Hanok pasta restaurant in Daehak-ro: rosé linguine at Pasta Market

Where is Pasta Market in Hyehwa, and what kind of restaurant is it?

Pasta Market Hyehwa flagship (파스타마켓 혜화 본점) is a hanok-style (traditional Korean house) pizza and pasta restaurant just inside Hyehwa Station Exit 3. It is close to the station, so it is easy to reach by public transport, and it sits toward the main road of Daehak-ro, so I'd recommend it as a Daehak-ro date course.

Head into the alley and a cute little standing sign greets you. Isn't it nice when a restaurant makes you want to come back? I walked in with a fluttery heart, right from the entrance!

Pasta Market's interior: good for a date or a blind date?

Inside, Pasta Market is a spacious, pleasant room decorated with lots of charming touches. It keeps the old-fashioned elegance of a hanok while being full of exotic decor pieces, so I think it works well as a date course or a blind-date spot.

The tables are nicely spaced, so you can eat comfortably, and the food comes out quickly after you order. A play is a must on a Daehak-ro date, and Pasta Market is the kind of place where you don't have to worry about awkward timing around the show.

Kiosk ordering and table sauces

You order and pay at a kiosk, and basic sauces and tissues are already on the table. The utensils and tissues were neatly arranged, so the whole place felt clean and you can eat without worrying about hygiene.

There are two kinds of hot sauce plus chili flakes, which is perfect for spice lovers. I added a little to the pizza and pasta, and it made the flavor even better.

Pasta Market is a hanok pasta spot where the food arrives neatly plated. Plenty of people already come here as a Daehak-ro blind-date spot or date course, and I was satisfied with both the quality and the taste. Because it is a hanok-based restaurant, the atmosphere itself was especially good. It feels cozy, and the cute little decor pieces make the space feel richer.

How does Pasta Market's margherita pizza taste?

Pasta Market's margherita pizza is wood-fired style, and the modest amount of toppings and cheese lets the texture of the dough stand out. Just look at it, you can tell it's going to be good, right? I think anyone, of any age or gender, would like it. When you visit Pasta Market, one pizza is basically the default.

The dough itself is so good that the toppings feel like they're just helping out. The base is chewy yet goes down softly, and the arugula, cheese and tomato add flavor, so I really enjoyed it. The toppings aren't overwhelming; it's a pizza that focuses on being pizza. Next time at Pasta Market, a pizza should be your default order, haha.

Is the mushroom cream risotto too heavy?

Pasta Market's mushroom cream risotto is a mushroom-forward risotto made with three kinds of mushrooms. At first I figured it would be just an ordinary cream risotto, but the different mushrooms boost the texture and flavor, and it goes nicely with the cheese.

The rice has a good texture, and picking out the mushrooms is fun. It isn't very heavy, so you can enjoy it without feeling weighed down. The portion is surprisingly generous too, so it's a dish that will leave you full!

What does the signature spice rosé linguine taste like?

The spice rosé linguine is Pasta Market's signature dish: a zesty rosé cream topped with a poached egg and garlic bread. There isn't a lot of sauce, so it's the thick, clingy style.

The texture of the linguine is appealing, and there's nurungji (scorched rice crust) spread across the bottom, so eating the two together gives you a whole different feeling.

The empty-bowl truth: overall verdict on the three dishes

I tried all three dishes at Pasta Market, pasta, pizza and risotto, and each one was appealing on its own while the three worked well together. It's a Daehak-ro pasta restaurant with a great atmosphere, and I plan to come back for another date!