Boccalino: The Art of Elevating Italian Cuisine at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul: Luxury, Design, and Gastronomy

The Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is a true icon of luxury and sophistication, ideally located in the heart of the Gwanghwamun district, near iconic sites. This modern 29-story tower, combining glass and steel, draws inspiration from Korean royal palaces, translating their majesty into a contemporary aesthetic. The expansive windows on every floor offer exceptional views of historic and modern Seoul, from majestic temples to a futuristic skyline. The hotel houses a collection of contemporary art and Korean pottery, subtly integrated into public spaces and rooms, complemented by elegant textiles and impressive floral arrangements. Among its many restaurants, the renowned Boccalino is a must-visit Italian dining destination.

© Four Seasons Seoul

Italian Design Reimagined

Boccalino captures the essence of Italian design and hospitality in an elegant and bright setting. Redesigned by the New York-based studio AvroKo, its concept harmoniously blends influences from 19th-century Italian classicism with modern 1970s lines. The decor features black-and-white geometric patterned flooring, Italian marble and Venetian plaster walls, and refined metallic accents, creating an atmosphere that is both contemporary and timeless. A spectacular blown-glass chandelier illuminates the central table, which transitions from a morning buffet to a communal dining table in the evening.

© Four Seasons Seoul

© Four Seasons Seoul

The warm and sophisticated ambiance is enhanced by local touches, such as brass screens adorned with reinterpreted Korean patterns, and a soothing color palette of blue and walnut that adds depth and character. The more intimate bar stands out with mid-century modern-inspired furniture, adding an eclectic and refined touch.

© Four Seasons Seoul

On the culinary side, Boccalino offers a modern interpretation of classic southern Italian dishes. Prepared in an open kitchen equipped with an impressive copper pizza oven, the dishes highlight the freshness and quality of the ingredients. Finally, the experience is completed by warm and relaxed service, where the staff uniforms reflect informal elegance with modern shirts and aprons.

© Four Seasons Seoul

At Boccalino, Ivan Spadaro Elevates Italian Tradition

At the helm of Boccalino, Sicilian chef Ivan Spadaro embodies the passion and boldness of contemporary Italian cuisine. Inspired by his love of travel and authentic flavors, he draws from his rich culinary heritage to create unique dishes that marry tradition and modernity. After honing his craft in renowned establishments in Italy, he settled in Korea, where he incorporates local ingredients and subtle touches of Korean flavors into his dishes. In Boccalino's open kitchen, he carefully prepares recipes inspired by family traditions, such as the Polpo alla Luciana, a tribute to his grandmother, or signature dishes like pistachio pizza and spaghettoni vongole with sea urchin. Guided by a constant quest for innovation, Chef Spadaro transforms every plate into a memorable experience, staying true to his mantra: celebrating refined flavors and the cultural influences around him.

© Four Seasons Seoul

Our Dinner with the Chef's Tasting Menu

Thoughtfully crafted, the menu offers a compact selection with customizable options and an expanded array of à la carte dishes. Guests can also enjoy a wide range of drinks, including iconic Italian cocktails like the Aperol Spritz, Negroni Spagliato, and Martini Tricolore, which pair perfectly with a selection of over ten wines by the glass.

For an even more immersive experience, the Chef's Tasting Menu invites guests on a culinary journey through Boccalino's flavors. This menu evolves with the seasons, providing a continually renewed discovery of the chef's creativity and expertise. After exploring the menu, we were warmly welcomed with freshly made focaccia, still warm, served with carefully selected Italian charcuterie, ideal for awakening our taste buds and immersing us in the promised Italian experience.

Our meal began with Carpaccio di Manzo, a classic elevated by the impeccable quality of its ingredients. The finely sliced beef fillet literally melted in the mouth, while the fresh arugula added a slightly peppery note that perfectly balanced the richness of grated Parmesan and the aromatic intensity of black truffles. The elegant and light Cipriani sauce subtly tied the flavors together.

Next, we enjoyed a comforting Zuppa di Lenticchie, a lentil soup that was both rich and delicate. Sautéed onions added a gentle caramelization, while braised pork belly provided depth and a comforting texture, elevating this rustic dish with a touch of contemporary elegance.

The culinary journey continued with Spaghettoni all'Aragosta, a dish where the generosity of lobster met the tangy freshness of cherry tomatoes. For the main course, we savored Brasato di Manzo. The beef short ribs, slowly braised in red wine sauce, were remarkably tender, almost confit. Grilled broccolini brought a slight bitterness and crunchy texture, counterbalanced by the creamy sweetness of mashed potatoes. Herb croutons added a final crispy touch, highlighting the complexity of this generous dish.

To end on a high note, the tiramisu, an essential Italian dessert, concluded the dinner on a sweet and light note. Perfectly balanced between coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa flavors, it embodied the very essence of the elegant simplicity that characterizes Italian cuisine.

My Opinion

Nestled in one of Seoul's most prestigious hotels, Boccalino is a must-visit destination for Italian cuisine enthusiasts. My dinner was a remarkable experience, where elegance and creativity intertwined harmoniously. In a refined and beautiful setting, each dish revealed a perfect balance between Italian tradition and contemporary influences. The meticulous attention to flavors, textures, and presentation, combined with impeccable service, made this meal a sophisticated and delightful moment.

Practical Information

A big thank you to Boccalino for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain free in my comments in this article!