Summer squid butter pasta in Sangmu, Gwangju: Camel Orzo

Here's my third visit to Camel Orzo (카멜오르조), a true Sangmu district favorite in Gwangju! With its sleek interior and standout menu lineup, it's a solid pick for a date or a get-together with friends. This time I dug into fries, basil calzone, and squid butter pasta — here's my honest review.

Where is Camel Orzo, and what are the hours and parking?

Camel Orzo is at 261 Uncheon-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju, 1st floor, Unit 102, Urban Peak Sangmu. It's open daily from 11:00 to 23:00, with last order at 21:00.

I parked at the Nice Park parking lot and it was less than a 5-minute walk, so no complaints there.

Every time I come here, I feel like word-of-mouth is spreading and the wait keeps getting longer — or maybe that's just my imagination haha. I went at noon on a weekday and there was a bit of a wait even though it wasn't the weekend. Still, it wasn't too long.

Camel Orzo's interior is clean and upscale. The atmosphere is bright and lively, which I love. It seems like a lot of office workers from Sangmu district come here for lunch!

Fries with pistachio and house-made mayo sauce

Camel Orzo's fries come topped with pistachio and a side of house-made mayonnaise sauce. I ordered them again this time — freshly fried, crispy, with a hint of sweetness and saltiness that's so moreish you just can't stop reaching for them. The outside is pleasantly crunchy and the inside stays perfectly fluffy.

Dip them in the house-made mayo sauce that comes alongside and the savoriness kicks up another notch — an addictive side dish you keep reaching for between bites. If you're coming in the evening for drinks, you have to order the fries.

Basil calzone: the favorite ordered three visits running

This is my third time ordering the basil calzone. I'm the type who fixates on one dish once I'm hooked. I actually meant to try the paella this time, but it was sold out, ugh. I'll come earlier next time and try to order it then — so I went with the calzone I'd had before.

Slice into the freshly baked, still-warm half-moon-shaped dough of the basil calzone, and the savory cheese and fragrant basil packed inside are seriously incredible.

The dough itself has a wonderfully chewy texture, and the basil's fresh, clean flavor cuts through what could otherwise be a heavy cheesiness, so it's satisfying to the very last bite without getting tiring. It pairs well with tomato too, so I'd recommend enjoying all three flavors — cheese, basil, and tomato — together.

Squid butter pasta: how is the new summer menu?

The clear highlight of this visit was the squid butter pasta.

This dish is apparently Camel Orzo's new menu item marking the start of summer, so I ordered it with high expectations.

The moment the plate hit the table, what caught my eye was the generous pile of squid on top. The squid was loaded on without holding back, making the dish visually stunning from the start, and its chewy yet tender texture blended perfectly with the pasta noodles.

The butter's rich, savory flavor wrapped smoothly around the whole dish while the squid's distinct umami stayed present, delivering layers of flavor in every bite. It was a beautifully finished pasta, ideal for perking up a summer appetite.

Visiting Camel Orzo with kids, and how to reserve

Camel Orzo has high chairs available too. The tables are spaced generously apart, so you can chat and enjoy your meal comfortably without worrying about the people around you.

Weekends and evening peak hours can get busy with waits, so if you're planning a date or a special gathering, I'd recommend reserving ahead. If you're craving good Western food in Sangmu district for lunch, Camel Orzo is a great atmospheric pick for friends, dates, or family.