Written and Photographed by Two Miguks (our blog: http://twomiguks.wordpress.com)
Fresh mozzarella and basil with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Sizzling baked pasta with a creamy rose sauce. If you’re not interested yet, move along. “”Cat on the Oven”" (부두막고양이) brings Italian food to Dobong-gu, in a neighborhood otherwise populated by hofs and seafood buffets. 

Relaxed, yet classy. That’s the feeling from the first step in the door: the long single room features pale blue walls with wooden floors, tables and trim. The decor has a vintage feel with a playful cat twist, carrying on the theme from the name. Tasteful jazz music plays quietly in the background. The kitchen is partially enclosed in the center of the room, but gives a partial view of the brick pizza oven and the occasional glimpse of slicing and dicing.

The menu, in English and Korean, offers pizza, pasta, salad, and drinks. There is a nice variety within those categories, and for two mildly hungry people the portion sizes are enough that one salad and pasta are plenty. My husband and I have not tried the pizza, but have seen other tables of two split a pizza and salad. During both visits we ate our fill and each had a glass of wine for less than ₩40,000.

Two pieces of complimentary garlic bread are served shortly after ordering. This will be the most mediocre part of the meal. Don’t worry, it gets better. The pasta is cooked al dente and the sauces are homemade and flavorful. We like the spaghetti arabiatta (₩13,000) the most so far, but the fettuccine con gamberi pictured was also delicious. (The red sauce in the arabiatta was truly a bite out of Italy)

In the fettuccine con gamberi (₩14,500), the tomato rose sauce had the right level of creaminess, but also a bit of a bite (spicy), as most Italian food does in Korea. However, the overall flavor of the dish complimented the small shrimp found throughout. The bigger garnishing shrimp were a little difficult to eat, which did take away from the fun of the dish.

The caprese salad (₩9,500) was delicious, and the salmon salad (₩7,500) we had on our first trip was equally fantastic. The same foundation of fresh mixed greens is in all of their salads, with a heaping of toppings varying by the selected dish. If you enjoy smoked salmon, pick that salad, no question. If you’re there for Italian and demand tomato, mozzarella and basil to be appeased, go with the caprese.

If it’s not too busy, we recommend talking to the owner and chef, Min Su. His background as manager of a hotel restaurant, paired with training from an Italian Culinary School in Korea, led him to open “”Cat on the Oven”" in May 2011. He hopes that the fresh, natural ingredients he uses will transport his guests to Italy through their meal.

Overall, his efforts to provide a taste of Italy are successful. Or at least, more successful than other attempts we’ve tried in Korea (and with reasonable prices!). The atmosphere encourages you to relax and enjoy your meal at an “”Italian”" pace, whether with a few friends or a date. It’s even easy to find, just two blocks away from the Banghak station (Exit 3, Line 1), across the street from Lotte Mart.

(Oh, and while they serve post-dinner coffee here, the coffee shop next door makes a quality latte and has fantastic latte art)”

Cat on the Oven 부두막고양이

*** 3 Stars: Recommended: A place you would recommend your close friends

$$ 10- 20 USD

When did you visit: January 2012

Who did you go with: Wife/Partner

Ph# 02.955.4400

Dobong-gu Banghak-dong 718-7

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