A decade ago, it seemed almost impossible to find an authentic French restaurant in Korea. Luckily for us, a handful of gems have popped up across Seoul in recent times.
Here at 10 Magazine, we’ve compiled a list of 10 authentic French restaurants in Seoul (in no particular order).
Le Briller | Jongno-gu, Seoul
Le Briller is a very popular French toast restaurant located about 3 minutes away from Seoul’s famous Bukchon Hanok Village. It is also considered by many to be one of the best brunch spots in Seoul, so much that you might have to wait in a line to get in.
Their menu is not extensive, but it is carefully thought so that every customer will find something they like. Their options are divided into Sucré and Salé and you can enjoy your meal with coffee, tea, ade, or beer.
Yec’hed Mat | Mapo-gu, Seoul
Located in Mapo-gu, Yec’hed Mat is a French restaurant that specializes in crepes. Owned by a young French-Korean couple, Arnaud and Yeon Jeong who starred in the TV show ‘My Neighbor Charles,’ Yec’hed Mat offers a cozy interior, a friendly staff, and a menu that boasts a selection of wine as well as a variety of sweet and savory crepes and galettes. If you’re looking for a taste of France in Korea, Yec’hed Mat is the place to go.
Le Blanseu | Jongno-gu, Seoul
Le Blanseu, located in the cozy alleys of Ikseon-dong neighborhood, is a “home-style French restaurant”. It’s a very unique place as it is housed in a traditional Hanok, which makes it perfect for great Instagram shots.
Their menu includes homemade French cuisine such as steamed blue cheese mussels, potato gratin or beef ragu with pappardelle, all for very reasonable prices. If you are looking for a great restaurant to go to with your date or with your friends, Le Blanseu it is!
L’impasse 81 | Mapo-gu, Seoul
L’impasse 81, located in Mapo-gu, is a French restaurant that specializes in charcuterie, a selection of meats such as sausages and hams. If you’re looking to try a different side of French cuisine, besides the typical beef bourguignon and soupe l’oignon, this is the place to go. Owned by Chef Grégoire Michot and Chef Jio Jeon, L’impasse 81’s atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and all the breads and desserts here are homemade. Chef Gregoire Michot was a sous-chef at la Tour d’Argent in Paris, the restaurant that inspired the setting of the film Ratatouille. Dishes range between 18 000 and 32 000 KRW. Try pairing your dish with one of the wines or cocktails on L’impasse 81’s extensive menu.
La Planque | Yongsan-gu, Seoul
La Planque, which means “Hideout,” is managed by Chef Anton Lombard. The restaurant proposes a menu that changes seasonally and the inspiration of the Chef. The menu here constantly changes according to seasonal ingredients and the specialties of the Chef, but the beef bourguignon and ratatouille come highly recommended. Seating is limited, so especially on the weekends, be sure to make a reservation far in advance.
Tavern 38 | Seocho-gu, Seoul
Tavern 38, managed by Chef Go Byeong Wook, is located in a quiet residential area south of the Han river. Here, you’ll find classic French dishes such as Croque Madame, duck confit and steak tartare. In addition, the menu also includes some of Chef Go’s own creations such as the Iberico pork chop with apricot maple jus and the pan-braised chicken with vegetables and house-cured bacon. The restaurant also proposes the creations of the Chef Go Byeong Wook.
Comme Moa | Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Comme Moa, located in Yongsan-gu, is a French Bistro managed by Chef Kim Moa, who studied culinary in France for a long time. The menu offers an extensive wine list and classic French dishes such as foie gras, pâté en croûte, and crème brûlée. Some dishes on the menu (such as Beef Wellington) need to be reserved a day in advance.
Le Bistro Namsan | Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Le Bistro Namsan located in Yongsan-gu opened its doors in November 2017. The restaurant offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere and authentic French dishes. The menu includes seafood, meat, and fish dishes.The Traditional Cordon Bleu, the Moules Frites or La Blanquette de Veau come highly recommended.
Stay | Songpa-gu, Seoul
Stay, managed by the Chef Yannick Allén, is a French restaurant located on the 81st floor of Lotte World Tower. The restaurant offers a modern interior and creative and refined French cuisine. While savoring a gastronomic meal, enjoy a breath-taking panoramic view of the city. Stay is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The lunch and diner menus consist of three fixed price choices or à la carte options.
Flam’s Bistro | Seocho-gu, Seoul
Flam’s Bistro is a French-German restaurant located in Seocho on the Seoul Music Instruments Street across from the Seoul Arts Center. It offers traditional dishes specific to both France and Germany. The restaurant’s most popular menu is flàmmenküeche or Tarte Flambée, a specialty of the Alsace region in France and in Germany, too. Flam’s Bistro also proposes specialties from both countries such as Spätzle, Raclette, Salads, Cordon Bleu, and many others. Reviewers attest to the authenticity and the amazing taste of all of these dishes.
You can also enjoy a glass or bottle of white wine with a variety of cheeses: goat cheese, feta cheese, Muenster cheese, blue cheese. The interior is also nice and cozy, and it will make you feel like you are in Europe indeed.
All photos courtesy of the restaurants. Cover photo CC courtesy of Pxhere.