Seocho café for solo lunch and basil pesto pizza: Focaccia Cucina

A light meal in an alley near Seocho Station

While planning my Seoul itinerary, I sorted out lunch with a solo meal. I had drinks planned for the evening, so I wanted something that would not be too heavy and looked for a salad or sandwich spot. Near Seocho Station, I found a place run by an Italian chef with 30 years of experience.

Focaccia Cucina is at 51 Banpo-daero 21-gil, Seocho-gu. It is open from 07:00 to 16:00, with last orders at 15:50. It closes regularly on the first and third Monday of each month, and parking is available.

Focaccia Cucina sits in a residential alley in Seocho-dong between Exit 3 of Seocho Station and Gyodae Station, so it should be easy to find.

A quiet space of white and wood

Inside, the clean white-and-wood space is not large, but it feels cozy and neatly put together.

The seating is well suited to eating alone or having a simple brunch, and its location in a Seocho-dong residential alley keeps things relatively quiet.

There is also a self-service bar for water, plates, and more. The cooking tools were neatly organized, too.

They sell ingredients used in the focaccia sandwiches, including house-made basil pesto and tomato sauce, alongside handmade drinks and bottled beverages.

Large tins of olive oil and other ingredients on the upper shelves showed confidence in what the kitchen uses. Canned tomatoes, beans, grains, and spices were displayed too, making it feel like a place that makes its own sauces and sandwiches. Rather than decorative objects, the ingredients themselves served as decoration, creating a natural atmosphere that felt like an extension of the kitchen.

The dining-table area was nicely arranged with a simple, charming feel like this.

House-baked focaccia and ordering

Sandwiches and salads made with focaccia baked fresh every day are the signature items. There are Caesar, Melanzane, and Patata sandwiches, as well as salads and sandwich pizzas.

You can order at the kiosk.

Genovese pizza and fresh banana golden latte

I ate the Genovese (basil pesto pizza) and fresh banana golden latte in the café, then got the granola to go.

The authentic squid-ink focaccia, cold-fermented for 18 hours, is generously filled with basil pesto and mozzarella.

Genovese pizza is an Italian-style pizza that uses basil pesto rather than tomato sauce as its base. Made by blending basil, olive oil, Parmigiano cheese, and more, the sauce fills your mouth with fragrant basil from the very first bite.

The basil aroma was rich, while the flavor was cleaner and lighter than tomato sauce. The cheese and herbs worked beautifully together. It was not greasy, just clean and fresh-tasting.

The fresh banana golden latte is a health drink a little different from regular banana milk. It uses fresh banana for natural sweetness and adds milk for a smooth, nutty drink. It is sugar-free.

Handmade granola is often less sweet and higher in nuts than store-bought versions, so its nutty flavor comes through more strongly. The nuttiness of oats, crunch of nuts, and gentle honey aroma came together in a healthy brunch item with a satisfying chew. I liked that it was not overly sweet.

If you are looking for healthy Italian brunch

• Freshly baked focaccia every day gives the bread great flavor and texture.
• You can try house-made basil pesto, tomato sauce, and spreads.
• There is a wide range of healthy brunch items, including sandwiches, salads, and granola.
• There are distinctive handmade drinks such as the fresh banana golden latte.
• The wood interior and white tones create a cozy atmosphere.
• It is not flashy, but it has a warm, comfortable feel.
• The open kitchen and ingredient displays convey an honest approach to running the café.
• Its quiet alley location near Seocho Station makes for an unhurried meal.
• It works well for solo dining, brunch meetups, or a light lunch.

This is a hidden Seocho gem where you can enjoy healthy Italian-style brunch made with house-made focaccia and fresh ingredients.