Fine Italian Food at Jina and Franco Trattoria

Sometimes I am selfish and I don't like to share where I find my good eats. This is a place that I discovered several weeks ago, but I didn't want to share with you, because...well...I like it too much. Chef Franco and his business partner Jina have made an excellent Italian Restaurant over by Seoul National University.

The keyword at this place is fresh. Everything is fresh. The bread that arrives at your table has the perfect foccaccia texture and it is topped with carmelized onions and herbs.

The open kitchen lets you see the chefs at work, so it's a bit of a show and a meal.

Here is the welcome pizza that Franco made for us. The crust is thin, the cheese is crusty with the good brown bits of baked cheese, the prosciutto is salt-porklicious, and the arugula added just the right accent of green. YUM.

Here is the minestrone soup. I LOVE minestrone soup and Franco's is divine. It is full of beans and vegetables in a soft chicken broth.

They have carafes of house wine; perfect for those that just want to have a glass with their meal.

The lasagna is the best that I've had in the city. It was almost as big as the plate it came served on.

The atmosphere is intimate and softly lit, so it's great for a date or a meet up with friends.

The lamb chop was...gone in seconds because it was so...good.

And it came with real mint jam.

Apple Dessert a la mode.

The tiramisu is awful! AWFUL I SAY! Ok. I'll come clean. I only say that because Franco only makes enough for the day and I don't want him to sell out before I can get mine.

The lady fingers sop up the espresso and form a delicate mousse. This is topped with marscapone cheese and then it is topped with chocolate shavings. So...good.

You should go and check it out. Tell them that Dan sent you and they'll treat you right.

Jina and Franco Trattoria

02-887-2825

Go out Seoul National University Exit No. 2 (Be sure not to confuse this stop with 교대: Seoul National University of EDUCATION)

206-7 Daewoo The-Osuperium 1Danji

Nakseongdae-dong, Gwanak-Gu