The Essence of Italy in Buam-dong
Alimentari Conte: 133 Changui-mun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Bottega Conte: 144 Changui-mun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Trattoria Conte: 6-1 Changui-mun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Buam-dong is a peaceful neighborhood surrounded by the lush nature of Bugaksan and Inwangsan mountains, offering a quiet retreat in the middle of the city. The streets here are lined with old shops and small stores, each with its own unique charm. Among them, the 'Conte' series adds a special touch of Italian flavor to Buam-dong’s quaint atmosphere.
The 'Conte' series was created by three sisters who spent many years living in Italy, deeply immersed in the local culture and art. These stores, which include a grocery shop, a wine & accessory shop, and a restaurant, reflect the sisters' distinct personalities. After spending over 15 years in places like Siena, Florence, and Piedmont, studying cooking, language, and art, the sisters chose Buam-dong, with its quiet and cozy vibe, as the perfect place to bring the taste and feel of Italy to Korea.
'Conte' means 'with you' in Italian, showing the sisters' desire to share their experiences with the Buam-dong community. Drawing on their time in the Siena region of Tuscany, they present the Italian home-cooked meal culture, offering a special chance to experience the everyday food traditions of Italy, rather than just a typical Italian restaurant.
Alimentari Conte - Grocery Store
Alimentari Conte, run by the eldest sister, is a grocery store filled with carefully selected ingredients she discovered while living in Tuscany. The store offers high-quality items that are hard to find in Korea, like fresh herb-infused olive oil, various kinds of premium pasta, and balsamic vinegar. It also features pickles, sauces, and jams made using local recipes, making it easy to recreate delicious Italian home-cooked meals. Popular items include Sicilian-style marinated mushrooms and onion wine jam, which can be enjoyed on bread or as a snack with wine.
Bottega Conte - Wine & Accessory Shop
Bottega Conte, run by the second sister, is a shop offering a selection of affordable DOCG wines and unique accessories. The shop is filled with carefully chosen items and high-quality wines imported directly from Italy, adding a touch of exotic charm to Buam-dong’s quiet streets.
Trattoria Conte - Restaurant
Trattoria Conte, run by the youngest sister, is an Italian home-style restaurant that lovingly recreates dishes from various regions of Italy, from Piedmont in the north to Sicily in the south. The restaurant’s risotto and pasta are especially popular, made with fresh ingredients and authentic recipes. The warm and cozy interior provides a comforting atmosphere, making guests feel as though they’ve been invited into an Italian home.
