Tasteful Seoul: these are the best restaurants
From small hanoks where comfort food suddenly becomes refined, to bustling markets where everything is allowed at once. The city is full of places where locals faithfully queuing, where queues are the rule rather than the exception. That's part of it. Good news: it usually moves surprisingly quickly. Good food is always high on the agenda in Seoul. These are the best restaurants in Seoul: from classic to hip, from simple to fancy. Taste guaranteed.
At Home Korean Cuisine, you dine in a traditional hanok, and that immediately feels right. Classic Korean dishes, presented with a touch of refinement. Think of the popular rice dish. bibimbap or the Korean meatballs tteokgalbi. The setting is minimalist yet warm. Not too many tables (we love that) and overlooking the quiet courtyard. It's the perfect place to discover Korean cuisine for the first time or to continue enjoying your favorite dishes.
At Neungdong Minari, simple food suddenly feels special. Everything revolves around minaryFresh watercress on a steaming bowl of beef soup. The beef is top-quality, the broth clear and full of flavor. So good that they now have two locations in Seoul. Retro-vibes and homely, with dishes that are surprisingly tasty. Here both locals For those exploring the city for the first time. Perfect for a quick lunch or a quiet dinner after a day of exploring Seoul.
Kkangtong Mandu in Jongno is a hidden place where everything revolves around Korean dumplings, in other words manduEverything is homemade, from the filling to the noodles and even the broth, which is simmered for hours for extra flavor. It immediately feels authentic. Favorites here are kal-mandu, a tasty soup with mandu and noodles. Comfort food in a bowl. Also bibim‑guksu (spicy, cold noodles) you'll want to try here. Everything tastes fresh and you'll hardly notice the bill afterward. A real spot to discover how Korean dumplings should really taste good.
Leaving Seoul without Korean BBQ to eat? Not really an option. And if it's a bit more fancy If you're looking for something special, Samwon Garden is a top spot. Perfectly marinated beef grilled tableside, without you having to lift a finger. The setting is spacious and stylish, with high ceilings and that typical Gangnam luxury. It's a great spot for a long lunch or an evening of relaxed dining. Not the cheapest, but definitely one that will linger.
Hot tip: use the app Catch Table because this allows you to easily book at many popular addresses, without any hassle.
Dotz is located in Hannam-dong, a neighborhood that makes Seoul feel even more international and hip. Design everywhere, charming boutiques, and great places to eat. Dotz fits in perfectly. A modern interior, sleek yet warm and cozy. Everything feels good, from the furnishings to the decor. ServiceOn the menu? Asian fusion Each dish is a surprising one. It's impossible to choose the wrong one; everything is delicious.
Myeongdong Kyoja is a true classic in Seoul, a hit with the public since the 1960s. locals and travelers. Here it's all about handmade noodles and dumplings. The absolute highlight? Their kalguksu: a large, warm bowl of broth with hand-cut noodles, dumplings and pork on topEverything that comes out of the kitchen tastes incredibly fresh and pure. It's almost always busy, a place full of homely chaos and simple tables, very close together. Undoubtedly part of the experience. Conveniently, there are several locations. The original restaurant is in the heart of Myeongdong, and a few steps away is a second branch for when it's full. If you prefer a different neighborhood, head to Itaewon. Simple cuisine, but so good that it lingers. Seoul at its best.
No idea what to choose? Gwangjang Market is always a good choice. A vast market full of stalls with everything Korean cuisine has to offer. You can find it all here: savory pancakes, gimbap, dumplings or noodles again... a tasting of the best Korean street foodEverything fresh, everything tasty and always busy because this is the place where you can eat multiple courses for little money. Afterwards it's time for a coffee at Ilho and a hotteok (That pancake filled with cinnamon, brown sugar, and nuts calls for a second round.) Perfect for sampling everything at once and experiencing Seoul's culinary culture all at once.
