Cheonan garden café for a family dinner: Pino Cafe

Why did I come for a family dinner?

Pino Cafe (피노카페) in Pungse-myeon, Cheonan, is a place I happened upon and liked enough to keep returning to for about 10 years. While my children played with their father at the Taehaksan Natural Recreation Forest uphill, I sometimes spent time at the café. I also came here often for meals with friends.

Until now, I had mainly visited at lunchtime, and this was my first time coming for dinner. My younger child and husband finished their schedules early, so we decided to meet at the café and eat together.

What did we order for dinner?

There is a varied menu as well as set meals. Considering the portions and taste, I felt the prices were reasonable. I usually have a Pino platter with pasta or pizza, but that day we ordered aglio e olio pasta, charcoal-grilled whole pork belly steak, and beef bulgogi vegetable pilaf.

What are the garden and outdoor tables like?

After ordering, I went outside to look around the garden. Being able to spend time looking toward Taehaksan is one reason I keep returning. Having visited in all four seasons, I found that the atmosphere changed with each one, and the garden was well maintained.

On hot days, I like staying in the cool indoor space, and when there is a chill in the breeze, I like sitting at an outdoor table. There is also a swimming pool uphill in summer, and it was nice for a camp picnic. I was also glad to see the people-friendly cat that hangs around the café.

How were the pasta and pork belly steak?

The pasta and pilaf we ordered this time also suited my taste. I was pleased with the charcoal-grilled whole pork belly steak, which we chose for my meat-loving child. My husband had thought we might order another dish if the portions were not enough, but once we ate, the portions were generous and the three dishes left us full.

What did the aglio e olio taste like?

The aglio e olio had a subtle garlic aroma from the first bite. Its savory olive oil flavor was balanced by spice, so it did not feel heavy. The sauce had soaked into the noodles, giving each bite both garlic flavor and a spicy kick. It is a dish I order often.

What was the texture of the charcoal-grilled pork belly steak like?

The thick-cut whole pork belly had a subtle charcoal aroma. It was golden and chewy on the outside, while the inside was moist and tender rather than tough. The savory juices of the pork belly and smoky flavor made me keep reaching for it.

What did I eat when I visited with friends?

When I came with friends last week, we ordered a platter and pasta. It is a combination I often choose when visiting with friends. The platter was plentiful too, so we ate until we were full. It is a comfortable place for a meal, so I think of Pino Cafe when I want to eat with people I like.

Where is Pino Cafe and when is it open?

The address is 99-23 Hyuyangnim-gil, Pungse-myeon, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do. The hours listed in the original post are daily from 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and it is open year-round.