까페 레빠리지엥(Cafe Les Parisiens) 명동점 — Restaurant in Seoul

On this frigid Wednesday afternoon (-5°C!), I was on the hunt for a cozy café where I could warm up with my kids over a sweet treat. With many spots closed for Lunar New Year, fate led us to this charming Parisian-style café—an unexpected gem that I’m so glad we discovered.

Stepping inside, the first thing that caught my eye was the soft pink floral accents and the elegant pastry display—mostly empty, a clear sign of a well-loved spot. We picked out a heart-shaped raspberry and currant croissant pastry, its golden layers promising the perfect balance of crisp and buttery indulgence. To complement it, I ordered a hot Americano, and the kind barista thoughtfully prepared warm (not scalding) water for the kids—a small but much-appreciated detail.

Upstairs, we found a beautifully designed seating area straight out of a café lover’s dream—soft pinks, crisp whites, and warm wooden accents set against a glowing tree adorned with delicate pink ornaments. The atmosphere was intimate, elegant, and irresistibly cozy, the perfect retreat from the icy weather outside.

Beyond the lovely ambiance and delicious pastries, what truly stood out was the warmth of the service. Not only did the barista get the temperature of the kids’ water just right, but he also surprised them with small stickers—a simple yet thoughtful gesture that added to the experience.

Overall: ✨ Ambiance: Chic, cozy, and inviting—every detail feels thoughtfully curated. ☕ Food & Drink: Delicious, well-crafted, and satisfying. ❤️ Service: Exceptionally warm and attentive, with thoughtful touches that make a difference.

A true hidden gem—one I’ll gladly return to if I ever find myself back in Seoul. For now, it’s a sweet memory to take back...

Tucked away in the bustling streets of Myeongdong, finding Cafe Les Parisien feels like discovering a secret. You step off the noisy sidewalk and are immediately transported. The air is different here—thick with the rich aroma of freshly baked butter croissants and dark espresso, a world away from the familiar scent of roasted barley tea and bbq that defines so much of Seoul.

The interior is charmingly simple and unpretentious. Mismatched wooden tables, shelves lined with well-worn French novels, and the gentle hum of a real espresso machine operated by a focused barista. This isn't a themed cafe; it feels like a genuine neighbourhood boulangerie that was magically dropped into the heart of Korea.

I ordered a plain croissant and a café au lait. This is where they truly shine. The croissant was perfection: shatteringly crisp and flaky on the outside, revealing a soft, airy, and beautifully laminated interior. No greasy aftertaste, just pure, high-quality butter. The coffee was strong and smooth, the perfect bitter complement to the pastry's richness.

For a moment, sitting at that small table and watching the world go by the large window, I forgot I was in Seoul. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet morning read or to satisfy a very specific pastry craving. Highly recommend for anyone missing a real...

I was lucky to pass by this cafe as I was on my way to another cafe. It caught my eye so I Googled it and I saw that it had 5/5 reviews with almost 600 reviews! I had to take a look and though the first floor was empty, it gave me good vibes and everything looked so pretty that I decided to have a drink and pastry (which was on 30% discount after a certain time - think it was 6.30pm).

The matcha latte and heart-shaped croissant were delicious, and before I left, the staff offered me a croissant (probably because it was about 30+ minutes to closing time). Even though it wasn't just heated up, it was still warm and very crispy and buttery. That was such a pleasant surprise!

I toured around the 3-storey cafe and I loved the decor. They had some cute merch too if you're into that. I'd highly recommend the place if you're...