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Cafés, restaurants and places in Seoul, written by bloggers who went there.
Mandala Indian Lounge is an Indian restaurant on the third floor near Hapjeong Station in Mapo, Seoul. I had lamb spinach curry, chicken tikka masala, butter naan, and rice at a three-person window table overlooking a Hapjeong side street. Verdict: a bright daytime curry spot that makes me curious about its nighttime mood.
Jitheunsan is a dessert café in Yeonnam-dong, Seoul, near Yeontral Park. I tried the autumn fig cream cheese terrine and an iced Americano, and loved the wood-toned interior, cozy seating, and cute tea coaster. Verdict: a lovely date café for seasonal fruit desserts.
Seolleung Dowon is a bar near Seolleung Station in Gangnam, Seoul, where you can enjoy snacks and a quiet conversation. The 36,000 won Dowon Shabu was generous with meat, mung bean sprouts, and mushrooms, while the mild potato salad was a standout. Verdict: a comfortable spot I’d happily revisit for drinks in Seolleung.
Bao Seoul Chungmuro is a Taiwanese restaurant in Jung-gu, Seoul, serving baos, rice bowls, and beef noodle soup. We tried the Signature Set for Two for ₩46,000, with rich beef noodle soup, dongpo pork rice bowl, and a classic bao. Verdict: a lovely, travel-like choice for a different kind of date night.
Kosi Isu Branch is a cold udon and tonkatsu restaurant a one-minute walk from Exit 9 of Isu Station in Dongjak, Seoul. After waiting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, I had tempura bukkake udon, fresh pork loin tonkatsu, and maze udon for 11,000–11,500 won. Verdict: a satisfying meal worth returning for whenever cold udon sounds good, haha.
Oshi Black Seongsu is a Japanese restaurant near Seoul Forest in Seongdong, Seoul, serving okonomiyaki and yakisoba from a teppan grill. From the bar table, I watched the King Ebi Mayo Oshinomi-yakki, omelet yakisoba with Cheongyang peppers, and tori karaage being prepared. Verdict: a warm, thoughtful choice for a slightly special Seoul Forest dinner.
Eulji Darak Gangnam Station is an Italian restaurant near Gangnam Station in Seoul. I ordered spicy cream pasta and steak in its bright, tidy dining room; Eulji Darak Gangnam Station is a reliable pick whenever pasta cravings strike.
Seongsu AGU is a Korean restaurant in Seongdong, Seoul, serving agu-jjim topped with fried tripe. I tried the ₩66,000 Signature Set for Two with seaweed-octopus rice balls and pollock-roe cheese potato pancake. Verdict: a great pick for a different kind of spicy agu-jjim, especially for tripe fans.
Mela Times Square is an Italian home-style café in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. On a Friday evening, we enjoyed minari vongole pasta, rosé corn gnocchi, and apple ade at a window table. Mela Times Square is an easygoing choice for dates or family gatherings.
Pyu Euljiro is a Western restaurant in Jung-gu, Seoul. We ordered charcoal-grilled octopus with romesco and Spanish mackerel pasta, and loved the spicy, clean flavors and generously spaced tables. A lovely pick for a blind date or dinner date.
Geullodeu is a wine bar in Gangnam, Seoul, near Apgujeong Station. After a friend’s housewarming, we shared sparkling wine, white bread, sea bass ceviche, and sun-dried tomato pasta. Verdict: a lovely spot for an anniversary, date, or time with someone special.
Pepite is a Western restaurant in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam, Seoul, serving fresh pasta, starters, and main dishes. I had the cod ravioli and fig caprese on my own, and the ravioli soaked in creamy sauce was especially satisfying. Verdict: Pepite is a great pick for fresh pasta in a stylish setting.
