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Fratelli: a four-floor rooftop planterior café near Gangnam Station, Seoul
Fratelli is a rare find in Gangnam: a full four-floor café, from a basement level all the way up to a rooftop terrace, decked out in a warm plant-filled (planterior) style. If you are tired of cramped cafés near Gangnam Station and want somewhere spacious, photogenic and relaxed, this is an easy recommendation.
Where it is
Fratelli sits between Gangnam Station and Sinnonhyeon Station, tucked down a side alley off the main road. Address: 31, Bongeunsa-ro 4-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. We went after lunch and there was a steady stream of people heading inside, so much so that I wondered whether there would be any seats. That worry was completely unnecessary.
Opening hours
Open daily 12:00 to 23:00 (last order 22:40).
How big it is
The café runs from B1 (basement level) all the way up to a fourth-floor rooftop. As someone who much prefers a wide, airy space to a cramped one, I loved it. From the entrance you look down over the busy basement seating, and as you climb the stairs a cute polar-bear figure greets you with a slice of toast on a tray. Each floor has its own mood: tables with soft, gentle lighting tucked at the back, big open windows that let a cool breeze through, and broad tables that suit both laptop work and catching up with friends. By the time you reach the upper floors the space feels even more open and comfortable, with window seats that are always the first to fill up. With four floors, it holds a lot of people and still feels roomy.
The vibe
This is a planterior café done with real care. Wood and greenery are woven together throughout, creating a calm, easy atmosphere, and even the small corners you would normally walk straight past are styled with delicate little objects and props. The rooftop, framed in natural wood, is the highlight — when the weather warms up it is bound to be hugely popular. A group was already up there chatting happily in the sun, and as a sunshine lover myself I could see it becoming my favourite spot.
What to order
The menu leans into dessert. One of the signatures is the French toast, which plenty of people were ordering, and the cake lineup is unusual without sacrificing taste: lemon curd cake, the trendy Dubai cake, Earl Grey chocolate, matcha basque crème brûlée, cheese crème brûlée and tiramisu. There is also beer — Kona Big Wave and Kozel — for anyone who fancies one.
We ordered an iced Americano, a Fruit Dream iced tea and the tiramisu. The coffee was solid and dependable, but the Fruit Dream iced tea was the surprise — sweet but not too sweet, clearly fruity yet refreshing rather than sharp, and good enough to win over someone who normally avoids iced teas and ades. The tiramisu was huge, easily enough for three people after a meal, and at a genuinely good price for Gangnam.
Verdict
Lovely atmosphere, generous portions and great value for the area. I would happily come back. If you are looking for a café worth visiting in Gangnam, Fratelli is well worth it.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Fratelli?
Fratelli is between Gangnam Station and Sinnonhyeon Station in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Address: 31, Bongeunsa-ro 4-gil, Gangnam-gu. It is set back down a side alley off the main road.
What are Fratelli's opening hours?
Open daily 12:00 to 23:00, with last orders at 22:40.
How big is Fratelli and is it easy to get a seat?
It spans a whole building from basement level (B1) up to a fourth-floor rooftop, so even when busy at lunchtime there are plenty of spacious, comfortable seats across the floors.
What should I order at Fratelli?
The French toast and the Dubai cake are signatures, and the tiramisu is enormous and great value. The Fruit Dream iced tea is also a standout.