Hongdae, Seoul solo dining for chuck tender steak: MELA Hongdae

[Hongdae steak spot] MELA

Solo lunch at MELA Hongdae: the chuck tender steak

MELA's chuck tender steak

On a nice sunny day, I went out alone wanting something delicious to eat, so I stopped by MELA, known as a Hongdae steak spot. I'd walked past this place before and always thought it looked pretty, so it was finally the day I got to visit.

Maybe because the weather was so nice, everything looked good in photos these days. Even just looking at the exterior vibe of the store, you could tell the atmosphere was really nice. The building the store is in is also pretty, so I felt good even before walking in.

Photos of the menu items are displayed at the front of the store, and they not only look delicious but the plating looks quite pretty too. This felt like a Hongdae steak spot worth visiting whether on a date or with friends.

Seating and mood at MELA Hongdae: is it comfortable for eating alone?

MELA Hongdae has various table styles set up, so it's good whether you come with several people or by yourself — a great Hongdae steak spot for solo dining. Once inside, the interior felt even better than it looked from outside. Maybe because I came during a late lunch, I could sit down right away with no separate wait.

To order, you check the menu at your table and then order at the counter. Even the ordering counter is decorated nicely, so I kept taking photos. You can really feel how much care went into the store's aesthetic.

In the display case, there were bakery items on display that would be nice for dessert, and every single one of them looked delicious.

If you need extra cutlery, wet wipes, or napkins while eating, you can grab them here.

What's on the MELA Hongdae menu: brunch dishes and decaf drinks

MELA Hongdae's menu has a wide variety of brunch options. Menu names come with photos, which really helps with ordering.

I was debating what to eat, and since I was craving meat that day, I ordered MELA's chuck tender steak.

There's also a variety of drinks to pair with the main dish. Since it was afternoon, I ordered a decaf americano. Having decaf options on the menu means you can enjoy coffee here even later in the day.

How was MELA's chuck tender steak and its side dishes?

MELA Hongdae's chuck tender steak clearly came in a generous portion, arriving with sides like corn, potato, and broccoli. The decaf iced americano that came out first was satisfying — even decaf, it still had plenty of bean aroma.

A little while later, they brought the decaf iced americano I'd ordered first. Since they bring it right to your table, you can enjoy it comfortably while seated.

A bit later, the main dish — the steak I'd ordered — arrived, and you could tell right away just how generous the portion was.

Not just the main steak, but the side dishes that came with it were varied and high quality too. Corn, potato, broccoli, and more — all fresh and diverse. Especially good was dipping the veggies into the mashed potato that came alongside.

Looking at the doneness of the meat, you could tell it was cooked to just the right level. Thanks to that, it wasn't tough at all — it was tender and let you really taste the full flavor of the meat. It also came sliced into bite-sized pieces, making it easy to enjoy.

Adding a bit of the accompanying sauce made for an amazing bite. The combination of mustard and meat juices really proved once again that it never fails.

When is the best time to visit MELA Hongdae?

This is a Hongdae steak spot where you can spend a worry-free time when you want genuinely delicious food in a nice atmosphere. I came alone this time, but I found myself wanting to come back with friends. The atmosphere was also great, making it a fitting spot for photos.