Western restaurant near Olympic Park for dinner with kids: Hope So

Today I'm bringing you a review of Hope So, a Western food restaurant near Olympic Park that nails the trifecta: atmosphere, taste, and friendly service.

What Hope So looks like inside: two floors with high ceilings

Hope So is a two-story Western food restaurant on Wiryeseong-daero 18-gil in Songpa-gu, Seoul, between Bangi Station and Olympic Park. My first impression walking in was, "Wow, this place is huge and so open!"

Thanks to the two-story structure, the ceilings are really high and the space feels wide open, with none of that cramped feeling. Seating was generous on both the first and second floors.

Head up the stairs to the second floor and a whole other set of spacious seats opens up — the vibe there is really stylish, making it perfect for a date, and given the size of the place, it also works great for group dinners or gatherings.

We visited in the early evening because we wanted to take it easy, and as dinner time rolled around, customers kept streaming in — if we'd come just a bit later, we might have had to wait! This place is seriously popular during peak dinner hours.

Hope So's menu and the Mon–Thu pasta of the day

Hope So's menu has a huge range — pizza, pasta, risotto, and even chicken as a side. It's great for a hearty dinner, and just as good for round two or three with a beer and some conversation afterward.

Just a heads up: Monday through Thursday from 4 to 7 pm, you can get today's pasta at a discounted price!! ;)

What Hope So brings out when you come with a child

After we ordered, they brought out crunchy pickled radish and nutty pretzel snacks as a default. But here's the part that really got me — since we came with our kid, the staff were so kind about it, even bringing out kid-sized dishware and a drink just for her.

Three main dishes at Hope So that never miss

1. Margherita pizza, nuttier straight from the oven

The Margherita pizza came out first, piping hot and freshly baked — it passed the visual test right away. The chunks of cheese piled generously on top took the flavor up another notch.

The seasoning wasn't overpowering at all, more clean and mild, which made it perfect to share with our kid. She took one bite and clearly loved it — she kept saying "more pizza please!" and it made me so happy watching her eat.

2. Spicy cream jjamppong, the signature we scraped clean

If you visit Hope So, this is a must-order! One bite and I understood immediately why it's the signature dish. The heat level is just right — about as spicy as Shin Ramyun — and it cuts through the richness of the cream sauce perfectly, creating an amazing balance.

The plump, springy shrimp were loaded in generously too, giving it perfect texture. My husband and I were both so impressed we scraped up every last drop of the broth!

3. Beef brisket soy cream risotto: salty, smooth, savory

True to its status as a signature dish, the combo of beef brisket and soy cream was better than I ever imagined. The savory, salty flavor of the brisket soaked well into the rice, and the soy cream sauce wasn't salty at all — the seasoning was just right.

It's a mild, not-spicy risotto, so our kid devoured this one too! My husband loved it as well, saying it was totally his taste haha — the umami really pops for adult palates too, so this is a dish everyone from kids to grown-ups can enjoy without any complaints.

Who is Hope So best for?

Today's visit was to Hope So, a restaurant near Bangi Station that satisfied every kind of palate — grown-ups with simple tastes, people who love spice, and even our kid's no-nonsense palate!

• Atmosphere: two-story layout with high ceilings, stylish and spacious — perfect for dates, group dinners, or gatherings
• Kid-friendly: kid-sized dishware and drinks provided, plus plenty of mild, kid-friendly options on the menu
• Recommended dishes: spicy cream jjamppong (a must!), beef brisket soy cream risotto, Margherita pizza

If you're looking for a Western food restaurant near Olympic Park with great atmosphere and even better food for a date, definitely give this place a try! I'm planning to revisit next time I'm out at Olympic Park. Highly recommend it! 👍