Seoul is South Korea's dynamic capital city, a megacity where ancient palaces and traditional markets coexist alongside gleaming skyscrapers and state-of-the-art technology. With a rich cultural heritage spanning over 600 years as the Joseon Dynasty capital, Seoul offers world-class cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and extraordinary shopping.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
La Yeon
La Yeon at The Shilla Hotel is Korea's most decorated restaurant, holding three Michelin stars and consistently ranked among Asia's best restaurants. Chef Kim Sung Il presents refined Korean royal court cuisine using premium seasonal ingredients from across Korea, served in an elegant dining room with views of Namsan Mountain. The tasting menus are a journey through the finest expressions of Korean culinary tradition.
The Shilla Seoul, 249 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Gaon
Gaon is a three Michelin-starred restaurant in Gangnam that celebrates the philosophy of Korean royal cuisine with contemporary refinement. Set in a beautiful traditional-style space, Gaon's multi-course tasting menus present dishes inspired by ancient Korean court recipes, prepared with the finest seasonal Korean ingredients. The restaurant is considered one of the best expressions of Korean fine dining in the world.
317 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Mingles
Mingles, helmed by chef Mingoo Kang, is a celebrated two Michelin-starred restaurant in Gangnam that inventively blends Korean culinary traditions with contemporary global techniques. The result is creative, beautiful dishes that bridge Korean flavors with international sensibilities. Considered one of the most exciting fine dining destinations in Seoul.
8 Dosan-daero 67-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Jungsik
Jungsik is a two Michelin-starred restaurant by chef Jung Sik Yim that pioneered 'New Korean' cuisine, applying modernist techniques to traditional Korean ingredients and flavor profiles. The elegant Cheongdam-dong restaurant serves sophisticated tasting menus that have influenced a generation of Korean chefs. Jungsik's New York outpost also holds two Michelin stars.
11 Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Tosokchon Samgyetang
Tosokchon is Seoul's most famous samgyetang (ginseng stuffed chicken soup) restaurant, renowned for its restorative and deeply flavored broth. Located in a series of connected traditional buildings near Gyeongbokgung Palace, the restaurant serves its iconic dish in a thick ceramic pot with ginseng, jujubes, and glutinous rice. The queues can be long, but the experience is essential Seoul.
5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Maple Tree House Itaewon
Maple Tree House is one of Seoul's most celebrated Korean BBQ restaurants, famous for its premium aged Hanwoo beef grilled over charcoal. Set in a beautiful restored hanok in Itaewon Hill, the restaurant offers an elevated BBQ experience with exceptional meat quality, comprehensive side dishes (banchan), and an excellent Korean wine and spirits list. A benchmark for Korean BBQ dining.
92 Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Palsaik Samgyeopsal
Palsaik Samgyeopsal (Eight Colors Pork Belly) is a popular chain restaurant that serves samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) in eight different marinades including ginseng, wine, curry, garlic, and more. The colorful presentation and variety of flavors make it an excellent introduction to Korean pork BBQ. There are multiple locations throughout Seoul.
Multiple locations across Seoul (main branch in Mapo-gu)
Chunjinamdal
Chunjinamdal is a beloved Korean BBQ and traditional Korean restaurant in Hongdae known for its high-quality pork belly and charcoal grilling. Popular with both locals and visitors, the restaurant offers excellent value and a lively, authentic atmosphere. The extensive menu of banchan (side dishes) and hearty soups accompanying the BBQ make for a complete and satisfying meal.
Hongdae, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Korean
La Yeon
Gaon
Mingles
Jungsik
Tosokchon Samgyetang
Maple Tree House Itaewon
Palsaik Samgyeopsal
Chunjinamdal
Gwangjang Market Food Hall
Myeongdong Street Food Alley
Hadongkwan
Noryangjin Fish Market Restaurants
Hanilkwan
Bicena
Maru (Bukchon)
Galmegi Brewing Taproom
Yongsusan
Soban Jeongsik
Bukchon Sonmandu
Bongeunsa Temple Food Restaurant
Isaac Toast
Gimbap Cheonguk
Daeshin Restaurant (Hongdae)
Baekjeong Gangnam
Woo Lae Oak
Balwoo Gongyang
Nwijo
Gwanghwamun Gukbap
Bab Bar (Euljiro)
French
Passion 5
Mexican
Vatos Urban Tacos
Vegan
Plant Cafe & Kitchen
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |