LA CIGALE/ MONTMARTRE La Cigale is one of the most popular restaurants on the main drag of Itaewon. The place stands out because of it’s colorful French atmosphere. There’s a bright mural of an outdoor café scene on the outside wall. The mural beautifies the whole depressing look of Itaewon. The main draw of the restaurant, is the convivial outdoor terrace with the wooden deck. It's a great place to grab a coffee or a glass of cool white wine while on a break from shopping. On Sundays, it’s a great place to sit around and laze away a bad hangover with friends. At night, the place takes on a romantic candlelit atmosphere. Even in the winter, it's possible to sit on the terrace as they employ big outdoor heaters and encase the terrace in glass. It's a great place to sit and watch life go by. For a moment you may actually think you are in Paris or the French Rivera! The interior has three separate areas. There's a wide front room that has a bar alongside on end and red wall decorated with framed photos. The middle area is narrower and has banquettes flanking the warm colorwashed wall. The back area has a private garden feel even though it's totally covered. This restaurant is so attractive, they've filmed several TV dramas and movies here. The head chef, Florent, left his native land-France to introduce 2 kinds of French cuisine to Korea: Mediterranean style-La Cigale and Parisian style-Montmartre (Hence the double name). The set menu has a set of appetizers, and a main choice of fish or meat. The specialty of the house is mussels. They offer 15 different styles! There are several seafood choices. We also love the rib-eye steak which comes with your choice of three sauces. The beef stew as well as the pork filet with mustard sauce on a bed of mashed potatoes are also highly recommended. And let's talk about the french fries at La Cigale-amazing! People come here just to snack on the chips!The presentation of the food is really beautiful as well. If you still haven't had enough, then you can choose from a wide range of tempting desserts- like creme brulee, apple pie with vanilla ice cream and chocolate cake. La Cigale is in the heart of Itaewon’s main drag.Reserve in advance as they are often full. (123-33 Itaewon Dong) 02-796-1244 Back to Itaewon restaurants list