A Western Style Restaurant with a Stunning View of Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul

When traveling in Korea, you might find yourself eating Korean food most of the time. But at some point, you may start craving Western dishes like spaghetti, gnocchi, or a good steak. For those moments, I’d like to introduce a unique western style restaurant that’s well worth a visit.

I visited this restaurant during Christmas 2025. From the outside, it didn’t look particularly special, but once I stepped inside, I was immediately struck by the strong sense of traditional Korean beauty throughout the space. At the entrance, the central lobby displayed elegant plates and decorative items, creating a refined and welcoming atmosphere.

I had a reservation for 5:00 PM and arrived about 10 minutes early, so I waited briefly on the first floor before being guided upstairs.

On the second floor, a chandelier caught my eye, and next to a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, I could see a traditional hanok house through the window- an unexpected and fascinating contrast. 

As I walked further inside, I was completely captivated by the view of Changdeokgung Palace outside the window. Changdeokgung is one of Korea’s five grand royal palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The layered rooftops of the hanok buildings visible from the restaurant felt like a journey back in time.

This restaurant is actually a renovated Western-style house that is over 60 years old. Knowing that a family once lived here makes the experience even more meaningful. Although the interior isn’t very large, the tables are neatly arranged, and there are also private dining rooms available.

One of these rooms offers a full, unobstructed view of Changdeokgung Palace through the window, which felt absolutely magical. I was told that the private room can accommodate up to six people.

The menu includes brunch, pasta, steak, and dinner set menus. While it’s clearly western cuisine, you can sense a subtle Korean fusion in some of the dishes. Since I visited on Christmas Day, I ordered their special Christmas dinner set. From the soup and salad to the creamy gnocchi, steak, and dessert with coffee or tea, everything was incredibly satisfying and delicious.

[Restaurant Information]

• Name: DEBBIE'S
• Address: 45 Changdeokgung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 
• It’s close to Exit 3 of Anguk Station (Line 3)
• Opening Hours:

Wednesday–Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Break time: 3:00–6:00 PM)
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM (No break time)
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

• Contact: +82-10-4484-8215

Davis operates by reservation only. You can make a reservation by phone or through Korea’s online platform, Naver.

• Prices: dishes- around 30,000 KRW / Dinner set menus- approximately 100,000–140,000 KRW

One helpful tip: I highly recommend visiting no later than 5:00 PM. That way, you can fully enjoy the beautiful palace view. In winter, it gets dark as early as 6:00 PM, and once it’s dark, the view outside is no longer visible. If you want to dine while enjoying the palace scenery, an earlier time slot is definitely the best choice.

If you’re looking for a special experience, try enjoying Western cuisine in a space filled with traditional Korean aesthetics. The harmony between East and West makes this restaurant truly memorable. It’s definitely a place I’d love to visit again.