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Cafés, restaurants and places in Seoul, written by bloggers who went there.
Hey Jinny is a cooking bar near Euljiro 3-ga Station in Jung-gu, Seoul. On a Saturday at 3:30 p.m., we had Osaka niboshi shrimp oil pasta, crispy yuxiang eggplant, and Earl Grey highballs by the window. Verdict: a lovely quiet pick for an Euljiro date drink.
Yakitori Shomong Mapo Station Branch is an open-kitchen yakitori bar in Mapo, Seoul. I tried its three-course lineup of chicken tenderloin, negima, and tsukune with plum, umeshu mango, and ginger highballs. Verdict: a lovely stop for charcoal-grilled skewers and a cool highball near Mapo Station.
Horangi Gotgan Gongdeok Branch is a Korean restaurant in Mapo, Seoul, near Gongdeok Station. My family shared yukhoe bibimbap, spicy soft tofu beef-bone soup rice, yeolmu bibim naengmyeon, and pork belly; prices were 10,000–13,000 won. Verdict: a tidy, filling choice with enough variety for solo meals or family dining.
Yangnam Yanghwa is a premium lamb restaurant in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, serving a 38,900 won course of T-bone sirloin, shoulder ribs, and T-bone tenderloin. With staff grilling and varied sauces in a tranquil hanok-inspired setting, Yangnam Yanghwa is a lovely pick for an anniversary meal or a quiet gathering.
Shunno Oden Nonhyeon is an outdoor-table izakaya near Nonhyeon Station in Gangnam, Seoul. We lingered over an eight-item oden assortment and Napolitan spaghetti in its open-air seating and Japanese retro-style interior. Verdict: a lovely spot for a long drink and conversation on a nice evening.
Haeseonok Seolleung Branch is a Korean restaurant in Gangnam, Seoul, serving gamja jeongol topped with mung bean sprouts and perilla seed powder. The ₩30,000 small pot led nicely into ₩3,000 fried rice made in the remaining broth. Verdict: a filling choice when a spicy, comforting soup meal sounds right.
Gukbo Garden Samsung Main Branch is a Korean BBQ restaurant by Samseongjungang Station in Gangnam, Seoul. I tried limited Han-don pork, marinated Prime Angus short ribs, and icy kimchi noodles, with staff handling all the grilling. Verdict: a polished choice for lunch, client meals, and group dinners.
Ssuk's Choco Pie Seoul is a dessert café near Gwangjang Market in Jongno, Seoul. I chose a six-piece choco pie gift set to share with my parents, and the Haepung Mugwort Injeolmi flavor was their clear favorite. A lovely pick for both gifts and desserts to enjoy at home.
Ramen Truck Konkuk University Branch is a ramen restaurant in Gwangjin, Seoul, near Children's Grand Park Station. I had Mega Iekei Ramen with handmade karaage and a Red Rock draft beer during the 5 p.m. happy hour. A hearty solo dinner-and-drinks stop after work.
Naegohyang Jeju is a Jeju-style Korean restaurant in Seocho, Seoul. The 48,000 won Halla-san Special Set included seasonal sashimi, seafood, whole grilled hairtail, and a seafood hot pot with six abalones. Verdict: a generous choice for a restorative meal with parents.
BYWAY BAKERS Yeongdeungpo Branch is a bakery café in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. I tried the egg tart, Dubai chocolate salt bread, fresh blueberry yogurt Wakku salt bread, and olive cheese bagel, each with memorable textures and combinations. Verdict: a lovely place for a relaxed bread break timed to freshly baked batches.
Soottori Hongdae Hapjeong is an izakaya bar in Mapo, Seoul, for skewers and a wide range of drinks. Four of us shared the 3–4 person charcoal omakase Japanese pasta set, draft beer, sours, and dessert for 38,900 won. Verdict: a generously portioned spot for drinks and a second round without moving elsewhere.
