After four shockingly cold days in Friuli, I arrived back in Rome to a strange and frenzied snowfall. It wasn’t quite cold enough to stick when the huge flakes began falling at 1pm, but it was enough to disrupt public transport (for the next 3 days). Not interested in dealing with that mess on an empty stomach, I decided to try Gainn, a Korean restaurant just north of Termini.
I arrived a bit drenched but I was welcomed warmly and shown to a table situated between two groups of Asian nuns dining with a handful of priests. I eyed their tables, envying the group dining experience that would have allowed me to try more than one dish. I went for the comforting and bone-sticking bibimbap, which was joined by many small dishes of bright and fresh kimchi.
On a return trip last night, I was treated to the same kind service. The galbi was a bit gristly, but the flavors of the marinade were great and I enjoyed the kimchi chigae. My friend Nick thought it could have been more complex.
There is no shortage of Korean dining to be found in Rome; the Esquilino/Piazza Vittorio neighborhood south-east of Termini is particularly well-served. But I have found that, while I enjoy Bi Won, the ingredients aren’t every really ace. And the prices at Hana in Piazza Fanti are ridiculous–€32 for bulgogi, rice and a beer! While Gainn isn’t flawless, the quality of the ingredients is above that of many of its competitors, the prices are relatively moderate and the service is super nice. I think Gainn is better than the “good by Rome standards” label, though there is some room for improvement.
Via dei Mille, 18
00185 Rome
+39 0644360160
Closed Sundays
adrian reynolds
March 13th, 2012 at 11:13 pm
I’ve had good Korean in surprising places, like Athens. Btw, did you see the LA Weekly extravaganza on Korea Town eats?
In Rome, Duck Tongues and Chicken Feet
March 14th, 2012 at 2:23 am
[...] been on an international cuisine kick in Rome for the past two weeks. Between Korean food at Gainn, Mesob twice, and a visit to Sukothai in Monteverde you’d hardly guess I live in the city of [...]
Where (And Where Not) to Eat Ethnic Food in Rome
September 7th, 2012 at 5:52 pm
[...] and almost fainted when I got the check. It was a big beer, but still. Probably the best place is Gainn north of Termini. If you want to cook Korean at home, there is a well stocked Korean grocery store [...]
Rome’s International Cuisine
January 2nd, 2013 at 3:33 am
[...] Gainn: Better Korean food (especially the sliced pork, galbi, and bibimbap) north of Termini. Via dei Mille 18. [...]