a Sweet Art: 6 Unusual Dessert Spots in Seoul

desserts are more than just sweet, they’re works of art that captivate both the eye and the palate. here are some of Seoul’ s offbeat dessert shrines that will sweeten your afternoon with something out of the ordinary. from spaces that will bring back memories of travels you’ve forgotten to menus that will spark your imagination, these are the six places you need to know about right now.

seoul’s dessert wonderland for foodies

1. caffe Mongi ([translate:Caffe Mongi]), a memory of traveling in Italy

recreate sweet moments from distant travels in Seoul. located in the Apgujeong branch of Hyundai Department Store, Caffe Mongi is led by Genoa-born chef Stefano Di Salvo ([translate:Stefano Di Salvo]) and captures the flavors of Italy. the signature dish is the Italian sorbet Granita, which is served over soft milk ice and topped with tiramisu cream or seasonal fruits. The Meringata, a flamed meringue wrapped around shaved ice like an armor, is a unique visual that screams for a photo op.

address: 5F, Hyundai Department Store Apgujeong Main Branch, 165 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
[translate:INSTAGRAM]: @caffe_mongi

2. more real than fruit, Patisserie Fruits ([translate:Patisserie Fruits])

this Seongsu-dong gem serves up desserts so exquisite they could be mistaken for real fruit. trompe-l’œil ([translate:Trompe-l’œil]), a French fine-dining technique, the fruit is molded in white chocolate on the outside and filled with real flesh and ganache on the inside. chef Lim’s desserts are a delightful twist on the classic crackly exterior and oozing sweet flesh. pink peaches are a favorite, and new fruit desserts are available each season.

address: 1F, 37-1, Achasan-ro 5-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
[translate:INSTAGRAM]: @patisserie.fruits

3. korean Meat Pie Tourtière ([translate:Tourtière])

in a converted old factory in Seongsu-dong, we serve meat pies like you’ve never experienced before. not the buttery, flavorful American-style pie, but a Korean-style pie made with 100% minced Korean beef based on the Damyang Tteokgalbi recipe. it’s made with no water or starch, just meat and pie crust to lock in the juices, and a sweet glaze to maximize the flavor. With the perfect balance of sweet and salty, it’s said to be better suited as a whiskey accompaniment than a dessert.

address: 30 Wangsimniro 2-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Korea
[translate:INSTAGRAM]: @tourtiere.seoul

4. tutto Tonto ([translate:Tutto Tonto]), Italy in a small glass

located near Kondae, this is a specialty espresso bar that brews the best espresso from beans they roast themselves. the espresso is not just bitter, but has a subtle acidity and savory flavor, making it easy to enjoy even for beginners. You can also experience the Italian “Sospeso” ([translate:Sospeso]) culture of paying for someone’s coffee in advance it’s a cultural experience that makes sharing a cup of warmth even more special.

address: 1F, 125 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea
[translate:INSTAGRAM]: @tuttotonto

5. minute Papillon ([translate:Minute Papillon]), Churros’ colorful transformation

this new brand from GFFG, the company behind the famous Noted doughnut, elevates the churros from an ordinary snack to the hottest dessert in Dosan Park. the crispy churros are deep-fried to order amidst a vintage interior inspired by an old French theater. with creative dipping sauces like deep chocolate and sweet chili yogurt, new memories are made.

address: 37 Dosan-daero 51-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
[translate:INSTAGRAM]: @minute.papillon.official

6. all the caramel in the world, Caramelier O ([translate:Caramelier O])

opened in Hannam-dong, this is a dessert shop specializing in caramel that, as its name suggests, aims to showcase all the caramels in the world. you can sit at the cozy bar, which is 100% reservation-only, and enjoy a variety of caramel-inspired desserts. The Caramel Chestnut Parfait, which is layered with meringue cookies, brandy cream, and caramel ice cream, is a signature dish that’s not to be missed.

address: 2F, 74 Itaewon-ro 54-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea
[translate:INSTAGRAM]: @caramelier_o