Oreno Itaewon (Seoul, SOUTH KOREA) ★★★☆☆

Ever since Oreno launched their first restaurant in Seoul last year, I've been counting on this Japan-based casual eatery to deliver quality French-Italian gourmet dishes for me whenever I set foot in the Itaewon area. 

Billed as a "standing party bistro" (whatever that means!), half of Oreno Itaewon's space serves as a standing restaurant while the second half provides more comfortable seating at a cost (3,000 won per head). 



There are two things that set this outpost apart from their branch in Hong Kong. Instead of modern Japanese dishes, they have a strong focus on Italian food (Think pasta and pizza) and also boast a line of chefs with Michelin starred experience. The current head chef has worked for a number of Michelin starred restaurants which included stops at Jean-Paul Jeunet (Arbois, France) and Le Chalet de la Forêt (Uccle, Belgium).



Oreno is always about premium ingredients and you will find it all here with their wagyu beef, lobster, foie gras and duck breast.



Another winning formula in Oreno's recipe has been their more-than-reasonable prices. Take this Penne Arabiata (7,900 won) as an example; it's well worth every penny.



They've got some homemade sausages underneath the penne. Very delicious dish but one word of advice for you - get yourself a cold drink coz it's really spicy and this is coming from a spicy food lover like me! 



The restaurant operates from 4pm to 11pm on most days (certain days till 10pm only) so unfortunately lunch will not be an option.

Food Rating: 5/10
Price: ₩₩₩
Address: 112-2, Itaewon 1-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Closest Metro Station: Itaewon
Tel: +82 2794-0055
Website: www.oreno.co.kr