IMMU Bake Shop
Hongdae
A beloved neighborhood bakery in Hongdae known for its exceptional French-style pastries and artisan breads. IMMU Bake Shop creates fresh-baked goods daily using premium ingredients and traditional techniques, offering everything from flaky croissants and pain au chocolat to seasonal fruit tarts and savory sandwiches.
Jinuh Tuna (진어참치)
Hongdae
A hidden gem in Yeonnam-dong's residential alleys, run by a "tuna doctor" with 30 years of experience, serving premium bluefin tuna with various rare cuts including belly, gills, and reproductive organs.
Kim Young Mo Bakery
Gangnam
A legendary Seoul bakery with over 43 years of tradition, representing the pinnacle of Korean French pastry craftsmanship. Founded by master baker Kim Young-mo in the Dogok neighborhood of Gangnam, this institution has earned recognition from Blue Ribbon Survey and remains a beloved destination for discerning pastry lovers.
Kimssibooin
Gangnam
An elegant Korean dessert café in charming Seorae Village, renowned for its exquisite royal court-style rice cakes, yakgwa, and jooak beautifully presented on traditional soban tables. This Blue Ribbon awarded establishment offers an authentic taste of Korean palace desserts in a refined, hanbok-friendly atmosphere.
Koriko Cafe
Hongdae
Step into the magical world of Studio Ghibli's "Kiki's Delivery Service" at this officially licensed themed cafe in Yeonnam-dong. Koriko Cafe meticulously recreates the enchanting atmosphere of the beloved animated film across three whimsical floors, making it a must-visit destination for Ghibli fans and cafe enthusiasts alike.
Kyochon Pilbang
Itaewon
An innovative "chimakase" (chicken omakase) restaurant that elevates Korean fried chicken to fine dining. Kyochon's flagship store features a speakeasy-style entrance and offers both a la carte menu and premium 8-course omakase experience (₩70,000 per person). This unique concept transforms traditional Korean fried chicken into an artful culinary journey, making it one of Itaewon's most talked-about dining destinations.
La Yeon
Myeongdong
One of only two restaurants in Korea to hold three Michelin stars, La Yeon represents the pinnacle of modern Korean fine dining. Perched on the 23rd floor of The Shilla Hotel Seoul, this elegant restaurant offers exquisite royal court cuisine reimagined with contemporary techniques, paired with breathtaking panoramic views of Namsan and the city.
Cafe Layered Yeonnam
Hongdae
One of the most massive and popular cafes in Yeonnam-dong, Cafe Layered has become a destination for scone lovers and vintage French aesthetic enthusiasts. This spacious cafe features charming vintage French-style decor with warm wooden elements, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels like stepping into a Parisian patisserie.
Le Forte
A stunning rooftop dining restaurant on the 12th floor offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Han River. Located in Dangsan, Le Forte specializes in Western cuisine with a focus on Italian dishes including pasta, pizza, and steaks, all served against the backdrop of Seoul's iconic riverscape.
Le Montblanc
Itaewon
A whimsical dessert cafe inside Sinheung Market where yarn becomes art—literally. Housed in a converted 20-year-old knitting factory, this charming spot serves Instagram-famous mousse cakes designed to look exactly like balls of yarn and hand-knit sweaters. The earl grey "yarn" cake and mango "sweater" cake are almost too pretty to eat, served across three floors decorated with colorful threads and a rooftop terrace.
Légume
Gangnam
Asia's first and only Michelin-starred vegan restaurant, Légume showcases Chef Sung Si-woo's innovative plant-based Korean cuisine. This refined dining destination earned its Michelin star through creative vegetable-forward dishes that highlight seasonal Korean produce, offering a sophisticated vegan tasting experience with signature creations like flounder with gochujang-marinated caviar reimagined with plant-based ingredients.
Lowide Coffee Bakery
Gangnam
A charming two-story bakery cafe in trendy Seongsu-dong, famous for its cream-filled salt bread and artisanal pastries. The bright, minimalist interior with large windows creates a welcoming atmosphere near Seoul Forest, making it a perfect spot for brunch and coffee.