Alla Prima — Restaurant in Seoul

A Dynamic Fusion of Culinary Artistry: A Review of Alla Prima (Seoul) Stepping into Alla Prima in Seoul is to enter a sleek, modern space that immediately signals a progressive approach to fine dining. Located in the sophisticated Gangnam district, the restaurant's ambiance is characterized by a refined minimalism, with clean lines and an elegant setting that allows the focus to remain squarely on the culinary experience. The lighting is often designed to enhance the visual appeal of the dishes, contributing to an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and intimately engaging. It's a setting that perfectly complements the innovative creations that emerge from the kitchen.

The cuisine at Alla Prima is a fascinating exploration of innovative and fusion gastronomy, drawing inspiration from both Asian and European culinary traditions. What truly defines the experience here is an ever-changing menu, which is meticulously crafted to reflect the freshest seasonal ingredients available. This dynamic approach ensures that each visit offers a unique and surprising journey for the palate. The culinary team, led by Chef Kim Jin-hyeok, demonstrates remarkable creativity in their interpretations, blending disparate elements into cohesive and harmonious dishes. Flavors are often bold yet incredibly balanced, showcasing a deep understanding of how to combine unexpected ingredients to create novel and memorable tastes.

Every dish presented at Alla Prima is a testament to extraordinary artistry and precision. The visual composition of each plate is stunning, resembling a carefully rendered painting where colors, textures, and forms are arranged with meticulous thought. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, the textural contrasts within the dishes are equally compelling, adding layers of interest and complexity. Ingredients are sourced with an uncompromising commitment to quality, ensuring that even the most innovative creations are built upon a foundation of pristine, natural flavors. The technical skill displayed in the kitchen is evident in every detail, from delicate preparations to perfectly executed cooking methods.

The service at Alla Prima is impeccably professional and highly attentive, mirroring the elevated nature of the cuisine. The staff are knowledgeable and articulate, providing insightful explanations for each course, detailing the ingredients, inspirations, and preparation techniques. Their seamless movements and intuitive anticipation of needs contribute significantly to a polished and comfortable dining environment. This level of hospitality enhances the overall sense of occasion, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the unfolding culinary narrative without any distractions. The team clearly operates with a synchronicity that ensures a flawless flow from one exquisite dish to the next.

In summary, a meal at Alla Prima is a truly exceptional and captivating experience. It’s a destination for those who appreciate cutting-edge culinary innovation, where the freshest ingredients are transformed into artful and delicious expressions. The restaurant's commitment to a constantly evolving menu, combined with its refined ambiance and outstanding service, makes it an unforgettable highlight for anyone seeking a dynamic and sophisticated gastronomic adventure in Seoul. It's a place that pushes the boundaries of modern dining while consistently delivering...

Dining on 4th April,2024 Disappointing Michelin-Starred Experience at Alla Prime and below is the reason why I give a 1/5 for review.

While the ambiance at Alla prima was pleasant, the overall experience fell short of expectations for a two Michelin-starred establishment.

Menu Transparency Issue: Upon making a reservation, I reviewed the online menu, which included pictures. The first picture displayed the chef's tasting menu. There was no mention of blowfish being included in the tasting menu description, nor was there an option to view a detailed menu beforehand. Unfortunately, a blowfish dish, a delicacy illegal in many countries, including Thailand.

Uninformed Decision & Unhelpful Waitstaff: Unaware of the blowfish inclusion, I made the reservation. During the meal, when the blowfish course arrived, I expressed my surprise and concern to the waiter, explaining my unfamiliarity with the ingredient due to its illegality in my home country (Thailand). The waiter's response, "well this is not Thailand," was dismissive and lacked empathy.

Limited Options & Ruined Experience: The waiter, while showing the policy on the iPad, pointed out that the website states they cannot change dishes unless notified beforehand. Although understandable, the response felt aggressive and lacked empathy for my situation. Instead of offering a suitable alternative within the existing menu, the waiter presented two unsatisfactory options: pay extra for a different dish (uni) or skip the course entirely while still paying the full price. This limited choice detracted from the dining experience. While the waiter might have intended to be accommodating, the situation left me confused and disappointed.

The lack of menu transparency and the dismissive attitude from the waitstaff significantly impacted my experience at a restaurant that supposedly delivers exceptional service. This fell short of the standards expected from a two Michelin-starred establishment.

This communication lapse ultimately impacted my experience significantly. While I understand the restaurant's policy, I believe a Michelin-starred establishment could have handled this situation more gracefully.

Perhaps including a disclaimer about exotic or potentially restricted ingredients on the website or offering a detailed menu beforehand would prevent such surprises. Additionally, a more understanding approach from the waiter could have salvaged...

Poor service at arrival first due to arrival before opening time But manager nicely fixed that and got me out of the cold weather and allowe me in. Starter with blowfish carpaccio was very well balanced. The salad that came next was really great experience. On the eel that came next i liked everything excwpt the eel itself. Did not taste like eel at all even though cooked tempura style. The anchovy base sauce was great ! The rumo was very nice and good idea to mix it with artichoke and spinash. I did not see the interest of the Yuzu sauce. I actually lloked forward to Yuzu with the rump but rhe sauce fragrance and acidity was far too diluted to make it intersting match to the dish. The sea urchin spaghetti was delicious even though i loke my pasta slightly more cooked 20s more would have changed my experience. Desert was not at the same level of the other dishes and i think one of the strawberry in the dish was actually overripe... I had given a solid four till the desert arrived but frankly for a star michelin, i expect much better ! Some amazing experience though but below my expectations of a one star restaurant with...