Hongdae Italian restaurant: burgundy decor and corn gnocchi at Brivit

Today I visited Brivit, a Western-style restaurant in Yeonnam-dong where you can enjoy delicious pasta and gnocchi near Hongik Univ. Station. The pretty plating and cute little dishes left an impression. It's easy to reach, and the seating is spacious and nicely done, so I'd love to recommend it to anyone looking for a Hongdae or Yeonnam-dong date spot👍

Where is Brivit Hongdae Yeonnam and what are its hours?

Brivit Hongdae Yeonnam is at 93 Woldeukeopbuk-ro 2-gil, Unit 2, 2F, Mapo-gu, Seoul, about a 1-minute walk from Exit 3 of Hongik Univ. Station. It's open 11:30–21:16, with a break from 15:15 to 16:30 and last order at 20:30.

• Location: 93 Woldeukeopbuk-ro 2-gil, Unit 2, 2F, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Hours: 11:30–21:16
• Break time: 15:15–16:30
• Last order: 20:30
• No pets, corkage or parking

It's so close to Exit 3 of Hongik Univ. Station that it was really easy to find. Reachable by public transport, it's a low-stress place to pick for meeting up.

What is the burgundy interior at Brivit like?

The restaurant is spacious and stylish, decorated in burgundy, its signature color. It suits a meal with friends just as well as a special evening with a partner.

The tables are also set with room to spare, so we could eat comfortably. Afterward, you can stroll Yeontral Park, Yeonnam-dong's best-known walking route. Meal plus walk makes this a good stop when planning a Hongdae date course.

Considering the mood and the menu, it should also suit anyone looking for a blind-date spot in Yeonnam-dong or planning a get-together. It's a good space for groups, so if you're hunting for a place for a wedding invitation meetup in Yeonnam-dong or Hongdae, put it on your shortlist!

What's at the Brivit self-service bar?

Brivit Hongdae Yeonnam has a self bar next to the door. It's stocked with pickles, water, extra napkins and wet wipes.

Before ordering food: a lemonade, and of course the must-have Pepsi Zero!

How does Brivit's scallion cream corn gnocchi taste?

The first dish we tried at Brivit was the scallion cream corn gnocchi, a name that already sounds rich and nutty. The handmade gnocchi is slightly crispy outside and chewy inside, with a soft, savory appeal.

The handmade gnocchi is browned golden and slightly crisp on the outside, yet chewy and soft inside, which I loved. The savory scallion cream sauce lifts the flavor of the gnocchi even more.

Sweet corn blends with the cream sauce for a nutty yet gently sweet taste, and thick chunks of bacon add a salty umami. The soft cream, the sweetness of the corn and the saltiness of the bacon work together so well that I kept reaching for more🤍 Soft, nutty, it has it all🤍

If you like gnocchi's signature chew and a rich cream sauce, you'll be happy with this one. If you're looking for a proper gnocchi restaurant, I'd recommend this dish!

What is Brivit's Hopping Bunny Pasta?

Brivit's Hopping Bunny Pasta (깡총깡총 토끼파스타) is a seafood tomato rigatoni topped with bunny-shaped mozzarella cheese. We ordered it as our second dish, and the bunny plating caught my eye the moment it arrived. It looks lovely in photos too, so it's a charming date-meal choice🤍

A cute bunny-shaped mozzarella sits on top, and shrimp and squid bring the flavor of the sea. The uniquely shaped rigatoni pairs with the tomato sauce and adds some fun to the chewing.

The tangy-sweet tomato sauce and the umami of the seafood balance each other, and the sauce clings well to the chewy pasta, so it was delicious. I liked it even more because it delivers on taste and texture, not just the cute look.

The cute plating is something kids would like, so families looking for a Hongdae restaurant to bring children should take note. And of course I'd recommend it to couples who like photogenic food.

Verdict: is Brivit Hongdae Yeonnam good for a date or a meal with kids?

Brivit Hongdae Yeonnam is close to Hongik Univ. Station, so it's easy to visit, and we enjoyed pasta and gnocchi in a stylish space. From the crispy-outside, tender-inside gnocchi and nutty scallion cream to the cute bunny tomato pasta, every dish had its own personality.

If you're after a Western restaurant in Yeonnam-dong or Hongdae, it fits, and it's great for planning a date there too. It looked handy for all kinds of get-togethers, from blind dates to friends' meetups and wedding invitation dinners. If you want to weigh taste, looks and access together when choosing a place to eat, have a great time at Brivit!