Gaya
In Buenos Aires area there is a Korean restaurant that many consider the best in Milan. Opened in 2000 and managed by Mr. Lee Taeik (originally from Seoul) together with his young son, Gaya is a reference destination for all fans of authentic South Korean cuisine.
The restaurant, which in my opinion looks more like a tavern, consists of two small rooms on the ground floor and one on the upper floor furnished in a very spartan way, with the exception of the works on the walls of a Korean artist. It is certainly not the right place for a romantic dinner, but it is suitable for an evening with friends or a quick lunch (taking into account that when you go out you will smell of garlic and roasted meat). The staff is very kind and friendly and will help you in choosing the dishes and preparing them at the table, if requested.
At lunch, like many other restaurants of this kind, it offers very cheap sets, while at dinner the menu becomes more varied, offering a range of choices that range in the great classics of traditional South Korean cuisine. Here you will find salted pancakes (jeon), japchae (sautéed sweet potato noodles), kimchi soup (spicy and not at all muffled, as always happens) and sautéed kimchi, fried chicken, Korean beef tartare, grilled beef ribs and noodles in cold beef broth (just to name a few!). With great pleasure I also found many fish preparations, not easy to find in other places, such as spicy cod soup or seafood.
But among the well-known bibimbap and mandu (Korean dumplings that honestly didn't make me cry out miraculously here), it is Bulgogi's barbecue that stands out. Absolutely recommended on my part, it is the preparation suitable for sharing, excellent with the accompanying banchans (one better than the other, the kimchi is really delicious). Do not forget to order a bottle of classic soju and at the end of the meal try one of the desserts (ice cream, glutinous rice cake or patbingsu).
My opinion? Really positive!
📍 Via Domenico Scarlatti 3, Milan
💰 $$$