Itaewon Hot Spot, Upper East, Arugula Pizza and Perfect Highballs
If you’re looking for a trendy pizza spot with a cool vibe, where you can enjoy delicious arugula pizza and perfectly made highballs, Upper East in Itaewon is the place to be. Whether you’re craving a laid-back pizza date or searching for the perfect spot for a PizzaAndBeer outing, Upper East has you covered. From the moment you step in, you’ll feel the hip, vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a fun and relaxing meal.
Looking for a place to unwind with a delicious pizza date in the heart of the city? Or maybe you’re searching for the perfect spot for a PizzaAndBeer date? If so, look no further than Upper East, a pizza hot spot in Itaewon!
As soon as we arrived, I couldn’t help but think, “Wow, this place is so trendy!” I knew it was going to be a great time. And it was—my mom loved the pizza so much that while I was savoring a slice, she polished off the rest. It turned out to be a fun weekend date with my mom, and I was impressed by the stylish exterior as well.
Overview, Itaewon Hot Spot, Upper East
Upper East is located between Itaewon and Gyeongridan-gil, making it the perfect stop for those planning a date in this vibrant neighborhood. It’s a great place to grab pizza and beer before heading to enjoy the view of Seoul’s cityscape for round two. You can walk from Noksapyeong Station, taking in all the sights along the way.
However, one thing to note is that they had issues with their valet service when we visited, so I recommend avoiding driving or checking with the restaurant beforehand if you’re planning to park at the nearby Dongho parking lot.
Upper East Itaewon Opening Hours
- Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Closed on Mondays
More info: Official Instagram
Interior of Itaewon Hot Spot, Upper East
There’s even a spacious terrace, but we decided to sit inside.
The interior is an elegant mix of wood, concrete, and metal that embraces the natural beauty of the building’s structure. The design keeps things raw yet stylish, which adds to the trendy and spacious feel of the place. When I first heard the name “Upper East,” I thought of New York’s Upper East Side, but once inside, I realized it had more of a Brooklyn or West Village vibe.
It’s got a cool, youthful, and trendy atmosphere that I loved.
They also seem to do a lot of delivery and takeout, as evidenced by the casually stacked boxes in one corner.
The seating arrangements range from two-tops to six-person tables, making it a great spot for casual meals, whether you’re flying solo, on a date, or dining with a group of friends.
The open kitchen is filled with an extensive collection of alcohol—clearly, the pizza is casual, but the drinks are taken seriously.
Given Itaewon’s location, a lot of international guests visit, which might explain the focus on offering a wide variety of drinks. While snapping photos of the display bottles near the window, I spotted a spirit called “Seonbi,” which I had never seen before. Curious, I asked about it and was told that it’s a new gin from the makers of the famous Rabbit Soju, created specifically for foreign guests. I’ll have to return to try a gin and tonic or “gin pizza” pairing soon!
My mom and I visited on a sunny Sunday morning, and she was thrilled to snag the sunniest spot in the house, commenting that it reminded her of our brunch dates when I lived in New York.
The space feels much larger than it is, thanks to the mirrors on the ceiling. It creates an illusion of expanded space, and I can only imagine how the atmosphere transforms at night when the lights come on. I’m already planning my next visit!
Menu
Even the menu is sleek and easy to read, with a layout that I loved.
Being a pizza hot spot in Itaewon, the menu is dedicated to pizza. Their signature “Upper East” pizza takes center stage, along with a well-rounded selection including arugula pizza, classic pepperoni, meat sauce, chicken, Hawaiian, and gorgonzola options. Each comes in two sizes. They also offer garlic and honey garlic dipping sauces, sold separately.
There are plenty of other delicious dishes, like penne, lasagna, fries, and salads, which are perfect for pairing with beer or other drinks. So even if you’re too full for pizza, you can still come for a drink and a snack.
The drinks menu includes a wide range of highballs, cocktails, beers, and wines. The best part? You can choose your preferred alcohol base for the highballs, with options to enjoy them either neat or as a highball—perfect for tailoring the drink to your taste!
If you’re not in the mood for alcohol, there are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and coffee options too.
Here’s what we ordered for our brunch:
- Half-and-half regular pizza (Upper East / Arugula) 20,000 KRW
- Low-sodium mentaiko garlic penne 18,000 KRW
- Bombay Sapphire highball 8,000 KRW
- Coca-Cola 3,000 KRW
- Hot Americano 4,000 KRW
Itaewon Hot Spot, Upper East, Food Review
Our drinks arrived first, and I immediately fell in love with the presentation of the highball. It was served in a Bombay Sapphire glass (matching the base alcohol), complete with cinnamon, rosemary, and a dried orange slice. It was a proper highball, done right, and the presentation alone had me swooning.
I couldn’t resist taking a sip before my mom, and wow—it packed a punch! This wasn’t your average weak, soda-like highball you get at many restaurants these days. It was bold and flavorful, just as a classic highball should be.
Next came our food, starting with the warm, aromatic low-sodium mentaiko garlic penne. This was my first time trying it, and I was blown away. It wasn’t overly salty, and the flavors were perfectly balanced. The penne was cooked to perfection, and the mentaiko was delicate but flavorful. It was one of those dishes that makes you want to learn how to cook it at home. It’s an absolute must-try!
Then came the star of the show: the Upper East pizza. The half-and-half recommendation turned out to be perfect, allowing us to try two different flavors.
First, we dug into the signature Upper East pizza, which was topped generously with various ingredients. The crispy breadcrumbs on the edges added a nice crunch, and the balance of flavors made it an enjoyable slice.
But my favorite had to be the arugula pizza. I had seen photos online beforehand and was impressed by how much fresh, vibrant arugula was piled on top. It was the most generous serving of arugula I’ve ever seen on a pizza! As a huge fan of arugula, I was in heaven. I asked the staff, and they explained that the arugula grows larger in winter, which is why they can pile it on. But from what I’ve seen, the arugula here is always larger than anywhere else. If you love arugula pizza, Upper East is the place to go!
My mom found the highball a bit strong, so we ordered a hot Americano to balance things out. The Americano was rich and satisfying, served in a large cup that we shared.
Overall, this brunch date with my mom was a huge success, and I’m already planning my next visit.
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Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a weekend or holiday date around Gyeongridan-gil:
- If you want to enjoy pizza and beer while feeling like you’ve escaped the city within the city,
- If you’re craving a classic highball alongside pizza at a reasonable price,
- If you’re looking to try an unforgettable arugula pizza,
- Or if you’re curious about a new take on mentaiko pasta,
Upper East in Itaewon is a must-visit. The owner was incredibly friendly and the service was impeccable from start to finish. Highly recommended!
related post you might enjoy: Exploring the Trendy Itaewon Pizza Spot: New Order Club Hannam