Here is a curated list of places where I truly enjoyed eating đœïž
Youâll find a mix of brunch spots đ„, restaurants đŽ, and vegan restaurants đ±, all personally tested. For each place, I share my own notes on what I ordered, what I especially loved âš, and their address đ.
You can also find a photo of the place or the dish đž on my Pinterest account đ to get a better feel for the atmosphere and the food.
Iâll start with brunch spots đ„, then move on to restaurants đŽ, and finish with vegan restaurants đ±.
Normal Brunch
đ Address : 142 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
đČ Instagram : @normal.brunch
âš Why I love it : If youâre looking for a cozy brunch spot in Seoul âđ„, @normal.brunch is a place you shouldnât miss.
The staff was incredibly kind and welcoming đ, which made the whole experience even better. The menu is short but well-crafted, and every dish is genuinely delicious âš â plus, the portions are generous đœïž, which is always a win for brunch lovers.I had a wonderfully peaceful moment đż there; the room was completely empty when I visited, creating the perfect calm atmosphere đ to truly enjoy my meal. A simple, generous, and relaxing brunch experience, exactly what youâd hope for in a local Seoul cafĂ© â.
Grain Seoul
đ Adress : 1st Floor, 53 Yeonhui-ro 11ga-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
đČ Instagram : @grain_seoul
âš Why I love it : If thereâs one place in Seoul I keep coming back to, itâs Grain ââš. Iâve visited several times now, and itâs always a pleasure â the kind of cafĂ©-restaurant that instantly becomes a comfort spot đ§Ą. The vibe is warm, the dishes are fresh and generous đ„đœïž, and everything feels thoughtfully made.
One thing I really love is their order system đ: instead of lining up and stressing about what to choose, they give you a small sheet with all the menu items listed. You simply tick your favorites âïž, bring the sheet to the counter, and thatâs it. Simple, smooth, and very Seoul-style âš.
The first time I went, the cafĂ© was full, but they have a super convenient solution đ±. You can write down your Korean phone number, leave the cafĂ©, and theyâll text you when a table is ready đŹ. That day, I wandered around the neighborhood, which is surprisingly charming and a bit artsy đš, making the wait feel like part of the experience đż.
Every visit has been just as enjoyable as the first âš. If you love good brunch đ„, friendly service đ, and a cozy atmosphere, Grain is absolutely worth adding to your Seoul cafĂ© list đ.
Le Bon Goûter
đ Adress : 34-2, Eonju-ro 164-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
đČ Instagram : @lebongouter_brunch
âš Why I love it : Le Bon GoĂ»ter Brunch is one of those Seoul spots that instantly feels like a warm escape to France âš â perfect for anyone craving a comforting, home-style brunch experience đ„â.
The cafĂ© is surprisingly spacious for Seoul đȘ, offering plenty of room to relax, chat with friends đ, or enjoy a slow weekend meal đż. One of my favorite features is the terrace âïžđż: bright, inviting, and ideal for outdoor brunch when the weather is nice. It creates a peaceful atmosphere đ that makes you forget youâre in the middle of the city.
The menu is generous, comforting, and very âFrench-codedâ , making it a top pick for French expats missing the flavors of home. Whether youâre craving pastries đ„, hearty brunch plates đœïž, or a good coffee â, everything is prepared with care and authenticity âš.
If youâre exploring brunch cafĂ©s in Seoul đ„ or looking for a place that brings a taste of France to Korea, Le Bon GoĂ»ter Brunch is definitely one I recommend đ. Friendly vibes đ, spacious seating, a lovely terrace đż, and that nostalgic French touch â it always hits the spot âš.
Rue de Rivoli
đ Adress : 1st Floor, Yeonmujang 9-gil 4, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
đČ Instagram : @ruede.rivoli
âš Why I love it : It’s a charming spot in Seoul â that instantly feels like stepping into a small French bistro âš.
I visited once and loved how simple and well-curated the menu đ was, offering comforting French classics đ„đœïž in a warm, intimate atmosphere đ. Itâs the perfect place for anyone craving a French-style dining experience in the heart of the city.
Before leaving, I even grabbed a small croissant to go đ„ â buttery, flaky, and delicious âš. This cozy cafĂ©-restaurant â is a great pick for French food lovers, expats missing home đ§Ą, or anyone looking to enjoy a little Parisian escape in Seoul đ.
Atelier le pli
đ Adress : 1st Floor, 22 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
đČ Instagram : @atelier_le_pli
âš Why I love it : Itâs a lovely spot in Seoul âfor anyone who appreciates French products and cozy, welcoming cafĂ©s đ€.
Many of the items come directly from France, giving the place an authentic and comforting atmosphere âš. The owner speaks French â having studied in France â which adds a personal and genuine touch to the experience.
The interior dĂ©cor is warm and inviting đȘ, with the option to sit by the window đȘ and enjoy a view of the street â perfect for a relaxing coffee break â. A small but very appreciated detail âš. And if you need to use the restroom, itâs located on the ground floor đȘ.
Whether youâre a French expat, a traveler âïž, or simply looking for a refined and cozy cafĂ© in Seoul, Atelier Le Pli đ is a beautiful place to slow down and enjoy the moment đ„đ€.
Justin
đ Adress : Sinheung-ro 5-gil 8, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
đČ Instagram : @justin_haebangchon
âš Why I love it : @justin_haebangchon is a spacious cafĂ© located in the charming neighborhood of Haebangchon, a great area to explore before or after a coffee break â. The cafĂ© offers a large, open seating area as well as a terrace, perfect for enjoying the neighborhood atmosphere on a sunny day đż.
The interior design is clean and minimalist, featuring stylish leather sofas that make the space both comfortable and refined. Orders are placed through a self-service kiosk, a convenient and stress-free system that fits perfectly with the modern vibe of the café.
If youâre looking for a relaxed cafĂ© with plenty of space and a cool neighborhood feel, Justin Haebangchon is definitely worth adding to your list âš
ScĂšne
đ Adress :20, Yeonmujang 5-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
đČ Instagram : @sceneseoul_official
âš Why I love it : @sceneseoul_official is a beautiful cafĂ© located in the lively neighborhood of Seongsu, an area known for its creative and trendy atmosphere. The cafĂ© stands out with its clean, minimalist design, creating a modern and calming space thatâs perfect for a coffee break ââš
The menu features artisan pastries, beautifully crafted and delicious, making it an ideal spot for a sweet pause. Thereâs also a large outdoor terrace, great for enjoying the buzz of the neighborhood on sunny days đż.
One detail I really loved was the playlist, which adds to the relaxed and carefully curated vibe of the cafĂ©. As a bonus, thereâs a clothing store upstairs, allowing you to combine coffee time with a bit of shopping đâ.
If youâre exploring cafĂ©s in Seoul or building a Seoul coffee shop guide, Scene Seoul is definitely worth a visit.
Suji&Pasta
đ Adress :Dongmak-ro 15-gil 3â18, Mapo-gu, Seoul
đČ Instagram : @sujinpasta
âš Why I love it : It’s a small, cozy restaurant tucked away in a quiet alley, giving it an intimate and welcoming feel right from the start đâš. The space is simple and warm, focusing on what truly matters: good, well-made pasta dishes.
The menu offers a solid and satisfying selection of pasta, all well executed and flavorful. One small tip though: donât judge the place by its Instagram account â itâs not very eye-catching, but the food is much better in real life than the feed suggests đ.
If youâre looking for a comforting, no-frills pasta spot in Seoul, Sujin Pasta is a great surprise worth discovering.
Muh.guri
đ Adress :Eonju-ro 168-gil 15, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
đČ Instagram : @muh.guri
âš Why I love it : @muh.guri is a spot thatâs open all day, making it perfect for both a coffee break and a meal later on ââš. Personally, I visited for a coffee break, and I really enjoyed it â the atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable, ideal for slowing down for a moment.
To be completely honest, I havenât tried their food yet. However, after browsing their Instagram account, it definitely makes me want to come back for lunch or dinner. The place looks beautifully lit in the evening, creating a warm and inviting ambiance that feels perfect for a cozy meal đâš.
A versatile address to keep in mind in Seoul, whether youâre looking for a peaceful cafĂ© or a nicely lit dinner spot.
EGO CAFE
đ Adress : 394-77 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
đČ Instagram : @ego_cafe
âš Why I love it : @ego_cafe was on my list of places to visit and try, and itâs a great spot for anyone who loves both sweet and savory pancakes đ„âš. The menu offers a variety of recipes, making it perfect for those who want to explore different flavors in one place.
The cafĂ© is small but cozy, with a cute and welcoming dĂ©cor that immediately makes you feel comfortable. The exterior is also very inviting, making it an easy place to notice and want to stop by while walking around the neighborhood đ.
If youâre building a Seoul brunch or cafĂ© guide, Ego CafĂ© is a lovely option for a casual and satisfying pancake break.
Vegan Restaurants đ±
ALT.a
đ Adress : 109, Bogwang-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
đČ Instagram : @alt.a_official
âš Why I love it : Vegan restaurant located in the cosmopolitan neighborhood of Itaewon, an area well known for its diverse and international food scene đâš. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, along with halal-friendly options, making it an inclusive and accessible choice for many visitors.
They also serve 100% vegan desserts, perfect for finishing the meal on a sweet note đ°đ±. The atmosphere is modern and welcoming, making it a great spot for dinner with friends or a night out in Itaewon.
One helpful tip: donât hesitate to contact them directly on Instagram to make a reservation, especially in the evening. The restaurant can get quite busy, and waiting times can be long âł.
A must-visit spot for anyone looking for a great vegan restaurant in Seoul, particularly in the Itaewon area.
Vegan Insa
đ Adress : 12-4 Samil-daero 32ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
đČ Instagram : @vegan_insa
âš Why I love it : @vegan_insa offers a unique vegan dining experience in a 100% traditional Korean setting, located in the heart of Insadong, one of Seoulâs most iconic cultural neighborhoods đŻâš. The interior is warm and inviting, creating a calm atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the moment.
The menu is conveniently placed on the table, allowing you to browse at your own pace before ordering through a self-service kiosk, with payment handled right next to it alongside the staff for assistance if needed. The process is smooth and easy, even for international visitors đ.
I enjoyed a vegan japchae, flavorful and well-balanced â a great plant-based version of this classic Korean dish đđ±.
If youâre looking for a vegan restaurant in Seoul that combines traditional dĂ©cor with modern ordering, Vegan Insa is definitely worth a visit.
Weirdough
đ Adress : Sadaemun-gu Jeunggaro 80 201-ho, Seoul
đČ Instagram : @weirdough.friends
âš Why I love it : It’s an amazing vegan pizza spot đđ± and definitely one of my favorite addresses.
The pizzas are absolutely delicious, and the restaurant is run by a 100% female team đȘâš, which creates a great, positive vibe from the moment you walk in. The open kitchen đđ„ really adds to the experience â you can feel the energy and passion behind each pizza.
Reservations are possible đ , but I personally went at lunchtime without a reservation, and I was seated right away, which was a big plus.
Theyâre also very active on Instagram đČ, so if you want to keep up with new pizzas, specials, or updates, definitely check it out!
Camouflage
đ Adress : 19, Itaewon-ro 26-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
đČ Instagram : @camouflage_itaewon
âš Why I love it :Great spot worth checking out đœïžâš. We discovered this restaurant on HappyCow đ± and decided to give it a try â and the experience was really satisfying.
The food was very good, with flavorful dishes and some spicy options đ¶ïž that add a nice kick to the menu.
The atmosphere is rather dark, but in a pleasant way đ: the lighting is soft and non-aggressive, creating a calm and cozy setting. (Might explain the dark atmosphere, went there for dinner đ
The restaurant has two Instagram accounts, one in English and one in Korean. Even if you donât speak Korean, you can still get a good idea of the dishes they cook through their posts đž.
Thank you so much for reading this article đâš
This list is not finished and will continue to grow. On my next trip to South Korea, Iâll be more than happy to add new places and favorite addresses to this guide.
For more information, feel free to check their Instagram accounts đž to discover the food, atmosphere, and latest updates. And if you have any questions or recommendations, you can also send me a message đŹ â Iâll be happy to chat!
Seoul & Beyond by Leeloo 
Laisser un commentaire