CLOSED: Tutti Matti a story by Sophie Cullen
Nestled amongst the affluent area of Sinsa Dong, Tutti Matti Resto Lounge offers a complete escape from the madness of the city.
The brainchild of an Italian and an Australian, who met through their parents' shared love of wine, Tutti Matti boasts five levels of dining and drinking pleasure. The interiors are inviting with a mixture of dark wood and exposed brick, upon entering one immediately feels in the lap of luxury. The motto here (emblazoned on the back of the staffs uniform) is "Be yourself" and they certainly cater to everyone's taste, whether you want to wine and dine a special someone, treat your staff to a fancy dinner or dance all night to the fresh house grooves in the basement bar.
Seating around 100 people, the dining area is spread out over 4 floors, each with a different feel, so you can choose to enjoy your meal whilst sitting on the outside balcony or watch as the Chef (direct from Napoli, no less) works his magic in the open kitchen. And the food, you can taste the amore! The menu is a veritable feast of Italian delights, with both local and imported products being sourced, to ensure maximum satisfaction. At 55,000won, the set menu is an excellent way to sample a mixture of delicacies, such as Scallops encased in parma ham with a herb crust, perfectly cooked Australian beef and a tiramisu that melts in your mouth. Typically a main course will set you back between 18,000 to 30,000won and the Norwegian Salmon Fettucine in a Brandy Rose sauce is not to be missed. With wine in their blood, the owners have sourced a broad selection from around the world to compliment their menu. The friendly staff, who are fluent in both Korean and English, can help you match a wine to your meal choice or you can grab a never-fail bottle of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc (NZ) for 60,000won.
After soaking in the ambience of the dining area and perhaps watching some silent films on the super-large-screen monitor, it's excellent to move down to the basement bar, where the party is going to really get started. Hosting International DJ's Thursday through Saturday, with no cover charge, Tutti Matti has become an oasis for foreigners and Koreans who enjoy good music, great drinks and impeccable service. Drinks range in price, so there's something for everyone from 6,000won for a cafri, 14,000won for a mojito or a bottle of Krug Cuvee for 560,000won. The possibilities are endless. Shake your booty on the dance floor or recline on the couches; (the place houses over 300 people) you're bound to have a good time.
With a food and wine selection rivaling any top restaurant in Hong Kong or Shanghai, Tutti Matti is a truly International and innovative experience, where you can 'be yourself' and maybe even leave a little bit better.
Exit 8 Sinsa Station (orange line) walk straight, turn left at Show walk down to Kate Spade and turn left. Tutti Matti will be on your right. Find a map at their facebook site Tutti Matti Resto Lounge