STAY Modern Restaurant by Yannick Alleno — Restaurant in Seoul

I first met Chef Hans 5 years ago in Bangkok, where he was the head chef of Elements at the Okura hotel. There, he combined French techniques with Japanese ingredients to create a tasting menu featuring the best of both cuisines. Ever since then, we have been regular patrons of Elements until we found out he was no longer working at Elements a few months ago. Fortunately, we stayed in contact and found out that he was now in charge of Stay at Signiel in Seoul. As such, our group of 6 celebrated our first vacation together since COVID-19 by going to Stay for our Christmas dinner.

When we first arrived at Stay, we received a hospitable welcome from Hans’ team headed by Kelly. She and her colleagues provided us with excellent service all night. We would also like to mention that Kelly, instead of taking her Christmas day off, chose to stay with us throughout the dinner. After we were seated in our room, we took some time to appreciate the magnificent view available from the 81st floor of the Lotte tower. Later, Hans arrived in person to greet each of us personally and wished us a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Throughout the Christmas dinner designed by Hans, we were to taste a delightful mix of flavors and textures. We all agreed that the best dish of the night was the beef mille-feuille. The dish was prepared with meticulous precision and dedication. A lot of love and effort was put into making this plate. The team was also incredibly generous with their truffle shavings. However, while some people enjoy large amounts of truffle, others, like myself, prefer a smaller portion because truffles can often take attention away from other ingredients. We also thought that the tonkhahouse dessert was creative and playful, perfectly fitting the Christmas theme.

Before we left, as this was our first time back in Seoul after a few years, Kelly was kind enough to offer us a tour of Seoul from the restaurant. While we initially planned to visit the Seoul Sky Observatory after dinner, the view offered by the restaurant made this not necessary. Overall, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Hans and his team for preparing the most amazing Christmas dinner. We definitely will be coming back again and would recommend this restaurant if you are looking for a fine-dining...

Dining at STAY is nothing short of a gastronomic revelation. This establishment not only lives up to the high standards set by its renowned chef but surpasses expectations with its innovative cuisine and masterful wine pairings. Each visit promises an unparalleled dining experience that lingers in the memory long after the last course is served.

From the moment you enter STAY Modern Restaurant, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of sophisticated elegance. The décor is chic and contemporary, setting the stage for the culinary adventure ahead. The service team excels in professionalism and knowledge, attending to every detail with grace and efficiency.

Chef Yannick Alléno's menu is a testament to his passion for modern gastronomy infused with a profound respect for traditional techniques. Each dish is meticulously crafted, displaying bold flavors and exquisite presentation. The tasting menu is particularly recommended as it showcases the chef’s versatility and creativity, taking diners on a journey through textures and tastes that are both unique and memorable.

The wine pairings at STAY are thoughtfully chosen to complement each dish, enhancing the dining experience to sublime levels. The sommelier’s expertise is evident, as each selection perfectly aligns with the flavors of the meal, from the delicate appetizers to the robust main courses. Whether it’s a vibrant white, a complex red, or a sparkling vintage, the wines are sure to impress even the most discerning oenophile.

In conclusion, STAY Modern Restaurant by Yannick Alléno offers an impeccable dining experience where the excellence of the cuisine and the wisdom of the wine selections create a perfect harmony. It’s a destination for those who appreciate the art of fine dining and the joy of a meal that is thoughtfully and beautifully executed. A visit to STAY is not just a meal; it's an indulgence in culinary artistry that is sure to enchant...

Had the worst experience at STAY French restaurant. Cabbed it all the way to Jamsil from Pyeongchang-dong. Too bad I can’t go to the chef’s restaurant in Hong Kong. Or better yet, Paris. My PORK was pretty rare (Or should I say RAW for me). They go ahead and insist they undercook PORK on purpose because people have different preferences on how they want PORK cooked. Could they possibly use frozen meat? That could explain why the center was RaRE. On second thought perhaps if they flipped the PoRk, the bottom would have cooked—-the RaWneSs seemed centralized in the bottom right part. Their pastry does not look like pâté as mentioned on the menu but rather Christmas ham. Also, their wine jello is pretty boozy! I would be concerned if I had a kid. They said I MUST buy water, so I paid ₩15,000 for a 750 ml bottle of Evian for me, myself, and I. I ended up needing that water though cos the bread was dry and hard. The sausage seemed burned to me as well. “Caramelized” et French. Oh, and the restroom? Outside of the restaurant....