Yeonnam-dong restaurant, whole-grain mustard steak: Hôtel de Couture

What is Hôtel de Couture in Yeonnam-dong?

Hôtel de Couture is a Western restaurant in Yeonnam-dong. I'd been wanting to try it every time I passed through Hongdae, and this time I finally went. The name is French, meant to convey serving guests a good atmosphere and delicious food!

Maybe that's why there were lots of foreign guests when I visited. A hidden Yeonnam-dong gem for Koreans, you could say?? Let me start my story of Hôtel de Couture, a great place for a blind date or a date in Yeonnam-dong!

Hôtel de Couture location and opening hours

• Location: 567m from Exit 3 of Hongik Univ. Station (8-minute walk)
• Hours: daily 11:00 - 20:00
• Last order: 19:00

Hôtel de Couture exterior and the waiting line

Hôtel de Couture is on the second floor of a charming brick building. If there's a wait, it looked like you line up along the stairs.

Is Hôtel de Couture good for a date?

Inside, pink wallpaper and wood tones blend into a warm feel! It seemed to create an atmosphere where you can focus on the person across from you. Once you go, you'll see why people call it a good spot for blind dates and dates!

You're seated according to party size: tables for 2, tables for 4, group seating and so on. The window seats have an open view and looked especially popular, and further inside there's a cozier area that looked great for talking. The restroom is inside too!

Can you feel the owner's taste in every little prop?? The interior is so pretty that I couldn't help but pick up my camera! haha

How do you order at Hôtel de Couture?

You order with the QR code placed at each table. Overall, the prices seemed well put together and good value.

We didn't get to try the toast this time, but I hear it's famous for its French toast, so keep that in mind when ordering!

What we ordered at Hôtel de Couture

• Carrot duck aglio e olio ₩18,000
• House steak ₩35,000
• Egg in hell ₩18,000

Hôtel de Couture house steak with whole-grain mustard

The Hôtel de Couture house steak (₩35,000) showed a little blood but was evenly cooked, both juicy and tender. Topped with a little whole-grain mustard, it filled my mouth with a rich, nutty flavor!

It also came with onion rings and hash browns, which made the plate feel even more generous.

Is the carrot duck aglio e olio at Hôtel de Couture too oily?

The Hôtel de Couture carrot duck aglio e olio (₩18,000) puts ordinary aglio e olio to shame. The olive oil flavor, which can get heavy, came across light, blended with carrot, garlic, duck breast, cherry tomatoes and more.

Seeing all the healthy ingredients, I felt less guilty eating it. With carrots on top, this dish nails both health and flavor haha

Trying egg in hell for the first time at Hôtel de Couture

The Hôtel de Couture egg in hell (₩18,000) is a tangy tomato sauce with soft-set cheesy eggs added. It was my first time ever eating egg in hell?! The combination felt so fresh!

It's even better spread on the cheese-topped bread that comes with it. Egg in hell really is good whenever you eat it~!!

When to visit Hôtel de Couture in Yeonnam-dong

Among foreigners, Hôtel de Couture is already known by word of mouth on Google as a Yeonnam-dong favorite, and after visiting myself I understood right away why so many people come. From the atmosphere to the quality of the food and the friendly service, nothing was lacking, so it was a satisfying meal.

I really felt it's a great restaurant for days with an important engagement, like a blind date, an anniversary date, a birthday meal or a wedding-invitation gathering haha. It's a quiet, stylish space that's good for conversation, and every dish was plated so prettily that taking photos was satisfying too.

If you're looking for a restaurant with a nice atmosphere in Yeonnam-dong or Hongdae, this is a no-fail choice! It nails both flavor and mood, so I think it can make a special day, or even an ordinary date, a bit more special. If you want a memorable meal in Yeonnam-dong, I recommend Hôtel de Couture!