February 14th is rearing its ugly head, and I’m sure you are all desperately trying to find a restaurant where you can stare lovingly into your significant other’s eyes over candlelight, whilst dining on plates of tiny food and knocking back glass after glass of over priced wine. Date night restaurants seem to be one of things I am asked about most, as most people don’t really tend to go out to fancier places unless its a special occasion (myself included). So I thought an updated version of my date night restaurants list would be a good idea. I’ve split the restaurants into categories, save, spend, and splurge! If you are looking for somewhere cheaper than this I suggest you take a look at my 10 foods for under 10,000 list, or stay home and get yourself a McDonald’s and a bottle of Costco wine. For full reviews and contact details, just click on the restaurant names.
Budget – 50,000 pp
La Marmite – I just wrote abut the adorable French style Bistro in Haebangchon which offers a fabulous 3 course dinner for 39,000 per person. Add a glass of house wine and you’ll still be under that 50,000 per person price tag. It has a great ambiance and everything is made from scratch in house.
Mishmash – One of the tastiest and best Korean fusion meals I have eaten in Seoul. As the name suggests the menu is a bit of a Mishmash of Korean dishes and ingredients that are presented in a modern way. They offer several set menus, the Sample which offers two small dishes, a main dish, rice, and dessert for 35,000, and the Mishmash which offers three two small dishes, a main dish, rice, and dessert for 42,000.
McCoy’s – Haebangchon
McCoys – This has always been one of my favourite Bistros in Haebangchon. The food is always phenomenal, and presented in the most beautiful way. The menu is seasonal so always changing and they don’t currently offer a specific set menu, but all their a la carte options are very reasonably priced and you should manage three courses for under 50,000 won per person.
Spend – 50,000 – 100,000 pp
Chez Simon – This quaint tiny restaurant in Mangwon is one of the cities best kept secrets. They have only 3 tables and offer a set five course lunch menu for only 40,000, and a six course dinner menu or 70,000. Not only is the food delicious the service is incredibly attentive too.
Section A – The Italian restaurant in Itaewon is actually in the space where my beloved Chubby Hubby and I enjoyed one of our first fancy dates many years ago. Almost everything about the restaurant has changed over the years, but it is still a chic and stylish spot to enjoy romantic dinner. The menu is filled with high end Italian dishes for you to share with your beau.
Splurge – 100,000 pp +
Ryunique – If you are really ready to push the boat out and want to knock the socks off your date, then look no further to Ryunique. The 20 course signature dinner will set you back 230,000 per person but it is a night of theatrical spendour and indulgence that is almost unrivaled in Seoul.
Evett – I recently went to try the food at Evett, one of Seoul’s newest restaurants and headed by Chef Joesph Evett who has worked at some of the most famous restaurants around the world. His one and only tasting menu will run you 130,000 per person which includes 10 courses. There is also a Korean alcohol pairing for an extra 50,000 per person.
Jung Sik – Probably one of Seoul’s most famous fancy eateries. The Korean fusion restaurant in Apgujeong has a set dinner menu which starts at 165,000 per person and their special tasting menu is 235,000 per person. Since they have two Michelin stars, reservations are absolutely necessary. One small tip though, if this place is too rich for your blood, go for lunch where you’ll enjoy almost the same meal at a fraction of the price.