La Seine (Lotte Hotel Seoul)

About

Seoul's top-tier hotel buffet in Lotte Hotel's minimalist space. Signature grilled lamb and live lobster at ovenside stations. One of Seoul's "3 great hotel buffets."

La Seine at Lotte Hotel Seoul occupies a particular place in the city's dining landscape—known citywide as one of Seoul's three premier hotel buffets, it draws crowds of seafood enthusiasts and occasion-makers to its Jung-gu location. The restaurant operates across different dayparts and service periods, with dinner running weeknights from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and weekend services split into two seatings that begin at 5 p.m. The kitchen's signature moves center on live-fire preparations: lamb ribs arrive from the grill with negligible gaminess, their sweetness lifted by brushed mint. The kitchen sources king crab with meat that yields easily—tender rather than rubbery—and pairs it with multiple sauce options for dipping. Lobster, grilled to order, maintains its briny sweetness. Diners report returning repeatedly for these proteins alone, often loading their plates multiple times. The seafood counter holds raw preparations too: sashimi arrives in generous proportions (one visitor noted sashimi piled high with sweetshrimp), while sushi comes from chefs working before you. Crab yields especially high meat-to-shell ratios. The menu extends well beyond proteins. Abalone appears in both cold preparations and in spicy seafood soup—a dish that cuts through richness and readies the palate for dessert. Lamb ribs come alongside three sauce varieties. Korean sides, including the hotel's signature kimchi, arrive at the table. The kitchen handles live orders for hand-pulled noodles, udon, and seafood-forward preparations. Desserts command genuine attention. The Shine Muscat grape cake draws repeat visits. Fresh fruit—melon, dragon fruit, grapes, berries, watermelon depending on season—arrives at peak ripeness. Small-format pastries encourage tasting across the spread: tarts, éclairs, tiramisu, ice creams in multiple flavors. Coffee service continues through the meal, though diners report the iced Americano proves so compelling many return for several cups. Pricing reflects the hotel's tier: approximately 203,000 won for evening service. Hotel guests receive 10 percent off; Naver booking offers additional discounts. Parking runs 30,000 won for valet, though dining here grants four hours free.