Chiro Pizza Bar | Wood-Fired Pizza & Elegant Date Spot
Hello! Today, I’d like to introduce a great place near Gwanghwamun where I had a wonderfully atmospheric meal.
I’d originally planned to eat at another pasta restaurant near Gwanghwamun, but the wait was far too long, so I ended up coming here as a backup option. It turned out to be so good that I actually felt it was the better choice.
It was just two women visiting that day, but I ended up thinking I’d love to come back later with my boyfriend. There surprisingly aren’t that many great date spots in Gwanghwamun, but this place definitely felt like one I’d happily return to anytime.
Today’s featured restaurant was 치로피자바 (Chiro Pizza Bar).
Even before stepping inside, the elegant exterior caught my eye. Seeing several Blue Ribbon and Red Ribbon stickers on the entrance immediately gave me the feeling that the food would be excellent.
🍕 Stepping into a Relaxed and Spotless Open Kitchen
As soon as I walked in, I spotted a wide-open kitchen and a huge wood-fired oven. It instantly gave me the impression that Chiro Pizza Bar really lived up to its name.
The interior blended white and wood tones beautifully, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. I visited around 5 PM, and since the sun hadn’t set yet, plenty of natural light streamed through the large windows, making the dining room feel bright and comfortable.
Thankfully, there wasn’t any waiting when I arrived, so I was seated right away. The tables were spaced generously apart, making it easy to chat comfortably with a friend.
Rather than feeling large, crowded, or noisy, the restaurant had a calm atmosphere that let me focus on the meal. I immediately thought it would be an ideal spot for a first date. Although I didn’t manage to photograph it, there was also a private room behind a door that felt like a cozy hidden retreat.
We ordered one risotto and one pizza to share. During dinner service, each guest was required to order one drink or alcoholic beverage, so we paired the meal with a zero cola and sparkling water.
🐙 Diving into Rich Flavors With Grilled Octopus Taleggio Cheese Risotto
This was the Grilled Octopus Taleggio Cheese Risotto. Even from the photo, the rich and nutty character came through clearly.
A thick, creamy cheese base was topped with perfectly grilled octopus that was crispy on the outside and tender inside. Each spoonful filled my mouth with savory depth and richness. Finely sprinkled nuts—possibly pistachios—added a pleasant crunch and doubled down on the nutty flavor.
🍕 Savoring Chiro Pizza Bar’s Chewy Wood-Fired Neapolitan Margherita
Next came the classic Traditional Neapolitan Margherita. It was a genuine wood-fired pizza that had just come out of the large oven in the center of the restaurant.
The crust had puffed up beautifully around the edges. The combination of fresh tomato sauce, cheese, and fragrant basil was fantastic, but the real highlight was the dough itself. It was wonderfully chewy and pleasantly light, and I ended up finishing every last bite of the crust. It really made me think, “This is what true wood-fired pizza is supposed to be.”
💡 Who Should Come Here?
1. Anyone looking for a stylish and comfortable date or first-date restaurant near Gwanghwamun where conversation flows easily.
2. Anyone who enjoys a refined restaurant atmosphere created by a large wood-fired oven and an open kitchen.
3. Anyone craving authentic wood-fired pizza with chewy dough along with richly flavorful pasta and risotto.
✨ Wrapping Up With a Memorable Meal
Watching the chef bake pizzas in the wood-fired oven from the open kitchen made the meal enjoyable for both the eyes and the palate.
Even on a Saturday evening, I was able to enjoy high-quality dishes in a relaxed atmosphere without any waiting, which left me extremely satisfied.
If you’re looking for a good restaurant near Gwanghwamun, this place is definitely worth checking out.
📍 Location: Near Gwanghwamun Station, Jongno-gu, Seoul
⏰ Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
💰 Price Range: Margherita Pizza 26,000 KRW, Risotto 32,000 KRW
🅿️ Parking: Public transportation recommended
The restaurant was tucked inside a lively alley off Saemunan-ro near Gwanghwamun Station. The sophisticated black exterior and gold-lettered sign stood out clearly, so finding it wasn’t difficult.
Since the restaurant sat along an alley and didn’t provide dedicated parking, I’d recommend taking public transportation or using a nearby public parking lot.
Chiro Pizza Bar
1F, 16 Saemunan-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
