Not all two-star Michelin restaurants are created equal, and Soigné in Seoul is a prime example. After visiting so many stellar establishments, I found it somewhat underwhelming. The restaurant is helmed by Chef Lee Jun, whose impressive pedigree includes training at the CIA and stints in the kitchens of Thomas Keller’s Per Se and Toronto’s Susur Lee before returning to Seoul. His cuisine is contemporary Korean.
Located on the second floor of the Sinsa Square building in Gangnam, Soigné has no visible signage. Upon entering, you are greeted by a completely open, immaculate kitchen. The staff, dressed in suits paired with New Balance sneakers and equipped with earpieces for seamless communication, give the space a distinctly cool vibe. The restaurant has two dining rooms flanking the kitchen: one seating 24 guests (where we were) and a smaller room with eight seats. Surprisingly, the atmosphere is relaxed despite the formal setup.
The tasting menu consists of twelve “episodes,” each revolving around a specific theme, blending French techniques with international influences from Europe and America while attempting to remain rooted in Korean flavors and ingredients. Soigné, which translates to “well-made” or “highly complete” in French, reflects a commitment to sophistication and detail.
Despite the beautiful presentation, not every course was a success for me. Many dishes arrived lukewarm rather than hot. The signature dish, an extra-cost item, featured two small, lukewarm escargot. The fish course was disappointing, and the pork course was average. Overall, the flavors were underwhelming and lacked the memorability I’ve experienced at other top restaurants in Seoul.
The wine list is global and impressive, with particularly pricey selections in the signature collection. Soigné is a Dom Pérignon ambassador, and you can even order it by the glass. Service, however, was flawless—attentive, professional, and seamless.
While Soigné has earned a reputation as one of Seoul’s top restaurants, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. For me, it’s not a must-visit on a return trip to the city.
Happy dining.
Shanea
01/10/2026
