Mad for Garlic, Gwanghwamun D Tower — Restaurant in Seoul

Original/1st Visit Review:

A very pleasant surprise!

The last time I was at a Mad for Garlics was like a decade ago. I remember having one of those garlic pastas, which was HOT, and overall the food was well done and interior equally well done. Never had the opportunity to revisit until last night.

This time I had the tenderloin steak and a garlic (toasted) and jalapeno pasta.

The steak was perfectly done and tasted yummy - one of the better steaks I've had, and I've had my share of good steaks in well-regarded steak joints in the US. It was perfectly grilled and moist, but the flavor was the best part.

My wife, who loves hot food, gave two thumbs up to the pasta. I don't think it was the hotter/hottest version of a garlic pasta they offered, but it was very good.

We also had Max draft beer, but it was a bit bland. If I had a choice of another Korean beer, I think I would have opted for Kloud.

The convenience and available options at D Tower is another plus.

Recommend highly!

UPDATE:

Service was horrible. The servers were inattentive and rude. Better...

As an American, the flavor profile of the pizzas, pastas, and steak sauces are unnaturally sweet and off-putting. The signature garlic pizza with pineapple is not a great combo. The spicy pastas have a bit of kick, and are over-sauced. The salads are overdressed. For what it is, it's incredibly pricey.

On the upside, the steak was nicely cooked and flavorful.

If you're looking for Italian, I suggest you look elsewhere if you can. There's a reason why there are always seats available.

Korean does great tasty, affordable Italian food, but not these...

The food was nice, though the portions were on the small side. The garlic focus is a nice 'hook,' but the food is definitely more fusion than authentic. The atmosphere is pleasant, the background music excellent, and the seating comfortable. I'd recommend the restaurant to anyone who appreciates fusion Italian, but not to folks looking for more...