Sejong shabu-shabu restaurant with cheese risotto finish: Italy Shabu

(Interior photos) Do you like Korean shabu-shabu? It's my absolute favorite food^^ So, ta-da! This is a place I've registered as one of my go-to restaurants! I'm a bit of a foodie, haha 🤣 Today I'm introducing a Korean restaurant in Eojin-dong, Sejong: Italy Shabu Kalguksu Sejong Eojin Branch (이태리샤브칼국수 세종어진점)^^

Looking for a special place to eat out in Sejong? Italy Shabu Kalguksu goes beyond familiar shabu-shabu by adding Italian flavors for a real foodie treat. Shabu-shabu meeting Italian cooking may sound unfamiliar at first, but once you taste it, it's hard to get over its charm. I'll dig into everything that suits Sejong's stylish vibe. I'm writing this review and already drooling to eat it again^^ gulp

What's the atmosphere like at Italy Shabu Kalguksu Sejong Eojin Branch?

The restaurant has a clean, modern interior and feels like a dining bar where you can eat while talking quietly. The moment you walk in, the interior catches your eye. It was different from the bustling feel of a typical shabu-shabu restaurant.

Perhaps because even the lighting is carefully chosen, I thought it would be great for a date or a family gathering. Also, the soy sauce is really good and the water is good too^^ Just boil everything vigorously until the hourglass runs out 🩵

Which shabu-shabu broths and menu items are there?

The writer says the biggest feature of Italy Shabu Kalguksu is the variety of broths to choose from. Instead of the usual anchovy or katsuobushi (bonito) broth, you can pick a tomato-based "pomodoro broth" or a "basil broth" with a subtle basil aroma.

The main set arrives neatly arranged with beef and fresh vegetables. The signature broth gets a deeper savory flavor the longer it boils, bringing out the taste of the meat. Even though it's a deep broth, the base stays clean, which was really appealing. You can feel the skill in the broth, so I was even more satisfied.

Crispy pajeon packed with shrimp

The pajeon (scallion pancake) was wow, really crispy and loaded with shrimp topping, so it looks generous and feels generous in your mouth with every bite^^

Finishing the shabu-shabu with cheese risotto

At Italy Shabu Kalguksu Sejong Eojin Branch, I finished with a risotto made by adding cheese and rice to the leftover broth. Shabu-shabu used to always end with kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) or porridge for me, but this place was different. When we were nearly done, a staff member added cheese and rice to the remaining broth and made an instant risotto.

The risotto, combining the deep broth with savory cheese, was a great dish all by itself. It had a addictive taste that made me scrape up every last spoonful. And the ice cream is a bonus^^

Verdict and tips for visiting Italy Shabu Kalguksu in Sejong

• Taste ★★★★★ – Unusual yet foolproof
• Atmosphere ★★★★★ – Ideal for dates and gatherings
• Value for money ★★★★☆ – Reasonable given the quality of the ingredients

If you're tired of eating the same menu every time in Sejong, why not spend a different kind of foodie time at Italy Shabu Kalguksu Sejong Eojin Branch? I especially recommend trying the tomato-based broth!

• Location: 172 Jeoljae-ro, Sejong, South Korea (Taehan Press Center, 3rd floor, Unit 302)
• Hours: Daily 11:30–21:00 (check for break time)
• Parking: The building's underground parking lot is available

⭐ The original writer states this is an honest review written after paying for the meal themselves.