🍝 Farno Gwanghwamun is highly recommended for:
✔︎ Anyone looking for a cozy indoor dining spot near Jonggak or Gwanghwamun Station.
✔︎ Couples seeking a stylish, modern setting for a romantic Seoul date night.
✔︎ Foodies searching for a Gwanghwamun restaurant that delivers on both taste and aesthetics.
While planning a lunch date in Gwanghwamun with my mom,
I searched for a great spot and discovered that Farno—
originally a legendary, celebrity-favorite Western dining spot in Seorae Village—
had just opened a brand-new location in Gran Seoul!
Naturally, we had to head over to Jonggak to try it out.
Interior Vibe
As you can see, the space is incredibly clean, chic, and modern.
It instantly went on my mental list of recommended spots for a date or blind date in Seoul.
Even the table settings were beautifully arranged and inviting. 🧡
The Menu
While you can preview a simplified menu outside the entrance,
sitting down reveals a much more extensive selection of dishes.
Farno originally made waves as a popular brunch cafe in Seorae Village,
but this location has evolved into a full-scale Italian-Western restaurant,
serving up premium pastas, steaks, and risottos.
Everything looked so good, making it hard to choose!
After some serious deliberation, we ordered the Shrimp Garlic Confit Pasta,
Seafood Risotto, Flat Iron Steak, and organic sparkling juices (Lemon and Grapefruit).
Quick tip: They were running a promotion offering a free daily soup for orders over ~$32.
The soup options of the day were Minestrone or French Onion,
and we happily went with the French Onion.
Even the water was thoughtfully served with fresh lemon slices,
and before long, our table was completely filled with these stunning dishes.
Let's dive into the detailed review of each plate!
Daily Soup: French Onion
The soup had a deep, savory caramelized onion flavor with a perfect hint of saltiness—
ideal for waking up the taste buds.
It was absolute heaven when we dipped the warm bread into it.
Shrimp Garlic Confit Pasta
This dish featured beautifully plump, juicy shrimp
tossed in a rich garlic and oil emulsion.
I'm usually not a massive fan of whole garlic, but the confit garlic here
was so incredibly sweet and tender that I found myself picking out every last piece!
Seafood Risotto
At first glance, as a shrimp lover, I only noticed the shrimp.
But as we started eating, we uncovered these massive, plump scallops!
The scallops were incredibly tender yet chewy, and the rich,
velvety cream sauce base made this risotto an absolute standout.
Flat Iron Steak
The Flat Iron Steak was remarkably juicy and tender,
locking in all the rich beef flavors perfectly.
If you prefer your steak on the rarer, more succulent side, this will be right up your alley.
Organic Sparkling Juice (Lemon & Grapefruit)
These organic sodas offered a subtle, natural carbonation that wasn't overwhelming.
The lemon flavor was wonderfully crisp and tart,
while the grapefruit had that perfect balance of sweet and pleasantly bitter notes.
They paired beautifully with the rich pasta and steak.
Parking & Transit Tips
Driving in downtown Seoul can be notoriously stressful with limited parking, right?
At Farno, you get 2 hours of free parking in the building on both weekdays and weekends.
Plus, if you use the "Modu Parking" app, you can score 1-day weekend parking for just ~$4—
which is an absolute steal for this area!
If you're taking the subway, you don't even have to step outside!
The restaurant connects directly to the underground level of Gran Seoul from Jonggak Station.
It's also incredibly close to major bus stops, making it a commuter's dream.
Even if you're exploring Seoul on foot, the seamless transit connection is a massive plus.
After your meal, you can easily explore the cafes and entertainment options within Gran Seoul,
making it a seamless, stress-free spot for dates or social gatherings.
✔︎ Wrap-up: Farno Gwanghwamun Review
With its prime location near Jonggak and Gwanghwamun, incredible transit access,
and flawless steak and pasta options,
Farno Gwanghwamun is a highly recommended, stylish indoor dining destination in Seoul.
Farno Gwanghwamun | Catch Table Reservation
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