Published:
Black Bear: an Italian restaurant in Changdong, Seoul (honest review)
Black Bear (블랙베어) is a cozy, spacious Italian restaurant in Changdong, Dobong-gu, with a standout seafood stew and tender steaks at very fair prices. It is an easy recommendation for a family meal or a rainy-day date by the window.
Where it is
Black Bear sits in the Changdong area at 31-11, Nohae-ro 63ga-gil, 1st floor, Dobong-gu, Seoul. There is a dedicated parking lot right next to the restaurant, so driving over is easy. Inside it is wide and bright, and thoughtful touches like a proper coat rack show the owner’s care. On a rainy day, watching the rain through the big windows made the whole meal feel that much more romantic.
Opening hours
Open daily 10:00 to 21:00, with a break time from 15:00 to 17:00 and last order at 20:30. You order from a kiosk at the table.
What to order
We tried a generous spread: the ricotta cheese salad, the signature seafood stew, the basil cream steak, the sirloin steak, and the shrimp pizza.
- Ricotta cheese salad — a perfect appetizer, piled with so much ricotta it stays rich and nutty to the last bite. The orange and grapefruit ades alongside taste of real fruit, not artificial sweetness, and cut through the richness nicely.
- Signature seafood stew (생활의 달인 스튜) — the clear winner at our table. Loaded with squid, clams, shrimp, and blue crab, the broth is clean and pleasantly spicy. Underneath there is not only pasta but also crispy rice (nurungji), giving it both heartiness and varied texture.
- Basil cream steak — stunning on the plate and just as good to eat. We asked for well done and the meat was still tender, not tough at all. The smooth basil cream brings a fresh twist.
- Sirloin steak — classic and excellent, served simply with grilled vegetables and whole-grain mustard so the beef’s own flavor shines. A good pick for purists.
- Shrimp pizza — topped with plump, meaty shrimp; familiar and easy to like.
Diners at the next table also raved about the myeongnan (pollock roe) cream pasta, scraping the plate clean — one for cream-and-roe lovers.
The vibe
Wide, clean, and comfortable, with big windows that make it especially atmospheric in the rain. About half the room felt like couples, so it works well as a date course as well as for family dining.
Verdict
Great value and great atmosphere. You can enjoy steak in the 40,000-won range with a wide, reasonably priced pasta menu — hard to match in Changdong. If you are looking for a tasty, good-looking restaurant in the area, Black Bear is a solid choice.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Black Bear?
Black Bear is at 31-11, Nohae-ro 63ga-gil, 1st floor, Dobong-gu, Seoul, in the Changdong area. There is a dedicated parking lot right next to the restaurant.
What are Black Bear's opening hours?
Open daily 10:00 to 21:00, with a break time from 15:00 to 17:00 and last order at 20:30.
What should I order at Black Bear?
The signature seafood stew (생활의 달인 스튜), the basil cream steak, the classic sirloin steak, the ricotta cheese salad, and the shrimp pizza.
Is Black Bear good value?
Yes. Steaks run in the 40,000-won range and there is a wide variety of reasonably priced pasta, which is hard to beat for the Changdong area.