Monarch Bistro: Riverside Dining in Banpo

2022-10-02 · Updated: 2026-08-11 · Original (Korean)

This article was translated from the original Korean post with AI assistance. Read the original Korean post →

I was looking for a nice restaurant for a family birthday party, and I remembered the Han River view from a previous visit, so I decided to come back. Last time, I went right before closing and only saw the night view, but today we went in the evening as the sun was setting, so we got to enjoy a variety of views. The glare is really strong, though, so sunglasses are a must.

A bridge leading to an illuminated riverside restaurant building at night.

A yacht floating on the Han River at dusk, with Namsan Seoul Tower and apartment complexes visible in the distance.

Given the incredible view, I honestly lowered my expectations for the food before going. As expected, the prices are high. However, the taste isn't terrible at all. After taking a bite, I found myself saying, "Oh? This isn't bad!" Since the view is great and the food is decent, I think it wouldn't be a bad spot for a blind date. Just keep in mind that reservations are essential. Even though we arrived really early, they were slow to give us a table, so if it's an important occasion, you definitely need to book ahead.

A tablet ordering screen displaying the Tomahawk steak menu and prices.

A tablet ordering screen displaying draft and bottled beer options.

A shrimp and broccoli dish in a black pan, bread in a basket, and pickles placed on a table.

A dish with shrimp, broccoli, garlic, and cherry tomatoes in olive oil served in a black pan.

A thick bone-in steak and grilled onions steaming on a hot iron plate.

Sauce bowls containing salt, wasabi, and whole grain mustard next to the steak and onions on an iron plate.

I thought it would be a huge waste of money if the main dish, the tomahawk steak, wasn't good, but it was reasonably tasty. If you're just looking at the price, it's best to think of it as twice what you'd pay at a chain family restaurant. It doesn't have the feel of a hotel or a specialized steakhouse. Honestly, it feels like the taste is even a slight step down from a standard family restaurant. Still, considering you're paying for the view, I'm satisfied that they served food we could finish without leaving any behind.

A landscape showing the Han River, a bridge, and apartment complexes under a red sunset sky at dusk.

A night view showing illuminated apartment complexes and Namsan Seoul Tower across the Han River in the dark.

Ultimately, this place begins and ends with the view. Whether you're looking out while sipping a beer or eating a meal, the Han River is this restaurant's biggest asset. Whether it's already a special day or you want to make an ordinary day special, dining at Monarch Bistro will do the trick. Just be prepared to forget about the price and the taste.

#SeoulNightView #SeoulDining #PaidWithMyOwnMoney #SeoulBlindDate