Pier 8 has been providing a uniquely sublime dining experience to it’s devotees for over a year. The Japanese style dining and lounge came to fruition from the collaboration of the folks behind Buddha’s Belly and Berlin. Filling a much needed gap in the dining tapestry of Itaewon.
Pier 8 brings you sashimi and sushi so fresh they’ve been swimming literally moments before they’re severed up on your plate. The menu starts off with a dizzying array of tapas and appetizers like Ankimo Pate (monk fish liver), Miso & Wasabi Marinated Mozzarella Caprese, and Octopus Carpaccio with Yuzu Dressing are each worth trying especially with a group of friends to taste a little of this and a little of that. Standouts on the main menu include the Deep Fried Cinnamon Chicken with Cashews, the Slow Cooked Duck Confit with Corn Miso Rissotto, and the Salmon Steak. However, I’ve primarily gone for the sushi and sashimi. From my favorite ten piece Sushi combo to the assorted Sashimi set you can’t go wrong if you’re a lover of expertly prepared fresh fish.
Those who don’t find fish as appealing can choose the traditional Japanese hot pot soup, Nabe. Pier 8 serves up steaming pots of Clams with Sake, Prawn Tempura, Beef Tendon, Crab Miso, and a special Pier 8 Bouillabaisse However, if you are feeling bold and famished I suggest going with one of their three sets to taste the full range of what Pier 8 has to offer.
For your first venture I recommend heading in for lunch to sample their lunch time courses. Between 11:30 to 2:30 Weekdays and 11:30 to 4:00 on Weekends you can choose between five different courses more moderately priced or opt to dine a la carte (weekdays only).
Though a trip during the day won’t provide you with Pier 8’s full dining experience. The interior’s spare chic minimalism and open space provides for a large number of seating without feeling claustrophobic or cramped. As the night winds down things turn up with an in house DJ spinning tracks that keep you happily in your seat bopping along long after the kitchen has closed but the bar keeps on going mixing up cocktail concoctions like Ginger Kamikazes, the Sapporo Yuki Martini, Sake Mojito, and if you ask nicely maybe they’ll whip you up something special.
Prices: 10-30,000 KRW excluding set menus items and courses
Hours:
Phone: 02-749-2173
Address: 216 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, , Seoul, Itaewon
Website: Pier 8 on Facebook
Directions:
From Itaewon exit 3 walk straight. Cross the street passing the firehouse and gas station. Keep going toward the Cheil Communication Building and you’ll see Pier 8 on the second floor.
