Josephine’s Panini

By Katrin Marquez

Even for the most devoted lovers of Asian foods, sometimes all one wants is a Western standard—the perfect sandwich. For those seeking a great panini away from the more crowded atmosphere of downtown’s most popular foreigner hubs, Josephine’s Panini is a perfect choice. Located in the Geumnamro Park, Josephine’s Panini is an intimate casual dining restaurant for those that love a deliciously gooey Panini.

Atmosphere and Service

Josephine’s Panini is a cute little restaurant with just a hint of shabby chic style. The exterior of the restaurant includes a small stone garden and lawn in front of a friendly yellow façade. Though the walls are white inside, nothing is sterile about the place as the various vintage decorations—like an antique phone and camera—give the place its quirky character. Do not be fooled by the decorative staircase at the end of the restaurant; the seating area is limited to only a first floor. However, this decorative staircase as well as the plants and antique miscellanea that line the steps creates the proper atmosphere for its patrons. The staff also reflect this quaintness. Having gone to Josephine’s Panini multiple times, I have only ever seen the two owners working. They are extremely friendly and willing to work hard to understand and be understood by English-speakers. The mom-and-pop character is charming, but it can be a detriment as wait times between ordering and receiving one’s food can be long—more than 20 minutes in some cases. Though two people are responsible for all tasks, this wait does not assuage the hungry diners as the tempting aroma of cooking food wafts through the air. I would recommend going with a friend for some friendly conversation and to sample the variety of paninis offered.

Food

Served on large, heavy green plates with a small side salad, the paninis may not look very large at first glance, but they are more than sufficient at filling you up. The menu is not too big, but the options are enough.

Josephine’s has a selection of approximately six paninis which occasionally changes. Among the options are some scrumptious vegetarian options – like the tomato-mozzarella panini or the mushroom panini. One option, many people seem to enjoy is the bulgogi panini with a hint of sweetness. Though most of the paninis are quite savory the deliciously slightly-to-cheesy Panini options do have honey.

Aside from the paninis, the menu also includes a few salad options and a large non-alcoholic selection as the restaurant identifies as a café. The fresh juices are particularly good, tasting of the actual fruit and not just flavored additives. The rest of the menu is standard coffee shop fare with coffees of various kinds.

Josephine’s Panini is a local eatery that should not be missed. The paninis are delicious and appropriately priced—usually under 10,000 won. Considering the fresh ingredients and delicious flavor along with the atmosphere allows for relaxed conversation perfect for a Saturday afternoon meet-up with an old friend.

Address: 광주 동구 금남로3가 12

Directions: Come out of Geumnam-ro 4-ga Station Exit 1 and cross the street to the Geumnamro Park. Josephine’s Panini is the yellow building.

Phone: 062-234-8879