Stepping into Negeori Restaurant on Jeju Island, I wasn't just looking for a meal; I was looking for a connection, a taste of the island's heart after hearing so much about its culinary delights. And oh, did Negeori deliver.
From the moment I walked in, there was a comforting hum, a mix of friendly chatter and the sizzle of delicious things cooking. It felt less like a restaurant and more like a warm, bustling home kitchen – the kind where you know every dish is made with care. As someone who appreciates good, honest food, that feeling alone was a huge draw.
I opted for their famous Black Pork BBQ, and with the first bite, I understood the hype. The meat was incredibly tender, perfectly grilled, and had that distinct, rich flavor that Jeju black pork is celebrated for. But it wasn't just the pork; it was the whole experience. The array of fresh, vibrant banchan (side dishes) that accompanied it were a revelation – each one a little burst of flavor, perfectly complementing the main event. It felt like a culinary dance on my palate.
What truly struck me, though, was the genuine warmth of the staff. Despite the language barrier, their smiles and helpful gestures made me feel incredibly welcome. It's that kind of sincere hospitality that elevates a good meal to an unforgettable experience, especially when you're far from home.
While Negeori isn't a fancy, Michelin-starred establishment, it doesn't need to be. Its charm lies in its authenticity, its dedication to showcasing the simple, delicious flavors of Jeju. The atmosphere is lively and unpretentious, perfect for enjoying a hearty meal with friends or family.
The only reason I'm not giving it a full five stars is simply because, like any popular spot, it can get quite busy, and you might have a short wait. But honestly, the delicious food and heartwarming experience are absolutely worth it.
Leaving Negeori, I felt more than just full; I felt content, as if I'd truly experienced a piece of Jeju's soul. It was a meal that nourished not just my body, but my spirit, leaving me with a fond memory of the island's generous flavors and warm embrace. If you're on Jeju and looking for an honest, delicious, and truly local dining experience, Negeori is a must-visit. You...
Read moreWe ordered a medium size of the galchi since it was expensive (as the fish is) and we were on a budget but still wanted to eat good food. When we asked how big the portion is, the waitress told us it included 5 pieces, so we each ate 2 pieces and left the last one for us to split. However, there were only 4 pieces. When we spoke up and asked why only 4 pieces were there, she basically accused us of eating all the fish and asking for more when we already “got 5.” On top of that, the staff there assumed we were foreigners because I was, but my friend was a native Korean and was gladly able to communicate with the staff—but to no avail.
I’m not upset that we got scammed out of what we paid for. I’m upset that we were made out to be scammers asking for more fish when we didn’t get any in the first place.
Tl;dr awful staff overpowers the experience of the...
Read moreI originally thought this place was some touristy restaurant but when we went in the morning, it was already filled with locals. So indeed it is a popular restaurant in the area.
We ordered the stewed fish which was VERY tasty, goes well with rice, a bit heavy for the morning, but well, I wanted to try their signature. There are a lot of bones of course, so you got to be quite experienced with eating fish. We also ordered the Uni seaweed soup, but I think it is quite normal.
For the morning, I see most table will just order the seaweed soup, and the restaurant will send friend mackerel for free, which is enough for breakfast.
There is also a free parking spot behind the restaurant, it...
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