One-chef Italian restaurant in Hapjeong: mushroom risotto at Riike

Today's restaurant is Riike, near Hapjeong Station!

What kind of restaurant is Riike in Hapjeong?

Riike is an Italian restaurant near Hapjeong Station where a single chef cooks with care in a cozy, warm space! The entrance, lined with lots of wine bottles as decoration, was really memorable.

You can also book through Naver Reservation, so I recommend reserving before you visit.

What's on the menu at Riike?

Riike's signature dishes are the classic lasagna, gamtae vongole (clam pasta with seaweed pesto) and whole bacon cream gnocchi, plus a variety of other pastas and risottos. For dessert there are sorbet, tiramisu and olive oil vanilla ice cream.

They also serve alcohol, ades and sodas, so it would be nice to have something refreshing alongside your Western meal.

What are the interior and seating like at Riike?

Inside, wood-toned tables sit in a cozy space, giving it a warm feel. And because the kitchen is open, you can watch the solo chef cook, which made me look forward to our food even more at Riike 🍝

Is it a good date spot near Hapjeong Station?

The soft lighting and understated interior are so comfortable that I'd recommend Riike to couples looking for a date spot near Hapjeong Station. It's where I booked a rare date night with my husband.

I saw other couples on dates like us, and even what looked like a blind date, so I thought, yes, this really is a good date restaurant near Hapjeong Station! ♥

Do you need a reservation at Riike?

There aren't many seats inside, and once evening came the place filled up fast. So if you're visiting at lunch or dinner, I recommend booking!!

Behind the seats there was a fridge for alcohol and drinks. They sell wine too, so it's a nice place to have a drink in a good atmosphere along with tasty food.

What is Riike's review event?

Riike offers a grapefruit ade or green grape ade as a review event, so take part if you're interested.

What we ordered and how much it cost

Here's what my husband and I ordered at Riike.

• Bread spread ₩7,000
• Gamtae vongole pasta ₩17,000
• Italian mushroom risotto ₩18,000
• Grapefruit ade ₩6,000
• Green grape ade ₩6,000

Bread spread: a ricotta truffle appetizer

The first dish out was the bread spread.

Riike's bread spread had a strong ricotta truffle aroma and a crispy texture, and with the rich, savory spread on top it was just the right appetizer to get your appetite going. My husband said it was tasty too and happily spread it on his bread, haha.

Italian mushroom risotto: the best dish of the day

Next up is the Italian mushroom risotto. It was packed with mushrooms, so the mushroom flavor was deep, and with Italian meat added, the savory umami went up even more. It was my favorite!

The risotto was thick and hearty, so it clung to the spoon and I really enjoyed it!!

Gamtae vongole pasta: a light pairing of seaweed pesto and clams

The last dish is the gamtae vongole pasta.

Riike's gamtae vongole is a light vongole pasta that wins you over with its looks, thanks to the seaweed pesto, plus fresh clams. Once you start eating, you can't put your fork down! 😊

Overall verdict on Riike

With tasty dishes, friendly service and a cozy, warm atmosphere, Riike near Hapjeong Station is a place I recommend!