Michelin-starred chef Jung Se-wook brings his seafood mastery to Blue by. Filleter
Renowned chef Jung Se-wook, celebrated for his Michelin-recognized seafood restaurant Filleter in Cheongdam-dong, opened Blue by. Filleter, a refined seafood haven in Nonhyeon-dong in April 2024. Jung, who also briefly ventured into charcoal grilling in Apgujeong Rodeo, merged his two concepts into this new restaurant, continuing his dedication to exceptional seafood.
Housed in a two-story standalone building, Blue by. Filleter blends seamlessly into the neighborhood, looking like a typical residential home from the outside. The restaurant greets guests with a beautifully lit garden, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Inside, the dining room centers around bar tables. The bar tables, particularly those with bartenders preparing signature cocktails, are highly sought after. Reservations are essential, as walk-ins are near impossible, especially during weekend evenings when the restaurant is fully booked.
The second floor is reserved for guests ordering over 400,000 won ($273.22) per table, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or important meetings. On a recent visit, a well-known Korean actor was spotted dining upstairs, underscoring the restaurant’s popularity among celebrities.
The menu at Blue by. Filleter showcases Jung’s mastery of seafood, with dishes designed to elevate the freshest ingredients. A standout starter is Scallop (30,000 won), featuring finely chopped scallops paired with nuts, croutons, anchovy sauce, pecorino cheese and caviar. The dish delivers a delightful mix of fresh, herbaceous flavors with a satisfying contrast of textures: crunchy croutons and chewy nuts complement the tender, succulent scallops.
The restaurant’s signature offering is its Seafood Platter, available in portions for two, three or four. The two-person platter (48,000 won) includes two pieces each of scallop, shrimp, oysters and blue crab. Each piece of seafood is grilled over charcoal, imparting a smoky richness to the delicate flavors. Guests can sample the initial platter before adding extra portions based on preference. The oysters are delicately blanched and topped with caviar and parsley oil, while the shrimp and crab are infused with the aroma of the grill.
Blue by. Filleter offers six signature cocktails, each priced at 20,000 won. The Tropical Fizz, a refreshing blend of gin, melon, Pino sherry, lemon and soda, is recommended for those who prefer lighter beverages with less alcohol. For a more theatrical touch, the Filleter Mule combines gin, rooibos, ginger, cinnamon, mint, lime and absinthe, with a cinnamon stick lit on fire in front of guests, adding a smoky fragrance to the drink.
For the main course, the Brown Croaker (32,000 won) is a standout dish, featuring pan-fried brown croaker served with clams and a broccoli-cauliflower puree. The fish is perfectly cooked, with a crispy skin and tender meat. When paired with the creamy puree, it makes for a harmonious and flavorful bite.
Blue by. Filleter, which specializes exclusively in seafood, may not appeal to those who prefer meat dishes. However, for pescatarians and seafood enthusiasts, it’s a rare gem offering an array of thoughtfully prepared dishes. The restaurant’s ability to present diverse seafood preparations in a single location makes it a unique dining experience in Seoul.
While the prices are on the higher side, Blue by. Filleter offers a trendy yet laid-back atmosphere, making it the perfect place for a special night out or a celebration.
yoohong@heraldcorp.com
