Charlie's — Restaurant in Jeju

A Culinary Gem in Hanlim - Chez Charles

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Chez Charles, the renowned Western-style cuisine haven in Hanlim, Jeju Island. Situated in a traditionally industrial port area, away from typical tourist spots like Aewol, Chez Charles stands out as a culinary gem in the local community. Having recently relocated, the restaurant now boasts a more convenient location just 10 km closer to the airport—a significant plus for bus travelers.

Location and Accessibility: The move to Hanlim has not only made Chez Charles more accessible but has also turned the journey into a scenic adventure. The 102 bus, stationed just outside gate 4 at the airport, offers a delightful 50-minute ride with sea views to Aewol. This strategic relocation enhances the overall dining experience, especially for those traveling by bus or renting a car, compared to the previous spot located farther south on the island.

Diverse Pasta Selections: Chez Charles continues to stand out for its extensive pasta menu, skillfully blending Western flavors with local Jeju ingredients. The incorporation of Galchi (Hairtail) into some pasta dishes and the tantalizing Heuk Daeji (Jeju Black Pork) steak add a unique and delightful twist to the culinary offerings. The 'Pâtes à la coréenne,' or Korean-style pasta, remains a noteworthy creation that embodies the essence of Jeju. This creative fusion of flavors showcases the culinary prowess of Chez Charles and distinguishes it from other Western-style restaurants on the island.

Ambiance: The restaurant's ambiance has undergone a positive transformation in the new location in Hanlim. Now with a more spacious layout featuring nine tables, customers can enjoy a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal setting for both casual meals and special celebrations. Additionally, the option for corkage at 30,000 won(23 dollars or 20 euros) adds flexibility for those who wish to bring their own wine. The sophisticated decor complements the high-quality dining experience, creating a memorable atmosphere for all sorts of customers ranging from couples to patrons.

Standout Dish: Among the myriad tempting options, the Galchi pasta and Heuk Daeji steak stole the show for me. The impeccable balance of flavors and the freshness of local ingredients underscore the exprienced chef's commitment to culinary excellence. Each bite was a journey through the rich and diverse tastes that Jeju has to offer. Beyond the unique pasta offerings, Chez Charles also excels in more traditional Western dishes like Alfredo, Anchovy, Pizza Funghi (Mushroom Pizza), showcasing their versatility and culinary mastery of the chef who, with training in Australia, pursued a distinguished career in Cheongdam, central Seoul, navigating the competitive landscape of numerous Western restaurants.

Overall Experience: Chez Charles in Hanlim continues to shine as a testament to the fusion of global culinary expertise with the unique flavors of Jeju. The attention to detail in both the menu and the dining environment, coupled with the more accessible location, positions this restaurant as a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike. Each dish is a testament to the chef's meticulous training and creative flair, offering customers an unparalleled journey through flavors and textures that redefine the Western culinary experience. The friendly and attentive staff further enhance the overall dining experience, ensuring that every visit to Chez Charles is a memorable one.

Disclaimer: As of December 21, 2023, Chez Charles has reopened. While not all menus are currently offered, the restaurant plans to gradually introduce more options over time.

In conclusion, Chez Charles remains a beacon of culinary brilliance in Jeju, offering a delightful journey through Western-style cuisine with a distinctive local twist. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking a memorable dining experience...

We thought we were here for seafood pasta, two ways, one w cream and one w tomato base and a souvide chicken salad. We were greeted w a grilled mandarin amuse bouche w baby ginseng roots w leaves and shoot accompanied by a dropper of honey, home baked organic bread w a creamy butter and 4 different dipping sauces/pickles. Everything was amazing. Service - excellent. We initially thought it was a bit fussy, how they took reservations: you had to place your order at the time of reserving but now we understand why. A lot of prep went into the presentation of the multiple courses. We were not expecting a whole lot, asking for western food on Jeju island. We were pleasantly surprised. What an amazing experience. Thanks to the Bayhill villa’s Ms. Lee for assisting me w the reservation on Naver. We...

After having Korean cuisine for the last 9 days in Seoul and 6 days in Jeju, needed a change of palette so Googled “western restaurant” in Maps to look for non-Korean options. Chanced upon this highly rated Italian in Halim near the West Coast of the island (near the jetty). And wow what a find! Charlie mainly focuses on pizzas and pastas and all of them were soooo good. The cutlass fish pasta and the seafood anchovies pasta were the highlight! Top quality olive oil and the ingredients used were so fresh. Pizzas were great too but could be better with some char on the dough base. Definitely no regrets if you...