Hongdae restaurant under ₩24,000: gnocchi & pepperoni pizza, Pasta Go

Why I went looking for a budget Italian restaurant in Hongdae

I was in Hongdae recently and stumbled on a total gem of a Western-style restaurant, Pasta Go Hongdae Branch. Prices have gone up so much lately that eating out feels kind of scary, right? Especially in hot spots like Hongdae, Yeonnam-dong and Hapjeong, where a single dish easily runs ₩15,000 to ₩20,000 or more. Order a few things to share with a friend or partner and ₩50,000 is gone in no time.

Pasta Go (PASTAGO) Hongdae Branch, where I went this time, is priced so low that "good value" barely covers it. To get straight to the point: gnocchi + pepperoni pizza + lemonade, a properly full combination, and I ate until I was stuffed for under ₩24,000 in total. I doubted my eyes a few times when I checked the receipt! Now let me start my honest, detailed visit review of Pasta Go Hongdae Branch.

Where is Pasta Go Hongdae Branch, and what is the atmosphere like?

Pasta Go Hongdae Branch is at 12 Wausan-ro 33-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the 1st floor, so it is a perfect spot for planning a meetup with friends or a date around Hongdae.

The moment I walked in, the clean, stylish interior caught my eye.

Overall the mood at Pasta Go Hongdae Branch is warm yet modern, a comfortable place to eat. Budget restaurants can sometimes be cramped or chaotic, but this one was quiet. It has a solid mix of tables for 2 to 4 people, and the relaxed vibe meant quite a few people were dining alone. It is a cozy place that works perfectly well as a date spot too.

How are the menu prices at Pasta Go Hongdae Branch?

Pasta, gnocchi and pizza at Pasta Go Hongdae Branch were all reasonably priced across the board. Flipping through the menu, I was surprised at how friendly the prices were. Gnocchi takes a lot of work to make, so it is considered a premium dish, and at other specialty restaurants a single plate often sells for ₩18,000 to ₩22,000, right?

After some deliberation, here is the combination I chose!

• Cream gnocchi
• Pepperoni pizza
• Refreshing lemonade

I ordered all three and the total still came to less than ₩24,000, which honestly amazed me. It was a generous spread with nothing lacking, and it felt like I had put together a full set for the price of about one and a half dishes at a typical Western restaurant.

The cooking time was short too, so the piping hot dishes came out quickly. From the look to the aroma, they really got my appetite going! Let me walk you through the taste of each one.

Gnocchi at this price? The cream gnocchi

At Pasta Go Hongdae Branch you can enjoy cream gnocchi at a friendly price without any pressure. Because gnocchi takes so much effort, it is usually one of the priciest items at most restaurants. Chewy gnocchi dough came loaded with rich, nutty cream sauce, and thinking about the price, I could only feel grateful. There was plenty of sauce too, so it was great for dipping all the way to the end. If you have hesitated to order gnocchi because it is expensive, you can order it at Pasta Go with peace of mind.

Pepperoni pizza adds filling power to the value

The pepperoni pizza at Pasta Go Hongdae Branch has a distinctly salty pepperoni flavor and was great for filling up. Pasta or gnocchi alone might leave you slightly short, but add a pizza and the value satisfaction doubles. One bite of pizza, one bite dipped in the gnocchi sauce: so satisfying.

Lemonade to cleanse the palate

The lemonade at Pasta Go Hongdae Branch, with its sharp fizz and tangy lemon flavor, tidies up a mouth that might otherwise feel heavy. With Western food, you can't skip a lemonade to refresh your throat. I kept marveling while ordering that even with the drink included, it came to less than ₩24,000.

Who should visit Pasta Go Hongdae Branch?

In these scary-price times, Pasta Go Hongdae Branch is a place where, even if you go purely for the value, you won't regret spending your money.

I wonder where else in Hongdae you can enjoy a full course of gnocchi, pizza and a drink, stuffed, for less than ₩24,000.

If you want to eat plenty of Western food in Hongdae at an easy price, if you are a student with a light wallet, or if you are looking for a budget date course, don't hesitate: go to Pasta Go Hongdae Branch, a Hongdae pasta spot!

One bite of gnocchi

I recommend this Hongdae pasta place for a light meal.

Pasta Go Hongdae Branch location: 12 Wausan-ro 33-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, 1st floor