Seoul, South Korea
From Michelin Guide
Chef Kim Jin-hyuk continues to attract discerning gourmets with his whimsically creative and modern offerings. His reverence for seasonal ingredients, his attention to balance, and his delicate yet assertive sauces come together like a symphony that pairs well with both wine and sake. The L-shaped counter with ample seating, the gleaming open kitchen, the spacious dining hall, and the private dining room each do their part to make the diners feel comfortable. Be sure to reserve ahead.
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique and unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant Alla Prima in Seoul:
1. Spontaneous Culinary Inspiration Combined with Meticulous Technique
Alla Prima's core strength lies in its fusion of sudden inspiration and careful technique, creating a unique gastronomic experience that balances creativity with precision in every dish.
2. Fusion of Italian, French, and Asian Traditions Highlighting Korean Ingredients
The restaurant offers a sophisticated menu that blends Italian, French, and Asian culinary traditions, uniquely showcasing Korean ingredients in innovative ways, such as the standout 40 Vegetable Salad and Emmental Cheese Dressing that diners find exceptionally memorable.
3. Distinctive Dining Environment with an L-Shaped Counter and Open Kitchen
Alla Prima features an L-shaped counter with ample seating and a gleaming open kitchen, allowing diners to engage closely with the chefs and the cooking process, enhancing the overall dining experience beyond just the food.
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Alla Prima in Seoul, known for its Korean-Italian fusion cuisine, include:
Sea Urchin: Featured in the luxurious Sea Urchin Pasta, this ingredient brings a rich, creamy texture and deep ocean flavor that is balanced with Korean seasoning to create a unique fusion dish.
Hanwoo Beef: Premium Korean Hanwoo beef is used in dishes like Hanwoo Beef Carpaccio, where its high quality and tenderness are enhanced with Italian elements such as truffle oil and parmesan, exemplifying the blend of Korean and Italian flavors.
Abalone: A key ingredient in a signature dish combining abalone with gamtae (a type of seaweed), green yuzu, and red shiso. The abalone’s tender and chewy texture is complemented by these fresh, vibrant accompaniments, highlighting Korean seafood delicacies within the fusion context.
Gamtae (Seaweed): Used alongside abalone, this Korean seaweed adds a distinct marine flavor and texture, contributing to the dish’s balance and showcasing local ingredients.
Green Yuzu and Red Shiso: These ingredients provide citrusy and herbal notes that brighten and contrast the richness of seafood dishes, playing a crucial role in the flavor harmony typical of Alla Prima’s innovative approach.
These ingredients are significant as they represent the restaurant’s philosophy of marrying high-quality Korean produce with Italian culinary techniques, creating dishes that are both elegant and inventive.
Alla Prima only opened five years ago but has firmly secured its place in the pantheon of Seoul fine dining establishments in the intervening years, ...
theworlds50best.com
Oct 18, 2018 ... Two new restaurants -- contemporary dining restaurant Mingles and Italian eatery Alla Prima ... Seoul now has 19 one-star restaurants. Chef ...
koreaherald.com