Ruyi : Premium Chinese Dining and Hidden Culinary Gems in Apgujeong
Today, I took a stroll through the trendy streets of Apgujeong with a friend. When it comes to lunch in this neighborhood, there is one place that always comes to mind. It’s a favorite haunt for Korean celebrities and broadcasters, known for its sophisticated atmosphere and impeccable flavors: Ruyi (루위).
While Ruyi is legendary for its Beijing Duck, the menu hides several other “hidden gems” that are just as impressive. Let’s dive into a meal that felt like a curated culinary journey.
Location
- –Address: 1F Donghyeon Building, 211 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- –Access: Located near the Apgujeong and Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil area.
- –Parking: Valet parking only (5,000 KRW).
- –Google Maps: Address for Google Maps: 1F Donghyeon Building, 211 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- –Taxi (Korean): Address for Taxi (Korean): 서울특별시 강남구 도산대로 211 동현빌딩 1층
Hours
The Ambience: Sophistication in Every Corner
Stepping into Ruyi, you are greeted by a wall of photos featuring the many celebrities who have dined here. The interior is a masterpiece of modern Chinese aesthetics—pendant lights cast a warm glow over wood-toned tables and sleek grey walls.
What makes Ruyi special is its versatility. It features a spacious main hall and various private rooms that can accommodate anywhere from 4 to 50 guests. Whether it’s a family gathering, a business meeting, or a celebration like a baby’s first birthday (Dol-janchi), the setting is nothing short of grand.
The Feast: Masterpieces on a Plate
We opted for a selection of their signature à la carte dishes instead of the usual course meals.
Four-Delicacy Cold Plate (Sapeum Naengchae)
This was the dish I looked forward to the most. The presentation was art—abalone, shrimp, jellyfish, braised beef, century egg (pidan), and candied walnuts were arranged with surgical precision. The shrimp was incredibly bouncy, the abalone was savory and chewy, and the tangy mustard sauce provided that perfect, refreshing “zing” to awaken the palate.
Beef Tenderloin Steak
Think “Chinese-style steak” with a perfect balance of sweet and salty. The portion was generous, and the meat? It was like velvet. The tenderloin literally melted in my mouth. Even the mushrooms served alongside were as tender and flavorful as the meat itself. The accompanying kiwi-dressed salad provided a bright contrast to the rich steak.
White Seafood Jjamppong (Baek Jjamppong)
This is for the seafood purists. Unlike the spicy red version, this white broth is milky, deep, and packed with the natural umami of the ocean. Loaded with shrimp, squid, and scallops, every spoonful felt nourishing. It’s clean, refreshing, and highly addictive for those who prefer the natural taste of ingredients over raw heat.
The Details: Warm Tea and Sweet Finishes
One thing I loved was the Rooibos tea served in a teapot over a small flame, keeping it warm throughout the entire meal. And don’t get me started on the side dishes—the peanuts roasted with chili were so addictive we had to ask for a refill!
To finish, we were served a Mango Ice Cream. It was sweet, slightly chewy, and the perfect palate cleanser to end a luxurious meal.
““From the first sip of warm tea to the final bite of mango ice cream, Ruyi delivers a masterclass in hospitality and flavor.””
Price Range
- –Reflects the premium nature of Apgujeong dining, but justified by the generous portions and high-end ingredients like whole abalone and tenderloin.
- –While à la carte dishes are on the higher end, the immaculate service and private room atmosphere make it a worthy investment for special occasions.
- –Lunch courses offer a slightly more accessible entry point to experience their signature quality without the heavy price tag of dinner.
Ordering & Tips
- –Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for private rooms. You can use apps like CatchTable.
- –Best For: Anniversaries, business hospitality, or high-end family reunions.
- –The “Kick”: Pay attention to the roasted peanuts served as a side; they are a small but mighty highlight of the table!
- –Beijing Duck: If you want the duck, remember to call and pre-order in advance!
Who I Recommend It For
- –Couples celebrating a special anniversary.
- –Business professionals looking for a quiet, high-end meeting spot.
- –Families who want a sophisticated private room experience.
Final Thoughts
Ruyi isn’t just a “Chinese restaurant”; it’s a destination for those who appreciate the finer details of dining. The staff’s kindness is top-notch, and the food quality is consistently excellent. If you’re looking for a place to impress a guest or celebrate a special day in Apgujeong, Ruyi is my top recommendation.
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