8 Great Restaurants in Busan

Gaya Milmyeon in Busan is the only place that sells wheat noodles in winter. The restaurant's signature dishes include the spicy wheat noodles (bibim milmyeon) and wheat noodles in broth (mul bibimmyeon). 

It's highly recommended by many taxi drivers, who are known for their deep knowledge of hidden local spots. The servings are generous, and its sauce is just the right blend of sweet and spicy. If you’re looking for a twist on typical spicy flour-and-starch noodles (bibimbnaengmyeon), give Gaya Milmyeon a visit.

Geumsubokguk stands out as one of the best pufferfish soup (bokguk) restaurants in Haeundae. Grilled pufferfish (bokbulgogi) is a delicious delicacy that combines the contrasting textures of crisp bean sprouts and water celery. 

The restaurant also offers a variety of pufferfish dishes, including pufferfish fritter (boktwigim) and raw pufferfish with rice (bok hoedeopbap). The side dishes are also remarkable, excellent for enjoying a satisfying meal in Busan.

Gooweo Samkki’s signature dish is the spicy grilled pork hotpot (maekom bulgogi). It's a hearty serving of smoked marinated pork slices, whole squid, and various vegetables simmering in a hotpot. There are also plenty of additional toppings for you to choose from. 

The dish is quite popular with those who like spicy food. You can choose the degree of spiciness, so it’s worth a shot even if you usually don’t eat spicy food. Gooweo Samkki is within a 5-minute walk of Seomyeon Station Exit 6. 

Busan Jokbal is a restaurant along Jokbal Alley, a street in Bupyeong with rows of eateries selling pig trotter dishes. Its signature cold pig trotters (naengchae jokbal) comes with a side of jellyfish and crisp vegetables mixed with mustard sauce. It probably sounds like an odd blend of different ingredients, but they work well together, thanks especially to the mustard sauce. The dish is best enjoyed in the summer, though you can find it year-round. Don’t forget to try it with noodles, which are served as an appetiser.

Merciel is an excellent restaurant for an authentic French meal and oceanside views. This award-winning eatery serves delightful French cuisine and a wide variety of wines. Many people come for an afternoon tea – its beautiful desserts are served on a 3-tier tray. 

Sinki is actually a product design company, but they also operate a café in Yeongdo. It occupies the brand's old factory, and has large glass panels offering lovely night views of Busan Harbor Bridge. The cafe also exhibits and sells products such as stationery items. 

Thanks to its hilltop setting, there’s no better way to soak in the night views than with coffee or tea and pastries at Sinki Industry Cafe. You’ll want to savour the ambience of this one-of-a-kind café.