Ingredient quality and culinary execution take center stage at Westin Parnas's 'Ontable'

In Seoul's competitive luxury hotel buffet market, the Westin Seoul Parnas's all-day dining restaurant, 'Ontable,' is carving out a niche by prioritizing the quality of raw ingredients and the precision of culinary preparation over the sheer volume of dishes or brand prestige. Since its opening in September last year, Ontable has opted for a distinct strategy, combining the freedom of a buffet with the refined experience of fine dining through curated offerings like Korean beef grills, sushi omakase, premium seafood, and attentive tableside service.

The restaurant's commitment to a 'live' culinary experience is evident at its various stations. At the sushi counter, dedicated chefs meticulously prepare seasonal catches like tuna and sweet shrimp, with guests able to select their preferred fish and watch as it's expertly sliced and rolled into sushi on the spot. The grilling section features a dedicated master chef preparing premium Korean beef cuts, including sirloin steak and brisket, cooked to order with house-developed sauces. This focus on immediate preparation and visible craftsmanship allows diners to appreciate the ingredients and the artistry involved.

Ontable's 'live' stations offer more than just food; they provide entertainment. A 'Say Cheese' promotion featured a dramatic cheese waterfall, with melted cheddar, gouda, and emmental cascading down, capturing the attention of guests. Chefs utilized this display to create unique dishes, such as Korean beef skewers and mini-burgers, topped with the flowing cheese, offering an unexpected and delightful element to the buffet experience.

The seafood section also showcases a commitment to quality, featuring king crab, snow crab, and lobster, alongside octopus and scallops. Instead of overwhelming guests with quantity, Ontable presents the whole ingredients, allowing diners to appreciate their freshness and size. This approach enables guests to sample a variety of high-quality seafood, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or special occasions where guests can select and combine their preferred items.

Concluding the dining experience, the dessert section caters to a wide range of preferences, offering items like fresh mango desserts, whole cakes, crème brûlée, croffles, macarons, and chocolates. An ice cream station with five Ben & Jerry's flavors and nine toppings adds a playful element, particularly for families. The restaurant's thoughtful interior design, inspired by nature, with ample seating space and clear pathways, further enhances the dining experience, making it suitable for various gatherings, including private dining rooms that can accommodate up to 24 guests.