Jina and Franco Trattoria

Location: Seoul, Seoul National University
Cuisine: Italian
Price: $$
Reservations: Optional

Suggested Items: Lasagna, Spaghetti Bolognese, Tiramisu

This Italian restaurant is the real deal. No sugared garlic bread or cream of spaghetti soup. Jina and Franco are partners from Olivo at the JW Marriott who decided to go into business together. Jina is a sommelier, and Chef Franco comes from northern Italy, bringing authentic Italian cuisine to the Seoul University area in a romantic modern rustic setting. The open kitchen itself feels like you’re in Italy, complete with Italian scribbled on the whiteboard. The only Koreanization is the inclusion of pickled vegetables as an option, and even those are stellar. The hearty lasagna is one of the best in town. The spaghetti bolognese is a real meat sauce. I don’t think a tomato goes even near it. The desserts include a rich coffee laden tiramisu and a creamy panna cotta topped with the freshest of fruits. The restaurant makes it a point to source fresh ingredients at their prime. For a while, they had a special on authentic mozzarella di bufala (the original buffalo milk mozz) from Italy. But Franco made sure to take it off the menu before it lost its freshness. Seriously, this is a nice simple romantic restaurant and a great escape.

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Other Amenities: English menu

Phone: 02.887.2825~6

Website: www.tjf.kr

Location

206 Daewow The-Osuperium 1 Danji, Nakseongdae-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul

Seoul National University Station (#2 Green Line, exit 2). Walk one minute. 2nd floor above ramen restaurant.

More photos here.

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Location: Seoul, Hannam-dong
Cuisine: Modern
Price: $$
Reservations: Optional

Suggested Items: Any of the tasting menus

Celebrity chef Edward Kwon is trying to show Korea that fine dining doesn’t need a steep price tag. Inspired by a trip to Tokyo, where he ate at famous restaurants for less than 5,000 yen, Kwon wants to help the Korean market mature where fine dining isn’t about showing off wealth but about great food. Most of the food comes from tasting menus, the most expensive is under W100,000. These tasting menus include luxurious ingredients like foie gras and lobster. If you’re not in the mood for dinner, they also have a very affordable tea time, and their bar is open late. Great place for a date.

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Food
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Other Amenities: English menu

Phone: 02-749-2596

Website:

Location

대한민국 서울특별시 용산구 한남동 729-45

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Tags: Italian, Seoul, Seoul National University