Eummua Yeonnam: Hidden Italian Gem Near Hongdae - Authentic Gnocchi Paradise

A Special Place Discovered by Chance in Yeonnam-dong

Last weekend, while strolling near Hongdae with a friend, I wanted to try something different, so I was Googling and found a place called 'Ummooa'. There were many reviews saying it was a great place for gnocchi, so I got curious. Honestly, I haven't had gnocchi much before, but I thought this was a good opportunity to try it properly, so off we went!

It was about a 10-minute walk from Hongik University Station Exit 3. It felt hidden among the unique alleys of Yeonnam-dong, so it was easy to miss. It's on the second floor, so you have to go up the stairs, and there was a small doll on the way up, which was cute!

An Atmosphere That Impressed from the First Impression

As soon as I opened the door and went in, I thought, 'Wow, the atmosphere here is really nice.' The white tones and wood interior blended harmoniously, giving a cozy yet sophisticated feel. The tables were spaced generously, so it seemed like you could have a comfortable conversation without worrying about the next table.

There was a tablet at each seat, making it easy to order, and there were boxes to store bags or outerwear, showing thoughtful consideration. These small details make dining more comfortable.

Food That Exceeded Expectations

The menu was really diverse. There were many types of gnocchi, as well as pasta and steak! We ordered the bacon onion cream potato gnocchi and the limited menu lasagna.

As soon as we ordered, a pre-meal salad came out, and the vegetables were really fresh. The flakes sprinkled on top were crispy, adding a nice texture, and the dressing was refreshing, whetting the appetite perfectly.

Finally, the main dishes arrived, and the gnocchi looked so pretty that I took a photo first, haha. My first bite was, 'Oh? This is tastier than I thought!' The gnocchi itself was soft and chewy, and the cream sauce wasn't greasy at all. The saltiness of the bacon and the sweetness of the onion paired really well with the cream.

The lasagna was also really delicious! The noodles were soft, and the tomato sauce was sweet and tangy, offering a different charm from the gnocchi. I ordered it out of curiosity because it was a limited menu, and it was a good choice.

A Perfect Dessert to End the Meal

After finishing the meal, they gave us pudding as a complimentary service! That day it was banana choco pudding, which was moderately sweet and soft, perfect for cleansing the palate. They say the flavor changes daily, so I can try a different one next time I visit.

Practical Visit Tips

Parking is difficult, so public transportation is recommended. It's about a 10-minute walk from Hongik University Station. You can make reservations on Naver, but calling might be more reliable for same-day or groups of 5 or more.

There might be a break time, so it's good to check in advance. We had to time our visit because it was break time initially.

Places to Explore Nearby

There are many pretty cafes and accessory shops around Ummooa. Taking a slow walk through the alleys of Yeonnam-dong after a meal seems like a good course. Especially since the Gyeongui Line Forest Park is nearby, it's perfect for a stroll.

Honest Overall Review

Initially, I didn't have high expectations for gnocchi, but after trying it at Ummooa, my perception completely changed. The prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is great, making it a really good place for a date. I want to try other menu items next time!

However, since it's becoming popular, there might be a wait, so I recommend making a reservation in advance. Still, I think it's worth the wait. If you want a special meal in Yeonnam-dong, you should definitely visit!