Black Smith, a semi-upscale Italian restaurant with locations throughout Korea has rearrived in Jeju with a restructured menu and a bold new concept: farm-to-table dining using locally sourced organic ingredients in cooperation with local farmers. Focusing mostly on Italian and Western fare like pasta, pizza, and burgers, Jeju’s flagship restaurant is aiming to highlight Jeju’s natural resources: jeonbok (abalone), hanwoo (Korean beef), and heuk dweji (black pig).
With full disclosure, my girlfriend and I were invited to Black Smith’s media day held last Thursday to try out many of their new dishes served at the Jeju branch only. We visited one more time to try out some of their other “highly” recommended dishes as well. I will be up front with you, the place is a work in progress. Although I am a huge proponent of the farm-to-table movement and couldn’t have been more ecstatic to hear that a concept would be carried out to its fullest here in Jeju, the food itself needs to be totally revamped. In our two visits alone, five out of the six dishes we tried had serious issues in cooking technique, plating, and ingredient selection. Throw in the high prices, and I just can’t imagine this place staying open for very long. As much as I want this place to succeed, if you can’t make decent food at reasonable and justifiable prices, it’s a no-brainer of an outcome regardless of concept.
I will add that the head chef and manager (brought over from the Cheongdam branch) were both very friendly and receptive to feedback and suggestions. As part of their recent opening, they will offer local Jeju residents a promotional special that will be officially announced tomorrow. I recommend you check it out during this promotional event.
Food: ★★★ out of 5 stars
Service: ★★★½ out of 5 stars
Ambiance: ★★★★½ out of 5 stars
Value: ★★★ out of 5 stars
Black Smith (Jeju Branch)
711-3 Nohyeong-dong, Jeju City 3rd Floor (above Woori Bank)
Hours of Operation: Open every day from 11am ~ 10pm
Official Website (Korean only): http://www.blacksmith.co.kr/main.php
Directions to Black Smith: http://me2.do/xSuZGSTm
If you’re looking for another farm-to-table restaurant specializing in organic, locally sourced ingredients, I highly recommend Jeju Slobbie (pronounced “Slow-bee”). My last visit was early this year, but from what I remember, they were clicking on all cylinders (food, service, decor, vibe).
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jejuslobbie
Official Website (Korean only): http://blog.naver.com/jejuslobbie
Directions to Jeju Slobbie: http://me2.do/FjLfdCPg








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