Introduction: A Premium Dining Experience in South Korea Sokcho
Hello everyone! 🖐️ Today, I’m excited to share my experience at the Vista Restaurant, located in the newly opened Cassia Hotel Sokcho. This 5-star Banyan Tree-affiliated hotel has quickly gained a reputation as one of Sokcho’s finest accommodations. To celebrate a special occasion, my family and I decided to reserve the highly recommended dinner buffet here. In this review, I’ll cover everything from parking and pricing to menu highlights and discounts.
About the Cassia Hotel Vista Dinner Buffet
The Vista Restaurant is situated on the 4th floor of Tower C in the Cassia Hotel. Reservations can be easily made through Catch Table or by phone—simply choose what’s most convenient for you. For visitors driving to the hotel, parking is hassle-free with a spacious lot and complimentary validation when mentioned at checkout. To save time, we recommend parking near the entrance of Tower C.
Discount Offers:
- Hotel guests receive a ₩50,000 discount coupon and unlimited draft beer vouchers upon check-in.
- Regular pricing is ₩128,000 per person, but discounts such as 20% off for Gangwon residents can make it more affordable.
Example Pricing:
For two adults:
₩256,000 – ₩50,000 (guest discount) = ₩206,000
Buffet Ambience: Spacious and Modern
The restaurant’s interior, dominated by natural wood elements, creates a refined yet comfortable atmosphere. Despite visiting on a Saturday evening, the large dining area ensured that it didn’t feel overcrowded. If you’re looking for a quieter dining experience, weekdays may be a better choice.
Each table comes with complimentary sparkling water that is refillable upon request. Still water is also available, though sodas are not included and need to be purchased separately.
Menu Highlights
The buffet is thoughtfully divided into several stations, offering a wide variety of dishes to suit every palate. Let’s dive into what you can expect!
Main Stations
- Hot Grilled Delights
- Squid Roast: A Sokcho specialty, grilled to tender perfection.
- Shrimp Skewers
- LA Galbi (Beef Ribs): A crowd favorite for its juicy texture.
- Lamb Shoulder
- Classic Favorites
- Salmon Steak
- Beef Stew
- Saffron Risotto
- Chicken Fricassee
Each dish stood out for its quality and presentation, despite the somewhat limited variety.
Live Cooking Stations
- Noodles and Broths
- Jajangmyeon (Black Bean Noodles) and Red Crab Jjamppong: Both freshly prepared upon request.
- Pro tip: Add steamed scallops from the seafood station to elevate your jjamppong!
- Jajangmyeon (Black Bean Noodles) and Red Crab Jjamppong: Both freshly prepared upon request.
- Pizza and Fusion Delights
- Wood-fired pizza in two flavors.
- Seafood Nurungji Tang: A luxurious take on crispy rice soup, customizable with rich sauces.
Seafood Corner
This station features the buffet’s highlight: Snow Crab, Red Crab, and Steamed Scallops. While the quality was exceptional, the limited quantities created long waits. Crabs were restocked more frequently later in the evening (around 7:20 PM), but the early scarcity was a letdown.
International Cuisine
- Chinese Dishes
- Sweet and Sour Pork, Kung Pao Chicken, Eight-Treasure Stir-Fry, Cream Shrimp, and more.
- Abalone Porridge: Rich and hearty, perfect as a comforting side dish.
- Japanese Selections
- Sushi: Tuna, Salmon, and more.
- Sashimi: Fresh cuts of Tuna, Mullet, and Salmon.
- Water Cooled Noodles: Sokcho-style mulhoe for a regional twist.
Dessert and Beverages
- Desserts
- Fresh fruits, including watermelon (surprisingly sweet for November!).
- Bite-sized cakes, cookies, and chocolate fondue.
- DIY Muffin Decoration: A fun activity for kids and families.
- Ice Cream
- Pre-packaged cups for hygiene, available in multiple flavors. Don’t miss the Jeju Hallabong flavor—it’s a must-try!
- Coffee and Beer
- Coffee is freshly prepared upon order, ensuring top-notch flavor.
- Beer is unlimited for hotel guests with vouchers, while other guests can enjoy it for an additional charge.
Final Thoughts
The Cassia Hotel Vista Dinner Buffet is a premium dining experience, ideal for family gatherings, year-end celebrations, or casual dining with friends. While the crab shortage and limited dessert options were minor drawbacks, the overall quality of the dishes and service exceeded expectations. At ₩128,000 per person, the pricing feels justified, especially with available discounts.
Recommended For:
- Families looking for an upscale yet relaxed dining option.
- Seafood lovers who appreciate fresh and well-prepared dishes.
- Visitors seeking a spacious and modern buffet environment in Sokcho.
Restaurant Information
- Address: 120 Daepo Port Hope Road, Tower C, 4th Floor, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
- Phone: +82-033-680-8200
- Reservation Options: By phone or Catch Table
- Parking: Free
- Discounts: 20% for Gangwon residents, ₩50,000 off for hotel guests
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