Gangnam District
Conte de Tulear
What to Order
- ✦Whole Bacon Brioche Egg Waffle — the signature dish, fluffy and indulgent
- ✦Chocolate Mousse with Americano — a popular pairing loved by regulars
Good For
A Perfume Brand Built a Brunch Cafe in Apgujeong — And It Actually Works
Conte de Tulear (꽁티드툴레아) is one of those places that sounds like a concept gone too far — a fragrance label opening a cafe in a renovated 1980s house in Gangnam. But regulars keep coming back, and the reservation queue doesn't lie.
What to Expect
The brand draws its name from Tulear, a coastal town in Madagascar — and the whole space leans into that tropical-meets-industrial tension. Exposed concrete walls, plants spilling out of every corner, and an outdoor terrace that feels genuinely airy rather than staged. The moment you walk in, you'll notice a diffuser running somewhere. That's intentional. The scent is part of the experience, not background noise.
This is a brunch-focused Seoul cafe with a Western-leaning menu — eggs, waffles, bacon, chocolate desserts. Nothing too challenging if you're new to Korean dining. Think elevated weekend brunch, Gangnam pricing included.
What to Order
Whole Bacon Brioche Egg Waffle — This is the one. A thick slab of bacon on a brioche waffle with egg. It sounds like a lot, and it is, in the best way. Rich, slightly sweet from the brioche, and the bacon actually holds its own against it. Order this first.
Chocolate Mousse + Americano — Regulars pair these two and there's a reason it keeps getting recommended. The mousse is dense without being cloying, and the bitterness of a straight Americano cuts through it cleanly. Skip the sweetened drinks if you're going this route.
The menu has vegetarian options, which is worth noting because Gangnam brunch spots don't always make that easy.
Atmosphere & Vibe
Busy. Genuinely busy, especially on weekends. One reviewer came back a second day in a row, which tells you something. The balcony seating is the best spot in the house — grab it if it's available. Inside is stylish but compact, with that deliberate design-forward feel that Apgujeong does well.
People bring their dogs here. A lot of them. Pet-friendly outdoor seating is part of the draw, and on weekends the terrace can feel more like a neighborhood social than a cafe. If you want quiet, come on a weekday afternoon. If you want energy, Saturday evening delivers.
The music is good. That's a minor thing, but it matters when you're sitting somewhere for two hours.
Practical Info
- Address: 대한민국 서울특별시 강남구 신사동 646-21 / 646-21 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul
- Google Maps: Open in Google Maps
- Nearest subway: Apgujeong Rodeo Station, 6-minute walk
- Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Price range: 20,000–25,000 KRW per person for brunch
- Spice level: Mild
- Vegetarian: Yes — options available
- Halal-friendly: Partial (pork is on the menu; alcohol may be served — confirm on-site)
- Reservations: Yes — via Catch Table
- Good for groups: Yes
Closing Tip
Book through Catch Table at least two weeks out — this isn't an exaggeration for weekends. If you're walking by on a weekday afternoon without a reservation, it's worth checking in person whether there's space. The wait can stretch, but the turnover is reasonable.
Quick Summary
| Best for | Weekend brunch, date spot, solo with a book |
| Signature order | Whole Bacon Brioche Egg Waffle |
| Neighborhood | Apgujeong, Gangnam District |
| Vibe | Design-forward, fragrant, pet-friendly terrace |
| Budget | ~20,000–25,000 KRW per person |
| Reservation needed? | Yes — book 2 weeks ahead on weekends |
| Getting there | Apgujeong Rodeo Station, 6 min walk |
| Hours | Daily 11 AM – 11 PM |
Hours
What People Are Saying
"A very cozy bar! There’s plenty of seating both inside and outside, and we especially liked the balcony – it’s a lovely spot to sit and relax. The interior is very interesting and stylish, with a unique character. The service was excellent, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The music was also great – it created a fun and enjoyable atmosphere. We liked it so much that we came back the next day. Highly recommended – a perfect place to have a good time!"
"I haven’t had the chance to try this place yet, but it’s clearly a hot spot! It’s almost always packed, so be prepared to queue. The ambience is great and full of energy. In one of my photos, you can even see people happily enjoying their food despite sitting right next to a rubbish chute. That’s how good the vibe is! Tip: Try visiting during off-peak hours, like late afternoons on weekdays, if you want to avoid the long lines. Definitely a place worth checking out if you don’t mind a little wait!"
"Great experience to dine here with good food for brunch. Was lucky to have a seat immediately after entering."
— Google Reviews
