Chef Ji-Young Park, known as ‘Kitchen Gangster,’ was featured in Netflix’s Black and White Chef, making it to the top 20 and proving her impressive talent.
Chef Park honed her skills at the Michelin 2-star restaurant Marea in New York and gained additional experience in Spain before eventually opening her restaurant, Nau Namyoung, in Seoul. As a result, her appearance on Black and White Chef brought significant attention to Nau Namyoung, leading to a surge of reservations.
Nau Namyoung is a cozy bistro and wine bar where you can enjoy dishes, wine, bread, and desserts all in one place. If you’re seeking Chef Park’s unique and creative dishes that food lovers rave about, then this spot is a must-visit.
📍 Nau Namyoung
✔️ Address: 2nd floor, 23 Wonhyo-ro 89-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
✔️ Hours:
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm (Break time: 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm)
- Fri: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Sat: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
- Closed on Thursdays
✔️ Instagram: @nawoo_more.better
The restaurant is an 8-minute walk from Namyeong Station (Line 1) and about an 11-minute walk from Sookmyung Women’s University Station (Line 4). If you’re driving, park at the Cheongpa 1 Village Community Park parking lot or the Yongsan Wonhyo Lumi Park lot. However, keep in mind that parking is paid.
🍽️ Top Picks
🍋 Lemon Pasta
The Lemon Cheese Pasta is a signature dish at Nau Namyoung. Imagine this: linguine tossed with fresh lemon juice, Isigny fermented butter, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Pecorino cheese. It’s refreshing yet rich. What’s more, the chef squeezes lemon at your table, mixing it with cheese and sauce for a perfect blend of tanginess and savory notes. Even if lemon and pasta sound like an unusual combo, it’s a must-try!
🥔 Truffle Gnocchi
Another standout dish is Truffle Gnocchi. It’s made with soft potato gnocchi, mushrooms, truffle, crispy potato chips, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Pecorino cheese. The result? The rich truffle aroma pairs beautifully with the tender gnocchi and crispy potato chips, adding texture and depth. In addition, this dish pairs well with risotto. However, if you prefer less seasoned dishes, keep in mind it might taste slightly salty, but overall, it’s highly satisfying.
🍗 Lemon Butter Half Chicken
For chicken lovers, the Lemon Butter Half Chicken is a must-try. This dish features half a roasted chicken cooked with lemon and butter, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish. The crispy skin has a hint of lemon that brightens the buttery richness. Plus, this dish pairs exceptionally well with wines like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or a crisp Rosé.
🥩 Steak
Flank Steak isn’t on the regular menu; instead, it’s often featured as a “Today’s Special,” depending on ingredient availability. If you’re interested, it’s best to call ahead or check during your reservation. With its tender texture and juicy flavor, this steak is worth trying if you get the chance.
🐙 Braised Octopus
Braised Octopus is another signature dish at Nau Namyoung! The dish features fresh octopus that is slow-cooked for a tender texture and served with a hint of tanginess. To enhance the flavor, add a squeeze of lemon. It’s also served with sides like baby potatoes, cucumbers, and hazelnuts, adding variety to each bite. If you’re a fan of Spanish-style pulpo, you’ll really enjoy this dish.
So, which dish are you most excited to try at Nau Namyoung? For me, the Braised Octopus brings back memories of pulpo I had in Spain, so I’m especially eager to taste it. Overall, I highly recommend visiting Nau Namyoung to explore its unique and expertly crafted dishes. And don’t forget to stay tuned for more recommendations on restaurants where you can enjoy special dishes and perfect wine pairings! 😀
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