Italian summer seasonal dishes in Gwangju: Suwanjigu Form

Suwanjigu Form is a well-known Western restaurant and pasta spot, and it seems to be even hotter these days.

It is also a place that makes great use of the best ingredients for each season.

I think it is because it has consistently received Blue Ribbon and Red Ribbon recognition, and it has a nice atmosphere too. I brought my parents here for the summer seasonal menu.

What to know before visiting Suwanjigu Form

Hours are 12:00–22:00, with a break from 15:00–17:00 and last orders at 14:00 and 21:00. It is closed every Sunday and on the second and fourth Monday of each month. Reservations, birthday and anniversary benefits, wine pairing, and group visits are available, but pets are not allowed. Corkage is available for wine only.

Suwanjigu Form is a cozy Italian restaurant, and I noticed that plenty of regulars return here. I think that is because it presents seasonal dishes that change with the seasons, haha. Private hire is also available, so contact the restaurant for details.

There is space for 2–3 cars in front of and at the building, and you can also use a public parking lot within a two-minute walk. I found a spot nearby, parked, and went in~

The restaurant was cozy and comfortable. Even though I came right after opening, several people were already seated. It really is a popular Suwan District spot, as expected.

You can watch the cooking process in the open kitchen too. I visited with a reservation. Form is so popular that it may be difficult to dine without one, so I recommend booking ahead.

After confirming my reservation, a staff member showed us to our table, where the tableware had already been set.

There was such a lovely green view spread out in front of us~ It felt like looking at a painting.

Suwanjigu Form’s wine list is not just put together to fill out a list; the wines have been personally tasted and selected. They recommend a glass that naturally goes with the food, so it seems like a nice place to visit if you love wine 🍷

Summer seasonal menu and wine pairing

The menu on the table included salads, pasta, small dishes, and mains, and the descriptions made it easy to choose.

They say they visit the early-morning market every day and make their dishes with seasonal ingredients they have personally selected. Ingredients can sell out early, so some dishes may not be available to order—keep that in mind!

The card beside it showed the summer seasonal menu. At Form, where seasonal menus are the signature, how could we not try the summer menu?

• Korean beef tartare
• Cuttlefish dish
• Pork tenderloin dish

Suwanjigu Form’s dishes are said to be developed with alcoholic drinks in mind. If you ask for a wine recommendation, the staff will do their best to match the food to your tastes~~

They offer a drink or sourdough bread if you complete a survey and write a review.

The sweet-and-savory Korean beef tartare combination

The Korean beef tartare came with butternut squash purée, smoked cheese sauce, fig jam, and brioche.

As one of Form’s signature dishes, it was very good. It felt as though they had put a lot of care into every element, and the bread was crisp outside and soft inside, which I liked. You place the Korean beef tartare on the bread, and it was savory yet sweet, with great flavor too. It was a distinctive dish that let us enjoy several flavors at once.

Cuttlefish dish and young-radish pickle

The cuttlefish dish came with fresh tomato sauce, minari (water celery), and anchovy breadcrumbs. One thing I liked about Form was that they explained every dish in detail as it arrived. Hearing the explanation first helped me understand and enjoy the menu better.

The cuttlefish dish looked absolutely beautiful. The cuttlefish was plump, mild, and pleasantly chewy. Personally, I really loved the sauce: the oil’s richness and the tomato’s tang were wonderful. I wanted to eat pasta with this sauce.

The yeolmu pickle (young-radish pickle) served in between was delicious too. Even the pickle served alongside felt like a dish in itself. My parents said it was tasty as well; it was tender but refreshing, and great for resetting the palate between the other dishes.

Pork tenderloin and melon sorbet

The pork tenderloin dish came with spicy romesco sauce, pickled cucumber, and apple coulis. True to Suwanjigu Form’s artistic plating, the plate was pretty and fragrant herbs were styled with a lovely touch.

The tender pork had no unpleasant smell, and eating it with the sauce and apple coulis alongside made it harmonious and twice as delicious. Its exotic flavors made me feel as though I were dining in Europe, and the potato chips were crisp and tasty too.

They say the melon sorbet served at the end of the meal is made in-house 🍈 It was cool and sweet, perfect for finishing up.

I was able to enjoy high-quality cooking at Suwanjigu Form. The fresh seasonal ingredients made for excellent quality, and the restaurant had a calm, pleasant atmosphere. We really enjoyed the fresh-feeling summer seasonal menu too. Next time, I need to come back for pasta~ My parents were happy with it as well, so I recommend comfortable yet atmospheric Suwanjigu Form to anyone considering a Gwangju date spot, a family meal, or dinner in Suwan District :)