Summer Lane Cafe – A Hidden Gem for Brunch in Seoul!

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to find my perfect brunch in Seoul!  More than that, I can’t believe that someone else dreamed up my ideal Eggs Benedict.  Even more perfect?  It’s a 5 minute walk from my place on the Kyungnidan side of Itaewon/ Noksapyeong.  Summer Lane (써머레인) is an Australian-influenced cafe.  They mostly serve coffee, tea, other interesting-sounding beverages, and desserts.  The brunch we had on Saturday makes it a perfect destination for weekend brunch in Seoul.  I can’t believe they’ve been open for 4 months and last weekend was my first try!

Atomsphere at Summer Lane Cafe

While Summer Lane is a small cafe, they’ve made great use of the space.  The space is airy and bright.  The greenery adds a calm to the place.  You could easily have a group of up to 6 people seated at their largest table.  I’m hoping they’ll stay true to their word and start up the New York style bottomless mimosa brunch.  They’d like to start offering a Bloody Mary, but right now it’s just beer on the menu.  As much as I love Route 66, Sunday brunch in Seoul could get a massive upgrade if Summer Lane keeps their promise!

The Menu at Summer Lane Cafe

The duck prosciutto and truffle scrambled eggs at Guilty Pleasure are to die for.  The Saffa brunch at Braai Republic is killer, but so is the wait for a table.  I love these spots, but I don’t want to climb over a hill after a big night out.  An average, basic western breakfast in Seoul will generally cost around KRW 10,000.  For prime ingredients, you’re obviously going to pay a little bit more.  Our meals at Summer Lane Cafe came out to about KRW 15,000 each.  For the serving of delicious, western-style bacon on the platter plus plenty of avocado, it was a total bargain.   You’ll find Australian traditional eats like Pavlova as well as cheap and cheerful scones and cookies.  The prices are pretty in range with the area, so no surprises here once the bill arrives!  I’ll happily place Summer Lane Cafe on my list of favourite brunch in Seoul spots after Saturday.  It’s worth it to be a destination restaurant and I’m thrilled it’s so close!

Eats at Summer Lane Cafe

I can’t say I ever expected to have two poached eggs, a ton of bacon, avocado, and cheddar cheese cajun hollandaise sauce plopped onto a savoury waffle and called Eggs Benedict.  I’ve fairly certain if I dreamed up my perfect brunch in Seoul this would be it.  The poached eggs were perfectly runny, while the egg white was well-cooked.  The hollandaise had a hint of spice and was packed with flavour.  I don’t like too thick a hollandaise, either, and its consistency was what I craved.  Popping edible flowers on the side was a nice touch aesthetically.  My friend had the bacon and banana Croissant French Toast which was equally beautiful and a sensational serving size.  These were insta-worthy brunches that actually tasted phonemenal!

Getting to Summer Lane Cafe for Brunch in Seoul

Open Tue-Sun 08:00-20:00 and closed on Monday. Take exit 2 of Noksapyeong Station and walk straight until you reach the underpass.  Take the underpass and exit on the left hand side (if you can – there’s currently construction in the underpass so you might have to double back).   Walk up the main Kyungnidan street passing Cafe Pascucci, Paris Baguette, and Well Being Mart until you reach Maloney’s Pub.  Hang a right and walk up the street a couple of blocks then turn right.  Summer Lane Cafe will be on your left.  Alternatively, you can go from the top of the hill (where you’ll find Baskin-Robbins, 711, and “Club GS25” with the giant patio).  Follow the street between 711 and gs 25 away from Baskin-Robbins/ the Hyatt.  Walking along that street you can’t miss it.  After a couple of blocks it’ll be on your left-hand side.  We were actually headed to another restaurant when we were welcomed inside by one of their employees, Jess.  The service was impeccable – relaxed and also warm and friendly.  I definitely recommend a visit soon!

Make sure to pin this to your Seoul Food pinterest board for directions to this great spot for Brunch in Seoul! 

Where’s your favourite place to grab brunch in Seoul?  Leave me a note in the comments!

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