1 A Great start
Steak or Fish Course with French Onion Soup, W42,000 Chez Josephina
Enjoy small talk with the French chef when you order the steak or fish course. When it comes, take time to savor the must-have appetizer, a delectable French onion soup. The caramelized onion, French crouton soaked in a sweet beef broth, and a topping of cheese combine to make it the best in the city.
B1 of Daechi Tower at 891 Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu. chezjosephina.co.kr 02-2052-1483
2 An artful experience
Genovese Pasta, W18,700 Gallery Royal
With old black-and-white movies playing on a big screen and art books in the shelves, dinner at Gallery Royal is a masterpiece of atmosphere. But for aficionados of Italian pesto sauce, the Genovese pasta with asparagus, shrimp, and basil-flavored olive oil is also a work of art.
B1 of Daechi Tower at 36-8 Nonhyun-dong, Gangnam-gu. 02-514-1247
3 Confessions and food
Roast Salmon Steak, W28,000 Scarlett
Introduce your date to American fine dining and its generous portions with this juicy, crispy roast salmon. Served on a bed of bacon-roasted potatoes and decorated with dried apricot and colorful splashes of sauce, this dish is big enough to share along with your heart—Scarlett’s intimate atmosphere is perfect for deep conversations.
B1 of Daechi Tower at 891 Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu. 02-2052-1483
4 Late at night
Shabu Shabu Set, W23,000 Pier 8
It’s never too late for a date at Pier 8. This unique one-serving shabu shabu set can be ordered into the wee hours, and is still fancy enough to impress your honey. The marbled brisket beef is almost too pretty to eat—though trust us, you should. The rustic-couture bucket pot is kept hot with a live candle, adding to the mood.
2F of 736-8 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu. 02-749-2173
5 The never-ending dinner date
Squid Ink Paella, W18,900 El Plato & Bar
Cooked in a large pan and perfect for eating together, paella is one of the glories of Spanish cuisine. The intriguing Squid Ink Paella may redefine rice cooking—it’s black, well-seasoned, salty in moderation, and moist without being mushy. The huge pan will go on forever, and you’ll be that much happier for it.
540-5 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu. www.elplato.co.kr 02-325-3515
6 When you’re young, successful, and good-looking
Strip Loin Steak with Five Kinds of Salt, W47,000 Elbon the Table
This order from the off-the-wall menu at Elbon the Table shows that you’re adventurous, but not afraid to show your impeccable taste. The luscious meat is served with five types of salts (including rose, lemon, and truffle), turning this classic dish on its head.
530-5 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu. elbonthetable.com 02-547-4100
7 A visit to Paris
Almond Crusted Lemon Sole, W41,000 L’espoir du Hibou
This sole fillet served in a pan with potato gratin and lemon sauce fettuccini is a dish that begs to be tasted. Every flavor here stands out: bright acidity, moderate oiliness, and well-balanced seasoning. Experience the sophistication of French cuisine with flavors layered like romance in a poem.
90-20 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu. 02-517-6034
8 Delightful tastes
Green Monster, W21,900 Tasting Room
The name of this restaurant speaks for itself. One taste that everyone goes crazy the spinach-covered flat bread sprinkled with crunchy bacon and Parmesan cheese—appropriately named the “Green Monster”. Roll in a piece of this “Monster”, tucking the spinach leaves inside, and bite into the addictively sweet acidity of dressing, bacon, and a slight hint of cheese.
117-12 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu. tastingroom.co.kr 02-512-2977
9 A perfect view
Pan Seared Scallops, W23,000 37 Grill & Bar at Conrad Seoul
Savor the view from the 37th floor at Seoul’s new six-star hotel along with your Pan Seared Scallops, which are garnished with cauliflower velouté, basil, and pine nuts. The delicate flesh of the scallops is cooked gently to preserve their naturally creamy texture, while the rich velouté sauce and hint of basil aroma emphasize each flavor.
23-1 Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu. conradseoul.co.kr 02-6137-7000
10 Get healthy together
Seasonal Organic Salad, W22,000 Congbuin
Nothing says “healthy couple” like a hearty split salad. Congbuin boasts one of the best in the country: a scrumptious mix of greens, steamed pumpkin, beans, mango puree, ricotta cheese, and pomegranate, all topped off with crispy lotus slices. The colorful design is an energetic pop for the eyes, and the flavors mix perfectly to one bouquet.
90-20 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu. 02-3443-2187
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