Pasta restaurant in Cheongdam, Seoul for a solo lunch: 37.5 Signature

Searching for a Cheongdam lunch spot after a workout: 37.5 Signature Cheongdam

I finished my morning workout starving and couldn't decide where to eat lunch. While searching for good places nearby, 37.5 Signature Cheongdam, which is known for its pasta, caught my eye.

It's a well-known Cheongdam restaurant, so my expectations were high, and once I actually visited, the atmosphere alone beat them.

It was hot and humid today and I sweated the whole way there, but the blue door felt like it blew the heat away. I'd barely eaten breakfast before working out, so I wanted something filling.

The menu runs from brunch to pasta to steak, so choosing was half the fun.

Signature dishes and prices

• Mont Blanc cream pasta ₩24,900
• Hearty authentic American brunch ₩19,900
• Signature mentaiko oil pasta (pollock roe) ₩20,900
• Prime striploin steak (250g) ₩45,900

Atmosphere at 37.5 Signature Cheongdam: a white-toned 2nd-floor hall

The flagship Cheongdam location of 37.5 Signature is on the 2nd floor of the building.

The moment I opened the door, the chandelier on the ceiling was the first thing I noticed. The floor has a marble feel,

and the white-toned interior and marble-look floor go together nicely, making the whole place feel clean yet upscale. The tables are spaced generously, so I could eat comfortably without feeling cramped.

Water is self-serve.

I like looking at paintings, and a picture of 37.5 Signature Cheongdam itself caught my eye. It's a space that suits a date or brunch, so it was a nice place to spend a relaxed hour.

The menu covers brunch, pasta, salad and steak, so there's something for every taste. Just from the vibe of the place, I could see why so many people recommend it as a Cheongdam and brunch favorite.

Signature mentaiko oil pasta, ₩20,900: this much seafood?

What I ordered was the signature mentaiko oil pasta, priced at ₩20,900.

It came out in a round bowl, looking so appetizing that it grabbed my attention right away.

I also ordered rye bread as an extra.

At first I thought it was simply an oil pasta with mentaiko, but I was surprised by how much more seafood there was than I expected.

With shrimp, clams, baby octopus and squid all in there, it was fun to eat.

On the first bite, probably because it's seasoned with salted pollock roe, the salty umami was rich, and it blended well with the oil sauce, so it felt clean rather than greasy. A subtle garlic aroma boosted the flavor further, and the noodles were cooked al dente with a nice chewy texture.

Look how cute the baby octopus is! The seafood was fresh, with a springy texture intact, and I was impressed that they didn't skimp on ingredients.

Verdict: the mentaiko oil pasta I'm already craving again

The mentaiko oil pasta in particular, with its roe umami and all that seafood working together, is a dish I keep thinking about. It's good for brunch, and I'd recommend the place for lunch or a date too. Next time I'd like to try the steak or the French toast. If you're looking for a Cheongdam restaurant or a brunch spot, I recommend the flagship 37.5 Signature Cheongdam.