10 of The Best Cafés and Dessert Spots in Itaewon Seoul (2016)

Itaewon (梨泰院) is best known for its diversified culture with a wide variety of shops, bars, cafés and restaurants from different countries coming together in harmony. So that by itself becomes a great reason why the area has become one of the best places to look for trendy cafés and dessert spots in the city. Here is a list of my favorite cafés and dessert spots in Itaewon that are not to be missed if you happen to be spending time in the area.

Passion 5
Passion 5 is a space that combines a bakery, chocolate shop and gelateria all under the same roof. While their bread, chocolate and macarons are all something to die for, their calling card has always been their Japanese influenced pastries that are some of the most instagram worthy desserts in Seoul. Check out their snow white apple cake and more to make your trip to Itaewon even more memorable.

Address: 272 Itaewon-ro, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-6207-1029
Website: www.spc.co.kr/spc/passion5/f1.spc





Lady M Patisserie
If you're a Lady M fan like us, a trip to their Itaewon outpost is simply mandatory. What separates Lady M Korea with the rest of their branches in Asia is the fact that they have got the largest selection of mille crêpes around. For those of you who're tired of their original, green tea and strawberry flavors, come try out other intriguing options like tiramisu, cookie and cream etc. which are currently not available in Hong Kong and Singapore.

Address: 127 Itaewon 1(il)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02-792-7707
Website: www.ladymkorea.kr






Glamorous Penguins
Tucked away at a little back alley off the main road near Hangangjin station, Glamorous Penguin is a small café with a big heart. They're very serious about their coffee and homemade cakes. Often making headlines are their red velvet cakes and carrot cakes which are some of the best ones in the business but if you happen to be in love with chiffon cakes, then you definitely can't go wrong with their earl grey chiffon cake, which is one of my personal favorites.

Address: 743-41, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 070-7793-7178
Website: www.glamorouspenguin.com





O'Shake
While freakshakes didn't exactly catch fire in Seoul like many expected,they did make their presence felt. When it comes to the funkiest shakes in the city, O'Shake is definitely on the top of the list. Try their nutella double shake and oreo double shake which are two of the naughtiest shakes you can find in Itaewon and Seoul.

Address: 49 Itaewon-ro 27ga-gil, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02-792-5429
Website: www.o-shake.com






Maillet
A hidden gem on hilly Hoenamu-ro, Maillet is run by a husband-and-wife team who studied together at the Institute Paul Bocuse in Lyon. While Maillet will never win you over with their small number of selection, they will impress you with their quality of French pastries which are as authentic as it gets in Seoul.

(Note: Maillet has recently relocated to Banpo-dong in September 2016.)

Address: 212-57 Itaewon 2(i)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2749-1411






Frank's
Frank's flagship store in Itaewon is not the easiest of all places to find but once you manage to locate it, you will be amazed with what they've got in store for you. Their popular rainbow series, including the rainbow roll cake, is what put them on the map in the first place. They are freshly made twice a day (12:30 and 16:30) and often sold out within 15 to 30 minutes so adjust your schedule accordingly!

Address: 258-228 Itaewon(2)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70-8156-5459
Website: www.facebook.com/paindefrank





ÉCLAIR by garuharu
Even before L'Éclair de Génie started making their expansion to Asia, éclairs with colorful toppings and fancy flavors are already available in Seoul courtesy of ÉCLAIR by garuharu. Opened in June 2014, this dessert spot on Gyeongnidan Street continues to dazzle locals and tourists with their growing list of innovative éclairs which includes hazelnut praline, coconut & mango and more.

Address: 247-9 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-337-8090
Website: www.garuharu.com






Lilikoi Patisserie
Lilikoi Patisserie is a little dessert café near Gyeongnidan Street that sells cute little desserts, pastries, sorbets and shakes. Like many Seoul eateries, they got a shot in the arm from their feature in the popular show "Tasty Road". Be warned about their choux pastry because all the wonderful fillings would most certainly lure you back for more.

Address: 656 Itaewon 2(i)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 070-8884-3344
Website: www.lilikoi.co.kr




Gontran Cherrier Artisan Boulanger
From Tokyo to Seoul, Gontran Cherrier is slowly building up a reputation as one of my best young French baker in the business. With their Itaewon branch, they have one of their biggest cafés in the city serving up their always popular bakery, pastries and drinks Parisian style.

Address: 1/F, Hannam Building, 737-37 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02-796-9416
Website: www.gontrancherrier.kr/sub/sub04_01.php





Kiss The Tiramisu
The famous tiramisu ice-cream shop from Hongdae has recently opened in buzzy Itaewon serving up their signature ice-cream made with fresh mascarpone cheese, fresh milk ice cream, lady finger crumbs and espresso in their elegant gold-rimmed wine glass. On top of their usual take-away option, they also have 3 little bar tables available for dine-in customers.

Address: 723 Itaewon 2(i)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02-796-9416
Website: www.kissthetiramisu.net




For a more updated look at 10 of the Best Cafés and Dessert Spots in Itaewon, please click here.

Other travel tips in Seoul:

(Also see: 10 of The Best Cafés and Dessert Spots in Hongdae Seoul)

(Also see: 10 of The Best Cafés and Dessert Spots in Sinsa Seoul)

(Also see: 10 of The Best Cafés and Dessert Spots in Banpodong Seoul)


How to get there:
Take Subway Line 6 Noksapyeong, Itaewon or Hangangjin station.