Clubby Italian dining

The booming lounge music that fills the dark, cavernous space of Addiction Plus might confuse many first timers ― is it a restaurant or is it a lounge?

Contrary to its eclectic interior, which has a disco ball over the lounge area with huge mattresses and oversized cushions, an organ in a corner and strictly utilitarian tables and chairs, and an equally eclectic mix of music ― over the course of the evening, the music can vary from pop, lounge, electronica to even opera arias on occasions ― this modern Italian restaurant has a very focused menu.

The highlight of the offerings at Addiction Plus are the pasta dishes, ranging from the basic Bolognese to the simple, yet flavorful Aglio olio e peperoncino with lots of garlic to the healthy Gamberetti e verdure with shrimp, eggplant, zucchini and tomato. The Pancetta, asparagi e cavalo features fresh, crispy lettuce that gives the dish a surprising crunchiness.

The pizzas at Addiction Plus are thin and crispy with no trace of oil on the crust. The dough is placed directly over a bed of stones in the oven which “soak” up any oil from the pizza topping, resulting in a light yet moist crust. The Marinara with caper, garlic and oregano is an elegant pizza, with the caper giving it a punch. For a pizza with a spicy kick, try the Salami e funghi topped with salami, mushroom and red pepper. Margherita with tomato and fresh basil is light and fresh on the palate.

With the arrival of warmer weather, tables have been set out on the porch. Plate of rib-eye, salmon, shrimp, zucchini and egg plant grilled right on the porch is especially nice on balmy summer evenings.

Reservations are highly recommended.

● Address: 61-21 Taepyeongno 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul

● Telephone: (02) 737-0005

● Hours: 11:30 a.m. ― 2 p.m., 6 p.m. ― 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. ― 9.30 p.m. Saturday


By Kim Hoo-ran