해안미식 a tofu restaurant

해안미식 is a restaurant specializing in tofu.
The décor is clean and modern, with a minimalist, industrial design and a striking steel façade.

We first came for lunch, but the restaurant was fully booked for a company event, so we returned later for dinner.

We ordered a spicy tofu stew, black sesame tofu, and a potato pancake. The tofu was soft, fresh, and of high quality. The dishes overall were good, though some lacked a bit of depth in flavor.

Nonetheless, it was an interesting experience, especially since I’ve never had a meal where tofu was the main focus of every dish. Gangneung is known for its tofu made with seawater, so it’s definitely worth a try if you’re in the area.

해안미식

https://place.map.kakao.com/1227071799

2633 Gyeonggang-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Fresh Sandwiches and Great Coffee Right by Gangneung Station

Altteu is a charming café conveniently located right across from Gangneung train station, making it an ideal stop before or after a journey. The café is both quaint and spacious, featuring two floors that provide ample comfortable seating.

One of the highlights is that it opens early at 7:30 a.m., which is ideal for travelers seeking a hearty breakfast or a quiet spot to begin their day. The menu leans toward healthy options, with fresh sandwiches and salads being the main draw.

The staff were welcoming and accommodating, and I appreciated that they spoke English, which made ordering very smooth. We tried three sandwiches—the ham and cheese, basil and tomato, and chicken. Each was tightly wrapped, generously filled with vegetables, and had a fresh, wholesome taste. They were hearty enough to be satisfying yet light and refreshing at the same time.

The coffee was also a pleasant surprise—smooth, well-balanced, and easily one of the better cups I’ve had in Gangneung. Combined with the cozy atmosphere and convenient location, Altteu is definitely worth a visit whether you’re after a quick bite, a healthy meal, or just a good cup of coffee.

Altteu Cafe

171 Yongji-ro, 특별자치도 Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Bossa Nova Café

Bossa Nova Café is one of the many spots along Gangneung Café Street, offering beautiful sea views. It opens early, making it a great choice for those who want to start their day bright and early. This spacious café spans four floors, with jazz music playing softly in the background. Each floor provides a different perspective of the sea, enhancing the relaxing atmosphere.

There is no full food menu; instead, you can choose from a selection of breads and cakes displayed for self-service. You pick your items, place them on a tray, and then order your drink at the counter.

We chose a variety of buns — salt butter rolls, croissant, cheese basil bread, and a coffee bun — and paired them with an Americano. Most of the bread was enjoyable, though the croissant was a bit too sweet for my taste. The Americano was decent.

Overall, Bossa Nova Café offers great vibes and atmosphere, with decent food and drinks — perfect for a relaxed morning by the sea.

Bossa Nova Coffee Roasters Gangneung Branch

28 Changhae-ro 14beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Gelato with a Korean Twist: Discover Soontofu’s Flavorful Delights

Nestled just steps away from the famous Gangneung Café Street, Soontofu Gelato offers an unforgettable twist on the classic Italian treat — creamy gelato made with silky soft beancurd sourced locally. Using imported Italian gelato machines, this place perfectly blends Korean tradition with artisanal craft.

Spread across four floors, you’ll find cozy booths on the second floor, spacious round tables for groups on the third, and a rooftop with stunning views of the river and mountains.

The flavors are a delightful mix of Korean classics like black sesame and sweet potato, alongside international favorites such as chocolate, pistachio, and mango. They even serve gelato coffee!

On our visit, we tried black sesame with soft tofu, Nutella, and yogurt gelatos — all light, fluffy, and perfectly balanced. The black sesame paired exceptionally well with the strong, flavorful gelato coffee.

Soontofu Gelato

St. Peter Stiftskulinarium – Oldest Restaurant in Europe

The entrance to St. Peter Stiftskulinarium felt almost mysterious, tucked away behind ornate stone archways. For a moment, I wondered if I was in the right place. The Christmas decorations were still up, lending a warm and festive charm to the setting, especially the beautifully lit entrance that made it feel like walking into a holiday dream.

This historic restaurant, with over 1200 years of history, is said to be the oldest in Europe. Once inside, I was struck by the variety of spaces. There are 11 dining rooms, each with its own distinctive character and decor. Some were classic and elegant, others leaned more avant-garde—with hints of the festive season still lingering in the details.

The service was professional and efficient, striking the perfect balance between attentiveness and discretion.

I ordered the Wiener Schnitzel, and it was superb—light, thin, and tender with a delicate, well-seasoned crust that wasn’t greasy at all. The veal was of excellent quality, and it was served with soft, waxy potatoes sprinkled with fresh parsley, which complemented the dish beautifully.

For dessert, I tried the crème brûlée. It was not the traditional version I was expecting—the texture resembled a light, smooth pudding. The flavor leaned heavily toward citrus, with only a light caramelized top. While it was a generous portion and paired nicely with a scoop of ice cream that had a subtle clove aftertaste, I personally prefer the classic style of crème brûlée.

Overall, dining at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium was a memorable experience—a blend of history, atmosphere, and fine cuisine.

St. Peter Stiftskulinarium

Sankt-Peter-Bezirk 1/4, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

My Sweet Stop at Dallmayr Café-Bistro

Located in the heart of Munich, Dallmayr Delicatessen is a renowned gourmet destination combining a delicatessen, bakery, bistro, and fine dining restaurant under one roof.

This impressive and beautifully laid-out gourmet grocery store offers an extensive selection of premium products — from artisanal breads, fresh fruits and vegetables, and high-quality meats and seafood to charcuterie, fine cheeses, specialty dairy products, and an exceptional variety of coffee and tea. As the word “gourmet” suggests, the prices are on the higher side, but the quality and presentation reflect the cost.

I visited the café bistro on a weekend. Though it was quite busy, the lines moved quickly, and I only waited around 10 minutes. The café is located on the second floor, featuring spacious, elegant, and timeless décor with a warm and inviting atmosphere. They offer both breakfast and lunch menus, along with an extensive selection of coffees and teas.

The staff were friendly, efficient, and spoke excellent English, which made the experience smooth and welcoming.

I ordered a cappuccino with oat milk and a chocolate Charlotte cake. The cappuccino was well balanced. The cake was beautifully presented, with a silky ganache topping and perfectly layered cream. Sweet, creamy, and indulgent, it was a treat worth savoring.

Dallmayr Delicatessen

Dienerstraße 14-15, 80331 München, Germany

A Cozy Cup of Chocolate in Lucerne

Four Hundred (MG) Coffee is a Swiss-based electric specialty coffee roastery with a small window shop inside the Max Chocolatier Boutique in Lucerne. It was a rainy, slightly chilly day, and I was in the mood for some hot chocolate.

The barista, warm and friendly, welcomed me as I stepped up to the counter. I ordered a hot chocolate made with oat milk, topped with whipped cream. The result was light, creamy, and perfectly balanced — just the right amount of sweetness. I personally like my hot chocolate thick and creamy, but not overly dense like the French-style hot chocolate, which often has a fondue-like consistency and tends to be quite sweet. This one was just right — comforting, like a warm hug in a cup.

While you’re there, it’s also worth checking out the Max Chocolatier Boutique. I had previously picked up some of their artisanal chocolates from their store in Zurich — high-quality, beautifully crafted treats with unique and creative flavors.

Four Hundred (MG) Coffee Corner

Hertensteinstrasse 7, 6004 Luzern, Switzerland

Tony’s Pizzeria: Cozy Vibes and Gluten-Free Goodness

Tony’s Pizzeria is located a stone’s throw from Triumphpforte and just a short walk from the old town. It serves traditional and innovative pizzas, and a gluten-free base is available.

In addition to pizzas, the menu includes a variety of pastas and secondi dishes, offering something for everyone.

The decor strikes a balance between rustic charm and modern touches, with an open kitchen that adds a lively, inviting atmosphere. The staff were really friendly and welcoming.

I ordered a gluten-free Margherita pizza. The sauce was flavorful and fresh, and the mozzarella was light and creamy. The base was chewy and slightly dense, but had a satisfying crusty edge that gave it a nice texture.

Overall, Tony’s is a cozy and delicious stop for pizza lovers—especially if you’re exploring the area around the old town.

TONY’S Pizzeria

Maximilianstraße 9, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

Coffee & Comfort in the Latin Quarter

Frappé is a charming coffee shop nestled in the heart of the Fifth Arrondissement, right in the vibrant Latin Quarter. The cafe offers a cozy, minimalist decor that creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding or catching up with friends. With its chill vibes and comfortable seating, it’s a great place to spend a quiet morning.

The shop opens early at 8 AM on weekdays, making it an ideal spot for a coffee before starting your day. The menu is simple yet delightful, featuring a selection of hot drinks, cakes, and pastries.

The barista, with her friendly demeanor, took great care in crafting my flat white, which came with beautiful latte art. The coffee itself was bold and smooth, providing a perfect balance of flavor. I paired it with a slice of banana bread. While the bread was a bit on the dry side and not overly sweet, it was still enjoyable. I think it would have tasted even better if it had been warmed up.

Frappé coffee shop

20 Rue Monge, 75005 Paris, France

Melbourne-Inspired Coffee Culture at Ratio Coffee, Salzburg

Ratio Coffee is a cozy, hip café that opens early at 8 a.m., making it a great spot for both locals and travelers looking for a quality caffeine fix in Salzburg.

The owner, Brent Nicoll, a passionate coffee enthusiast from Melbourne, Australia, aimed to bring Melbourne’s renowned coffee culture to Salzburg. As a third-wave specialty coffee shop, Ratio focuses on high-quality, single-origin coffee and precise brewing methods to deliver a superior coffee experience. Ratio Coffee also sells a curated selection of coffee beans and brewing equipment for home brewers.

The café offers a simple yet satisfying selection of pastries and cakes to complement its coffee. The croissant was buttery and soft—lacking the classic crusty exterior but still enjoyable. The coffee itself was bold and aromatic, served in a charming ceramic cup that added to the cozy ambiance.

Ratio Coffee

Linzer G. 72A, 5020 Salzburg, Austria