Perched on the 37th floor of the Conrad Seoul hotel, 37 Grill & Bar is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and those seeking stunning views of the city. This authentic grill restaurant offers a refined setting where exceptional, carefully selected meats take center stage, accompanied by a curated menu and prestigious wines. In this elegant atmosphere, guests are invited to savor exquisite dishes prepared in open kitchens, for a unique culinary experience in the heart of Seoul.
Refinement and Panoramic Views at Conrad Seoul
Located in the heart of the Yeouido business district, Conrad Seoul stands out for its elegant and contemporary ambiance, offering a perfect balance of luxury and comfort. With 434 stylishly designed rooms and suites, this prestigious hotel provides breathtaking views of the Han River and Seoul’s impressive skyline. Situated in a district often referred to as the 'Manhattan of Seoul,' this luxury hotel is near landmarks such as the National Assembly and Korea's tallest skyscraper. Whether for a business trip or a tourist getaway, Conrad Seoul offers a comprehensive range of amenities, including a relaxing spa and several renowned restaurants, like 37 Grill & Bar.
Elegant Atmosphere and Stunning Views
Upon arriving on the 37th floor of Conrad Seoul, you are greeted by 37 Grill & Bar: on the left, the bar, and on the right, a grill restaurant with breathtaking views of the city, day or night. The main hall, featuring two open kitchens, also includes two private dining rooms. One of them, tucked in a corner, offers an exclusive setting with a 180-degree view of the Han River and Seoul’s skyline, perfect for intimate gatherings.
The 37 Grill & Bar enhances the visual experience with seating near large windows and soft lighting that accentuates the nighttime views, creating a romantic yet elegant ambiance. The atmosphere is refined yet welcoming, ideal for savoring fine dishes. With dark wood and glass decor, the venue combines contemporary design with warm furnishings, evoking the intimacy of a classic grill and the elegance of a sophisticated bar. Upon entry, an impressive wine wall greets guests, showcasing the extensive wine and spirits collection that accompanies the varied grill menu.
For an immersive experience, the restaurant offers a ‘Chef’s Table’ around an open kitchen, where guests can closely observe the meal preparation and interact with the chefs, adding a unique dimension to their dining experience.
Exceptional Cuisine and Prestigious Wines for Our Dinner at the Summit
This elegant venue of dark wood and glass is renowned for its refined meat selection, with carefully selected cuts from South Korea, Spain, Australia, and the United States. The menu, focused on authentic grilling by expert chefs, also offers some seafood options and savory starters, making 37 Grill & Bar a popular destination for those looking to diversify their culinary experience after exploring Korean cuisine.
In terms of drinks, the cocktail menu is inspiring, featuring original creations and classic favorites. My husband enjoyed a delightful mocktail, the Virginia Sour, made with apple juice, lemon, cranberry, vanilla syrup, and egg white.
Distinguished by the prestigious ‘Award of Excellence’ from the Restaurant Wine List Awards of Wine Spectator since 2013, the 37 Grill & Bar boasts one of the finest wine lists, supported by continuous sommelier training and a constantly refreshed selection. Among hundreds of choices, I opted for a glass of Saint-Émilion, an exceptional French red wine.
Although the set menu was tempting, we chose to order à la carte. For starters, we enjoyed a remarkably fresh Burrata salad, garnished with jonagold apple slices, crunchy cucumber, and delicately fragrant basil. Pickled carrots added a subtle tang, while maple-glazed pecans provided a sweet crunch. Our second starter, the grilled squid, was a true delight for the palate. Lightly smoked and perfectly tender, it was served with a melting shrimp stew on a creamy black parsnip puree. The citrus vinaigrette added a touch of acidity that beautifully balanced the richness of the seafood flavors.
For the main course, we chose a must-try, 'The Log for 2,' a spectacular platter of smoked meats, ideal for those who love bold, hearty flavors. This feast included a 200g Australian beef tenderloin, 250g Australian lamb chops, Iberian pork shoulder, and half a lemon chicken from South Korea, all served with mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and chipotle BBQ sauce. This generous dish, designed for sharing, embodied a culinary experience that was both rustic and sophisticated, a real treat for meat lovers.
For desserts, we indulged in the 'Orange Blossom', a cheese soufflé served with orange blossom crème anglaise, kumquat compote, and vanilla ice cream, as well as the 'Noisette Croustillant', made with gianduja namelaka, hazelnut crunch, vanilla whipped cream, and praline ice cream. The desserts, lightly sweetened and perfectly balanced, stood out for their creativity and finesse, perfectly in line with current trends.
My Opinion
The 37 Grill & Bar surprised me with a wonderful dining experience. I was delighted by the elegant setting and the breathtaking view of Seoul, creating a unique and refined ambiance. The food quality was exceptional, with each dish meticulously crafted to offer a subtle and well-balanced harmony of flavors. The meats, particularly outstanding, were complemented by an exquisite wine selection. A place I highly recommend for an elegant yet relaxed gastronomic experience, perfect for meat enthusiasts.
Practical Information
Many thanks to 37 Grill & Bar for the invitation to discover their establishment. Naturally, I remain free in my comments in this article!
About Florence Consul
Editor of Experiences Luxe since 2015, I love discovering new exclusive and authentic experiences all over the world. I left my home country (France) 6 years ago to become a global citizen, traveling 365 days out of the year. I am a foodie person and I make a point of tasting local specialities.