Tate Modern
Fancy Dining in Sangmu
Reviewed and photographed by Melline Galani.
Gwangju is well known for its fancy restaurants, pubs, coffee houses, and nightlife. Located in the Sangmu area, near the Kim Daejung Convention Center, Tate Modern has been present for about two years. Before the COVID-19 era, eating there without a reservation would have been impossible – unless you wanted to wait for a couple of hours. I have visited the place before and during the pandemic, and the food and atmosphere were the same – only the crowdedness has diminished.
Looking more like a chic warehouse on the outside, Tate Modern is a Western-style coffeeshop and restaurant with a generous interior decorated in a simple stylish manner. It reminds me somehow of some European restaurants, except for the generous parking outside. The interior is divided into two spaces (though mainly by the way they are decorated) with a café-style area on one side and dinning on the other. The café space is also used as a waiting hall if the dinning area is packed, and you are most welcome to order a delicious drink while waiting.
The fusion dishes are tasty and interesting with fresh ingredients grown locally. The food is delicious, and the prices reflect the taste. Tate Modern is not a place where you would go just because you want to grab something to satisfy your hunger. It is a place of relaxation over a glass of wine accompanied by a steak, salad, or parfait shared with your best friend, a meeting with colleagues, or a perfect date. They serve a wide range of coffee, beverages, wines, desserts, salads, steaks, hamburgers, and the soup of the day.
The last time I was there, I ordered a homemade double-cheese gourmet burger, a steak, and the potato cheese soup of the day, all accompanied by a cappuccino and a hot chocolate. The steak was a generous 280 grams with assorted grilled vegetables and a delicious mustard sauce that was more than enough for one person. You may choose the temperature you want the steak to be done at – our style is well-done. The price for the steak is 42,000 won. The 14,800 won that you pay for the burger is worth every penny. Not only is it a generous portion but the taste is great. Filled with avocado, fresh vegetables, and cheese, it has a juicy taste complemented by the crispy french fries. I am not particularly a fan of burgers, but this one was really good.
There are two types of soup of the day: potato cheese cream soup, served on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and mushroom cream soup, served on the other days. For 4,800 won you get a hot, creamy delicious soup with croutons and a side dish composed of baked bread and cream cheese – so tasty.
On a previous visit, I also tried the farmhouse salads and pastas, which come in large sizes, in my opinion. I just love salads with their fresh ingredients, tasty sauces, and their explosion of colors perfect for the eye and soul. Prices range between 15,000–18,000 won for one dish.
Beverages and desserts are also delicious and come in a great variety if you are able to have more after the generous meal.
If you are in search of something delicious, something new, something interesting, something different, or a hot place, this is the spot for you. Tate Modern is more than just a dinning place: It is a whole new experience for the senses that is worth every penny. Do not just take my word for it – go and see it yourself!
TATE MODERN (테이트모던)
Address: Sangmu-daero 673-beon-gil 24, (Mareuk-dong) Seo-gu, Gwangju
광주 서구 상무대로 673번길 24 (마륵동)
Operating Hours: 10:30 a.m – 12 midnight, breaktime 3:30–5:00 (the café area remains open)
Phone: 062-383-0895
Instagram: @tate_modern
THE REVIEWER
Melline Galani is a Romanian enthusiast, born and raised in the capital city of Bucharest, who is currently living in Gwangju. She likes new challenges, learning interesting things, and is incurably optimistic. Her favorite foods are sarmale and salads. Instagram: @melligalanis