“FAGP” is an Italian cuisine restaurant located in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, which has been recognized in the “Michelin Guide: Bib Gourmand” category. The description featured in the Michelin Guide is as follows:
Chef Lee Jong-hyuk, who has dreamt of a culinary career since childhood due to the influence of his family, brings a wealth of experience from both domestic and international culinary journeys to the opening of FAGP, embarking on a new chapter in his culinary journey. Here, he presents simple yet distinctively creative dishes in the popular pasta genre, infused with his own artistic sensibilities. The moments spent cooking and interacting with customers in the open kitchen bring immense joy to this chef. The space truly reflects his desire for all FAGP’s customers to enjoy their meals comfortably and happily.
“Pasta Haven in Seongsu-dong, FAGP (Freaking Awesome Good PASTA)”
The name “FAGP” is an acronym for “Freaking Awesome Good PASTA,” derived from the initial letters. In Korean, it could be translated as “Astonishing Pasta.”
Finding FAGP may not be the easiest task. It is located in an area where you need to walk a bit from the subway station, and driving there can be a bit tricky. The restaurant is tucked away in a narrow alley.
For those taking Subway Line 2, “Ttukseom Station” Exit 1 is the closest. After exiting from Exit 1, follow the main road, and you’ll come across a side alley where you can find the restaurant. Alternatively, if you’re using the Bundang Line, alight at “Seoul Forest Station,” exit towards Exit 1, and head north; you’ll eventually find it.
“A Cozy, Quaint Eatery: FAGP”
FAGP is not a large establishment. It truly qualifies as a small eatery, situated in a narrow building. The seating is limited, consisting of bar tables directly facing the kitchen and only one or two regular tables.
As a result, it can be challenging to dine here without a reservation. On this visit, we arrived without prior information, but fortunately, we were able to wait a bit and have our meal after the standard dining hours had passed.
“The Menu at FAGP”
At FAGP, you can explore a menu centered around pasta. However, the pasta options here can be quite unique, differing from what we typically envision. One of the most memorable dishes was the “Cilantro Leaf Pasta,” which was particularly striking, as Cilantro leaves are not commonly seen in Western cuisine, let alone used in pasta.
Below are some menu options available at FAGP, but there are many more diverse choices. The menu provides descriptions of the ingredients, making it easy to decide what to order after perusing.
- Asparagus Orecchiette: KRW 22,000
- Ragu Tagliatelle: KRW 23,000
- Cilantro Spaghetti: KRW 23,000
- Smoked Cherry Tomato Linguine: KRW 24,000
- Squid Rigatoni: KRW 24,000
If you’re unsure about what to order, the staff are more than willing to provide assistance. You can ask for explanations about each dish.
“Cilantro Spaghetti: KRW 23,000”
On this visit, we ordered the “Cilantro Spaghetti.” While I personally am not a fan of Cilantro flavor, I was eager to try this dish as it was a unique menu item that I had never seen elsewhere. Even though I couldn’t fully appreciate the Cilantro taste…
I believe we also ordered the “Smoked Cherry Tomato Linguine” that day, but confirmation of the exact menu name is needed. The Cilantro Spaghetti left a strong impression, making it the one dish I remembered most clearly.
“A Small Yet Distinctive Pasta Joint”
Certainly, every time you visit a restaurant recognized by the Michelin Guide, you can expect at least one thing to be different. Similarly, FAGP sets itself apart by offering special and unique menu items.
Additionally, the neatly maintained open kitchen is also an eye-catching feature. Being able to witness the preparation of dishes while waiting for your food adds a unique touch to the dining experience.
Although the establishment is small and lacks a large number of seats for easy dining, it’s a great place to visit when you’re in the mood for a special meal in a unique atmosphere.
“Italian Restaurant Featured in Michelin Guide, FAGP in Seoul Seongsu”
- Address: 136 Wangsimni-ro, Suite 102, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
- Operating Hours: (Wed-Sat) 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Closed for Break from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Wed-Sat)
- Closed: Mondays, Tuesdays
- Instagram: fagp_inst