9 Best Restaurants in Seoul

Jung-sik is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative take on traditional Korean flavors. It’s in Gangnam district in Seoul and has a good ambiance. Chef Yim Jung-Sik, owner and head chef of the restaurant, has his own creative signature dishes, such as the signature "Jang Trio" and "Five Senses Dessert," These dishes are sophisticated and served in small portions and are a blend of tradition, modern and fancy approaches.

If you’re confused and can’t choose between western cuisine or South Koren then you’ll like this restaurant even more. Mingles, located in Cheongdam-dong, is celebrated for its unique take on a fusion between Western and South Korean Cuisine. Chef Mingoo Kang’s dishes, like the "Mingles Bites" and "Hanwoo Tartare," reflect his philosophy of preserving the essence of Korean ingredients while incorporating global culinary techniques.

If you’ve visited Seoul, then you need to try the staple comfort food of the South Korean’s and here, no one does it better than Tosokchon Samgyetang. This place serves the best "Samgyetang" (ginseng chicken soup) in the city. It’s a broth, full of flavors and chicken filled with ginseng, jujube, and sticky rice, making it a perfect dish for the summers.

Just like every other country has at least one street where they serve food in the markets with no sitting area, but the authenticity of the food is unmatched. One such market in Seoul is Gwangjang Market. It’s a market but has many stalls serving the staple food items of the South Koreans that one can have on the go. Local favorites like "Bindaetteok" (mung bean pancakes), "Mayak Gimbap" (mini seaweed rice rolls), and "Sundae" (Korean blood sausage) are definitely something you should try once.

If you like a good barbeque and are open to unique experiences, then this place is definitely for you. Maple Tree House in Itaewon is known for its high-quality cuts of meat and great service. The restaurant offers a unique experience, allowing you to be a part of the cooking process, making the food taste better as you’ve made it yourself. You get to grill your own barbeque dish that comes with prepared seasoning.

If the city life is too much for you and you need a break from all the hustle, then do consider a very unique experience with is soul nurturing. We’re talking about Balwoo Gongyang, a temple food restaurant inspired by Buddhist principles where the menu, vegetarian options only, features beautifully presented dishes that are both nourishing and delicious. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted and served, making it feel almost like a work of art, depicting the right balance and harmony of nature.

Woo Lae Oak is located in Apgujeong area. It’s a very trendy and aesthetic setting and most people of Seoul know about this. It’s mostly known for its traditional Korean dishes. The restaurant’s specialties include "Naengmyeon" (cold buckwheat noodles) and "Bulgogi" (marinated grilled beef). It’s a very famous and celebrated restaurant, first started in 1946 and won’t even, else you’ll be standing at the end of a very long line.

Tongin market is famous for its unique Dosirak Cafe. This is a unique concept which allows visitors to create their own lunchbox by selecting from a variety of small dishes sold at different stalls. It’s like a buffet of authentic cuisines and delicacies. Buying food here is also made interactive by using traditional coins to purchase things like "Tteokbokki" (spicy rice cakes), "Japchae" (stir-fried glass noodles), and various types of kimchi. It’s a very special type of cafe and should be a mu

Save the best for last! This restaurant on top of the Shilla Hotel offers an experience of dining like a king. This three-Michelin-starred restaurant specializes in traditional Korean royal cuisine. Dishes, such as "Gujeolpan" (platter of nine delicacies) and "Galbi Jjim" (braised short ribs), are carefully prepared using premium ingredients, providing a luxurious experience that you’ll find nowhere else.