Hongdae restaurant for basil pesto pizza and lasagna: Classicdang

What kind of restaurant is Classicdang?

Classicdang is a wood-fired pizza restaurant on the 1st floor of 63 Yeonhui-ro 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul. I had errands in Seogyo-dong this weekend, so I decided to grab lunch in Hongdae.

I went back and forth on the menu for a while and eventually settled on wood-fired pizza this time. Before heading to Classicdang I couldn't decide between pasta or pizza, but that day a hot, fresh-from-the-oven pizza was calling my name!

Also, I've been completely obsessed with outdoor-seating restaurants lately, so I naturally find myself hunting for places with outdoor tables or a nice outdoor vibe. Classicdang turned out to be exactly the kind of atmosphere I love!

The weather was breezy and perfect for eating outside, and it honestly put me in a travel mood. (Even though I didn't end up sitting outdoors.) The surrounding scenery blending with the outdoor tables really captured that laid-back, easygoing feel that's so distinctly Yeonnam-dong.

On days like this with such nice weather, eating something delicious in the open air just feels better than sitting indoors, haha. So on this visit, it wasn't just the menu — the atmosphere at Classicdang won me over too.

Classicdang location and opening hours

Classicdang's address is 63 Yeonhui-ro 1-gil, 1st floor, Mapo-gu, Seoul, and it's open 12:00 - 22:00. It's a bit of a walk from Hongik University Station, and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line exit is closer.

• Address: 63 Yeonhui-ro 1-gil, 1st floor, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Classicdang)
• Hours: 12:00 - 22:00

If you keep walking, the restaurant comes into view. I walked all the way from Seogyo-dong, but with the weather turning cooler, it made for a pleasant walk.

What we ordered at Classicdang and what it cost

At Classicdang I ordered basil pesto tomato pizza for ₩24,000, classic lasagna for ₩18,000, and a coke for ₩2,500 — two dishes plus a drink. As soon as we walked in, we were shown to a table and checked out the menu. It was a weekend, so the place was packed.

• Basil pesto tomato pizza 🍕 ₩24,000
• Classic lasagna 🥧 ₩18,000
• Coke 🥤 ₩2,500

After we ordered, they set out the cutlery right away. (The floor staff were super friendly~,~)

Having walked all the way from Seogyo-dong, I was a bit warm, so the coke really hit the spot ^_^

With the place so busy I expected a wait, but the food came out fast! My second lasagna in life... I had some expectations. Basil pesto is also one of my favorite ingredients, so I was really looking forward to it!

Classic lasagna, 18,000 won

Classicdang's classic lasagna came out with a warning that the plate was very hot. I cut into it and it was so soft and delicious. The sauce wasn't too rich, which was just right — if tomato sauce is too heavy, I get sick of it fast.

Basil pesto tomato pizza, 24,000 won

Next up, the basil pesto tomato pizza!! The dough was neither too thin nor too thick, just right..!! The basil aroma was subtle and lovely! The menu also mentioned nuts, and I could indeed pick up a faint, nutty warmth!

The side of pickled radish (mu-pickle)

The radish pickles served as a side had a surprising hint of cinnamon, which I loved — I'm a huge fan of cinnamon flavor.

What to try next time at Classicdang

Honestly, I was curious about the quattro formaggi pizza. But my companion doesn't like mushrooms, so it'll have to wait for next time. It's supposedly a best-menu item, so give it a try!

And this little guy here completely won me over... you have to try it too.

There were foreign staff and foreign customers around, and it gave off a vibe I haven't felt in a while... I liked it a lot. I'll be back.