K-POP Star's Hot Picks: IVE's Favorite Restaurants

MeMeMe Garden Cafe

Cheongdam’s sunlight pools over a counter of fresh bakes as the air smells of cream, ripe mango, and espresso. The signature mango bingsu arrives frosty and fragrant while afternoon tea tiers bring jewel-like cakes that shine against the café’s leafy window backdrop.

Menu highlight includes mango bingsu, patissier-made cakes, and Milan-style coffee with a century-old bean pedigree. Seats are not reservable and pets are not permitted even in carriers so plan a weekday early afternoon for the smoothest experience.

Concept & space: Daily baked breads and pastries by Patissier Mimimi meet Cheongdam’s clean-lined aesthetic for an easy pause between shopping stops.

L'ESTIU

Creative Spanish dining with a storyteller’s touch where plates arrive vivid and aromatic, layering saffron warmth, herb lift, and silky textures. It feels suited to celebrations yet relaxed enough for a stylish weekday date in Hannam.

Menu highlight focuses on seasonal signatures and thoughtful pairings that let the sauces sing. Prime times fill quickly on CATCHTABLE so aim for early dinner for an easy pace and golden light.

Service & vibe: Staff are notably kind and attentive which keeps regulars coming back for that just-right balance of comfort and flourish.

Sancheong Sootbul Garden Euljiro 2nd store

Charcoal sears black pork until the edges crackle and the aroma of smoke and rendered fat drifts through Euljiro’s neon lanes. Side sets are crisp and clean which lets the pork’s sweetness shine and the grill team keeps the pacing lively without rush.

Use CATCHTABLE for remote waiting and arrive with your full party for seamless entry. Reservations for 7 or more are by phone and a 10 minute grace period applies for holds so plan transit time carefully on busy nights.

Space & scene: Industrial, energetic, and ideal if you enjoy a buzzier atmosphere rather than quiet conversation.

mungaehangari

An ocean-scented plume of steam rises from a cast-iron pan brimming with abalone, octopus, and shrimp as staff help cut and nestle the seafood into a spicy, clean broth. The noodles chew with lively bounce and the room feels like a seaside canteen built for happy crowds.

Order the original cast-iron seafood ramen or kalguksu and note that pork belly comes complimentary. Entry is called by pager so register and enjoy the Aewol breeze while you wait.

Story & space: A proud local original with a focus on daily freshness and a roomy lot for easy parking, great for families after a beach drive.

Kim Jaehoon's Gosari Yukgaejang

The bowl arrives with a savory, peppery aroma as tender bracken threads through beefy broth that warms head to toe. Momguk and grilled mackerel round out the table for an unfussy, deeply local meal that hits especially well after an early flight or a long drive.

Menu highlight includes bracken yukgaejang, momguk, and a moist grilled mackerel that is ideal for sharing. Plan for lunch since service ends mid afternoon and last orders are at 14:30.

Local tip: One bowl can be quite filling so add a single grilled mackerel and share the set sides for balance.

Osteria EDEN

A green-framed dining room where the Asado grill perfumes the air with cedar and the fresh pasta twirls glossy and elastic. The room reads chic but relaxed with a sommelier on hand to dial in a bottle that matches your mood.

Menu highlight includes wood-fired steaks and Caputo Rosso flour pastas. Valet is available for the first two hours and window terrace seats are first come based on notes so request them when booking on CATCHTABLE.

Design & feel: High ceilings, mirrors, and a garden terrace make this an easy pick for birthdays or a meet-the-parents dinner.

Born and Bred Original Seoul

A chef’s counter devoted to Hanwoo where courses move with quiet confidence from silk-smooth broths to straw-kissed grill moments and precisely cut steaks. The experience is elegant and measured which suits milestone dinners when you want every detail considered.

Reservations are via CATCHTABLE and begin on time for all guests at the counter. There is a 20 minute grace period, guests under 14 are not permitted, and deposits are deducted from the final bill per policy.

Pro feel: Smart casual dress fits the room and casual photos are fine though content filming requires prior approval.

VIA TOLEDO Pasta Bar

An intimate counter that channels southern Italy through music, wine, and pasta that glistens with that just-emulsified sheen. The room smells of garlic in olive oil and the clink of stemware sets an easy rhythm for a late date.

A drink order is required and pairings are part of the fun. CATCHTABLE reservations may be temporarily paused so check updates and be patient since capacity is small and demand is high.

Mood & match: Ideal for couples who like conversation with a little buzz in the room rather than hushed formality.

TTEURAK

A serene, renewed classic for top-grade Hanwoo where the grillwork is unhurried and the aroma stays clean. It is the kind of room where anniversaries feel natural and service has that practiced confidence of a long-running house.

Book on CATCHTABLE and call ahead if you expect to be more than 20 minutes late since the reservation may be released. The new building opened in 2024 with upgraded facilities which makes group dining smooth.

Heritage & flow: Operating since 1998 with a family-first spirit that shows in portioning and pacing for relaxed, satisfying meals.

Why book now?

Star-loved rooms move fast. CATCHTABLE shows real-time seats so you can snag golden hour windows, counter spots, and terrace views before they vanish. If there is a hold policy, you will see it clearly so the night stays smooth.