Casual restaurant in Cheongju: basil cream risotto lunch at Tove

Lunch in Bokdae-dong at the stylish Western spot Tove! The basil cream risotto combo is insane!

Haven't we all wandered around a food street every single lunchtime wondering what to eat today? I finally found a Western spot in Bokdae-dong that won me over completely, from the vibe to the flavor: Tove Casual Restaurant Bokdae branch. I ran straight here to tell you about it!

I dropped in casually at lunchtime, fell completely in love, and left with every plate scraped clean. Let me walk you through it!

What are the atmosphere and ordering like at Tove Bokdae?

Tove Casual Restaurant Bokdae branch has a warm, cozy wood-toned interior, and every table has a tablet where you order while looking at photos of the dishes. The wood tones caught my eye the second I walked in, and it put me in a really good mood!

Cute art pieces and a sunflower frame hang on the walls, so it's perfect for enjoying the mood without being formal. Baby chairs are neatly prepared too, so it looked great for a family lunch! Having a tablet at each table, where you can order easily while looking at menu photos, was really convenient.

What we ordered at Tove Bokdae

This day at Tove Bokdae we ordered three dishes: bulgogi basil cream risotto, tomato ragù rigatoni and a fold-and-eat taco pizza. There were so many tasty things that I agonized for ages, but I picked the three that are famous as the best combo!

How does the bulgogi basil cream risotto taste?

The first thing I tried, the bulgogi basil cream risotto, is what I'd call the ultimate in nuttiness and richness!

Fragrant basil pesto sits on a smooth cream base, which wipes out any heaviness and leaves only a rich, luxurious flavor.

How was the tomato ragù rigatoni as a Bokdae-dong pasta?

I had high hopes for the pasta at this Bokdae-dong favorite, and Tove's tomato ragù rigatoni was a total success too!

The long-simmered, hearty ragù sauce soaks right into the inside of the plump rigatoni tubes. Every time I picked up a piece with my fork, the meaty flavor burst in my mouth and I couldn't help smiling!

How do you eat the fold-and-eat taco pizza?

Tove's fold-and-eat taco pizza is a dish where you squeeze lime juice over it, add the special taco sauce, then fold it in half like a taco and eat it. It came out last, and the look of it was overwhelming.

Squeeze the fresh lime all over the pizza! Then add the special taco sauce that comes with it to taste, fold it in half like a taco, and take a big bite, aaah!

Crispy dough, crunchy salad greens and savory meat topping come together into a whole new world of flavor I've never had anywhere else!

Survey event and perks at Tove Bokdae

At Tove Bokdae, if you fill in a survey via the QR code on the table you get ciabatta bread as a free extra, and if you write a receipt review you can also get a free drink or coffee.

Take part in the survey via the QR code on your table and we'll give you warm, golden-baked ciabatta bread as a free extra!

I did the quick survey with the QR code on the table, and they brought out freshly baked, piping hot ciabatta!

Dipped lightly in the sauce that came with it, it was crispy outside and moist inside, perfect as a palate cleanser in the middle of the meal or at the end.

On top of that, you can get a free drink or coffee when you write a receipt review, so if you visit, be sure to grab these great perks!

How were the portions and the takeaway service?

The portions at Tove Bokdae are generous: two of us ate three dishes and still had a little left, and the staff packed the leftovers in a white gift-box-style case. We stuffed ourselves and there was still food left! When I asked a staff member to pack it, they did it so kindly, neatly and prettily.

Verdict: Tove, a Bokdae-dong Western lunch I'd go back to

I was sick of the same menu every lunchtime, but at Tove Casual Restaurant Bokdae branch, which I stumbled on by chance, I had a perfect foodie date! If you're stuck on where to have lunch in Bokdae-dong, I strongly recommend the combo of savory basil cream risotto and the unusual taco pizza, no question. The cozy atmosphere plus the staff's attentive service kept me happy the whole meal.

How about a lovely meal at a Western restaurant in Bokdae-dong that wins over your taste buds for this weekend or your next lunch plan?