Sundays are great for date nights, family dinners, and friendly gatherings. Whilst walking around trying to find a good place for a date with my hubby, we stumbled upon this little treasure. A quaint restaurant called Mini Kitchen (작은부엌), located in the lovely neighborhood of Sagajeong, Seoul.
Mini Kitchen
Just like its name,oh boy, was it mini. However, we can never judge a book by its cover. So without further ado, let me introduce to you one of the best pasta houses in Sagajeong!
We arrived at 5 pm and were warmly welcomed by the head chef himself. My eyes widened in surprise at the interior. It gave off a very whimsical and vintage vibe. Yet, it felt cozy and warm at the same time. There were only four tables at the restaurant, so we quickly took our seats next to the window. Best seats in the house, in my opinion.
It was a fantastic idea to have the menus already laid out on the tables. I found that this made it easier for both the customers and the staff. The first page of the menu showcased the main courses that the restaurant had to offer. From signature pasta to pastry puff pizzas, our tummies growled slightly just from viewing appetizing options.
They offered a variety of alcoholic beverages, cocktails, and homemade sangria too! For those who prefer to stay sober, they have other beverages such as fruity ades such as lemon, strawberry, and blueberry! They offer a diverse range of red and white wines too. Just perfect for those wanting that perfect wine, steak, and candlelight dinner.
Our Order
We ordered the Squid Ink Risotto and the Bacon Rosé Pasta as they both were the chef’s recommendation. That, and the fact that we love anything rosé and squid ink!
There was this little book placed on the table as well. I was quite confused at first. However, when I opened it up, I was surprised! There was a stack of serviettes as well as wet tissues inside for customers to clean their hands or corners of their mouths with. Super cute, and random!
We could already tell that this was a hot place in Sagajeong from the sudden influx of customers. By 6 pm, it was a full house with people waiting outside as well! It did take a while for the food to be prepared. However, it did not matter once our food was served.
Once I had finished taking all the pictures I could, it was time to dig in.
Tasting Time
Aren’t these quirky little plates the cutest thing you have ever seen? My husband joked that we should have gotten the carbonara instead to shape it like the Yin and Yang symbol. So, overall, the presentation was astounding. 10/10!
Firstly, I started with the Bacon Rosé Pasta first. With every twirl of my fork, I could see the sauce clinging for its life onto the pasta. That was how creamy and thick it was.
I licked my lips and shoved the tasty bundle into my mouth. The amount of flavor the sauce had and that kick! It was beautifully spiced. The pasta was al-dente and the bacon just melted in my mouth. Everything about it was the epitome of perfection! Not too cheesy, not too spicy, just perfect.
Last, but not least, was the Squid Ink Risotto. Now, I love squid ink and I love risotto. To have both of them combined into that stunning delicacy lit a fire in me. Mini Kitchen really outdid themselves with this dish. There was no fishy smell, just the right amount of salt, and it was super buttery. It was lined with rings of chewy squid, and laced with mushrooms and garlic. Without a doubt, an absolute delight!
Final Thoughts
Mini Kitchen is now one of my favorite places to go for date nights. From the whimsical vibes, random decor and mouth-watering delicacies, everything about it was perfect! Moreover, the staff were pleasant and the chef has golden hands! Thumbs up to Jageun Bueok! Undoubtedly will be back again for more.
Mini Kitchen (작은 부엌) Address: 631 Myeongmok-Ro, Jungrang-Gu, Seoul, ROK Korean Address: 서울 중랑구 면목로 361 1층 우측 Opening Hours: 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM ; Break: 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM Closed: Mondays
Looking for more interesting finds in Jungdrang-Gu? Click Here for three local cafes in Seoul’s Sagajeong neighborhood!
