Hongdae date spot, rosé bacon pasta & jambon risotto: Hôtel de Couture

A Western restaurant with great atmosphere in Hongdae: what is Hôtel de Couture like?

If you're looking for a Western restaurant with a great atmosphere in Hongdae, Hôtel de Couture (오뗄드꾸뜨) is one I really recommend. I kept seeing it on social media and got curious, and after going myself I understood right away why it's so popular. The interior is full of mood and the food quality is good too, so it's perfect for dates, and also for brunch or dinner with friends. ❤️

Hongdae has so many good restaurants that choosing is always a struggle, but Hôtel de Couture was so pretty the moment I walked in. The French-feeling interior is great for photos, and the soft lighting made it comfortable to eat. Best of all, the staff greeted us so kindly that we started off in a good mood.

What we ordered for two at Hôtel de Couture

At Hôtel de Couture we ordered the rosé bacon pasta, the jambon cream risotto, and French toast with ice cream for dessert. Looking at the menu, everything seemed so good that we deliberated for a long time. The food didn't take long to come out, and the plating was lovely right from the start. Delicious food really does make you happy just by looking at it.

How is the rosé bacon pasta? Thick, rich rosé sauce

First up, the rosé bacon pasta at Hôtel de Couture came in a thick rosé sauce with plenty of bacon. The thick sauce looked so appetizing, and the moment I took a bite I couldn't help saying, "Wow, this is it!"

The rosé sauce balanced the tang of tomato with the smoothness of cream, and it was really rich and nutty. There was a generous amount of bacon, so it had a nice chew, and the salty flavor went so well with the sauce. The noodles were cooked perfectly, still springy, and it never felt heavy all the way to the last bite.

Personally, I think anyone who likes rosé pasta will be really happy with this. The sauce is thick but smooth, so I kept reaching for more.

My pick of the day: jambon cream risotto

The jambon cream risotto (jambon is French-style ham) at Hôtel de Couture was my favorite of the day. It's a cream risotto, but not heavy at all, and really smooth. The cream sauce soaked into every grain of rice for deep flavor, and with the salty jambon added, the balance was great.

The risotto wasn't too sticky or too thick, just the right consistency, so I kept scooping it up. The nuttiness of the cream and the savory depth of the jambon go so well together that I immediately understood why it's a popular dish. Alternating with the rosé pasta, each had its own charm so I never got tired of them, and I thought ordering both was absolutely the right call.

Don't skip dessert: French toast with ice cream

We ordered the French toast with ice cream to finish the meal at Hôtel de Couture, and I really hope you try it. Ice cream sits on top of golden-grilled French toast, and it looks so pretty. Warm toast with cold ice cream is a combo that never fails.

It was slightly crisp outside and moist inside, with a great texture, and as the sweet syrup and ice cream melted together it was a total dessert winner. It was perfect as a palate cleanser after the meal, and with coffee I think it would feel just like brunch.

Inside Hôtel de Couture: is it good for a date?

Hôtel de Couture has a European-feel interior and well-spaced tables, so it was easy to talk. Photos come out pretty wherever you shoot, and it isn't noisy, so it's good for a date and just as good for a relaxed meal and chat with friends!

Service and value for money

At Hôtel de Couture the staff explained the menu kindly when we ordered and introduced each dish as it arrived, so the service was satisfying too. They also checked in from time to time to see if we needed anything. These days good food alone doesn't make you go back, but with the friendly service added, wanting to visit again came naturally.

The food quality was also satisfying for the price. The ingredients felt fresh and the portions weren't lacking, so two of us ate until full. If you're wondering where to go for a date in Hongdae, or looking for a Western restaurant with a good atmosphere, I really recommend it.

Hôtel de Couture menu recommendations

• ✔️ Like thick rosé sauce? Go for the rosé bacon pasta!
• ✔️ Like nutty, smooth risotto? Go for the jambon cream risotto!
• ✔️ Want the full experience through dessert? Definitely order the French toast with ice cream!