Top 5 Dessert Cafes in Gangnam! Places Worth the Wait

Those Cafes You Saw on Instagram, I Visited Them All!

Hello! I'm a dessert-loving office worker. Lately, the dessert cafes in Gangnam have been so hot that I've been going on cafe tours with my friends every weekend. Today, I'll introduce you to the top 5 dessert cafes in Gangnam that are truly worth the wait!

To be honest... at first, I thought they were just pretty, but when I actually visited, they were perfect in taste too. Especially on weekends, it's really crowded, so I recommend going on weekday afternoons or right when they open!

1. Something About Coffee - A Dessert Paradise

The first place I'd like to introduce is Something About Coffee, the most famous dessert cafe near Gangnam Station. It's located near Exit 11 of Gangnam Station, heading towards CGV, and the entire three-story building is a cafe, so it's really huge!

The variety of desserts here is incredible. Cakes, macarons, scones, financiers, madeleines... just choosing what to eat takes about 30 minutes, haha. The Black Sesame Cheesecake is a signature menu item, and although it's a bit pricey at 7,500 won, it's really delicious! The cheese flavor is rich, and the subtle black sesame aroma lingers, making you crave it again after just one bite.

2. SONA - Desserts Like Artworks

The second place is SONA in Garosu-gil! Here, the desserts are truly... like artworks. It's run by Chef Hyunah Sung, and they operate on a reservation-only basis, so you need to book in advance.

The must-try here is the Champagne Sugar Ball! Inside a transparent sugar sphere, there's champagne foam and edible flowers, and when you gently break it with a fork, it all spills out, which is quite fascinating. The visual is amazing, and the taste is just as good. The subtle champagne aroma rises, and it's not too sweet but refreshing, so you can enjoy it cleanly till the end.

The price is a bit high. Each dessert costs around 18,000 won, but considering the quality, it's worth it. It's a great place for special occasions!

3. Bakerst Brown - Famous for Salt Bread

The third place is the newly opened and trending Bakerst Brown! It's located in the alley behind Gangnam Station CGV, and the red brick exterior is really pretty. It's convenient to find a seat as it spans from the basement to the third floor.

The Salt Bread here is really famous! It's crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, with just the right amount of salt, making the sweet and salty balance perfect. The Kouign-amann is also really delicious. Especially the strawberry kouign-amann, with its crispy bread, soft cream, and fresh strawberries, offers a really fun texture.

While the Americano is good, the grapefruit ade is refreshing and pairs well with the desserts. The prices are reasonable compared to other cafes in Gangnam!

4. Kurouni - British Scone Specialty

The fourth place is Kurouni in front of Dosan Park! This place is truly a hidden gem. It's a bit hard to find as there's no sign on the building exterior, but it's on the 4th floor via the elevator.

As a British bakery specialty shop, the scones here are really delicious! They have unique flavors like basil, peanut butter, and lavender, and when paired with tea, it feels like you're in England. Mariage Frères tea and Wedding Imperial tea are especially popular.

The atmosphere is also really nice. The interior exudes a British vibe, making it perfect for a quiet tea time with friends. The prices are reasonable too!

5. PLD Dosan Branch - The Ultimate Seasonal Desserts

The last place is PLD Dosan Branch near Apgujeong Rodeo Station! It's the second branch of PLD, which became famous in Seongsu, and their desserts using seasonal ingredients are truly works of art.

The Earl Grey Tea Cake is a signature menu item, topped with Earl Grey ice cream and accompanied by delicious cookies. The cake is soft and has a luxurious taste. During strawberry season, the strawberry desserts are really beautiful!

Besides desserts, they also offer brunch menus, making it a great place to visit for lunch. The prices are a bit high, but considering the quality, it's understandable.

My Tips for Gangnam Dessert Cafes

Here are some insights I gained from visiting all five places!

How to Avoid Waiting

Weekdays, especially Tuesday-Thursday from 2-4 PM, are the least crowded. Going right at opening time is also a good strategy!

Value for Money Ranking

1st Bakerst Brown, 2nd Kurouni, 3rd Something About Coffee, 4th PLD, 5th SONA.

Instagram Vibe Ranking

1st SONA, 2nd PLD, 3rd Something About Coffee! SONA is truly at an artwork level.

Date Course Recommendation

SONA or PLD have a great atmosphere, while Something About Coffee or Bakerst Brown are great for going with friends.

In Conclusion...

At first, I thought, "Aren't these just expensive cafes?" but after visiting, each place has its own distinct charm. Especially the dessert quality is truly amazing!

However, it's really crowded on weekends, so if you want to enjoy it leisurely, I recommend visiting on weekdays. And for places that require reservations, it's best to book in advance!

If you're planning a Gangnam dessert cafe tour, start with the place that suits your taste among these five. I'm planning to explore new cafes again next weekend!

In the next post, I'll be preparing the top 5 brunch cafes in Gangnam, so stay tuned!