Location

6-1 Sajik-ro 9-gil, Jongno District, Seoul
Ari

Ari is about a 10-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station, and just minutes away from the western gate of the palace. The restaurant is also located within one of Seochon’s many renovated hanok-style buildings, seamlessly blending into the area’s characteristic charm.

Seochon, often overshadowed by the more touristy Bukchon across the palace, tends to be quieter but equally charming. This is a place where traditional Seoul is beautifully blended with trendy cafés, gift shops, and art studios. It’s also where Timothée Chalamet was spotted during his trip to Seoul in early 2024.

Timothée Chalamet charms fans with ‘sweet encounters’ at Seoul hotspots

http://www.chosun.com

Menu & Pricing

Ari is known for its unique concept of using seasonal Korean ingredients prepared with French culinary techniques. While the menu isn’t extensive, each dish features thoughtful pairings and seasonal produce. The prices felt reasonable for the quality—pasta dishes in the 20,000 KRW range and sandwiches around 15,000 KRW. Coffee is available for 5,000 KRW, and the beverage menu also includes a selection of wines and other drinks.

What I Ordered

My meal started with a bowl of Truffle Mushroom Soup—a comforting blend of earthy mushrooms, chicken broth and cream, topped with freshly ground black pepper and a swirl of truffle oil. While the truffle note wasn’t overpowering, it added a subtle smoky aroma that paired beautifully with the grilled slice of sourdough served alongside.

The Mezzi rigatoni was perfectly al dente, generously coated in a green-tinted cream sauce that had a fresh, herby richness. The use of bite-sized rigatoni gave the dish a unique touch—each piece was easy to enjoy in a single bite, and also made it perfect for sharing. While I couldn’t distinctly taste the leek in the sauce, the layered flavors of nutty pistachio pesto and the fresh bite of spring onions were both unique and delicate.

Rounding out my meal was an egg & avocado sourdough open-faced sandwich. Scrambled eggs layered over tangy sourdough, topped with creamy mashed avocado and finished with chili flakes, olive oil, and a hint of salt & pepper. (FYI the sandwich is usually prepared with sliced avocado, but they replaced it with smashed avocado because they had run out of ripe ones.) The fluffy eggs paired so well with the fresh avocado, and the generous sprinkle of chili flakes added a delightful kick to the soft ingredients.

Vibe & Atmosphere

The interior of Ari mirrors its menu—a fusion of Western minimalism and Korean traditional aesthetics. As you step inside, you’re first greeted by a large communal counter that faces the open kitchen. It’s a lively setup where you can watch the chefs carefully plating dishes, perfect for solo or duo diners. If you walk further into the space, you’ll find a quieter area with more tables that seat two to four people—ideal for slower meals and more private conversations.

The space features both the beauty of Korean traditional hanok architecture and a modern vibe of a European café. Exposed wooden beams that crisscross the high ceiling evoke the warmth of a restored hanok, while the furniture and layout feature more contemporary aesthetics with clean lines and natural materials. This fusion of styles wasn’t just visually pleasing but set the tone of ease and composure in the space.

Despite its refined menu and upscale presentation, Ari didn’t feel pretentious. The staff were all soft-spoken and attentive. Orders are taken at the table and although the restaurant was full, the service was never delayed or rushed. That said, the space itself is quite compact so if you’re planning to visit on a weekend, I recommend making a reservation through CatchTable to avoid a long wait.