Cheap Eats - Monster Pizza

Monster Pizza located in Hongdae is probably the only spot in Seoul that serves their pizza by the slice. It may sound a little ridiculous, but this small shack resembles the quick stop pick up that New York is known for. It definitely reminds me of the dollar pizza that can be found in St Marks with seating for about 10. This quick pick up is the place to go for a quick bite that is satisfying for just $3.50 a slice.

This is not the place to go and sit around to chit chat. Monster Pizza has the atmosphere of stand up eating where you just grab your pizza, sprinkle on some pepper flakes and go, just the NY style. Opened late hours into the night, Monster Pizza also caters to the boozed and intoxicated locals and foriegners. There's been a few times that I've seen my friends go back for a second round through the night. The popular of course is the Spice Girls which is topped with pepperoni, olives, jalapeños, bacon, and ham, but they also offer the traditional pepperoni slice!

Directions to Monster Pizza: From Hongik University station on line two, take exit 9 and go straight until the light. Make a left and go straight for two blocks. You will be facing the university with gray buildings. Take a right at the light and go straight. Monster Pizza will be about two blocks down where Club NB, Harlem and Phantom is.

Restaurant Review - Pizzaria D’Buzza

Pizzaria D'Buzza is one of the most popular pizza restaurants in Seoul. Known for their wood oven that bakes up the pizza to perfection with a purposely burnt crust, many rave about the restaurant. It is popular among locals and foreigners who know a good pizza. Because it is such a legendary place for pizza, plan to always wait for seating in the restaurant. With a new smaller spot in the Galleria shopping complex of Apgujeong, getting a sample of this good eat is not as hard as it was before.

The must orders are the Margherita con Bufala, Diavola con Olive Nere, and even their calzones if your stomach can hold up to it. Using fresh ingredients, they satisfy the palates of many with a thin crust pizza. 

Address to the original Itaewon location:서울 용산구 한남동 743-33 1층 Seoul Yongsan-gu Hannam Dong 743-33 First floor Phone: 02-794-9474 
Address to the second Itaewon location: 서울 용산구 한남동 740-1 3층 Seoul Yongsan-gu Hannam Dong  740-1 Third floor Phone: 02-795-9474 
Address to the Apgujeong Galleria location:서울 강남구 압구정동 494 갤러리아 서관 지하 1층 Seoul Gangnam-gu Apgujeong-dong 494 Galleria First floor food court Phone: 02-6905-3905 

Hidden Treasures - Crow's Nest

Crow's Nest of Itaewon is the one pizza place that is a must visit for anyone in Korea. Note to anyone going to Crow's Nest, go as a group. Why? Because the must order at Crow's Nest is the 28 inch pizza, the biggest offered. A group is definitely needed to finish this huge pizza in size. There are three toppings that can be ordered with the special 28 inch pizza, but the other smaller options of a 20 and 16 inch is considered still too big for a small group as well. 

The hype behind Crow's Nest is definitely for the size of their pizzas. Although it is popular among many, the pizzas are actually just regular in taste. They average in price of $16 to $30, with the exception of the 28 inch which costs about $60. In addition to the pizzas that they offer, you can simply add your own toppings for an additional $3 per topping. With a handful of other delicious foods that include pastas, seafood, salads, and more, there is a lot to choose from in the menu that range from $10 to $20. One thing that is recommended from the appetizers section is their calamari. They do it up just like back at home with legs and rings battered and deep fried, served with a marina sauce that is thick to taste. Crow's Nest also offers a lunch special and takeout discounts for anyone who is looking for smaller portions and other goodies to enjoy. 

Photos really do no justice for how big the pizza is and it is definitely a surprise to the staff when guests order a 28 inch. Even with a group of five starving girls, we had to call for backup. This meant two extra guys to come and help! 

Pizzas and foods are cooked up rather quickly, unless it is a packed house of course. It is recommended to go to enjoy with a group of friends or if you are looking to satisfy a quick pizza craving. This is not a date setting because of the cuisine and atmosphere at Crow's Pizza. Nonetheless, there is a nice outdoor patio area for guests to utilize as well. 

Address: South Korea, Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Itaewon 1(il)-dong, 112-2

서울 용산구 이태원동 112-2
Phone: 02-749-7888
Directions: Take exit two of the Itaewon Station Exit and take the first left at the street. Make a right on the next street and Crow's Nest will be on your left on the second floor within 30 meters.