Areas · 2652 stories
Cafés, restaurants and places in Seoul, written by bloggers who went there.
Izawa Sangam is a gyukatsu restaurant in Mapo, Seoul, serving breaded beef cutlets and Japanese dishes. My husband and I had the gyukatsu double and cold soba for a late weekday lunch, and the tender meat with chilled noodles was an especially good pairing. Verdict: a place I’d happily revisit when I’m craving gyukatsu in Sangam.
India Darbar is an Indian and Nepali restaurant near Sillim Station in Gwanak, Seoul. My older brother and I chose the A Set with chicken makhani and chicken masala, plus butter naan, chicken tikka, lassi, and an extra sweet naan. Verdict: A satisfying curry meal to pair with a walk along Dorimcheon Stream.
Minimale Bakery & Coffee Bar Gaepo Branch is a bakery café in Gangnam, Seoul. My husband and I had salt bread, chocolate babka, an Americano, and a Helsinki Latte by the window early in the morning. Verdict: a lovely stop before or after a Yangjaecheon walk.
Mureungdowon is a café near Sungshin Women’s University in Seongbuk, Seoul. On a rainy weekday afternoon, we chose two bright specialty hand-drip coffees through aroma sampling and the owner’s recommendations. Verdict: a warmly retro spot for savoring different coffees.
Macho Nacho is a nacho restaurant in Mapo, Seoul, near Mangwon Hangang Park. I enjoyed Signature Nachos and Beef Brisket Nachos with crisp chips, cheese, and generous toppings, and they would also make a great picnic takeaway. Verdict: A fun choice for a light beer and a different kind of bar snack in Mangwon-dong.
Naemyeonui Balgyeon is a three-floor dessert café in Seogyo-dong, Mapo, Seoul. I tried the Acacia Hills tart and an Einspänner, and everything from the plating to the coffee cream was unforgettable. Verdict: a café I want to revisit alone or for a Hongdae date.
Kaken is a Japanese pub in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, serving grilled skewers and highballs. After work, I tried the 10-skewer assortment for ₩28,000 and a yuzu highball for ₩8,000 in its wood-toned space with an open kitchen. Kaken is a satisfying choice for smoky skewers and a refreshing drink.
Ju Sindang is a zodiac-themed cocktail bar in Jung-gu, Seoul. At the bar seats, I watched cocktails being made and tried the Monkey, Tiger, and Dragon drinks with black sesame cake. Ju Sindang is a memorable pick for a special date or gathering in Sindang.
Ward Coffee Gusan Station Branch is a café in Eunpyeong, Seoul, a short walk straight from Gusan Station Exit 2. After a PT session and workout, I recharged with a 1L Jeju matcha latte and a Dubai chocolate waffle, then took the leftover drink and desserts home to share with my family. Verdict: a great stop for oversized drinks and cream-filled rice cakes.
Baekho Yangdaechang is a charcoal-grilled beef tripe and intestine restaurant in Dongjak, Seoul. My girlfriend and I had two portions of assorted grill and fried rice for two, while staff took care of the grilling so we could relax and talk. Verdict: a satisfying date-night meal I want to repeat.
Haengbokhan Udon Gage Sinjeongnegeori Station Branch is a Korean restaurant in Yangcheon, Seoul, serving udon, pork cutlet, rice bowls, and bibim mandu. My friend and I shared bibim mandu, cheese donkatsu, and spicy pork rice bowl for a varied, filling dinner. Verdict: a great easygoing stop when you want to share several dishes.
Jonggak-ap Nosang Gongyeong Juchajang is a Korean BBQ restaurant in Jongno, Seoul, within walking distance of Jonggak Station. I tried charcoal-grilled beef and pork, half-and-half naengmyeon, and kkakdugi fried rice, plus free corkage and group seating. Verdict: a great choice for a gathering or date without the work of grilling.
