Banpo Restaurant IL FORNO: Best Italian Pizza & Pasta in Seoul

IL FORNO at Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam: Review

Discover Seoul’s must-try Italian dishes at The Kitchen Il Forno near Banpo Express Bus Terminal and Gangnam. From award-winning Rosa Pizza to creamy Carbonara and sizzling Neapolitan Cheese Meatballs, enjoy authentic flavors and exceptional service in a casual, welcoming setting. Perfect for dates, casual dining, or a Seoul food adventure.

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The Kitchen IL FORNO, Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam Branch: Restaurant Basic Information

Seoul Gangnam Italian Restaurant: Best Pizza & Pasta at Il Forno

Restaurant Name	The Kitchen IL FORNO, Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam Branch
Type of Cuisine	Italian
Restaurant Address	11th Floor, New Building, Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam, 176 Sinbanpo-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Restaurant Business Hours	Open Daily 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Parking	Parking Available  • Underground parking is available at Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam  • (Free parking: 1 hour for purchases over 50,000 KRW / 2 hours for over 100,000 KRW / 3 hours for over 150,000 KRW)
Seating Capacity	Hall Tables and Counter Seating for 72 Guests
Amenities	High chairs, kids’ tableware and cutlery are available, Free High-Speed 5G Wi-Fi, Clean Restrooms Separated by Gender, Suitable for Groups of 4 or More, Complimentary Fresh Filtered Water

The Kitchen Il Porno is an Italian restaurant brand operated by M’s Seed Co., a dining-focused subsidiary of Maeil Holdings, one of Korea’s top three dairy companies. M’s Seed currently runs all seven Kitchen Il Porno locations nationwide as directly managed stores. The company also operates the coffee brand Polbaset and the authentic Chinese restaurant Crystal Jade. 

The name “Il Porno” comes from the Italian Il Forno, where Il is the masculine singular definite article and Forno means “oven” or “brick oven.” The Kitchen Il Porno specializes in Southern Italian cuisine and operates an open kitchen. Guests can watch pizzas being baked in the flaming brick oven and observe the kitchen staff and floor team as they efficiently prepare and serve dishes. Signature menu items include wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and gnocchi. 

The Kitchen Il Porno at Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam is conveniently located on the 11th floor, connected to the S Garden and linked to the Express Bus Terminal Station (Subway Lines 3 and 7). The restaurant emphasizes fresh seafood, meats, and vegetables, offering dynamic grilled steaks, rich pastas, and freshly baked brick-oven pizzas. A curated selection of wines from Italy, France, and other regions worldwide is available to complement the meals for a refined dining experience.

The Kitchen IL FORNO, Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam Branch: Restaurant Menu and Prices 

Menu	Price (KRW)
Antipasto (Appetizer)	· Porcini Mushroom Soup (Neapolitan-style mushroom soup featuring the rich aroma of porcini mushrooms and the nutty flavor of butter, served with bread.) – ₩10,000 · Burrata Cheese & Tomato Caprese (A Caprese salad made with creamy burratina cheese imported from Campania and paired with sweet cherry tomatoes.) – ₩23,000 · Sangha Organic Egg Classic Caesar Salad (A refreshing Caesar salad made with Sangha Farm’s organic eggs, anchovy Caesar dressing, butter lettuce, and a touch of lemon zest.) – ₩21,000 · Artichoke & Arugula Gamberi Salad (A light salad featuring artichokes, arugula, and shrimp dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette.) – ₩25,000
Primo Piatto (Pasta, Risotto)	· Cannelloni Oven Pasta (Cannelloni baked in a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. – ₩27,000 · Tricolore Basil Paccheri (Paccheri pasta tossed with smooth ricotta, basil pesto, and semi-dried tomato pesto. – ₩28,000 · Buffala & Porcini Cream Gnocchi — Gnocchi in a rich porcini and button mushroom cream sauce, finished with generous Buffalo mozzarella.) – ₩27,000 · Mozzarella Cream & Meatball Pasta (Juicy meatballs topped with flowing melted cheese in a savory tomato pasta.) – ₩27,000 · Limone Polpo Aglio e Olio (Pasta with plenty of octopus and shrimp, brightened with a fresh lemon finish.) – ₩29,000 · Burrata Cheese Pomodoro (Pasta in a 100% Italian tomato sauce, topped with fresh burrata and finished with basil.) – ₩22,000 · Carbonara (Authentic Italian carbonara with thick-cut bacon, egg, and cheese for a rich, savory flavor.) – ₩24,000 · Pescatore (Neapolitan-style seafood pasta capturing the freshness of the sea, true to its name, “fisherman’s pasta.”) – ₩34,000 · Black Truffle Cream Risotto (Creamy risotto infused with black truffle purée and Italian truffle oil for a deep, luxurious flavor.) – ₩27,000
Secondo Piatto (Main Dish)	• Grilled Chicken Cacciatore (Chicken served with a classic Italian cacciatore sauce made from tomatoes, olives, and herbs.) – ₩38,000 • Sirloin Steak (Grilled to perfection to preserve its natural flavor, served with seasonal grilled vegetables.) – ₩59,000
Contorno (Side Dishes)	• Neapolitan Cheese Meatballs (3 pieces of moist, flavorful meatballs in rich tomato sauce with melted cheese, served with crispy potatoes) – ₩19,000 • Corn Chicken Breast & French Fries (Crispy fried chicken breast with corn, served with golden, savory French fries) – ₩14,000
Wood-Fired Pizza	• Margherita Pizza (Awarded 2nd place in the 2024 APN World Pizza Championship STG – Specialità Tradizionale Garantita category) – ₩21,000 • D.O.C Pizza (Signature pizza with cherry tomatoes, basil, and buffalo mozzarella) – ₩25,000 • Giovanni Pizza (Features pistachios and rich cheese, created by a 2024 Napoli Pizza World Championship winner) – ₩28,000 • Rosa Pizza (Combines pancetta and baby potatoes, crafted by the 2025 Napoli Pizza Korea Championship winner) – ₩28,000 • Gorgonzola Formaggi Pizza (Wood-fired crust with rich gorgonzola cheese and a drizzle of sweet honey) – ₩23,000 • Fresco Classica Pizza (Topped with fresh arugula, olives, mushrooms, and extra virgin olive oil) – ₩27,000 • Prosciutto Rucola Pizza (With prosciutto, arugula, provolone, ricotta, and buffalo mozzarella) – ₩28,000
Dolce (Desserts)	· Il Porno Tiramisu (Authentic Italian dessert made with rich Polbaset espresso and smooth mascarpone cheese) – ₩7,000

The menu at The Kitchen Il Porno is designed so guests can freely choose individual dishes from each course. In Italian, Antipasto refers to appetizers, literally meaning “before the pasta,” and is served before the main meal. Primo Piatto, or “first course,” typically includes pasta or risotto served prior to the main dish. Secondo Piatto represents the main course, while Contorno refers to side dishes—light additions like French fries, served either alongside the main dish or if you want a bit more. Finally, Dolce means dessert.

As will be emphasized below, a visit to The Kitchen Il Porno wouldn’t be complete without ordering one of their signature wood-fired pizzas. Also, note that the “Cannelloni Oven Pasta” and “Tricolore Basil Paccheri” are exclusive dishes only available at The Kitchen Il Porno in Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam.

The Kitchen IL FORNO, Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam Branch: Restaurant Real Customer Reviews

Photo of the first-served sangria and draft beer

This review is from my visit last August, in the middle of summer. I dressed casually—there’s no strict dress code here, so you can feel free to visit comfortably. In fact, most guests were wearing shorts and flip-flops, probably because of the hot weather.

When I arrived, it was after lunch rush, so there were plenty of empty seats. We were immediately seated at a table without waiting. Il Forno doesn’t have a break time, so you can dine anytime during business hours, which is really convenient.

Each table is equipped with a mini tablet-style kiosk for ordering. You can view images and descriptions of each menu item, and use the kiosk to place your order or call a staff member. Payment and parking registration are handled at the POS near the entrance.

For our meal, we ordered the Rosa Pizza, Neapolitan Cheese Meatballs, Carbonara, a glass of Sangria, and a Sapporo draft beer. Since it was hot, we cooled off with the chilled beer and Sangria. While we chatted for a bit, our dishes started arriving at the table.

Photo of Il Forno’s carbonara

Photo of Il Forno’s carbonara

The first dish to be served was the Carbonara. Its creaminess struck the perfect balance—not too heavy, not too light—truly the textbook example of how Carbonara should be. On the first twirl of pasta into your mouth, the rich, velvety cream flavor unfolds, mingling beautifully with the savory, slightly salty aroma of bacon before gently fading away. The pasta itself was cooked al dente, giving just the right bite and texture. You could really tell that this restaurant specializes in Southern Italian cuisine—the execution of the Carbonara was exceptionally precise and satisfying.

Photo of Il Forno’s Rosa Pizza

Photo of Il Forno’s Rosa Pizza

Photo of Il Forno’s Rosa Pizza

The second dish to arrive was the Rosa Pizza. Honestly, we really wanted to try a wood-fired pizza, and there was some debate among us about which one to choose. We finally went with the Rosa Pizza because it’s crafted by the 2025 Korean Naples Pizza Championship winner. Just seeing the pizza come straight from the oven made our mouths water. The moment I lifted the first slice, the tangy aroma of fresh tomatoes blended perfectly with the rich scent of melted cheese, teasing the senses.

Taking a bite, the crispy, wood-fired crust held up beautifully under the savory pancetta and tender baby potatoes, creating a full, flavorful experience. The dough was impressively soft and chewy, striking the perfect balance. It felt like a pizza that stays true to traditional Neapolitan techniques while subtly tailored to suit the Korean palate—both precise and approachable in flavor.

Photo of Il Forno’s Neapolitan Cheese Meatballs

Photo of Il Forno’s Neapolitan Cheese Meatballs

 

The last dish to arrive was the Neapolitan Cheese Meatballs. They came sizzling in a hot pan with three meatballs nestled inside. The first thing that hit me was the rich, savory aroma of melted cheese—it immediately teased the senses. I transferred one meatball to my plate and sliced it in half, and the doneness was perfect.

Lifting a half with my fork and taking a bite, the outside was slightly crisp while the inside remained juicy and tender. The rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and crispy potato chips on top all came together perfectly, creating an incredibly balanced flavor experience. It’s one of those dishes that’s simply irresistible. If you visit for dinner and pair it with wine, it makes for an exceptional appetizer or bar snack.

Photo of Il Forno’s Coke

 

The most impressive touch was when I ordered a Coke—they served it in a glass filled with ice and even added a slice of lemon. It elevated the refreshment to a whole new level, making it crisp, bright, and perfectly refreshing. You rarely see this level of thoughtful service in most public restaurants.

Photo of Il Forno’s to-go shopping bag

Since we had leftover pizza, we asked for it to-go, and they neatly packed it in a container inside a shopping bag. It made carrying it home really convenient.

Photo of Il Forno’s to-go wood-fired pizza

I took the container home and microwaved the pizza for about a minute. The wood-fired aroma and the crispiness of the crust were perfectly preserved, making it just as delicious as when it was fresh.

This is 100% a genuine, personally paid review with receipt proof. If you’re on a date near Banpo Express Bus Terminal or Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam, you can enjoy great-value Italian live-cooking dishes at The Kitchen Il Forno and make wonderful memories. Definitely worth a visit! 🫶

Recommended Menu Picks

For first-time visitors, these menu items are highly recommended: 

1. Rosa Pizza – A must-try wood-fired pizza crafted by the 2025 Korean Naples Pizza Champion. The crispy yet chewy crust, tender baby potatoes, and savory pancetta create a perfect harmony of flavors. Ideal for sharing or taking Instagram-worthy photos. 

2. Carbonara – A textbook example of creamy, velvety Carbonara. The sauce strikes the perfect balance—rich but not heavy—paired with al dente pasta and savory bacon. A comforting yet elevated choice for pasta lovers. 

3. Neapolitan Cheese Meatballs – Juicy, perfectly cooked meatballs topped with melted cheese, rich tomato sauce, and crispy potato chips. Served sizzling in a hot pan, they make a fantastic appetizer or bar snack, especially when paired with wine or beer. 

Final Verdict

If you’ve read this far, you already know why The Kitchen Il Forno in Seoul is a must-visit for Italian cuisine lovers. Located conveniently near Banpo Express Bus Terminal and Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam, this Seoul Italian restaurant offers freshly made dishes that are both authentic and perfectly suited for Korean tastes. From creamy Carbonara to award-winning Rosa Pizza and irresistible Neapolitan Cheese Meatballs, each dish showcases the chef’s attention to detail and dedication to quality. Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, a cozy date, or a Seoul food tour, Il Forno is a spot that belongs on every Gangnam restaurant list. Don’t miss the chance to savor these Italian delights in the heart of Seoul!

💡 Pro Tip:

• Timing Matters: Visit after the lunch rush (around 2–3 PM) to enjoy a quieter dining experience and immediate seating.

• Ordering Hack: Make the most of the mini tablet kiosks—browse images, read descriptions, and call staff directly if you need assistance.

• Takeaway Tip: If you have leftovers, ask for a to-go container—they pack it neatly, and reheating at home preserves the wood-fired aroma and crispiness perfectly.

• Beverage Tip: Don’t overlook the drinks—ordering a Coke or other soft drink with ice and lemon adds an unexpectedly refreshing touch to your meal.

Suggested Reading

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