Restaurant Review Naos Nova in Seoul
A Stimulating Wine Bar Perched on Namsan Mountain Overlooking Seoul
Feb 28, 2009
Sleekly standing out across from the budding nature of Namsan park Naos Nova, restaurant and wine bar, crests over the trees to look out at downtown Seoul.
Heavenly Hell
Naos Nova embodies the concept of “Dante’s Disneyland”, an idea associated with the design and thought up by the owner and designer, which gives a glimpse into the devious minds of the duo. The space is remarkable in its composition: lit by panels under the slightly translucent floor and ambient candlelight; floor to ceiling window panels with broad views; concrete, steel and glass construction that becomes art; bathrooms that are worthy of taking a camera into and an elevator that stops at levels Heaven through Hell.
The ascension begins on ground level but once guests enter the entrancing building it may seem that Naos Nova is no longer on earth. The doorway glows with light bouncing off of silver chains and pale concrete and house music reverberates. Jet black and filled with mirrored panels the elevator is stunning, it doesn’t really matter where it goes as long as it is experienced.
Down one level in “Hell” there is a banquet room that makes the thought of being in Hades alluring. Up to “O” just above street level there is a streamlined bar manned by talented servers and several attractive seats with a great view of the vertical steel bar ceiling art. “Earth” floats over the bar below with striking views of Seoul out one glass wall and Namsan out the other. Reaching “Heaven”, a cigar bar and the final level of indoor ascent, is the last stop on the magnificent elevator however this is not yet the complete tour of Naos Nova. A roof top terrace that is equally as stunning as the interior awaits.
Gluttony
Naos Nova has a wine selection to rival most major distributors and a boutique like variety of choice vintages. The Sommelier is a multi-lingual mastermind who is able to suggest the perfect bottled grape to suit any taste. Import costs to bring the wine to Korea make the bottles more expensive than they would be in the country of origin but for oenophiles the price is well worth the reward.
A delectable French fusion menu of hor d’oeuvres, satisfying dinner dishes and delicate desserts satiate and inspire hungry patrons. The food at Naos Nova could be considered edible art: an impact of fresh specialty ingredients and haute plating that will keep foodies contented.
Sinners and saints alike will never want to leave the astroplane that is Naos Nova.
Finding Heaven
Naos Nova can be found at 448-120 Huam-dong Youngsan-gu Seoul. For additional information phone (02) 754-2202.
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