Gigas — Restaurant in Seoul

Second of our starred meals in Seoul. A unique location, nested in the heart of a landed housing residential area in Namdaemun: definitely not where one would expect to find a starred restaurant. The interior architecture was elegantly informed by a minimalist-Korean mood board with ebony furniture that matched the walnut flooring and sleek white paint with faint pinkish hue. The restaurant was kind to assign us the private room as we had young children along, which featured a dramatic full height-length window providing a natural backdrop of the serene landscape beyond. An interesting farm-to-table proposition offering Mediterranean cuisine with ingredients largely sourced from the chef’s farm just 40km out. However, we personally felt the food fell slightly short of a Michelin star restaurant as the courses were fairly plain throughout without any creative elements and the uninspiring crockery did not help either, though this is definitely not to say that the food was ‘bad’ by any means. Additionally, the flavor profile most dishes – bar perhaps 2-3 savory dishes and desserts – tended on the sour/acidic/zesty side with herbaceous notes, presumably to showcase the diversity of produce from the farm. Portions were small too, though it was partially balanced by the more-than-average number of courses served. Nonetheless, I acknowledge that our limited cognizance on the various plants/herbs used (one of the primary selling points) in part attributed to us not being able to fully appreciate all the courses as the chef had intended. Service was professional as expected but lacking personal touch for most parts. However, I would like to give a special shout out of appreciation to the chef, who personally corresponded directly months prior to customize arrangements and menus to accommodate our young children. The chef also served selected dishes personally and was meticulous to a fault. All in all, though the food did not meet my (high) expectations, I’d still gladly recommend Gigas to anyone looking to try something different in a gorgeous environment with a highly...

This hidden gem in Seoul offers an exceptional culinary experience in a cozy setting. Located in a small building, it’s the perfect place to enjoy fine, delicious, and healthy meals. The focus here is on quality, with every dish carefully prepared, beautifully presented, and full of flavor.

The cuisine is mostly European, with a strong Italian 🇮🇹 influence, but with a unique touch, using mainly local, seasonal ingredients, many from the restaurant's own garden.

Each course arrives as a delightful surprise, enhancing the overall dining experience.

While the dining space is not large, it is well designed to accommodate a small number of guests, prioritizing quality over quantity. The staff, like most in South Korea 🇰🇷, are incredibly kind, highly professional, and pay close attention to every detail, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Vegetarian 🥑 and vegan 🌱 options are available upon prior request, and since the restaurant is very popular, booking in advance is highly recommended.

Sit back🪑relax🧘‍♀️and enjoy 😋 this wonderful dining...

음식은 정말 맛있습니다. 셰프가 재료를 아낌없이 사용한 덕분에 가격도 합리적으로 느껴집니다. 5코스에 14만 원인데, 디저트가 두 개 포함되어 사실상 6코스입니다. 12코스는 22만 원입니다.

첫 번째 에피타이저는 고등어로, 시트러스와 소금에 절여 비린내는 전혀 없고 고등어의 고소함만 남았습니다. 식감은 부드러우면서도 쫄깃한 느낌이 아주 훌륭했습니다.

두 번째 요리는 관자로, 팔레마, 올리브, 루꼴라를 얹고 치즈 퐁듀를 베이스로 깔았습니다. 관자 위에 바삭한 알갱이가 붙어있어 부드러움과 바삭함이 동시에 느껴졌고, 팔레마의 짭짤함과 올리브의 상큼함이 치즈의 느끼함을 완벽히 잡아줬습니다.

오리고기는 21일 드라이 에이징 후 3시간 레스팅 과정을 거쳐 베이스팅된 상태로 제공되었습니다. 고기는 놀랍도록 부드럽고, 껍질은 바삭하며 오리 특유의 냄새는 전혀 없었습니다. 아래 깔린 사과소스와 환상의 조화를 이루었습니다.

스테이크는 7일 드라이 에이징을 거쳤고, 미디엄 레어로 조리되었습니다. 파마산 소스와 발효 밤 소스가 함께 나왔는데, 밤과 스테이크가 이렇게 잘 어울릴 줄은 상상도 못 했습니다.

첫 번째 디저트는 Fourme d’Ambert 아이스크림에 호두와 배가 곁들여진 요리였습니다. 치즈 특유의 쿰쿰한 향은 완벽히 날아가고, 고소하면서도 달달한 맛만 남아 배와 놀라울 정도로 잘 어울렸습니다.

두 번째 디저트는 애플 클라푸티에 페넬 루트와 잣으로 만든 아이스크림이 곁들여져 있었는데, 디저트로 마무리하기에 완벽한 선택이었습니다.

재방문의사: Yes 분위기: Pass 청결: Pass 음식:...