On one of our recent Gwangju trip our Korean friend asked us whether we have tried Black’smith yet. I have to admit it never crossed my mind to try it. I find these chain restaurants to usually be a disappointment and overpriced in comparison to smaller locally-run “Western” restaurants. However I am always willing to try new things and whom better to do it with than Mr. M and the friend that planted this idea in my head.
We arrived around 11:30 for an early Saturday lunch in an empty restaurant. The interior has an open-kitchen with an industrial feel that looks a bit more mature and not as family-oriented than other chains. We looked at the menu and were disappointed. Our friend thought due to the advertisement that it was a steak restaurant, while I was disappointed with the lack of choices in lunch sets. I like sets since they are usually better in value and easier to choose from. They do have an extensive menu for alcoholic drinks, however.
This location only offered a two-person lunch set at 29,000 krw. It consists of an oriental chicken salad followed by two entrées of your choice and 2 coffee or bottomless soda. The entrées are limited to pizza, pasta or risotto and excluded some choices. We opted for one lunch set, as our choices of entrées were the same price as getting it in a set. We opted for a gorgonzola pizza and chicken steak risotto each priced around 15,000 krw a la carte. We also added an order of pork bacon steak that was priced at 16,900 krw.
After ordering, we were given a basket of complimentary bread with oil and vinegar. The cranberry rolls were soft and sweet. The weird colored purple/black bread was similar in taste and texture. Both were served warm. And of course, a meal wouldn’t be complete in Korea without complimentary pickles.
Then our appetizer oriental chicken salad arrived. The serving-size is perfect to share among friends. It’s well seasoned and definitely tasted “oriental.” The dressing was sweet, sour and salty. The chicken was moist, the greens were fresh and the dressing wasn’t overpowering.
The entrées didn’t come at the same time but it was okay since we were sharing it family-style. First came the grilled pork bacon steak and again the serving was big. There were plenty of thin strips of meat, salad and fried rice. The meat was smoky and tender. Both the texture and flavor tasted of reheated factory-made food. It was okay but not what I would expect from freshly grilled meat.
Next came the chicken steak risotto. I think they add the word ‘steak’ after everything to make it sound fancier than it really is. The risotto was good but is more fusion than authentic. The flavoring is similar to the oriental chicken salad albeit savorier and sans acidity. The texture was like porridge–overall not a bad dish.
Lastly came the gorgonzola pizza, which was served with a honey dip. They used a very light-tasting gorgonzola. The pizza was good on its own or with the addition of the honey. Again, it was okay and not the worst pizza I’ve ever had. The crust in Korean pizza is usually soggy, undercooked or dry. The Black’smith’s version wasn’t undercooked but I preferred it a bit crispier for a thin crust pizza. As we were leaving I was surprised to see a fancy pizza oven. Not sure if they used it for our order, but if they did then the oven wasn’t utilized correctly.
The food is okay as long as you don’t expect it to be true Western. The pricing of this place seemed a little cheaper than other chains. The service was good and the restaurant had a nice ambiance. I wouldn’t mind coming again but it wouldn’t be by choice.
I give this place 6 out of 10.We visited their seo-gu location in Gwangju on February 2014. Black’smith has locations all over Korea.