Suwon City Hall Station bar with non-alcoholic highballs: Raon

Where is Raon Asian Dining Bar?

Raon Asian Dining Bar (라온 아시안 다이닝 바) is an Asian dining bar on the 11th floor of Useong Tower in Ingye-dong, Suwon. After a massage near Suwon City Hall Station for the first time in a while, I headed to a good spot near Ingye-dong for a tasty dinner and a nice atmosphere, and this place, with its fantastic view and upscale feel on the 11th floor, was it.

Take the elevator to the 11th floor and turn right, and you'll see the sign at the entrance, so it was easy to find.

From the entrance on, the upscale mood felt a world apart from an ordinary restaurant, and I was excited before I even went in.

Opening hours and parking

Raon Asian Dining Bar is open Wed–Thu 17:00–01:00, Fri–Sat 17:00–02:00 and Sun 16:00–24:00, and closed every Monday and Tuesday. For parking, you can use the elevator-style underground car park behind Useong Tower (across from the 먹튀 pub) for free.

What are the interior and the 11th-floor view like?

On the wall to the right of the entrance there is a dedicated shelf where you can store your coat or bag.

I had a bag with me, and a kind staff member showed me where to put it, so I could store it comfortably.

I walked in right at the 5 o'clock opening, and in the kitchen five or more chefs and staff were busily preparing ingredients.

The outside windows were wide open, so the city view toward Nahyeseok Street and Hyowon Park filled my eyes.

I stepped out onto the outdoor terrace, and in this cool weather it was just right for eating outside. It happened to be sunset, so the view was absolutely perfect.

There are also walls that divide the space stylishly without making it feel stuffy, plus roomy group seating, so it felt ideal for gatherings or dates.

The table was neatly set with cutlery, and water came in a bottle, which felt hygienic.

Can you get wine recommendations from the menu QR code?

The menu at Raon Asian Dining Bar has a QR code! With your smartphone you can easily get a wine recommendation that goes with the dishes you chose.

When I picked the yurinji and the pasta, it recommended a Freixenet Cava. It's a handy service even if you don't know much about wine.

What we ordered and the prices

I had foot surgery not long ago, so sadly I ordered a non-alcoholic highball instead of a drink with alcohol.

• Non-alcoholic highball (Under the Sea, 12%): ₩12,000
• Sweet shrimp perilla oil pasta: ₩16,000
• Yurinji (Korean-style fried chicken with ponzu): ₩18,000

How does the non-alcoholic Under the Sea highball taste?

The non-alcoholic highball (Under the Sea) at Raon Asian Dining Bar came out first, in a pretty blue color. The blue lemon looked like a blue sea, which was charming, and it was nicely sweet without going overboard, so it tasted good too!

Cold sparkling water keeps it refreshing, and a fresh, sweet peach aroma fills your mouth, so it was clean and easy to enjoy.

What is the sweet shrimp perilla oil pasta like?

The main dish that came next was the sweet shrimp perilla oil pasta (₩16,000).

On a base of nutty perilla oil sauce, fresh sweet shrimp and Avruga (a premium caviar substitute from the Spanish company Pescaviar) are arranged beautifully on top.

The moment I took a bite of the sweet shrimp, I felt that chewy, plump texture and couldn't help gasping in admiration.

The nutty aroma of the perilla oil and the freshness of the scallion and perilla leaf served on the side made a perfect combination with the pasta.

How is the yurinji served?

The yurinji (18,000 won) at Raon Asian Dining Bar was crispy fried meat on a base of ponzu sauce, generously topped with cabbage, Cheongyang chili peppers and lemon.

I squeezed the lemon that came with it for a little juice, then tried a piece of meat. It was crispy outside and juicy inside, with the savory depth of the ponzu soaked in. The sharp, spicy kick of the Cheongyang chili went especially well with the crunchy cabbage and the meat, so it was spicy and clean without feeling greasy.

Is it a good date-night bar in Ingye-dong?

With a great view, a stylish atmosphere and friendly service on top, I got to finish a perfect dinner at Raon Asian Dining Bar.

For a date with someone special in Ingye-dong, Suwon, or when you want to set the mood on a special day, I don't think there's a better place to visit.

The open view, the moody atmosphere and the taste of the food all left me deeply satisfied, so I'd 100% go back. If you're looking for a moody bar near Ingye-dong, I strongly recommend Raon Asian Dining Bar!