi, we ordered a small Assorted Sashimi platter. This offered a delightful variety, featuring Bangeo, salmon, flatfish, sea bream, Yubiki sea bream, and Spanish mackerel. It was a great way to sample a range of their signature dishes, especially the Spanish mackerel and Yubiki sea bream. Every piece was thick, generous, perfectly aged, and utterly delicious.

Final Verdict: Padojib is a Must-Try!

Padojib is undoubtedly a must-visit restaurant in Jamsil for aged sashimi lovers. While the wait is long, the exceptional quality and taste of their aged winter yellowtail and other sashimi selections are well worth the effort. If you’re planning a visit, be prepared to arrive early, especially on weekends. Even if you miss the open-run, putting your name on the waiting list and returning later for a delicious seafood feast is a great option. Padojib offers an unforgettable aged sashimi experience that I highly recommend!

Location: Near Jamsil Station Exit 10, Bangi-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea (방이동 먹자골목)

General Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 – Excellent)