Italyjae | Michelin Hanok Italian Family Dinner

On evenings with a cool breeze like these, gathering with family for a warm meal felt like one of life’s simple pleasures.

While comforting Korean food is always great, we wanted to spend an intimate evening in a cozy yet slightly more exotic setting, so we headed to 이태리재 (Italyjae), a wonderful restaurant tucked away in the hanok alleys of Sogyeok-dong.

Even before stepping inside, the Michelin Bib Gourmand emblem and several Blue Ribbon stickers displayed neatly by the entrance gave off a quiet sense of confidence.

🏮 Stepping into a Tranquil Hanok With a Lively Open Kitchen

Following the peaceful alleyways near Anguk Station, we were welcomed by Italyjae’s elegant hanok building and warm orange lighting.

Once inside, the traditional rafters and sturdy beams remained fully exposed, creating a fascinating blend of classic hanok comfort and refined Italian charm.

The restaurant wasn’t large, but the neatly arranged table settings and soft candlelight made the entire space feel exceptionally cozy.

The open kitchen was especially memorable. We could clearly watch the chefs move around busily and carefully finish each plate, which added a pleasant sense of energy throughout the meal.

🐟 Diving into Fresh Appetizers For a Flavorful Start

Before getting into the main courses, we started the table off with a selection of light and refreshing appetizers.

Olive Flounder Carpaccio: Thin slices of fresh olive flounder were topped with olive oil, lemon juice, fragrant herbs, and caper berries. A generous sprinkle of crushed pistachios added a nutty crunch, while the tender fish delivered a balanced combination of freshness and clean flavors.

Chicken Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce came topped with well-grilled chicken, savory jamon, and plenty of fresh green peas. The portion felt surprisingly substantial for a salad, and the subtle mustard dressing made it refreshing and easy to enjoy.

🦑 Savoring Crispy, Salty Pairings With Anchovy Crostini & Squid Ink Pasta

One of the distinctive specialties we couldn’t pass up at Italyjae was the combination of Anchovy Crostini and Squid Ink Pasta.

Anchovy Crostini: Thin slices of baguette were toasted until crisp and topped with a neatly placed anchovy fillet. Each bite brought together a pleasant saltiness and rich oiliness that immediately got our appetites going.

Squid Ink Pasta: The deep black sauce stood out visually, and the noodles were thoroughly coated with the rich, nutty character of squid ink. Tender squid slices added a pleasant chew, and the pasta paired beautifully with the crispy anchovy crostini when dipped into the sauce.

🥔 Enjoying Crispy-Outside, Tender-Inside Truffle Cream Gnocchi

The dish our family enjoyed most comfortably was the Truffle Cream Gnocchi.

A generous layer of rich white truffle cream sauce covered the plate, with beautifully browned gnocchi arranged on top.

Unlike many places that focus only on chewiness, the gnocchi here had a crispy, nutty exterior while remaining incredibly soft and delicate inside.

The deep yet subtle truffle aroma soaked gently into each piece, and the sauce was so satisfying that we finished every last bit with a spoon.

🍝 Discovering Bottarga Pasta With Gentle Signature Flavor

We also ordered Italyjae’s signature Sea Urchin Bottarga Pasta, one of its most famous dishes.

However, on the day we visited, fresh sea urchin wasn’t available, so the dish was served as Bottarga Pasta without sea urchin.

At first we felt slightly disappointed, but after a single bite, that feeling quickly faded.

The spaghetti was cooked to a classic al dente texture with a pleasantly firm bite.

The noodles were evenly coated with savory, salty bottarga powder, delivering enough flavor on its own even without the sea urchin.

🐙 Digging into Octopus Ragu Pasta & Black Truffle Tajarin

Octopus Ragu Pasta: The first thing that caught our attention was the thick, generously sized octopus leg placed on top. Served over spaghetti lightly tossed in tomato sauce, the octopus was grilled until slightly crisp outside while remaining tender inside. Once sliced and eaten with the pasta, its chewy yet soft texture paired smoothly with the tomato sauce.

Black Truffle Pasta: A generous layer of cheese and freshly shaved black truffle was added tableside like a blanket of snow. The delicate texture of the fresh pasta matched wonderfully with the elegant earthy aroma of the truffle.

💡 Who Should Come Here?

1. Those looking for authentic Western cuisine backed by Michelin expertise and Blue Ribbon recognition.

2. Those who enjoy traditional Italian dishes that carefully highlight the natural flavors of ingredients, such as gnocchi and precisely cooked al dente pasta.

3. Those who’d like to spend meaningful time in a peaceful and atmospheric Bukchon hanok setting.

💬 Wrapping Up With a Warm Family Evening

The evening we spent in Sogyeok-dong, sharing delicious dishes with family inside a hanok tucked among the tiled rooftops of Jongno, became a particularly warm memory.

The staff remained calm and attentive throughout the meal, thoughtfully checking table conditions and mixing levels while providing considerate service, allowing us to focus comfortably on our conversations.

While the pricing may feel like it could use a bit of adjustment, the peaceful hanok atmosphere, refined ambiance, and overall quality of the food made Italyjae a place worth visiting with someone special.

📍 Location: 74-9 Yulgok-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
🕒 Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 12:00–22:00 (Closed every Monday)
💰 Price Range: Chicken Salad 19,000 KRW / Sea Urchin Bottarga Pasta 36,000 KRW / Truffle Cream Gnocchi 27,000 KRW and more
🅿️ Parking: There isn’t dedicated parking due to the nature of the hanok alleyways. If driving, the paid parking lot at 국립현대미술관 서울관 (National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul) about a 3-minute walk away was the closest and most convenient option.

If using public transportation, Exit 1 of Anguk Station was the nearest route.

Italyjae
74-9 Yulgok-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul