[Mapo / Gongdeok] Villato, a place where you can taste 'real' raw noodle pasta! Italy on Gyeongui-seon Forest Road HONGDAE, Korea

Discover Villato, a hidden Italian gem nestled along the Gyeongui Line Forest Road in Mapo. Indulge in authentic raw noodle pasta and a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere that transports you straight to Italy.

As spring truly settles in, there's nothing quite like a leisurely stroll along the Gyeongui Line Forest Road. And what better way to complement such a beautiful day than with a taste of authentic Italian pasta? That's exactly what I found at Villato (빌라토).

The charming exterior of Villato

The Vibe: Cozy Italian Trattoria with an Open Kitchen

Tucked away just off the bustling forest path, Villato is a small yet incredibly cozy Italian trattoria. Its nonchalant, clean aesthetic immediately drew me in. The interior is a delightful mix of cozy and sophisticated, making even the time spent waiting for food feel precious. The open kitchen is a charming feature, allowing you to watch your pasta being made with care.

The cozy and sophisticated interior of Villato

The Pasta: A Journey of Textures and Flavors

Villato prides itself on offering various types of pasta, including raw noodles, dried noodles, and gnocchi. We ordered two unique pasta dishes that we had never seen before: Cacio e Pepe and Anello.

Cacio e Pepe

This traditional Roman pasta dish, made simply with cheese and pepper, made a classy entrance. The noodle texture was unlike anything I'd tried before – initially, I thought it might be undercooked, but it was incredibly chewy and savory. The more I chewed, the more the rich flavor of the cheese emerged. It was a delightful surprise!

The elegantly presented Cacio e Pepe

Anello

Anello (annelli) is a small, thin, ring-shaped Italian pasta. This dish had a unique combination of lamb shoulder and noodles, and surprisingly, it tasted like something you'd find in a Chinese restaurant. The two menus at Villato complemented each other perfectly.

The unique Anello pasta dish

We also enjoyed a warm, delicious aperitif bread while waiting for our pasta. And for dessert, a vanilla bean gelato was a delightful surprise, leaving us ecstatic.

The delicious aperitif bread

Villato offers a truly unique dining experience. The atmosphere is great, and the food is exceptional. It's the perfect place for tight Italian pasta in a laid-back atmosphere on Gyeongui-seon Forest Road.

Your Quick Guide to Villato

Name: Villato (빌라토)
Address: 서울 마포구 독막로 277 1F
How to Get There: A 7-minute walk from Daeheung Station Exit 3. Located along the Gyeongui Line Forest Road. Use Google Maps for precise directions.
Hours: Tue-Sun 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM (Break time: 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM; Last order: 9:00 PM). Closed on Mondays.
Contact: 0507-1348-5658

A Local's Guide: 3 Ways to Explore Seogyo & Hapjeong Area

After indulging in authentic Italian pasta at Villato, explore the charming Seogyo and Hapjeong area with these curated courses.

Course 1: Emotional Walk Through the Alleys of Seogyo-dong

Zula (줄라): A small cafe and restaurant at 42, Dokmak-ro 9-gil. Enjoy owner-made drip coffee and watch the neighborhood from the window.
Seogyo-dong Street Walk: Stroll through the alleys near Zula, exploring small, unique shops and murals. Perfect for a leisurely 2-hour walk.
Ittenbari (잇텐바리): A small Japanese restaurant at Dokmak-ro 7-gil, loved by locals for its cozy atmosphere and delicious food. A great way to end your walk.

Course 2: Explore Hapjeong with a Hipster Flair

Fish Bucket Hapjeong Station (피쉬버켓 합정역): Unique interior and fresh seafood dishes. Many photo-worthy spots for Instagram!
Hapjeong Hapjeong (합정합정): Enjoy traditional liquors and handmade snacks in a rustic atmosphere. Great for a quiet drink during the day.
Hapjeong Station Alleyways: Explore the small, unique cafes and shops around Hapjeong Station and soak up the neighborhood atmosphere.

Course 3: Afternoon of Quiet Relaxation and Dessert

405 Kitchen (405키친): A small bakery cafe near Dokmak-ro, offering hearty and delicious homemade breads and desserts.
Beni Cake Hongdae Branch (베니케이크 홍대점): A hidden dessert spot frequented by locals for its soft and moist cakes.
Mangwon Hangang Park (망원 한강공원): Take a leisurely stroll along the Han River with your dessert and let the river breeze soothe away the tiredness of the day.

These routes are easily accessible from Villato by walking or public transportation, and they offer a true taste of the local charm. Come and experience the neighborhood!