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In today’s economy, finding a place that offers such incredible value is truly rare, especially in popular areas like Jamsil. This is one of those cherished spots that locals try to keep secret – a hidden gem Izakaya that’s often fully booked.

Discovering Tomo: An Unbeatable Value Izakaya in Jamsil

Located just a 4-minute walk from Seokchon Station (Exit 7), Tomo (토모) is the Izakaya that performs miracles when it comes to value in an area not typically known for affordability. It offers a clean and peaceful atmosphere, though it quickly fills up with予約 holders daily. We’re diving into this precious spot that brilliantly captures both value and quality.

The Highlight: The Unbelievable ₩20,000 Per Person Course

While Tomo offers a variety of single-item dishes and an extensive drink menu, the real star is the ₩20,000 per person course meal. This set menu promises an astonishing array of dishes for its price point. However, scoring a reservation requires dedication; you must call and book specifically in the early morning, around 8-9 AM. Late afternoon or evening calls are unlikely to succeed. Let’s see just how much value is packed into this 20,000 KRW per person experience.

A Culinary Journey Through Nine Courses (and More!)

The course unfolds with a series of delightful surprises. It began not just with a simple green salad, but a refreshing Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese – a delightful and tangy start.

Next up was an assortment of sashimi. Each piece was incredibly fresh and expertly aged, showcasing impressive texture. What truly sets this Izakaya apart is their unique homemade ssamjang (Korean spicy dipping sauce) served with the sashimi. It adds a burst of savory depth that perfectly complements the chewy texture of the fish, creating an explosion of flavor.

The parade of dishes continued with buttery grilled fish, its sweet aroma tantalizing the senses. Its soft texture was particularly enjoyable. The constant flow of diverse dishes kept the meal exciting.

Depending on the season (visiting in winter brought this), steamed oysters arrived. Plump and juicy, dipped slightly in chogochujang (spicy vinegar sauce), they offered a delicate, creamy, milky flavor – truly a perfect pairing with drinks.

Then came the steamed egg custard. Forget the usual watery versions; this was on another level, almost like a delicate pudding with an incredible wobbly texture. It was so delicious, you’d find yourself devouring it in no time, a true testament to the quality.

Even halfway through the meal, the dishes kept coming. Hot and crispy croquettes with a creamy potato filling were served – so good, you might be tempted to order them separately on a return visit. Every single dish was a hit.

Following the croquettes was perfectly grilled fish, crispy on the outside and moist and savory within. It’s remarkable to receive this many high-quality fish dishes for the price, especially in Seoul’s Jamsil area.

Just when you think it might be over, more arrives: rich salmon sashimi, decadent tuna sashimi, and a refreshing pineapple to cleanse the palate. This might signal the end of the main courses, but there’s one more substantial item.

To round off the feast, a hearty, spicy soup appeared. Packed with crunchy bean sprouts, chewy noodles, and an abundance of clams, the broth was incredibly clean and refreshing – like a revitalizing sauna for your taste buds.

And let’s not forget the draft beer. The creamy, smooth draft beer here is exceptional and a must-order.

Final Thoughts: Unbeatable Value and Quality

In summary, Tomo offers miraculous value for ₩20,000 per person, especially considering its location in Jamsil, Seoul. It’s not just about the quantity of the nine (or more) dishes; the quality of each item, from the sashimi to the perfectly cooked mains and even the draft beer, is outstanding. This Izakaya is a hidden gem with a strong reputation among locals, making reservations difficult but absolutely worth the effort.

Location: Near Seokchon Station Exit 7, Songpa-gu, Jamsil area, Seoul.

General Rating/Reputation: Highly popular hidden gem known for exceptional value and quality; often fully booked, especially for dinner; requires early morning reservation.