Crab 52 — Restaurant in Seoul

I’ve wanted to visit since it first opened, and I finally made a reservation to celebrate anniversary. While there were both pros and cons, I left deeply disappointed. I do not plan to revisit.

Pros: • The quality and taste of the lobster and crab were satisfying. • Orders arrived within 5 minutes, and the serving speed was quick, so there was no waiting time. • It was my first time at a buffet offering unlimited caviar, and I enjoyed being able to help myself to multiple servings. • The sushi quality was okay. • Sukiyaki and tempura were made fresh on the spot, ensuring they were served fresh. • Located on the 52nd floor, it offers a luxurious atmosphere with a view of the Han River at night.

Cons: • The uni (sea urchin) was very disappointing. Although it was stated to be from Canada, its quality was poor. After trying two pieces, I couldn’t eat any more. Uni is my favorite, and I had been looking forward to enjoying it, but I couldn’t enjoy it at all, leaving me extremely disappointed. • The service was also very underwhelming. Some of the staff displayed a lack of professionalism. I even wondered if they had received proper training. Specifically, I was shocked by the way and tone in which they spoke to customers. I couldn’t believe my ears, but since it was a special occasion, I tried to overlook it. While I didn’t expect hotel-level hospitality, the lack of basic service principles was evident, which left me greatly disappointed. • The 2-hour time limit felt far too short. While enjoying conversations with family and eating at a relaxed pace, we barely had time for dessert, taking only a bite before we had to leave. The dimmed lighting toward the end and the noise from staff clearing tables and tidying up disrupted the experience. It didn’t feel like a space where you could enjoy your meal at leisure.

I was so disappointed and I think it was just a...

I was doing an evening walk when I noticed there signs for a new restaurant being opened soon and when questioned what sort, I was excited to hear it was a seafood buffet on the 52nd floor!

Tried to book but sadly it was full for the month, but thankfully they did let me in on the same day. One thing I didn't like however was the constant repetition of the price, I can see the sign and I've heard it once, but to repeat constantly was off-putting. It showed that they were already judging me and that I would not be able to afford it. However, I was too excited to eat here so I just ignored this behaviour for now.

When I arrived at my alloted time, I was impressed with the minimalist decor, the food and the views (I went there during the evening).

The food and service was great, could not fault it. They also sourced their desserts from Cafe de Lyon. All the food were prepared freshly whenever we ordered them. I would suggest to have more variety for desserts, but still they were quite good.

They only accept $200 so whatever the conversation rate is for $200 is the rate you'll pay. Funny given that this is in Seoul.

I'd probably visit again, but I think I might be bored after a few visits. The food was great, but not...

Going with high expectations for the ayce crabs and got disappointed. The varieties shown on the restaurant website and social media are not all available to order. Despite boasting the name "crab", only 3 varieties of crab dishes are available: steamed snow crabs, black pepper dungeness crab and curry dungeness crab - the last two being overly sweet, overpowering all the crab taste. On top of that, the crabs were dry and not fresh. Among the 3 crab dishes, the steamed snow crab was decent, but not something I'd pay a premium for.

Another thing: Skip the tempuras or just try one if you're curious.

Now to the positives. Most of the other foods were good (7-8 out of 10). Grilled meat set and grilled seafood set were delicious. Abalone porridge was special. The sashimis were great. Cold dishes and seafood are very good as well: salads, abalones & scallops on shell. Desserts were good: fresh fruits, gelati, vanilla & matcha mille feuille - all good.

Don't come with high expectations of crab dishes. Other dishes are good. Very good service. Nice view of Seoul / Gangnam-gu and Hangang.

If I had known the limitations on the crab dishes and its mediocre quality in here, I'd...