Gung-dong pasta spot, Daejeon: autumn meal with a friend at Ciment

With the weather suddenly turning chilly, I've been having days when I just want a tasty meal in a nice space. I had plans in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, and while I was wondering where to go, I finally made it to Ciment Chungnam National University Branch (씨멘트 충남대점), which people around me had been recommending like crazy.

I love Western food, so I went in with high hopes, and it was way more satisfying than I expected. I really wanted to introduce it to you all. If you've been looking for a no-fail date spot or a nice place to eat nearby, stay with me till the end.

What do Ciment Chungnam National University Branch's exterior and interior look like?

Ciment stands out at a glance even among the alleys of Gung-dong, Daejeon, with a unique exterior, so it was easy to find. As you'd expect from a place known as a Gung-dong pasta restaurant, it gives off a stylish feel from the outside.

The entrance is decorated so prettily, like a photo zone, that I can't even tell you how many photos I took before going in.

Inside, the interior was cozy yet hip. The tables are fairly spacious, and the well-lit atmosphere makes it a perfect space for a date with your partner. There are clever little props tucked into every corner, so just looking around was fun too.

I sat down, studied the menu carefully, and ordered the dishes I most wanted to try.

Even among Gung-dong Western restaurants, Ciment's menu is so well put together that I agonized for ages over what to pick. After ordering and waiting a little, crunchy pickles and jalapeños came out first.

Soon the main dishes were set out generously on the table, one after another. They looked so appetizing that I couldn't help exclaiming, and I almost hated to start eating.

How is Ciment's bacon cream cheese risotto?

The first dish I reached for was the bacon cream cheese risotto, with its charming mellow flavor.

The thick, rich cream sauce had soaked deep into every grain of rice, and nuttiness spread through my whole mouth. It paired fantastically with the salty bacon I bit into here and there. It was clean and savory without being heavy, so my spoon kept going back for more. It's a dish with real magic.

What does Ciment's salchi (chuck flap) garlic oil pasta taste like?

Next was the salchi garlic oil pasta (salchi is chuck flap beef), which stood out for its spicy yet fragrant aroma. The light, clean taste typical of oil pasta gets the added flavor of garlic, so it never gets tiresome and is a pleasure to eat. The chewy noodles, the kind that make you want to slurp them up, were perfect too, and I was impressed.

Half-and-half pizza: potato and American cheese

The biggest plus of the half-and-half pizza at Ciment is that you get two flavors in one pie. I couldn't give up pizza, so I ordered it, and it looked amazing too. I picked a combination of potato pizza and American cheese pizza, and it was an excellent choice.

The dough isn't too thick and is chewy, so I could happily eat right down to the last slice without feeling weighed down. The cheese is piled on generously, so the stretchiness and nuttiness were doubled. My friend and I had a great time sharing one slice of each flavor.

How long is the wait at Ciment, and any downsides?

If I had to pick a small downside, it's that the place is so popular there can be a bit of a wait at peak times. Still, tables turn over quickly and the place is well set up for it, so it wasn't a big inconvenience. If you're going, I'd gently recommend arriving a little before peak time.

On my way out after the meal, I took in the atmosphere inside once more. The staff were so kind that I had a pleasant meal the whole time. The portions are generous for the price and the taste is excellent, so I felt it nails both value for money and satisfaction.

Is Ciment a good Gung-dong spot for dates and meeting friends?

If you're looking for a tasty restaurant with a great atmosphere in Daejeon, I really hope you'll stop by Ciment. For meeting a friend or a date with someone special, I don't think you can do much better. It's at 131 Daehak-ro, 1st floor, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, so keep that in mind when you visit.