Besides being famous for music and make-up, Korean food is currently also one of the most hyped international foods. And of course, the capital of Korea, Seoul, is a well-known foodie haven with a wide array of both local and international restaurants. Be sure to check out this curated selection of restaurants in Seoul!
Tip #1: Jihwaya
Image credit: Jihwaya Seoul
Located near Gwanghwamun is Jihwaja, a high-class traditional royal banquet restaurant operated by Hwang’s family. The food served here was once served to the Korean royal family.
Immerse yourself in Korean culture in the ambiance of a neighbourhood that features a 600-year Joseon Dynasty history whilst providing an antique interior inspired by royal palaces.
The dishes offered by Jihwaja are very healthy and nutritious, as they are prepared with only natural ingredients and royal culinary techniques.
Every day: Lunch 11.30am-3pm and Dinner 5.30pm-9.30pm
Closed on Tuesday.
- 125 Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea서울시 종로구 자하문로 125
Tip #2: Kanilab
Image credit: Kanilab Seoul
Located underground, another place that specializes in immersive fine dining is Kanilab, one of the unique restaurants in Seoul. The restaurant’s course menu is designed to take you through five distinct chapters consisting of daybreak, sunrise, wavestorm, wake up and milky way.
Besides the stunning light show, the food itself is also presented in a very ethereal and beautiful way, making this restaurant a must-visit restaurant during your time in Seoul.
- Mon-Fri 6.30pm -10pm
Sat&Sun: 12:00pm – 2:30pm and 6:30pm – 9:30pm - B1 Emporia Building, 220 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul
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Tip #3: Young Daban Nowong
Image credit: Google MyBusiness Lu Pin – Young Daban Nowong
Your visit to Seoul is essentially incomplete until you try the iconic Korean street food shown in many shows and dramas: Tteokbokki! This Korean street food is famous for its addictively sweet and savoury taste, paired with a spicy touch and the signature chewy texture.
Whilst there are many great tteokbokki restaurants in Seoul, the one that made it on this list, Young Daban Nowong (청년다방 노원역점), is a well-known food spot with some of the best tteokbokki available.
Every day 11am – 9.30pm
- Nowon-gu, Sanggye-ro 3-gil, 16청년다방 노원역점 동원빌딩 2층
Tip #4: Hongdae Korean BBQ All You Can Eat Pig Company
Image credit: Hongdae Korean BBQ All You Can Eat Pig Company Seoul
If you’re wondering where to eat in Seoul, why not try Korean BBQ? With a prime location right next to Hongdae Street, Hongdae Korean BBQ is super accessible and can be visited together with the iconic Hongdae Street.
This restaurant in Seoul has a great all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ deal and is a hidden spot recommended by locals for generous servings of pork to grill yourself.
Every day 11.30am – 12am
- 28 Hongik-ro 5an-gil, 서교동 Mapo-gu, Seoul
Tip #5: Koriko Café Seoul
Image credit: Google MyBusiness ROSE #6f – Koriko Café Seoul
Themed after the movie Kiki’s Delivery Service, Koriko Café is a charming place that serves both aesthetically pleasing and delicious drinks and food. If you’re a fan of pretty desserts and drinks, this café is a must-visit and one of the best places in Seoul to get dessert and lunch.
Besides one-of-a-kind drinks like a strawberry cotton candy latte, they also serve hearty dishes such as meat pie. Of course, you can’t go wrong with one of their most popular items: JIJI mug tart.
Every day 10am – 7pm
- 165-7 Seongmisan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tip #6: Jogaedo
Image credit: Google MyBusiness monmon – Jogaedo Seoul
If you’re looking to try some fresh seafood, this is one of the best restaurants in Seoul to have some. Jogaedo offers fresh fish and shellfish to grill or enjoy in soup and sushi!
Expect big portions as well as warm and helpful service from the restaurant owners. Do note that, due to its popularity, you may have to wait for around 30-45 minutes to get in, but the wait is well worth it since the lively atmosphere is part of the experience!
Tu – Sun: 4pm – 12am
Closed on Mondays.
- ８−１ Seongdeokjeong 17-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Tip #7: Ikseon Chihyang
Image credit: Google MyBusiness meintaik.o – Ikseon Chihyang Seoul
Having recently gone viral on social media for their rosé pasta, Ikseong Chihyang is a must-visit for pasta lovers and fans of Korean-western fusion cuisine. Besides their signature pasta dish, they also offer a variety of risottos and steak.
Their whole pork belly rosé pasta is a culinary delight that will be refreshingly different from both Italian pasta and other Korean rosé dishes. Don’t miss out on one of the best restaurants in Seoul to try out Korean fusion!
Every day 12pm – 9pm
- 17-32 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Tip #8: Kyochon Chicken Dongdaemun 1st Branch
Image credit: Kyochon Chicken Dongdaemun 1st Branch Seoul
A restaurant that’s very well-known amongst Koreans and frequently visited for casual dining in Seoul, Kyochon Chicken Dongdaemun is the first branch of this delicious korean chicken place.
Our favorite seasoning to eat together with the fried chicken is savory garlic soy sauce paired with cheongyang chili pepper.
24h open every day
- Kyochon Chicken Dongdaemun 1st Branch, 294 Jong-ro, Jongno District, Seoul
Tip #9: Garden Poete
Image credit: Garden Poete Seoul
In the middle of the urban jungle of Mapo-gu lies Garden Poete, a serene and chill restaurant where you’ll find yourself dining in the middle of greenery.
A perfect spot to recover from the daily hustle and bustle of Seoul, this restaurant serves a variety of healthy and delicious dishes that are sure to warm your heart.
- Wed-Sun: 11.30am –3.30pm and 5.30pm–10pm
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. - 12 Wausan-ro 14-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Tip #10: La Yeon
Image credit: La Yeon Seoul
Located on the 23rd floor of The Shilla, La Yeon is a contemporary fine dining restaurant in Seoul that offers the traditional taste of Korea.
Experience Korean haute cuisine in the form of a Hanjeongsik style meal in a two-star Michelin restaurant as you enjoy the stunning view over Namsan Park.
Every day 12:30pm – 14:40pm and 17:30pm – 21:30pm
- 249 Dongho-ro, Jangchung-dong, Jung District, Seoul
Tip #11: The Margaux Grill
Image credit: The Margaux Grill Seoul
The Margaux Grill specializes in woodfired grilled cuisine, as well as rare wines. Reminiscent of a secret European garden, you’ll be able to re-discover the exquisite flavor of steak in this fine dining establishment located in the Marriott Hotel.
Besides offering a 5-course lunch and a 6-course dinner, they also have a delectable selection of à la carte beef. We recommend pairing the main course with a side of herb roasted potatoes and finishing off with their signature caramelized cheesecake.
Every day: Lunch : 11.30am – 2.30pm and Dinner : 6pm – 10pm
- JW Marriott Hotel Seoul, 176 Sinbanpo-ro, Seocho District, Seoul, Südkorea
