Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Eating
FRENCH, ITALIAN
OKITCHEN$$$
( 77 6420;
www.okitchen.pe.kr
; off Itaewon-ro; mains ₩19,000-36,000; noon-2.30pm, 6-9.30pm; Line 6 to
Itaewon, Exit 1; )
Friendly service and set menus (starting at
₩
21,000/52,000 for lunch/
dinner) that balance price with quality make this one of Itaewon's surest bets for a quality
meal. The chef hails from Okinawa and used to live in New York with his Korean food-
stylist wife - the international sophistication shines through.
VATOS$
MEXICAN
Sat, to 10pm Sun; Line 6 to Itaewon, Exit 4; )
Tacos have long been popular as a snack of
choice for GIs and expats in Itaewon but these guys take their 'urban tacos' and Mexican
eats to a gourmet level with delicious riffs such as tacos filled with galbi short ribs and
Korean-style pork belly. The kimchi carnitas fries are good to try with the cocktails, which
include a 'makgeolita', or selection of bottled US craft beers.
LE SAINT-EX$$$
FRENCH
( 795 2465;
www.facebook.com/lesaintex
;
Itaewon 2-gil, Itaewon; mains ₩27,000-43,000; 6pm-midnight;
Line 6 to Itaewon, Exit 1; )
The blackboard menu at this very French bistro with consist-
ently good food and service is always tempting. A heater and even blankets are available
for the outside patio. The lunch sets are excellent, and in a sneaky move the irresistible
desserts are always on display.
PARLOUR$$$
( 9560 9561; Hannam-dong; afternoon tea without/with champagne ₩25,000/38,000; 10am-10pm; Line 6 to
Hangangjin, Exit 2; )
In the HQ of the company behind the ubiquitous Paris Croissant
chain of bakery-cafes are several upscale operations of which this is the newest and most
stylish. Offering a Fortnum & Mason-like experience, this is tea the English way (albeit
with Kusmi brand teas from France). They also do 'elevenses' and snacklike nibbles for
dinner. Upstairs is the swank bakery/cafe/confectioners Passion 5.
BAKERY, CAFE
BUDDHA'S BELLY$$
THAI
