Kappo Makoto: Izakaya with Style & Grace

📍Address – 2F, 168 Eonju-ro 5-gil, Gangnam-gu 🏖Ambiance/Facilities – Sleek, modern interior with bar seating and private rooms; open kitchen adds to the experience. 💡Highlights – Uni bisque pasta, A5 Wagyu uni rice ball, tsukune, grilled saba roll 💵Avg. Price per Person – 90 USD ⭐️Rating – 4/4 Kappo Makoto is one of those rare places where everything—from the food to the service—feels intentional and elevated without being pretentious. Located in the heart of Apgujeong, it offers a premium kappo-style dining experience in a cozy yet refined setting. The uni bisque pasta is the standout: al dente noodles bathed in a creamy, rich sea urchin bisque that manages to be indulgent without overpowering. There’s a perfect balance of sweetness, umami, and warmth in each bite—an ideal fusion of Japanese and Western influences. The A5 wagyu is another highlight, seared to a perfect medium-rare with just enough caramelization on the outside to contrast the melt-in-your-mouth interior. It's served simply, allowing the richness of the beef to speak for itself. Then there’s the grilled saba roll—a sleeper hit. Lightly torched mackerel wrapped in seasoned rice, it's smoky, slightly oily (in the best way), and full of depth. It pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of sake. The tsukune (Japanese chicken meatball) is juicy and tender, with a glaze that’s deeply savory and just a touch sweet. Grilled to order, it’s both rustic and refined. One of the most memorable dishes is the signature rice ball, a deceptively simple item that’s toasted tableside on a small grill. The crispy charred exterior and warm, savory filling make it a perfect end—or even a second beginning—to the meal. But what truly rounds out the experience at Kappo Makoto is its friendly, attentive staff and late-night hours. Many top-tier Japanese restaurants close early or feel overly formal—this place doesn’t. It’s welcoming, accommodating, and effortlessly polished. #seoultravel #seoulfoodie #izakaya #apgujeong #barfood