Tomatillo Grill

A *NEW* Mexican restaurant is taking Seoul by storm. With food that can please any lover of mexican food (not, “New Mexican”), visitors to Seoul’s newest international eatery won’t be disappointed. 

Located next to Au Bon Pain, right outside of exit 6 of Jongak Station (Seoul) line #1, it’s not too hard to miss.  Step inside the modern chic interior and be amazed at the scents coming from the kitchen–this ain’t your daddy’s typical tex-mex diner with sombreros and panchos hanging on the walls. 

With black and white photos of delectible Mexican fare on the walls, brick walls and spiced up Mexican Jazz playing in the background, this place oozes cool.  You can even catch a glimpse of your food being made in front of your eyes with their open view kitchen.

Incredibly reasonably priced, it’s my new favorite Mexican spot in Seoul–a city certainly not lacking in spice, but definitely lacking in the Mexican variety.  My previous new favorite, OTB (On the Border) takes a backburner to Tomatillo Grill hands down. 

Tomatillo’s flavorful meats and spicy salsas mixed in with the ability to mix an match an array of menu items add to the novelty of the restaurant.  Loosely modeled after the Chipotle brand of Mexican restaurants in the US, Tomatillo Grill packs in quite a punch for someone looking to satisfy their mexican food cravings.

My personal favorites are the soft corn carne asada tacos topped with just the fresh onions(onions and cilantro) and the spicy salsa (smokey,rich flavorful salsa with chipotle chilies). For just 3,800 won each, plus the additional 500won for beef, brings the total for each taco to 4,300 won. Two tacos for 8,600, make it a combo (beans, rice, chips) for 2,000 won more…and you’ve got one TASTY meal for only 10,600 won.  A cheap price to pay for some comfort food.

Although somewhat conservative on the salsa use (ask for more–they’re more than happy to give it out!), the salsa has a really great flavor. I appreciate some heat and the hot salsa packs a punch–not enough to make your head pop off, but the chipotle peppers’ spiciness adds flavor to any of the entrees.

If you are up for something a bit different, i strongly recommend you trying the Pork Burrito. It’s a spicy and sweet concoction that will send your taste buds into overdrive.

All this talk is making me hungry….you can find me at my usual spot next to the cactus in the back of Tomatillo Grill.

Stay tuned for more updates and an online pdf menu.