Here is a curated list of places where I truly enjoyed eating 🍽️
You’ll find a mix of brunch spots 🥞, restaurants 🍴, and vegan restaurants 🌱, all personally tested. For each place, I share my own notes on what I ordered, what I especially loved ✨, and their address 📍.
You can also find a photo of the place or the dish 📸 on my Pinterest account 📌 to get a better feel for the atmosphere and the food.
I’ll start with brunch spots 🥞, then move on to restaurants 🍴, and finish with vegan restaurants 🌱.
Normal Brunch
📍 Address : 142 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
📲 Instagram : @normal.brunch
✨ Why I love it : If you’re looking for a cozy brunch spot in Seoul ☕🥞, @normal.brunch is a place you shouldn’t miss.
The staff was incredibly kind and welcoming 😊, which made the whole experience even better. The menu is short but well-crafted, and every dish is genuinely delicious ✨ — plus, the portions are generous 🍽️, which is always a win for brunch lovers.I had a wonderfully peaceful moment 🌿 there; the room was completely empty when I visited, creating the perfect calm atmosphere 😌 to truly enjoy my meal. A simple, generous, and relaxing brunch experience, exactly what you’d hope for in a local Seoul café ☕.
Grain Seoul
📍 Adress : 1st Floor, 53 Yeonhui-ro 11ga-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
📲 Instagram : @grain_seoul
✨ Why I love it : If there’s one place in Seoul I keep coming back to, it’s Grain ☕✨. I’ve visited several times now, and it’s always a pleasure — the kind of café-restaurant that instantly becomes a comfort spot 🧡. The vibe is warm, the dishes are fresh and generous 🥗🍽️, and everything feels thoughtfully made.
One thing I really love is their order system 📝: 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 ✔️, bring the sheet to the counter, and that’s it. Simple, smooth, and very Seoul-style ✨.
The first time I went, the café was full, but they have a super convenient solution 📱. You can write down your Korean phone number, leave the café, and they’ll text you when a table is ready 💬. That day, I wandered around the neighborhood, which is surprisingly charming and a bit artsy 🎨, making the wait feel like part of the experience 🌿.
Every visit has been just as enjoyable as the first ✨. If you love good brunch 🥞, friendly service 😊, and a cozy atmosphere, Grain is absolutely worth adding to your Seoul café list 📍.
Le Bon Goûter
📍 Adress : 34-2, Eonju-ro 164-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
📲 Instagram : @lebongouter_brunch
✨ Why I love it : Le Bon Goûter Brunch is one of those Seoul spots that instantly feels like a warm escape to France ✨ — perfect for anyone craving a comforting, home-style brunch experience 🥐☕.
The café is surprisingly spacious for Seoul 🪑, offering plenty of room to relax, chat with friends 😊, or enjoy a slow weekend meal 🌿. One of my favorite features is the terrace ☀️🌿: bright, inviting, and ideal for outdoor brunch when the weather is nice. It creates a peaceful atmosphere 😌 that makes you forget you’re in the middle of the city.
The menu is generous, comforting, and very “French-coded” , making it a top pick for French expats missing the flavors of home. Whether you’re craving pastries 🥐, hearty brunch plates 🍽️, or a good coffee ☕, everything is prepared with care and authenticity ✨.
If you’re exploring brunch cafés in Seoul 🥞 or looking for a place that brings a taste of France to Korea, Le Bon Goûter Brunch is definitely one I recommend 📍. Friendly vibes 😊, spacious seating, a lovely terrace 🌿, and that nostalgic French touch — it always hits the spot ✨.
Rue de Rivoli
📍 Adress : 1st Floor, Yeonmujang 9-gil 4, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
📲 Instagram : @ruede.rivoli
✨ Why I love it : It’s a charming spot in Seoul ☕ that instantly feels like stepping into a small French bistro ✨.
I visited once and loved how simple and well-curated the menu 📝 was, offering comforting French classics 🥐🍽️ in a warm, intimate atmosphere 😌. It’s 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 🥐 — buttery, flaky, and delicious ✨. This cozy café-restaurant ☕ is a great pick for French food lovers, expats missing home 🧡, or anyone looking to enjoy a little Parisian escape in Seoul 📍.
Atelier le pli
📍 Adress : 1st Floor, 22 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
📲 Instagram : @atelier_le_pli
✨ Why I love it : It’s a lovely spot in Seoul ☕for anyone who appreciates French products and cozy, welcoming cafés 🤍.
Many of the items come directly from France, giving the place an authentic and comforting atmosphere ✨. The owner speaks French — having studied in France — which adds a personal and genuine touch to the experience.
The interior décor is warm and inviting 🪑, with the option to sit by the window 🪟 and enjoy a view of the street — perfect for a relaxing coffee break ☕. A small but very appreciated detail ✨. And if you need to use the restroom, it’s located on the ground floor 🚪.
Whether you’re a French expat, a traveler ✈️, or simply looking for a refined and cozy café in Seoul, Atelier Le Pli 📍 is a beautiful place to slow down and enjoy the moment 🥐🤍.
Justin
📍 Adress : Sinheung-ro 5-gil 8, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
📲 Instagram : @justin_haebangchon
✨ Why I love it : @justin_haebangchon is a spacious café located in the charming neighborhood of Haebangchon, a great area to explore before or after a coffee break ☕. The café offers a large, open seating area as well as a terrace, perfect for enjoying the neighborhood atmosphere on a sunny day 🌿.
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 you’re looking for a relaxed café with plenty of space and a cool neighborhood feel, Justin Haebangchon is definitely worth adding to your list ✨
Scène
📍 Adress :20, Yeonmujang 5-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
📲 Instagram : @sceneseoul_official
✨ Why I love it : @sceneseoul_official is a beautiful café located in the lively neighborhood of Seongsu, an area known for its creative and trendy atmosphere. The café stands out with its clean, minimalist design, creating a modern and calming space that’s perfect for a coffee break ☕✨
The menu features artisan pastries, beautifully crafted and delicious, making it an ideal spot for a sweet pause. There’s also a large outdoor terrace, great for enjoying the buzz of the neighborhood on sunny days 🌿.
One detail I really loved was the playlist, which adds to the relaxed and carefully curated vibe of the café. As a bonus, there’s a clothing store upstairs, allowing you to combine coffee time with a bit of shopping 👗☕.
If you’re exploring cafés in Seoul or building a Seoul coffee shop guide, Scene Seoul is definitely worth a visit.
Suji&Pasta
📍 Adress :Dongmak-ro 15-gil 3–18, Mapo-gu, Seoul
📲 Instagram : @sujinpasta
✨ 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 🍝✨. 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: don’t judge the place by its Instagram account — it’s not very eye-catching, but the food is much better in real life than the feed suggests 😄.
If you’re looking for a comforting, no-frills pasta spot in Seoul, Sujin Pasta is a great surprise worth discovering.
Muh.guri
📍 Adress :Eonju-ro 168-gil 15, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
📲 Instagram : @muh.guri
✨ Why I love it : @muh.guri is a spot that’s open all day, making it perfect for both a coffee break and a meal later on ☕✨. Personally, I visited for a coffee break, and I really enjoyed it — the atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable, ideal for slowing down for a moment.
To be completely honest, I haven’t 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 🌙✨.
A versatile address to keep in mind in Seoul, whether you’re looking for a peaceful café or a nicely lit dinner spot.
EGO CAFE
📍 Adress : 394-77 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
📲 Instagram : @ego_cafe
✨ Why I love it : @ego_cafe was on my list of places to visit and try, and it’s a great spot for anyone who loves both sweet and savory pancakes 🥞✨. The menu offers a variety of recipes, making it perfect for those who want to explore different flavors in one place.
The café is small but cozy, with a cute and welcoming décor 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 😊.
If you’re building a Seoul brunch or café guide, Ego Café is a lovely option for a casual and satisfying pancake break.
Vegan Restaurants 🌱
ALT.a
📍 Adress : 109, Bogwang-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
📲 Instagram : @alt.a_official
✨ Why I love it : Vegan restaurant located in the cosmopolitan neighborhood of Itaewon, an area well known for its diverse and international food scene 🌍✨. 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 🍰🌱. The atmosphere is modern and welcoming, making it a great spot for dinner with friends or a night out in Itaewon.
One helpful tip: don’t 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 ⏳.
A must-visit spot for anyone looking for a great vegan restaurant in Seoul, particularly in the Itaewon area.
Vegan Insa
📍 Adress : 12-4 Samil-daero 32ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
📲 Instagram : @vegan_insa
✨ 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 Seoul’s most iconic cultural neighborhoods 🏯✨. 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 😊.
I enjoyed a vegan japchae, flavorful and well-balanced — a great plant-based version of this classic Korean dish 🍚🌱.
If you’re looking for a vegan restaurant in Seoul that combines traditional décor with modern ordering, Vegan Insa is definitely worth a visit.
Weirdough
📍 Adress : Sadaemun-gu Jeunggaro 80 201-ho, Seoul
📲 Instagram : @weirdough.friends
✨ Why I love it : It’s an amazing vegan pizza spot 🍕🌱 and definitely one of my favorite addresses.
The pizzas are absolutely delicious, and the restaurant is run by a 100% female team 💪✨, which creates a great, positive vibe from the moment you walk in. The open kitchen 👀🔥 really adds to the experience — you can feel the energy and passion behind each pizza.
Reservations are possible 📅, but I personally went at lunchtime without a reservation, and I was seated right away, which was a big plus.
They’re also very active on Instagram 📲, so if you want to keep up with new pizzas, specials, or updates, definitely check it out!
Camouflage
📍 Adress : 19, Itaewon-ro 26-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
📲 Instagram : @camouflage_itaewon
✨ Why I love it :Great spot worth checking out 🍽️✨. We discovered this restaurant on HappyCow 🌱 and decided to give it a try — and the experience was really satisfying.
The food was very good, with flavorful dishes and some spicy options 🌶️ that add a nice kick to the menu.
The atmosphere is rather dark, but in a pleasant way 🌙: the lighting is soft and non-aggressive, creating a calm and cozy setting. (Might explain the dark atmosphere, went there for dinner 😉
The restaurant has two Instagram accounts, one in English and one in Korean. Even if you don’t speak Korean, you can still get a good idea of the dishes they cook through their posts 📸.
Thank you so much for reading this article 🙏✨
This list is not finished and will continue to grow. On my next trip to South Korea, I’ll be more than happy to add new places and favorite addresses to this guide.
For more information, feel free to check their Instagram accounts 📸 to discover the food, atmosphere, and latest updates. And if you have any questions or recommendations, you can also send me a message 💬 — I’ll be happy to chat!
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