Ratings
Average ★ 4.1 across 4 sources (DiningCode's 100-point score converted to 5).
Why here
A counter-seating tendon (tempura rice bowl) specialist near Anam Station and Korea University, known for a rotating lineup of fried toppings over rice — the signature Yamato Tendon, conger eel (anago), wagyu beef (gyu), and a chicken tempura soba. Lines are common most of the day, but the compact bar-style seating makes it an easy solo meal. Featured on Kim Three Meals (김사원세끼).
Order this
Know before you go
₩ · Under ₩15,000 per person
Yamato tendon ₩12,900; ebi tendon ₩14,400; anago or gyu tendon ₩16,900 (2026)
11:00-19:30 (break 14:30-16:30), last order 13:40 & 18:40, closed Sat-Sun
Short waits at peak
A line forms most days, especially around lunch and before university breaks end, but wait times cluster in the 5-25 minute range rather than an hour-plus. Arriving right at open or during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon) can mean no wait at all.
Walk-in
No reservations; a sign-up list is kept at the entrance and orders are taken by kiosk while you wait in line. Small counter-style (dachi) seating.
Anam-dong, Seongbuk
성북구 고려대로28길 2, 1층 (안암동5가) — show this to your taxi driver
Photos
Photos provided by the restaurant
Who's featured this place
From the YouTubers, broadcasters and guides we track — most-trusted first.
- Kim Three Meals✓ — 동네를 평정해버린 대박난 튀김 맛집, 살면서 이런 튀김은 처음! 가성비 쩌는 옹골찬 텐동집 2022-03-29
Good to know
What is Yamato Tendon?
Yamato Tendon is a Japanese restaurant in Anam-dong, Seoul, operating since 2018. The dish to order is Yamato Tendon (signature mixed tempura rice bowl).
Do I need a reservation at Yamato Tendon?
No — Yamato Tendon is a walk-in spot, no reservation needed. No reservations; a sign-up list is kept at the entrance and orders are taken by kiosk while you wait in line. Small counter-style (dachi) seating.
How long is the wait at Yamato Tendon?
At Yamato Tendon: A line forms most days, especially around lunch and before university breaks end, but wait times cluster in the 5-25 minute range rather than an hour-plus. Arriving right at open or during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon) can mean no wait at all.
How much does Yamato Tendon cost per person?
Expect under ₩15,000 per person at Yamato Tendon. Yamato tendon ₩12,900; ebi tendon ₩14,400; anago or gyu tendon ₩16,900 (2026)
Can I order at Yamato Tendon without Korean?
We haven't confirmed whether Yamato Tendon keeps an English menu — most neighbourhood spots in Seoul don't. This page lists what to order in English, and the restaurant's Korean name is printed on it, so you can show the name at the door and order by pointing at the counter. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, and there is no tipping.
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Last checked ·