Sejong Italian restaurant: pumpkin gnocchi, flatiron steak, Olibus

What is Olibus in Eojin-dong, Sejong, like?

Olibus is an Italian restaurant on Gareum-ro in Eojin-dong, Sejong, and it has held Blue Ribbon certification for several years. I'd spotted it while passing through Eojin-dong, and since it's a Blue Ribbon place I kept putting it off and putting it off, but I finally made it! The cute little lettering really catches the eye.

Olibus Italian Restaurant

Olibus (OLLI BOOTH) sits on Gareum-ro. Through the big glass windows you can see right into the warmly lit hall, and there's terrace seating out front too.

At the entrance, Blue Ribbon stickers for 2019 through 2023, and then 2025, sit side by side. Seeing a track record of recognition year after year, I felt instantly reassured. Yesss~ an Italian place you can trust!!!

What are Olibus's atmosphere and seating like?

The hall has neatly arranged wood-tone bench seats and white tables, and travel photos and vintage posters on the walls add a stylish touch. At the window seats you can enjoy the view outside too. The clean, not-too-heavy mood was not bad at all!

Once I sat down, the cutlery was already neatly set. The water in a wine bottle really quenched my thirst. Cute little notices are posted here and there, about parking, asking for pickles, even the Wi-Fi password, and you can feel the thoughtfulness. The person with the sunglasses is adorable.

Today's order: sweet pumpkin gnocchi (₩18,900) and flatiron steak (₩34,900).

How is Olibus's sweet pumpkin gnocchi (₩18,900)?

Olibus's sweet pumpkin gnocchi costs ₩18,900, and the look alone grabs you: round, pan-seared gnocchi sitting on a cream sauce. The sweetness of the pumpkin blends softly with the cream sauce, and I kept reaching for more. So pretty, just so pretty..

Cranberries and pumpkin seeds pop as you chew, so the texture was fun too. A perfect combo of nutty flavor and crispiness!! Pick them out and eat them separately, or eat everything together!!

You can see the chewiness of the gnocchi even in the photo. When I make it at home it never turns out like this... Is it my hands, haha? Yum yum

How is Olibus's flatiron steak (₩34,900) cooked, and what comes with it?

Olibus's flatiron steak is ₩34,900 and came out medium-rare, crisply seared outside and juicy inside. Wow,, I was surprised by how thick the meat was... The plating, with its colorful mix, looks great too.

The green chimichurri sauce and whole-grain mustard brought out the flavor of the meat, and the grilled mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and Brussels sprouts are a top-notch combination too.

Eaten with the mashed potatoes, it was just right, not greasy at all. The pink meat truly melts in your mouth.. smooth and silky. I kept wondering how they can grill it so tender... a steak you eat in admiration.

Do you have to ask for pickles separately at Olibus?

A notice at Olibus says pickles are served separately if you ask. Sweet and sour cucumber pickles and radish pickles come out, and they were perfect as a palate cleanser between bites of steak and gnocchi. Be sure to ask!!

Sweet pumpkin gnocchi in a smooth cream sauce, and a thick flatiron steak. Both dishes made for a satisfying meal. I wanted to try the pasta and risotto too, but I'll save that for next time...

Cleaned the plates, meal done!!

Olibus parking and reservation tips

• For parking, use the underground car park, which has plenty of room!
• Be sure to register your car when you pay! (45 minutes by default + 1 extra hour provided)
• A 7:30 PM reservation requires a pre-order!

In the evening, Olibus seems to get families coming in casually as well as couples on dates. If you want a proper steak and pasta in Sejong, I recommend Olibus!!! And the gnocchi too!!