Restaurants in Seoul have earned high praise from tourists and food critics alike for inventive culinary delights and authentic flavours. The South Korean capital boasts an extensive array of options, from haute cuisine to perfected street-food staples. Fresh seafood, North Korean-style buckwheat noodles, spicy tteokbokki and French patisserie are all on the menu in this dynamic, flavourful city.
No trip to Seoul is complete without sampling authentic Korean dishes such as samgyetang, sweet-savoury barbequed bulgogi and, of course, kimchi. Check out our selection of Seoul’s most popular restaurants for a satisfying meal on any budget.
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La Yeon at The Shilla Seoul
Michelin-starred haute cuisine with a view
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Leer másLa Yeon at The Shilla Seoul serves traditional Korean delicacies in a fine dining setting. This award-winning kitchen uses the highest quality local and seasonal ingredients to create an extensive range of Korean haute cuisine.
Located on the 23rd floor of the hotel, the restaurant overlooks bustling downtown Seoul. Its sophisticated interior features white furnishings and wooden fixtures. La Yeon has 4 set menus that change according to the season, each consisting of mains, desserts and Korean teas, as well as optional wine pairings.
Dirección: The Shilla Seoul, 249 Dongho-ro, Jangchung-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Horario: Daily from 12 pm to 2.30 pm and from 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm
Teléfono: +82 (0)22-230-3367
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Jungsik
Delectable tasting menus and signature desserts
- Comida
Leer másJungsik is a Gangnam restaurant that offers a unique take on Korean dishes. The service here is impeccable and unobtrusive, making it a popular venue for romantic dinners.
Menu highlights include sea urchin bibimbap, crispy pork belly with trumpet mushrooms and pickled vegetables called samgyopsal, and crispy Jeju snapper. For dessert, Jungsik’s signature mousse cakes are a must-try. Served in traditional kimchi pots, these light-as-air sweets come in flavours like sesame, sweet corn and chocolate, and are decorated with edible flowers.
Dirección: 11 Seolleungro 158-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Horario: Daily from 12 pm to 3 pm and from 5.30 pm to 10 pm
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-517-4654
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Pierre Gagnaire à Seoul
An extensive collection of French wines
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Pierre Gagnaire à Seoul is a top-notch French eatery on the 35th floor of Lotte Hotel Seoul. Offering spectacular views of Bukhan Mountain and downtown Seoul, the restaurant’s stylish dining room is accented with modern glass chandeliers and gold detailing for a glowing, luxe ambience.
Pierre Gagnaire à Seoul serves artfully presented French cuisine in an ever-changing menu. Standouts of past menus include sea bass gravlax with celeriac and bean sprouts and pork loin with creamed pear and honey-balsamic vinegar sorbet. The restaurant also offers an impressive collection of over 250 French wines from the Bourgogne, Loire and Alsace regions.
Dirección: 35F, Lotte Hotel Seoul, 1 Sogong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Horario: Daily from 12 pm to 3 pm and from 6 pm to 10 pm
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-317-7181
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Ryunique
Artful presentation and 5-star flavour
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Leer másRyunique presents Korean delicacies with heavy influence from France, Japan, Spain and Italy. This award-winning restaurant features blond wood furnishings, fresh floral arrangements and plenty of natural light, exuding an unpretentious fine-dining ambience.
Its 5-course lunch and dinner menus are reasonably priced, and dishes are made with contemporary cooking methods and avant-garde presentation. Standouts include soy-marinated shrimp with a side of dried green mustard leaf with fried crosne and roasted pork belly with sous-vide king shrimp.
Dirección: 8-1, Dosan-daero 45-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Horario: Tuesday–Sunday from 12 pm to 11 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-546-9279
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Tosokchon
Home to the quintessential summer soup
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Tosokchon is one of the best places in Seoul for samgyetang, a popular chicken ginseng soup usually eaten during summer. A 10-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station, it was a favourite spot of South Korea’s late president, Noh Muh-hyun, making it an iconic member of the Seoul restaurant scene.
The dish consists of a spring chicken stuffed with chestnuts, garlic, ginseng and glutinous rice. Tosokchon achieves the sweet, nutty flavour of their samgyetang by slow cooking the soup for several hours. Other items on the menu include green onion pancakes with seafood named hae-mool pajeon, roasted chicken, and agu-jjim, which is a braised, spicy monkfish.
Dirección: 5, Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Horario: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-737-7444
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Han Chu Korean Fried Chicken
The local favourite chicken spot
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Fried chicken is a classic after-work snack in Seoul, and Gangnam’s Han Chu Korean Fried Chicken is one of the best places to get your hands on these crispy morsels. This modest restaurant is located at Garosugil Street, a high-end fashion street near Apgujeong Station.
Best accompanied with a cold beer, Han Chu’s signature fried chicken is juicy on the inside while the lightly battered skin is crispy with each bite. Other popular dishes here include fried whole green pepper with pork fillings and seasoned clams with noodles.
Dirección: 68 Nonhyeon-ro 175-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Horario: Monday–Thursday from 2 pm to 12 am, Friday–Saturday from 2 pm to 1 am (closed on Sundays)
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-541-0969
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N Grill at N Seoul Tower
Dining with a view that's hard to beat
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Leer másEnjoy a full-course dinner with a panoramic view of the city at N Grill, a rotating restaurant within the iconic N Seoul Tower. Located on the highest level, the ambience here is exclusive and intimate: you’ll often see couples enjoying a romantic dinner, and it’s a favoured spot for special occasions. Book in advance to snag a table during sunset.
N Grill has an extensive wine list and quality French dishes, such as marinated lamb cutlets with wilted rocket and cumin-infused jus and seabass with courgette and fennel salad.
Dirección: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Horario: Monday–Friday from 1 pm to 3 pm and from 5 pm to 10 pm and Saturday–Sunday from 12 pm to 3 pm and from 5 pm to 10.30 pm
Teléfono: +82 (0)23-455-9297
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Maple Tree House
A busy barbeque spot in Seoul’s nightlife district
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Maple Tree House is a Korean barbeque chain with several branches in Seoul. The outlet in Itaewon is well-frequented for its succulent grilled meat. The wine bar-like restaurant has warm lighting, wooden furnishings, rustic décor and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The menu consists of barbeque classics: a variety of cuts of pork and beef served with a soybean and chili paste called ssamjang and perilla leaves. The Jeju black pork and aged beef are crowd-pleasers. Complement your barbeque with shrimp skewers, hot kimchi stew or chilled naengmyeon noodle soup.
Dirección: 1002 Hannam Bldg, Hannam-dong, 211 itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Horario: Daily from 11.30 am to 3 pm and from 5 pm to 10 pm
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-790-7977
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Nari’s House
No frills at this neighbourhood barbeque joint
- Asequible
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Nari’s House, located in Itaewon, attracts locals with its inexpensive yet authentic Korean barbeque dishes. This old-school establishment offers notably affordable prices compared to most barbeque restaurants in Seoul.
A 2-minute walk from the Hangangjin train station, this local eatery is rather hidden and for many years, customers were largely from the neighbourhood. In recent years, it has gained a cult following and frequently sees long lines and waiting times. We assure you it's worth the wait.
Dirección: 8 Itaewon-ro 49-gil, Seoul, South Korea
Horario: Daily from 2 pm to midnight
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-793-4860
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Myeongdong Hamheung Myeonok
For chilled buckwheat noodles and hearty mandu
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Myeongdong Hamheung Myeonok is legendary among locals. A great place for a casual meal, this restaurant has been around since the 1980s and is known for its consistently tasty dishes and generous portions.
The signature dish is North Korean naengmyeon: buckwheat noodles in cold soup served with a red hot chilli sauce. The dumpling soup is another popular item, mandu dumplings are stuffed to the brim with pork, garlic and chives. After your meal, in place of the usual tea, you’ll be served a soothing cup of savoury broth.
Dirección: 35-19, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Horario: Monday–Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm (closed on Sundays)
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-776-8430
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Sanchon
Traditional temple foods prepared by a Buddhist monk
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Tucked at the end of an alleyway in the historic part of Seoul, Sanchon is a great place to dine if you’re vegetarian. Owned by a former Buddhist monk, the restaurant serves an array of Korean temple food in a huge spread of 16 small plates. Pickled lotus root, soybean stew, cabbage pancakes and other simple but delicious dishes are accompanied by a pot of mulberry tea. Temple food tends toward earthy, salty and spicy flavors.
Founded by a former Buddhist monk, this plant-filled rustic restaurant is decorated with Buddhist artworks and paper lanterns. It also sometimes hosts a live pianist and Korean dance performances.
Dirección: 30-13 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Horario: Daily from 11.30 am to 9 pm
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-735-0312
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Woo Lae Oak
Tableside bulgogi and authentic naengmyeon
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Awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand, Woo Lae Oak is lauded for its authentic Pyeongyang naengmyeon, North Korean-style buckwheat noodles in a salty, chilled beef broth. Diners can opt for the simplicity of the light, flavourful broth or add a dollop of spicy chilli sauce. The restaurant’s second claim to fame is its sweet-spicy bulgogi, grilled tableside to soft perfection.
The downside of a Michelin rating is that this place is usually packed. To avoid the crowds, visit in the late afternoon, between the lunch and dinner rushes.
Dirección: 62-29 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Horario: Tuesday–Sunday from 11.30 am to 9 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-2265-0151
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Maillet
- Parejas
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Maillet in Seorae Village proudly serves desserts made by a French pâtissier. Well known for its macarons, these rainbow-coloured confections come in flavours like yuzu, green tea and apricot peach. Other regular items include the classic pain au chocolat, caramel eclairs and a miniature tarte tatin. The cafe also serves espresso, tea and wine by the bottle.
Their best-selling item is the mille-feuille, which has a rich vanilla cream sandwiched between layers of buttery pastry. It’s prone to sell out, so come early if this is what you’re after.
Dirección: 14 Sapyeong-daero 22-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Horario: Daily from 11.30 am to 10 pm
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-749-1411
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Mongmyeok Sanbang
Simply excellent bibimbap in a modest setting
- Asequible
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Mongmyeok Sanbang is known for its high-quality yet affordable bibimbap. Once a Mount Namsan staple, the restaurant has moved to another spot but is as popular as ever among Koreans and foreigners. Bibimbap is served disassembled in a traditional brass bowl, and you add ingredients to your liking. While you’re there, take an order of the kimchi cheese pancake, a crispy, indulgent delight.
Although it’s mentioned in the Michelin guide, this is not a fancy affair as you order your meal at a self-service kiosk. Even so, the quality of the food is outstanding, with simple, fresh ingredients and excellent sauce to top it off.
Dirección: 71 Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Horario: Daily from 11 am to 8 pm
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-318-4790
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Namdobunsik Ikseon
A nostalgic spot right out of a K-drama
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Casual eatery Namdobunsik in Ikseon serves hearty comfort dishes in a retro atmosphere. The popular siraegi tteokbokki, which are spicy rice cakes with dried radish, and other street food favourites are served in old-fashioned green melamine bowls. Classic radio hits play through the speakers, and the staff wears bright yellow t-shirts and red baseball caps. The mood: fun.
Servings are generous, making this a great place to bring a few friends. Other shareable dishes include the Korean sushi called gimbap and fried snacks with lettuce wraps.
Dirección: 33 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Horario: Daily from 11.30 am to 10 pm
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-763-7778
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Taegeukdang Bakery
An enduring bakery with classic charm
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The oldest bakery in Seoul, Taegeukdang Bakery is a city institution that thrives to this day. The popular spot blends European and Korean styles, from its wood-panelled décor to the bread itself. The bakery offers both modern creations, like its ice cream wafer sandwich, alongside classic castella cakes and sweet buns filled with red bean paste.
This is the spot for your morning coffee and pastry; the elegance of the whole affair is bound to start your day off on the right note. The pastries are sweet and light, and baristas carefully weigh each shot of espresso.
Dirección: 7 Dongho-ro 24-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Horario: Daily from 8 am to 9 pm
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-2279-3152
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Seoureseo Duljjaero Jalhaneunjip
Quaint tea shop specialising in a sweet porridge
- Familias
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Seoureseo Duljjaero Jalhaneunjip has been serving a simple menu of Korean teas and traditional desserts since 1976. This old-style teahouse is one of the best places in Seoul to enjoy danpatjuk, a sweet red bean porridge topped with rice cakes, chestnuts and ginkgo nuts. Wash it down with refreshing ginger and cinnamon tea called sujeong-gwa, one of the house’s favourite cups.
Your fellow customers will generally be many years your senior, but that’s how you know this place is the real deal.
Dirección: 122-1, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Horario: Daily from 11 am to 8.30 pm
Teléfono: +82 (0)2-734-5302
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