People have been talking about Coreanos for months now, and I have heard from several different sources that they have the best Mexican in Seoul! With a claim like that I was more than eager to try it. But once again my laziness got in the way of me leaving my hood to actually go and eat there. But if Mohammed wont go to the mountain, the mountain will come to Mohammed and they very fortunately opened up a second store in Itaewon. Hurrah, all roads lead to Itaewon!

I visited during their soft opening launch last week. We got there early, in just enough time to snag ourselves a window seat. Luckily the queuers hadn’t taken up their spots yet, but I’m sure it shan’t be long. The restaurant is large and set over two floors. Located on the hill just next to Berlin. After a good old gander of the menu we ordered up a whole host of tacos, a burrito, and a couple of cocktails.

While we were waiting for our drinks we were presented with our complimentary chips and salsa. As you can see from the picture there are four kinds and it’s served in those adorable dishes. The spoons are probably a bit redundant, but it looks nice. The salsas varied in flavour and were rather scrumptious.

After quickly devouring the chips, I glanced over to see our drinks being made. The bartender was using Rose’s lime cordial, a perfectly fine mixer if its going in a vodka soda lime, but not in a margarita (9,000) or a mojito (9,000). When my drink was presented my heart just fell. I tasted a sip and it fell even further. The manager asked me what I thought and I asked if they had any crushed ice.  He said he would blend it for me and throw in some extra rum. It was better, but it still awful. There is just no excuse for such a poorly made drink. I wish I had just sent it back, but it was busy and I didn’t want to cause a fuss (which strangely is very unlike me). I know the price of limes in Korea is ridiculous, and that most mojitos in Seoul using them cost around 15,000. Which I think is fine as long as they are exceptionally good. But there just isn’t any come back from using generic rum,  uncrushed ice, and synthetic lime syrup and calling it a mojito because there are a few mint leaves floating it it. You can get lime concentrate juice, frozen limes, or special mojito mixes and still make a decent drink and turn a good profit. So owners of Coreanos you owe me a drink, and I beg of you change the recipe or take it off the menu because its just not acceptable right now.

The Margarita (9,000) tasted better than the mojito but really isn’t anywhere where it should be at that price. On the Border’s margaritas are cheaper and about 10,000 times better. So take note and work on the recipes. If need be I’m willing to offer my skills as a taste tester to help you improve!

Thankfully the first round of tacos and showed up and really bucked up our spirits. We had ordered one of every flavour, as to not miss out on anything delicious. Above are the Galbi Beef (3,300) and the Braised Pork belly (3,600). I really enjoyed the braised pork belly, the meat was tender and and well flavoured, though combined with the taco it was a touch dry. A blob of sour cream or some dressing on top and it would be perfect. The Galbi one was nice enough too, though I can’t really say it was all that memorable.

The Battered Fish taco (3,600) was the star of the day taco wise. You can’t beat a good bit of battered fish. The tartar sauce on top was delightfully fresh, and the red pickled onions balanced out the dish well. I would certainly get another one of these next time.

We also ordered the Todos Burrito (12,000), which was tremendous! Stuffed with extra meat, beans, salad, sour cream, and guacamole. It was incredibly well balanced and tasty. It’s undisputedly the best burrito I have ever had in Korea, possible one of the best ever. Either way it was amazeballs.

We waited quite a while for the second set of tacos as they had lost our order, it being their soft opening and all I could live with that, if I hadn’t had to listen to the angry man at the next table screaming at the poor waitress as their order got mixed up too. Having been a waitress for a number of years in my youth I am fully aware that these things happen, especially during training. but it did dampen the evening a little. I have noticed a real trend towards soft opening these days, and I think its a great idea while everything gets perfected. However I do think if service and food aren’t quite up to standard yet restaurants should lower their prices by 10 or 20% to compensate for this. Our whole meal took over an hour and a half, which was frankly just too long for 5 tacos, a burrito, and a drink each.

Eventually the second set of tacos arrived. We got the Citrus chicken (3,300) and the Grilled shrimp (4,000). The shrimp was nice enough but couldn’t compare to the Vatos shrimp taco which I would sell my own babies to eat. The chicken was the better of the two, a good mix between the zingy dressing and the flavour of spice braised chicken. I think after trying them at several different restaurants I’m just not sure if I’m sold on the whole corn tortillas thing. Call me crazy but I just prefer the wheat ones. I’m sure Mexican enthusiasts everywhere are calling me a culinary cretin but I just find them too thick and claggy. The wheat ones are what I know and love. I also enjoy the wafer thin ones you get at Vatos, but it’s horses for courses and just a matter of taste on my part.

All in all I would give Coreanos another shot if only to get another burrito, in fact I would probably get two as they really are that good. But unless they get their cocktails up to par I would probably get it to go. Life’s too short for bad cocktails and for me they are integral part of the Mexican food experience.

Coreanos Vista is located at 457-3  Itaewon-Dong, Yongsan-Gu , Seoul. To get there  take a train to Noksapyeong station (line 6). Use the elevator to exit the building so you come out by the bridge. Walk over the bridge and turn right and follow the alley way around. Coreanos will be on your right just before Berlin and Buddha’s Belly.

When I first heard about a new lamb restaurant being run by the owners of Bakers Table, I was very excited indeed. I am huge fan of lamb and am always on the look out for it on a menu. Plus I enjoy restaurants with jaunty names, so it really was a win-win situation on my part. Located in the ever trendy Kyungnidan up on the 2nd floor of an oddly shaped building next to the CU. The restaurant is huge, almost too big considering there was no one in there when we visited, although it was early on a week night. It seemed very spacious, and was designed in that empty warehouse, exposed brick, and wooden floor style that’s all the rage these days. There was a separate grill in the middle of the room for you to watch your lamb get cooked. In keeping with the Kyungnidan tradition there are lots of lovely craft beers on tap for you to drink. If you don’t like craft beer it’s juice or wine.

The menu surprisingly enough consisted of a variety of lamb dishes. Grilled, fried, burgers, stew, sandwiches etc. There are also chicken tenders and a pulled pork sandwich on the menu for those who can’t abide with eating  Mary’s little Lamb. For the veggie friendly they also have a Greek or panzanella style salad.

After a good peruse, there were a number of dishes I wanted to try on the menu but I settled for The Mediterranean (18,500). Chunks of lamb marinated in rosemary, garlic, and olive oil. They also do a version of this Mongolian style which I was also keen to try, but I figured since it was a European restaurant I’d go club med.

There was a generous amount of lamb chunks. Homemade grilled bread, presumably from the Bakers Table. Fresh sliced onions and a wedge of garlic served with a spicy green side sauce.  The charred lamb had a good flavour on the outside but for me just didn’t have the tenderness I was expecting. It was cooked to well done, and I usually prefer my lamb medium.  It was fine, but not a patch on the lamb chops I had at Twiga the other day, although they were a much more expensive cut of meat, so I guess you get what you pay for. Had the chunks of meat been a little bigger, they may have remained a bit juicier. I like the addition of the bread and onions, I also would have enjoyed the garlic if it had been cooked long enough for it to be soft. For my tastes the sauce was too spicy and overpowered the taste of the meat. Overall I though the dish was fine, but next time I would probably try something else.

The Fat Boyfriend had his heart set on The Country Man (14,500). Pan fried chunks of lamb, potatoes, and green pepper served in one of their lovely pans and served with toasted bread. This lamb was pan fried, so didn’t have any of the lovely char-grilled flavour that mine had. It was cooked in the same way and I just felt it was not better than I could do myself. We both enjoyed the peppers and potatoes and found them to be a nice change of pace though.

It’s nice to see some different dishes on a menu, but overall nothing really wowed me that much. As we were leaving we saw some friends who recommended the stew as their standout dish. So perhaps I will try that next time. The dishes are all good value for money but just need a bit of oomph to get them past a 7/10 in my book.

Silence of the Lamb is located at 278-1 Itaewon 2(i)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea. To get there take a train to Noksapyeong station (line 6) and come out of exit 2. Walk straight until you come to the stairs and an underpass. Go through the tunnel and take the stairs on the left. Keep walking straight and follow the road around until you get to Well Being mart. You should see that the road forks, cross over and take the left side. You should see the CU up ahead, Silence of the lamb is on the 2nd floor of the building next door. You can call them on 02-794-9002 for more details.

Located at the spot where the now departed Poutine Factory was situated, is the newly renovated Once Upon A Milkshake. We waited weeks for them to open so last weekend, I thought it was about high time I go and taste one, as I really don’t drink enough of my calories. With a bounty of fab flavours I was overwhelmed on which one to choose. You can also mix two for an extra charge and choose your milkshake’s thickness.

Feeling in a fruity mood I decided to opt for a strawberry. Just one taste though and the disappointment spread across my face. It was just so milky and bland. Not a hint of strawberry or any sweetness could be found. For a flavour named Real Strawberry is was a bit of a joke. It just tasted like the insipid vanilla ice-cream that was used to make it. I like vanilla but it was just so lackluster.

I decided before writing my review I should at least try one more. Maybe the strawberry was not as I would like it, but one of the sweeter flavours may hit the spot. So I tried the cookies and cream. The cookies and cream milkshake was so bad I didn’t even finish it. Coming from a serial gorger like myself that is bad, it’s a rare occasion when I won’t finish something. It was every worse than the strawberry. A thick sludgy cream with a few cookie crumbs in. The only nice thing I can say about these is that they are a good consistency.

There are three sizes available at Once Upon A Milkshake;  mini 80z (4,000); regular 12 oz (6,000); and large 16oz (7,000). The mini is tiny, and the regular is very small too. I buy a lot of smoothies and frappucinos but I have to say these were expensive for their size. I’d be willing to bite the bullet on that if they were tasty though, but these just fell flat on their face. Quite ironically their slogan is premium ice-cream at non premium prices. The ice-cream is neither premium or good value. Save your tastebuds and your money and visit Baskin Robbins instead.

As you may have surmised from this review, I will not be returning to Once Upon A Milkshake for their overpriced and underwhelming milkshakes. I wish Poutine Factory would come back, their food was pricey too, but at least it tasted good. You can get a better milkshake at Mcdonalds for a lot less.

If you would like to still see for yourself, Once Upon A Milkshake is located at 242 Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. To get there come out of Noksapyeong station (line 6) exit 2 walk straight until you reach the overhead bridge. Walk over the bridge and take the stairs on the right. Go straight and Once Upon A Milkshake is on the left. You can call them on (070) 7435-3513 or check out their facebook page for more info.

Suji’s Deli has been a stalwart of the expat community for many years now. However there are still plenty of new arrivals that are unaware of this fabulous restaurant located at the very end of Itaewon. They have just relaunched to promote a new deli and takeaway service in addition to the restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. I have been meaning to write my review of Suji’s for some time now, and the new deli is the perfect reason to do so. Plus, they invited me to their media party at which they let me try lots of their yummy foods and drinks. It was my first media party and was fabulous, finally my Media degree is paying off.

The menu at Suji’s is large and has pretty much every option you could hope for covered . Omelettes, French Toast, Eggs Benedict, pancakes, bagels, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and pastas. I have eaten here plenty of times and am quite fond of the Eggs Florentine. What sets Suji’s apart from other brunch restaurants in Seoul is the fact that almost everything they serve is made in house. The meats and salmon are cured, the breads are baked, and all of the potato salads, pickles, mustards, and sauces are all made on the premises. They have even started selling their own coffee, which after trying I have to say is lovely. Pair it with a freshly baked cinamon bun or bagel and breakfast is good to go.

Whist taking some picticture I decided to stay and have some brunch. After having a long look at the new menu, I couldn’t resist my favourite Turkey Club Sandwich (13,000). I love the turkey here, it’s even better than the stuff I would buy at home. This sandwich is perfection. Throw in some chips and coleslaw and I’m in sandwich heaven.

My lovely friend Matt  accopanied me on the trip and ordered the Spanish Omelette (13,500). He let me try some and it was cooked to perfection. Despite their simplicity omelettes can easily go wrong but this one was spot on. With toast and potatoes it was a nice hearty start to the day.

I think you are all more than aware, that I can’t consider a meal to be brunch unless there’s booze involved. Luckily Suji’s has me covered with my favourite Bloody Mary (8,000) which always comes adorned with a giant piece of celery. They also have a peach bellini (7,000) or mimosas on the menu. It’s the most fun way to cure a hangover. However always expect to queue for around 30 minutes if you come on a Saturday or Sunday as it’s very busy.

Suji’s Deli is located on the 2nd floor of Yangjin building, 34-145 Itaewon-Dong, Yongsan-Gu, Seoul. To get their take a train Itaewon station (line 6). Walk straight out of exit 4 for about 5 minutes, past Mcdonalds until you reach the gate. Suji’s Deli is at the very end of the road on the left, just around the Skinfood shop. You can call them on 02-797-3698 or check out their website  for more information and to take a look at their menu.

I discovered this little gem a couple of months ago now, but have only just got around to sharing it with you. Located at the bottom of Itaewon, Hillside Pub & Bistro has a lovely little patio rooftop which is the perfect place to drink a few too many cocktails on a sunny afternoon.

Drinking can really take it out of you, so to keep up our stamina we decided to try some of the food too. Our first choice was the Bacon Cheese Burger (12,000), Accompanied by potato wedges and coleslaw, this certainly hit the spot.

We also ordered a Chicken Cesar Salad (13,000) in an attempt to be somewhat healthy. A bed of salad leaves with a  large juicy chicken breast, there was plenty to go around. It wasn’t an authentic Cesar salad by any means, but it was nice and well made.

Since I ordered a salad I rewarded myself with an order of onion rings (7,000). These tasted as good as they looked. Nice and crispy with a lovely tartar sauce dip on the side.

The food was all nice enough, and will hit the spot if your hungry and in the mood for pub grub. However the star attraction for me is the drinks. They have a very long list of cocktails which is more than enough to keep me happy. They have my new summer  favourite, the Lynchberg Lemonade, as well as  all the old favourites  like my beloved June Bug. There are  plenty of beers at decent prices to keep the boys happy too.

Hillside Pub & Bistro is located on the hill just overlooking the bottom of Itaewon (Macdonalds end), at 57-28 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. To get there, take a train to  Itaewon Station (line 6) and come out of  exit 1. Walk straight for about four minutes. When you reach KEB bank on your right, you can see a road just past veering up the hill parallel to the main road’s sidewalk. Hillside Pub & Bistro is just at the top of the hill on the right. You can call them  on 070-4136-2208.

Whenever I go on a trip I always look on Trip Advisor to find great places to eat. However I rarely do this in my home city of Seoul. Last week I finally decided to have a gander and see what was rated as Seoul’s best restaurant. First place goes to Jyoti, an Indian place in Sinchon. Second was Pizza Peel. The reviews seemed great as it is one of the few places in Seoul with a real brick oven.

We arrived on a Friday night and it wasn’t too busy, a few tables were taken. A large menu consisting of pizza and calzone options. There is a very good variety of pizzas, the hard to find Hawaiian is no doubt a popular choice. They have all the ones you miss from back home and not a sweet potato or piece of corn in site. You can also create your own if you don’t fancy any of the ones on the menu.

Being a Friday we opted for a pizza each. I opted for the White, which is spinach, ricotta, mozzarella and olive oil for 15,500.  This pizza was fresh and delicious. The topping was great and just what I wanted. The base was perfection. You really can’t beat a brick oven for cooking pizza. I hope to have one in my dream home one day.

Niall chose the Pesto Chicken, which is pesto, chicken, feta, onion and mozzarella  for 18,500. This one was pretty tasty too, it was reminiscent of my favorite chicken, pesto and mozzarella sandwich at Indigo. I would have liked to have tried one of the tomato based pizzas too, but felt ordering three pizzas for two people might be going a bit far. The pizzas are of a good size and you can be more than satisfied with half each. If you are greedy like us and order too much then you can take your leftovers home in a box.

They also serve beer and wine, hurray! Draft Cass is 3,000 a pint and comes in frosted mug which is always a treat. If you’re a classy kind of bird then a glass of wine is priced at 6,500. They also have various craft and imported bottle beers.

All in all is Pizza Peel the 2nd best restaurant in Seoul? Probably not, is it the best pizza in Seoul? For me, no. Is the best Pizza in Itaewon,? Hell yeah! Authentically baked and traditional flavours, I can definitely recommend you head to Pizza Peel next time you have a craving for real pizza.

Pizza Peel is located at 34-65 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. From Noksapyeong station, walk straight from exit 3 to the intersection adjacent to the overpass. After crossing both streets to reach the main Itaewon strip, walk straight in the direction of Itaewon station. The Alley Marketplace entrance is located next to the Rottiboy Cafe, and the Pizza Peel is about 15 metres in.

From Itaewon station, walk straight from exit 4 for about 600 meters. The Alley Marketplace entrance is located next to the Rottiboy Cafe (past the McDonald’s and Starbucks), and the Pizza Peel is about 15 meters in. You can call them on 02-795-3283 or check out the menu on their Facebook page for more details.

Last night we finally got around to going to Trevia. It is just opposite our bus stop but until now we had not ventured inside. Whatever night of the week we pass it is always busy and now I finally understand why.

The cafe is decorated in an Italian style with pictures and Italian memorabilia all over the walls. They have big wooden tables and the ever so popular mismatched chairs. Is there a restaurant in Seoul that has a matching set?

As you enter the restaurant you will be given a menu and then you go and find your own seat. After ample perusing time you can go to to the counter to make your selection and pick up your water, cutlery and complimentary pickled vegetables. You will be given a buzzer that will ring when your pizza is ready. It’s a very good system and probably helps account for their lower prices.

We decided to get 4 slices instead of a whole pizza and this was almost too much for two people. You could easily share 3 slices between too as each slice is cut into another 4 pieces.

I opted for the mixed mushroom (5,500). I love mushrooms and this pizza was really good. It was topped with a good medley of mushrooms and cheese. The dough was thin, crispy, and chewy all at the same time, exactly how I like it!

Niall ordered a slice of the  Quattro Formaggi (5,500) four cheese. Presented in a very cute way each piece, came topped with a slice of cheese. Gouda, Gorganzola, Brie and Mozzarella were the choices.  He shoveled it down pretty quickly so you’re onto a winner with that one. Where else can you get that variety of cheese for that price?

We also ordered the Filone Potato (6,300) A  rosemary potato pizza which was was probably my favorite. You could taste the rosemary the second you bit into it, and the potatoes were perfectly cooked.

Our last slice was the Fresh mozzarella (6,300). This was great too. Topped with lettuce leaves drizzled in olive oil, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella.  It tasted so fresh and clean. The perfect slice for salad lovers.

In a fit of greed I also ordered a lasagne (13,000). Which was actually rather good, tasting just like it should. It had a good robust flavour and lots of lovely pasta. The way lasagne should be made. I love my own recipe but this one could satisfy any cravings you have. Much better than what you usually get served up in Korean style Italian restaurants. They also have a variety of salads, paninis and breads available.

The drinks are very cheap, a big draft beer cost a mere 3,000 and a glass of wine at 5,000. No wonder they are so busy. Its the perfect venue for a first date or casual meet between friends. Nice enough ambiance without being too formal. They even have their own Salami, Olives, Oil, balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese for sale!

Trevia is located at 557 Itaewon-Dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The nearest bus stop is 03-152 it’s just by the restaurant. By Subway head to Noksapyeong station (line 6) and come out exit 2. Walk down the road till you get to the underpass and cross the road. Take the right hand exit and walk straight ahead. You can call them on 02-794-6003.

Mexican restaurants are popping up all over Seoul and it’s my personal mission to go to every last one of them. I am big, big fan of Mexican cuisine, and I could eat it every day given half a chance. My freezer was always stocked burritos from Gringos home delivery service but sadly my move to Hae Bang Chon has meant a change of refrigerator and sadly my new freezer is only half the size of my old one. No more is there room for a stock of frozen burritos. However luckily just up the road is Taco Chili Chili.

Taco Chili Chili is a cute convenient little Mexican place on the road leading from Itaewon to Kyungnidan.  No it’s not a hot date kind of place where you go to enjoy the ambiance,  its more of a grab and go kinda place. However they do make some pretty good burritos. which I always enjoy to pick up now and again.

The burritos come in a variety of flavours, chicken, beef, vegetarian, avocado etc (7,000 -8,500). They will also let you choose how spicy you like it. Always a winner for me as I can’t manage hot, hot, hot on a hangover. They are of a good size and filled with plenty of meat, rice , salad and sauce.

I am a fairly frequent visitor so I have sampled a large majority of the menu. I can also recommend the quesadillas (4,500-5,500), well filled and full of cheese.

Also on the menu are enchiladas (9,000). Served in a mammoth portion filled to the brim and topped with all manner of sauces, cheese and salad.

As well as all this there are also chili fries, nachos, fajitas, salad and tacos! They also serve beer and soft drinks. You can eat in or take away.

Taco is located at 527 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-Gu, Seoul. Take a train to Noksapyeong station (line 6), come out of exit 1 and walk over the bridge. Turn left and walk straight for about 100 meters. Taco Chili Chili is on your left next to Thunder Burger. You can call them on 02-797-7219.

Petra is a delightful middle eastern restaurant full of delicious delicacies for everyone. I have visited this restaurant twice now, once with a vegetarian and once with a vegan so this is good choice for anyone that can’t eat meat and a great one for those who can as they have lots of lamb on the menu. It always good to have somewhere a bit different to go to. If you’re not familiar with middle eastern food, I would urge you to give it a go.

After surveying the menu we made our choices. First up was the trio of dips, hummus, baba ganoush and labanah (10,000).  We also got an order of pita breads (1,000 each). These dips were amazing and so was the warm pita. Just thinking about them now is making my mouth water.  The hummus is insanely good, even better than mine. I am a big fan of the more, middle eastern, oily creamy version of hummus so it was great to eat one. The baba ganoush and labanah were both very tasty too. An excellent start to the meal.

We also ordered the mixed kebab (24,000) and boy were we glad we did. One of the lambs had such an amazing intense flavor on it I thought I was in food heaven. I’m not sure of the exact combination of spices that they used but I would love to recreate this at home. It produced such an indescribable taste. It was fantastic.

They have various wet curries on the menu that come with a choice of meats and different side dishes such as rice or cous cous. They vary in price but are around 15,000 each. The one I tried on my first visit was really good, but sadly for me I was too drunk to recall the name. On my second visit I went for the lamb kofte although this was a little lacking in flavor and not as good as my first one. However it may be a good choice for people who like milder food.

I was also lucky enough to try the falafels (a large portion is 10,000) , I considered making these a few weeks ago, and after rediscovering how much I like them, I will certainly be giving it a try in the near future.  They had a good texture and a great flavor. Falafel is something that we take for granted back home, I wish I could eat them everyday.

Overall I was very happy with my dinners at Petra, the food is full of flavor and well priced. Its nice to have something a little different from the usual offerings too. My only slight disappointment is that they do not serve alcohol (I got drunk before I went there, if you were wondering why I was so wasted on my first visit) . Obviously they have their own religious reasons for doing so but it would be nice to have a beer. Although I can learn to live without it since the food is so good. They do have shisha on offer if flavored steam floats your boat.

Petra is at 522 Itaewon dong, Yongsan gu, Seoul. Its located on the hill at the bottom of Itaewon just overlooking the intersection n.. From Noksapyeong Station (line 6): Go out exit 1. Cross the overpass bridge. Petra should be straight ahead on the second floor. From Itaewon Station (line 6): Go out exit 1. Walk straight about 5 minutes. Go up the alley across the street from McDonald’s (look for the yellow Money Exchange sign). Follow the curve around and Petra is on your right. You can call them on 02-790-4433.

Last week we visited Berlin for Matt’s birthday. We were desperate for a boozy lunch and settled upon Berlin as the location. We managed to snag a great table by the open windows. Sitting on the top of the hill in the glorious sun, I felt like the queen of Itaewon. Sadly the view is not so spectacular but it’s still a nice spot all the same.

The menu is a mix of Thai and Italian with a good variety of pastas, noodles, salads, meat dishes and various appetizers. We visited on a Wednesday but on weekends they have a special brunch menu serving sandwiches and more traditional brunch fare. They also have a rather extensive cocktail list. Including the mango mint martini and a cucumber mojito, both of which I recommend. They also serve Hendricks gin which is the only gin worth drinking according to my good friend and professional lush Matt.

The birthday boy ordered the Italian platter priced at 26,000. It consisted of a capressa salad, stuffed tortellini and pesto chicken. You could certainly share this between two of you but you might want an extra side or two if you are very hungry. I could easily devour this myself. I love a capressa salad and this one looked great with real mozzarella and a delicious balsamic dressing. The sauce for the ravioli was also divine. I didn’t try the chicken but my companions said it was great. They devoured this whole plate in minutes and there was nothing left. I usually take that to be a good sign.

One of my dining companions ordered the rigatoni with avocado in cream sauce and chicken 14,000. He was gracious enough to let me try it and I was very happy he did. The pasta was cooked perfectly. I know it’s not particularly hard to cook pasta, but in a restaurant situation there always room for error if you’re focusing on other tasks. However this was just right, al dente. The cream sauce was tasty and the chicken a nice addition. I would probably order this on my next visit.

I ordered the Sirloin and avocado salad, 14,000. I was really looking forward to it, and I was very impressed with how it was presented when it arrived. However the taste didn’t quite match up the look. The salad leaves were over dressed and rather oily, and that is not usually a huge problem for me. The steak was cooked wonderfully, still a little rare in the middle but sadly it was tasteless. It lacked any flavor and needed to be seasoned or seared with something to give it a bit of oomph. The dish was ok but nothing special and I don’t think I would order it again. On a positive note I did enjoy the potato wedges.

Niall ordered the grilled salmon 18,000. Which he enjoyed immensely. If they did a chicken version of this I would be very keen to try it.  He said that the salmon was perfectly cooked and just fell apart in your mouth. It was topped with grilled cheese and served on a bed of potatoes and pak choi. The sauce was lovely and creamy. It was a great balance to the flavor of the salmon.

Our last choice was the cheese platter, 20,000. However we were a little bit disappointed that they weren’t more generous with the cheese. Although there were five types –  smoked, brie, emmental and two soft cheeses. The soft cheeses were basically just flavored cheese triangles. Not really acceptable in Europe but possibly ok for Korea. The plate came with a generous serving of crackers and olives marinated in rosemary oil, which sadly were far too salty to eat.

Overall we were all happy with our meal and vowed to return, although that could have been the gin talking. It has a great ambience and would be good spot for date. Although I think next time I will stick to the  Italian options and order more drinks.

Berlin is located just below Buddha’s Belly on the hill at the end of Itaewon overlooking the gate at 457-1 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea 140-858. From Noksapyeong Station (line 6): Go out exit 1. Cross the overpass bridge. Go right. Follow the curve around and Berlin is the first business on the right. From Itaewon Station (line 6): Go out exit 1. Walk straight about 5 minutes. Go up the alley across the street from McDonald’s (look for the yellow Money Exchange sign). Follow the curve around and Berlin is on the left. You can call them on 02-749-0903. Or check out their Facebook page  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Berlin-Cafe-Lounge/53432217650.