A Gangnam Restaurant Discovered After Work with a Friend - The True Taste of Mexican at 낙원타코

A Friday Evening Craving for Mexican Food

Lately, I've been having really hectic days due to a company project. In the midst of this, a friend contacted me after a long time, asking, "What should we eat today? I want something different." Honestly, I was tired of Korean and Japanese food because I had them too often... I wanted something exotic yet hearty.

Then my friend suggested, "How about 낙원타코? I saw it on Instagram, and the fajitas looked really delicious." I was a bit hesitant since it was my first time trying Mexican food, but my friend said, "It's close to Gangnam Station and a hot spot among office workers," so we decided to go right away!

It took about 3 minutes on foot from Exit 9 of Gangnam Station to get there. It was on the second floor of a building, so I was a bit confused at first, but the sign was quite noticeable, so I found it quickly.

The Reality of Friday Evening Waiting

As expected, it was really crowded since it was a Friday evening. There was about a 20-minute wait, but fortunately, there was a waiting area on the first floor where we could sit and wait. While waiting, we looked at the menu and decided what to order, so the time passed quickly.

While waiting, I noticed that there were people of various ages around. From office workers in their 20s like us to family guests... It definitely had an atmosphere where anyone could come without feeling burdened.

Finally Entering! A Much Larger Interior Than Expected

After waiting for 20 minutes, we finally entered, and the place was much larger than I expected! The ceiling was high, and there were large glass windows, giving it an open feel. The interior had a strong Mexican vibe yet felt sophisticated, almost like a cafe.

What was particularly fascinating was the serving robot! It was my first time seeing one, so my friend and I kept watching it with amazement, haha. The staff were friendly, and despite the busy time, their service was great, leaving a really good first impression.

The Dilemma of Menu Selection, and the Decision

When we got the menu, there were so many options. Fajitas, tacos, burritos, even pasta... The wide selection made it even harder to decide. The staff recommended, "First-time visitors usually order the 낙원파히타 or 대창파히타."

Finally, the 낙원파히타 Arrives, a Moment of Emotion

When the food arrived, the presentation was no joke! Seeing the sizzling fajitas on the iron plate, I thought, "Wow... this is the real deal." It was piled high with meat, shrimp, and onions, and the portion looked more than enough for two people.

The sides that came with it were really diverse. Tortillas were a given, and there was sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cabbage salad, pineapple, jalapeños... All of these were free refills, isn't that amazing?

The Fun of Making Your Own, and the Taste Sensation

At first, I was confused about how to eat it, but the staff kindly explained. You put the meat and vegetables on a tortilla, spread the sauce you want, and roll it up to eat. It was simpler and more fun than I thought!

The moment I took the first bite... I really thought, "This is the taste of Mexican food." The meat was tender and well-seasoned, and the shrimp was really plump. Especially the carnitas (shredded pork) perfectly suited my taste.

And the sauces were so varied that I could try a different combination each time. The guacamole was smooth and savory, the salsa had a popping taste... I was initially scared of the jalapeños and added just a little, but they weren't as spicy as I thought, so I ended up adding a lot, haha.

Chipotle Cream Pasta, an Unexpected Taste

The pasta was really delicious too! I was worried the chipotle sauce might be too spicy at first, but the cream balanced the spiciness perfectly to my taste. Eating it with the fajitas made it even more satisfying.

The Perfect Harmony with Blanc Draft Beer

The Blanc draft beer recommended by my friend was really refreshing and clean. I didn't know Mexican food would pair so well with beer, but eating it with the spicy sauce made it feel even more refreshing.

Value for Money and Service Satisfaction

The total bill was around 60,000 KRW, and considering we ate so heartily in the middle of Gangnam, I think the value for money wasn't bad. Especially the unlimited refills of tortillas and sauces were a great deal, and the staff frequently checked if we needed anything and were very friendly.

Places to Explore Nearby

Since it's near Gangnam Station, there are plenty of places to go after a meal. We watched a movie at the nearby CGV after eating, and it was only a 5-minute walk, which was really convenient. Also, the underground shopping mall at Gangnam Station is directly connected, making it great for shopping.

Especially on weekends, the Gangnam Station area is really lively, so I highly recommend it as a date course!

Honest Overall Impression and Willingness to Return

It was a really satisfying evening! It was my first time trying Mexican food, and it wasn't overwhelming at all; instead, it had an addictive taste. My friend also said, "Let's come again next time."

The only downside was the wait, but that means it's popular. Next time, I want to go during a weekday lunch to enjoy it more leisurely.

It's great for an evening gathering with colleagues in Gangnam, and also for a couple's date. It's definitely the perfect place for an introduction to Mexican food!

Next time, I definitely want to try the 대창파히타, and I'm curious about the burritos and quesadillas too. It's definitely a restaurant I have a 100% intention to revisit! 💯