‘www.youtube.com/embed/KYCEA8YWKGI’

Seoul’s dining scene is always buzzing, but few places generate the kind of viral excitement that Sushi & Al (스시엔 날) has recently. Thanks to glowing reviews from popular YouTubers like ‘company A’ and ‘ChamPD,’ this seafood buffet has become an absolute sensation. Curious, and driven by a craving for fresh seafood from my mother, I decided to experience it firsthand. Little did I know the power of these YouTube reviews, or the incredible waiting lines that awaited me!

Finding Sushi & Al: Location & Beating the Rush

Finding this culinary hotspot is surprisingly easy. Sushi & Al is conveniently located right in front of Cheonho Station (천호역) Exit 5, within the Seonnam Siwoldeu area in Seoul. You won’t miss it; the queue extending far from the entrance is your first unmistakable sign of its popularity.

We arrived just before the 5 PM opening time, expecting to waltz right in. To our astonishment, the line was already incredibly long! Witnessing teams ahead of us give up due to the scorching sun gave us a glimpse into the dedication required. Even with some people leaving, we still faced a substantial wait. My advice? An open run is highly recommended, but even then, be prepared to wait. We finally got in around 6:20 PM after an hour and twenty minutes of patiently standing in line, mostly indoors after the initial queue.

The pricing structure offers excellent value:

• Weekday Lunch: 18,900 KRW
• Weekday Dinner & Public Holidays: 29,900 KRW

A Glimpse into the Seafood Wonderland

Freshness Overload: Sushi & Sashimi

Upon entering, a quick survey revealed a vast array of options. The sushi bar was a particular highlight, featuring a diverse selection of sushi and rolls. What impressed me most was their clever use of space, stacking dishes vertically, and the continuous rotation of sushi types. As soon as a plate was emptied, a completely different kind of sushi would be set out!

But the true stars were the premium seafood offerings. Plates laden with succulent scallop sashimi, fresh abalone, sea pineapple (meonggae), octopus, beef tartare, gari-bi (scallop) sashimi, and chili-marinated octopus showcased the buffet’s high-class commitment to seafood. I couldn’t help but notice the exceptional quality. Consider this: a plate of about eight scallop sashimi pieces typically costs around 20,000 KRW at an ordinary pub. Here, enjoying just two plates of these fresh delights, along with other sashimi, felt like I had already recouped my investment!

They also serve seasonal sashimi, including beautiful cuts of tuna, salmon, and fatty herring – a real treat. And here’s a crucial tip: many don’t realize this, but the initial sashimi plate (featuring tuna, salmon, and other seasonal fish) is actually refillable! Don’t miss out on asking for a second round.

Beyond Raw: Cooked Delights & Signature Al-tang

While the raw bar is a masterpiece, don’t overlook the other incredible dishes. The fried shrimp were perfectly crispy, so good I found myself grabbing several every time a fresh batch emerged. The Ganjang Gejang (soy-marinated crab), though not packed with roe, was seasoned beautifully, neither too salty nor bland. Mixing the flavorful sauce with rice was a simple yet satisfying pleasure.

However, the absolute showstopper for me was the Al-tang (roe stew). There’s a dedicated Al-tang corner where you can customize your stew. Basic ingredients are provided, but you can add extra roe and goni (fish milt) to your heart’s content. We went a step further, tossing in scallops, sea pineapple, and other various seafood to create our own rich, hearty broth. The result? A perfectly seasoned, incredibly delicious stew that was truly “honey-sweet.” It immediately became clear why the restaurant’s name, “Sushi & Al,” cleverly incorporates this mind-blowing dish.

Drinks & Overall Experience

The drink menu is also noteworthy, offering standard soju and beer, but also unique Korean spirits like Hallasan soju and Bokbunja-ju (raspberry wine), alongside other diverse alcoholic beverages, which is a nice touch for a buffet.

Every dish, from the freshest sashimi to the customizable Al-tang, maintained an impressive level of quality, rivaling specialized seafood restaurants. The smart use of space and the constantly refreshed selections make for an exhilarating dining experience. Despite the wait, the abundant, high-quality seafood and exceptional Al-tang make Sushi & Al an incredibly attractive and value-packed buffet.

The Verdict: A Must-Try Seoul Buffet

Sushi & Al (스시엔 날) is more than just a buffet; it’s a seafood journey. Its immense popularity is well-deserved, offering an unparalleled selection of fresh sushi, sashimi, and an unforgettable Al-tang, all at a fantastic price point. If you’re a seafood lover visiting Seoul, or a local looking for an exceptional dining experience, this place is an absolute must-try. Just remember to plan for the queue – it’s part of the adventure!

Restaurant Details

• Name: Sushi & Al (스시엔 날)
• Location: Seonnam Siwoldeu, near Cheonho Station (천호역) Exit 5, Seoul, South Korea
• Pricing:
  • Weekday Lunch: 18,900 KRW
  • Weekday Dinner & Public Holidays: 29,900 KRW
• General Rating: Highly Recommended (4.5/5) – Exceptional quality and value for a seafood buffet.