Best Restaurants by Cuisine in Seoul, Korea, South

Seoul, Korea, South, Seoul, Food & Drink, Best Restaurants by Cuisine

Best Restaurants by Cuisine in Seoul, Korea, South

Gaon

1. Gaon

Gaon is an upscale Korean restaurant offering authentic Korean cuisine with a modern twist. It is known for its exquisite tasting menus that creatively present traditional dishes. This helps solve the challenge of experiencing high-end Korean dining with an emphasis on the marriage of tradition and innovation.
  • Historical Influence: Showcases dishes inspired by Korean royal court cuisine.
  • Local Ingredients: Prioritizes using fresh, local ingredients from around Korea.
  • Award Recognition: Has earned three Michelin stars for its excellence.
  • Atmosphere: Offers a luxurious and serene dining environment.
  • Cultural Experience: Provides insights into traditional Korean culture and culinary art.
Mingles

2. Mingles

Mingles brings a fusion of Korean and Western flavors, offering a unique tasting experience to diners. It highlights the harmonious blend of contrasting culinary traditions, solving the challenge of mixing cultures for a fresh dining perspective.
  • Creative Fusion: Merges traditional Korean flavors with modern techniques.
  • Seasonal Menu: Changes menu in response to seasonal availability of ingredients.
  • Ambiance: Features a sophisticated yet cozy dining atmosphere.
  • Celebrity Chef: Led by renowned Chef Mingoo Kang, celebrated for innovation.
  • Wine Pairing: Offers an excellent selection of wines carefully paired with dishes.
Jungsik

3. Jungsik

Jungsik redefines Korean food by presenting ‘New Korean’ cuisine in an elegant and contemporary style. It tackles the challenge of introducing Korean flavors to international culinary methods.
  • Culinary Innovation: Pioneer in modern Korean gastronomy.
  • Michelin Starred: Honored with two Michelin stars for its creativity.
  • Experiential Dining: Offers a sensory dining experience with artfully presented dishes.
  • Superb Service: Noted for its attentive and knowledgeable staff.
  • Signature Dishes: Introduces signature dishes that change the perception of Korean food.
La Yeon

4. La Yeon

La Yeon highlights the royal heritage of Korean cuisine with dishes drawn from historical recipes. It solves the challenge of experiencing authentic Korean flavors often lost in modern society.
  • Heritage Focus: Draws inspiration from traditional Korean recipes.
  • Modern Elegance: Balances historical recipes with contemporary presentations.
  • Cultural Immersion: Immerses diners in Korean history and culinary art.
  • Award Winning: Recipient of three Michelin stars.
  • Premium Ingredients: Uses high-quality, premium Korean ingredients.
Balwoo Gongyang

5. Balwoo Gongyang

Balwoo Gongyang provides a unique experience of temple cuisine, offering vegetarian dishes rooted in Buddhist traditions. It addresses the challenge of finding peaceful, mindful dining experiences in a bustling city.
  • Temple Cuisine: Specializes in traditional Korean vegetarian temple food.
  • Mindfulness Dining: Encourages eating with a focus on simplicity and mindfulness.
  • Health Conscious: Uses organic, plant-based ingredients free from artificial additives.
  • Tranquil Setting: Offers a calm environment ideal for meditation.
  • Cultural Insight: Educates diners on Buddhist culinary practices.
Toyose

6. Toyose

For a great Korean fried chicken experience, Toyose stands out with its crispy and flavorful chicken offerings. It solves the challenge of finding quality fried chicken that matches global standards.
  • Authentic Flavors: Serves traditional Korean fried chicken known for its crunch.
  • Late-Night Dining: Open late, catering to night owls in the city.
  • Signature Sauces: Offers a variety of Korean-style sauces to complement the chicken.
  • Casual Vibe: Provides a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
  • Beverage Pairing: Known for an excellent selection of Korean beers.
Sosawon

7. Sosawon

Sosawon is famous for its homestyle Korean BBQ, letting diners grill top-grade meats right at their tables. It solves the challenge of experiencing true Korean BBQ in an intimate setting.
  • Personal Experience: Allows diners to cook and enjoy food at their own pace.
  • Exceptional Meat Quality: Sources high-quality meats for grilling.
  • Variety: Offers a wide range of meats and side dishes.
  • Comfortable Environment: Provides a cozy atmosphere with private booths.
  • Communal Dining: Encourages sharing, adding to the social experience.
Italyjae

8. Italyjae

Italyjae merges the charm of Italian cuisine with a Korean influence, presenting dishes that delight fans of both cultures. It solves the challenge of finding Italian cuisine with a local twist.
  • Innovative Fusion: Combines Italian pasta dishes with Korean flavors.
  • Artisan Crafts: Hand-makes pasta and pizzas daily using fine ingredients.
  • Homey Atmosphere: Designed to make diners feel at home with rustic decor.
  • Friendly Staff: Known for warm hospitality and attentive service.
  • Dessert Specialties: Offers unique Italian-Korean fusion desserts.
Pierre Gagnaire à Séoul

9. Pierre Gagnaire à Séoul

Located in Lotte Hotel, this restaurant presents French cuisine with an artistic flair, curated by renowned chef Pierre Gagnaire. It solves the challenge of experiencing world-class French cuisine in Seoul.
  • International Prestige: Overseen by Pierre Gagnaire, a legendary French chef.
  • Artistic Presentation: Features beautifully plated dishes.
  • Luxurious Setting: Offers stunning views and stylish interiors.
  • Wine Cellar: Houses an impressive selection of fine wines.
  • Seasonal Menu: Focuses on seasonally available ingredients.
The Lounge

10. The Lounge

The Lounge offers premium afternoon tea and light meals inspired by international cuisines in a sophisticated setting. It tackles the challenge of finding an elegant spot for relaxation amidst the city’s hustle.
  • Afternoon Tea: Known for exquisite afternoon tea sets.
  • Scenic Views: Provides panoramic views of Seoul’s skyline.
  • Culinary Diversity: Features light meals from various global cuisines.
  • Elegant Setting: Perfect for both business meetings and leisurely visits.
  • Artisanal Beverages: Includes a premium selection of teas and coffees.
Konkuk University K-Street Food

11. Konkuk University K-Street Food

Known for its vibrant street food scene, this area around Konkuk University offers a variety of quick, delicious bites. It solves the challenge of sampling diverse Korean street foods in one locale.
  • Variety of Choices: Offers numerous food stalls with different snacks.
  • Affordable Pricing: Delivers quality food at wallet-friendly prices.
  • Lively Atmosphere: Bustling with students and tourists alike.
  • Innovative Street Food: Known for creativity in snack offerings.
  • Convenient Location: Easily accessible via public transportation.
Benares

12. Benares

Benares is celebrated for offering authentic Indian cuisine in the heart of Seoul. It solves the challenge of finding true North Indian flavors outside India.
  • Authentic Spices: Utilizes genuine Indian spices and herbs.
  • Diverse Menu: Features a wide array of traditional Indian dishes.
  • Comfortable Dining: Offers a warm and inviting dining environment.
  • Cultural Experience: Provides an immersive Indian culinary journey.
  • Vegetarian Options: Caters extensively to vegetarian diners.
Butcher’s Cut

13. Butcher’s Cut

Butcher’s Cut provides a premium steakhouse experience with perfectly cooked steaks and a range of side dishes. It addresses the challenge of finding top-quality steaks in Seoul.
  • Prime Cuts: Focuses on high-quality meat sourced from premium cattle.
  • Elegant Ambiance: Offers a sophisticated and chic dining setting.
  • Expert Cooking: Praised for its chefs’ steak-grilling expertise.
  • Versatile Menu: Includes a variety of cuts and dishes beyond steak.
  • Wine Selection: Features an extensive list of wines to complement meals.
Myomi

14. Myomi

Myomi stands out for its modern interpretations of traditional Japanese cuisine, utilizing fresh ingredients and intricate presentations. It solves the challenge of experiencing authentic yet modern Japanese dining in Seoul.
  • Unique Dishes: Reimagines traditional Japanese meals with contemporary twists.
  • Quality Ingredients: Emphasizes freshness sourced from top suppliers.
  • Incredible Presentation: Focuses on aesthetic displays inspired by Japanese art.
  • Calm Atmosphere: Provides a serene ambiance for diners.
  • Sake Pairing: Offers expertly paired sakes with meals.
Vatos Urban Tacos

15. Vatos Urban Tacos

Vatos Urban Tacos brings Mexican and Korean flavors together, creating dishes that are both familiar and new. It solves the challenge of wanting to try unique Korean-Mexican fusion cuisine.
  • Inventive Tacos: Fuses traditional taco recipes with Korean ingredients.
  • Casual Setting: Offers a laid-back, vibrant dining atmosphere.
  • Signature Cocktails: Known for its inventive margaritas and cocktails.
  • Shareable Plates: Encourages diners to try multiple dishes.
  • Popular Hangout: Frequented by locals and expats alike.
Savoy Sushi

16. Savoy Sushi

Savoy Sushi offers a premium sushi experience with a focus on traditional preparation and high-quality ingredients. It tackles the challenge of enjoying authentic sushi excellence in Seoul.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Sources the freshest fish directly from Japan.
  • Skilled Chefs: Staffed with experienced sushi chefs known for their craft.
  • Omotenashi Service: Known for impeccable, welcoming Japanese hospitality.
  • Tranquil Setting: Provides a peaceful environment reminiscent of Japan.
  • Seasonal Specials: Serves seasonal sushi offerings.
Little China

17. Little China

Little China offers a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine in the Korean capital. It solves the challenge of craving genuine Chinese flavors in Seoul.
  • Traditional Recipes: Features authentic, time-honored Chinese dishes.
  • Diverse Flavors: Showcases a wide range of regional cuisines from China.
  • Vibrant Decor: Styled to reflect traditional Chinese aesthetics.
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Welcoming and family-friendly environment.
  • Group Dining: Accommodates large groups with shared dining options.
Espresso Room

18. Espresso Room

The Espresso Room provides a cozy experience with a focus on high-quality coffee and sweet treats from around Europe. This solves the challenge of finding a satisfying coffee break away from Seoul’s busy streets.
  • Specialty Coffee: Offers a curated selection of fine coffee beans.
  • European Pastries: Features a range of freshly baked European pastries.
  • Intimate Space: Provides a cozy, intimate setting for relaxation.
  • Knowledgeable Baristas: Staffed by skilled, friendly coffee experts.
  • Community Vibe: Popular spot for both tourists and locals to unwind.
Oreno

19. Oreno

Oreno serves up flavorful Spanish tapas, utilizing Korean ingredients to add unique twists to classic dishes. It addresses the challenge of enjoying authentic-tasting Spanish dishes with a local influence.
  • Tapas Specialties: Offers a rich variety of traditional Spanish tapas.
  • Fusion Creativity: Blends Spanish techniques with Korean elements.
  • Social Dining: Encourages sharing dishes among friends and family.
  • Wine & Sangria: Known for its selection of Spanish wines and sangria.
  • Dynamic Ambiance: Provides a lively and energetic atmosphere.
Gusto Taco

20. Gusto Taco

Gusto Taco is known for its fresh, homemade Mexican tacos with an emphasis on quality and flavor. It solves the challenge of finding an authentic, hearty Mexican meal in Seoul.
  • Homemade Tacos: Famed for its handmade tortillas and flavorful fillings.
  • Friendly Service: Renowned for its warm, attentive staff.
  • Vegetarian Friendly: Offers diverse options for vegetarians.
  • Casual Environment: Features a relaxed, informal setting.
  • Crowd Favorite: Popular among both locals and tourists for its taste and value.