City: Seoul
Top Restaurants in Seoul
Seoul Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Seoul
Seoul is the business and cultural hub of South Korea, where skyscrapers tower over Buddhist temples. Take it all in from the N Seoul Tower, built atop a peak in Namsan Park. The teahouses and shops of Insadong give you a taste of Korean flavor, which you can further experience with a visit to the grounds and museums of Gyeongbokgung. UNESCO World Heritage Site Changdeokgung Palace is a fine example of authentic ancient architecture.
Things to do in Seoul
1. Mugyodong Bugeokukjib
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 550 reviews
Reviewed By ksjlow - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
We came to this restaurant for breakfast. We chose this restaurant to try the traditional dried pollack soup (where they say locals eat after a hangover). There was no queue when we reached the restaurant around 10 am on a weekday. As they only serve one dish which is the soup, we only need to tell them the amount we are ordering. Each bowl of pollack soup comes with a bowl of rice (which is refillable). The panchans (sides) are self service, placed on the table.
The soup to some people could be a bit bland. To me personally, it was okay as it is their traditional dish and I was there to taste their authentic traditional soup. The soup was hearty and warms the body to start the day during a freezing winter's day.
Would recommend if you are open to try local, traditional food.
2. Gusto Taco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 962 reviews
Reviewed By Sam M - Gold Coast, Australia
My 2 brothers and I, read great reviews about Gusto Tacos and decided to try it for ourselves. We certainly weren't disappointed. Gusto is very conveniently located near exit 1 of Sangsu subway, and also a short walk from Hongdae district.
The owner Aaron met us upon our arrival and immediately made us feel very welcome. It was a very cold day we were dressed more for an Australian winter! Aaron was concerned about me not having gloves! Since it was our first time Aaron suggested his signature dish Chipotle pulled Pork Tacos, and they were beyond delicious. Aaron could not do enough for us and it was a very enjoyable experience.
Anyone on a trip to Seoul should visit Gusto Tacos.
3. Jyoti Indian Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
We are established in early 2010 and successfully providing our best service to our locals and foreign visitors. We are specialist of Indian vegetarian and non Vegetarian mouth watering menus. By the continues support of our customers we are finally able to open our branch in seoul chungmuro. Thank you.
Reviewed By kamalaBasnet - Seoul, South Korea
Halal certified fresh food with friendly staffs and Delivery on time including pleasing interior inside. Felt like home. Thali set was my favorite. A must visit restaurant in Seoul!
4. Braai Republic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
Braai Republic serves South African home-style cooking, focusing on our own sausages including boerewors, lamb chops and freshly-baked meat pies. Kitchen hours: (Monday to Thursday) 17:00- 21:00 (Friday to Sunday) 12:00- 21:00 Atmosphere: Open kitchen and Casual Tip: Come before 6pm - even on weekedays we get busy early!
Reviewed By Zoe G
Although small, this South African pub is homely and welcoming with wooden decor and South African momentos. The menu has a range of choices for meat-lovers and vegetarians, and a wide range of South African alcohol, including wine, shots and cider.
We ordered a steak and kidney pie, the lamb potjie, which came in a traditional pot that resembles a miniature cauldron, and the pap and wors; "pap" being a kind of thick grain mash and "wors" being a boerewors (pork sausage). The food was full of flavour and my particular favorite was the pie. Good pie is hard to come by in Korea but this was the perfect combination of thick, shortcrust pastry and tender beef in a rich gravy.
I wouldn't certainly come back for another and to sample the many other items on their menu!
5. Jungsik
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 362 reviews
Reviewed By ckyip0114 - Hong Kong, China
After a two years, we visited Seoul again and this really me and we decided to try somethings good. Then first inspiration comes from the Michelin stars! We booked Jungsik which just got their second star this November. We ordered the tasting signature menu with wine pairing. I must declared that we are biased by a closed friend who told us that Jungsik was not worth trying. Nevertheless, we still want to give it a chance since the overall comments are mixed. Since the amuse bouche, we were amazed that the food was so good! Throughout the eight courses, we were really enjoyed and the wine pairing was very good. So we really recommend that the signature menu is worth trying. In particular if you compared it with the dinner courses in terms of the price-performance ratio. Finally, I must mention the sommelier/waiter, Jae Min Ju, who explained each of the eight pairing wines in such details that we really understood and enjoyed the pairings. We exchanged some ideas about the pairings and it was very nice to chat about the wines. We are also very thankful to his help and getting a taxi for us to go back to the Millennium Seoul Hilton. Overall, we think Jungsik is a must-try restaurant in Seoul if you enjoy fine dining!
6. Kyochon Chicken Dongdaemun 1
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
* The most famous chicken shop in Korea. * we sell the most fried chicken in Korea and in all the Kyochon chicken brunches we are also top 1. * The most popular fried chicken shop for foreigner tourists. * In our shop you can watching Korean famous "Dongdeamon" and enjoy Kyochon chicken with beer at the same time. * We are busy at dinner time, if you would like to save your waiting time please visit us during 9AM to 6PM. * We are very close to Doota and Migliore , convenient for shopping as well.
Reviewed By Emerita Q
I love chicken and beer places and was fortunate enough to find this place open during new years eve. There was a 30minute wait for any chicken orders regardless of the season so be prepared to wait for your food. This is easily located across...MoreThank you for choosing us for your New Year's Eve dinner ^^ It's great to here you love our fried chicken and we hope to see you soon in your next trip to Korea~
7. JW's Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
At JWs Grill, we work to capture the flavor of quality grilled beef and more. Steaks are hand-cut, hand-seasoned and carefully prepared to your liking. Salads are freshly made and desserts are simply sumptuous. A hand-picked selection of wines from all over the world completes the perfect dining experience. .
Reviewed By misun m
I spent such a wonderful dinner time with my family in this beautiful and superb restaurant, JW's Grill.
Captain Yang's service was excellent.
His lovely smile and careful service made my our evening brighter!
Chef Kim's food was also amazing.
I truly enjoyed the dinner time and I will definitely come back again.
8. Brooklyn The Burger Joint
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By Samuel D - Fayetteville, North Carolina
"CREAM" Burger was amazing. We ordered sweet potatoes and bacon ones. Vanilla shake was good as well. Waiting time wasn't long and staff speaks some english. Downside is the location. Like 15 minutes walking distance from Express Bus Terminal Exit 5. Location of Google Map is the wrong one since they moved not long ago. But is really good, generally i can recommend it.
9. Casablanca Sandwicherie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Two brothers from Morocco cooking their heart out to make the best Sandwich in Seoul.
Reviewed By edjsul - Seoul, South Korea
Even though you might come to Korea for Korean food, this Morrocan Sandwich place is a must-try! Staff is insanely friendly. The sandwiches are full of flavor and unlike anything else I've had in Korea. The bread they have is the perfect Delivery system for their chicken or lamb fillings. I wish we lived closer so we could have one of their sandwiches more regularly!
10. Tavolo 24
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 249 reviews
Tavolo 24, located on the 2nd floor with a view of the East Gate, is an all day dining buffet restaurant that offers a variety of authentic foods with personalized and engaged service.
Reviewed By Travelkit2011 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Located in the Marriott in the nightarket area of Seoul. Access is easy and the signage is perfect. The menu was international and they also have buffet from time to time. The waiters spoke adequate English. The food was extremely delicious. We ordered the grilled chicken and salmon. Both were served hot and tasty albiet late arrival.
The prices are on the higher side but they are well deserved.
