Top 10 Italian Restaurants in Gyeongbokgung Palace

The first bite delivers that telltale wood-fired perfume: a blistered, airy crust with a tender heart, tomato bright and sweet, mozzarella pooling into molten puddles. Loved by locals and travelers alike, SOTTI’s pies carry serious cred, with certifications for 2nd and 3rd place in Korea’s 2024 Naples Association pizza competition. Prices stay fair, and the pastas are comforting without fuss.

• Order this!: Margherita DOP for purity, Diavola if you want a spicy snap; follow with a simple cacio e pepe.

2. Casa Italia — Seochon

A warm, cozy room where the dough stretches chewy and the plates arrive with stylish restraint—think arugula-prosciutto pizza crowned with peppery greens and truffle cream gnocchi that smells like a holiday. Beloved by both neighborhood regulars and first-time visitors, it’s the kind of place where a rainy-day lunch turns into a long date.

• Order this: Arugula Prosciutto pizza and Truffle Cream Gnocchi; add a crisp salad to reset the palate.

3. Junsu Bang Kitchen — Seochon

A charming “small hanok” where gochujang, soy, and doenjang meet olive oil and basil in dishes that feel playful yet convincing. Locals and visitors line up for the famous Cheongyang Pesto Pasta, a green, spicy-scented twirl that’s as addictive as it sounds, and the signature tofu pizza that eats lighter than it looks.

• Order this: Cheongyang Pesto Pasta plus a rotating pizza; the combo balances heat with herbaceous lift.

4. DUOMO BOOKS&COOKS — Hyoja-dong

Named after Italy’s comforting “domus,” this cozy kitchen cooks like a refuge—sauces that hum with patience, risotti that land at the precise point between creamy and al dente. Both locals and travelers appreciate the small-capacity service cadence, which keeps the room calm and the plates focused.

• Order this: A seasonal risotto and a slow-cooked ragu pasta; ask about off-menu specials for the day.

5. Bistro Chin Chin — Hyoja-dong

A value-friendly bistro where the potato soup is silky, the risotto is lovingly stirred, and the pasta tastes like someone really cares. Locals and out-of-towners agree: fresh ingredients and gentle seasoning lead the way, with a tiny herb garden by the door that hints at what’s on the plate.

• Order this: A classic risotto and the day’s pasta; don’t miss the anchovy butter with the warm bread.

6. H Lounge — Seochon

Sunlit and leafy, H Lounge brings an easy, breezy mood to Italian-leaning plates—think herb-forward pastas and light bites you’ll want with a spritz. A good pick for daytime dates and relaxed meetups, and a handy stop between gallery hops and palace strolls.

• Order this: A basil-forward pesto pasta and a simple salad; end with something sweet if you’re lingering.

7. YH Pasta — Jongno

When you’re craving a quick, satisfying bowl—garlic, olive oil, a twist of pepper, and that just-right bite—this spot scratches the itch without ceremony. Loved by locals and curious passersby alike, it’s an easy add-on to a palace-day itinerary.

• Order this: Aglio e olio or a bright tomato-basil; ask for a little extra heat if you like a kick.

8. Kangaroo — Seochon

A relaxed perch above Seochon where sunset light pours in and glasses clink over shareable bites. While it’s a wine bar first, the kitchen’s tasty plates make it a smart stop before or after your pizza-and-pasta crawl—locals and visitors rave about both the view and the food.

• Order this: A board of cheese and savory nibbles to pair with your glass; ask staff for a bottle to match your mood.

9. Cuisine La clé — Seochon

Not strictly Italian, but an atmospheric bistro whose seasonal menus often scratch the same comfort itch—slow-cooked meats, buttery sauces, and a rotating pasta that fits right into your Seochon night. Locals and travelers praise the kind service and cozy room; it’s a lovely pivot when you want to broaden the palette.

• Order this: Duck confit if it’s on, plus the day’s pasta or a nostalgic poutine side for the table.

10. La SUISSE — Seochon

Run by a Swiss chef and sommelier duo, this is European soul food in a nook of Seochon—think Alpine warmth, balanced wines, and plates that feel right after a long walk through palace grounds. While not Italian per se, it sits happily on an “Italian night out” map for its continental charm and easy pairing vibes.

• Order this: An Alpine classic to share and a glass of something crisp; ask staff for pairing suggestions.