124 Best Restaurants in Seoul, South Korea

A family-owned establishment since 1946, this beloved Seoul institution is best known for their mul-naengmyun (buckwheat noodles in a chilled broth) and bulgogi. Come to the restaurant for an early lunch, and there are often lines out the door waiting to enter. Many loyal fans of the restaurant have been coming to the restaurant for decades. Prices are higher than most that serve naengmyun, but Woolaeok proponents say the quality of the ingredients, including sliced beef and pear, make it a more fragrant meal. Feel free to skip the barbecue as the noodles are incredibly hearty. Try to make a reservation if you’re visiting at noon sharp.

Sometimes called Little Chinatown for its ties to the Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking communities, Yeonnam-dong has a few dozen restaurants that specialize in malatang, xiao long bao, and mapo tofu. Of these, Yeongyo stands out with its extensive menu of dumplings, braised meats, and stir-fried vegetables. Two must-try dishes here include the Shengjian mantou baozi (fried pork buns) and uyuk tangmyeon (beef noodles), both made more delicious with the Taiwanese fruit beer on the menu. The original Yeongyo location can get quite busy, but you can also try their second location, Yeongyo Dumpling, just around the corner. The latter sells a limited menu, focusing only on the star Yeongyo dishes.

The proximity to the National Assembly Building and various other government offices makes this Korean barbecue restaurant a popular lunch and dinner spot for politicians. The understated, art deco-style dining room features gold-tinted accents, marble tabletops, and a menu of prime Korean beef and pork served with the requisite side dishes including kimchi, pickled radishes, bean paste, and whole garlic cloves. 

Cool off in the summer (or any time of year, really) with a scoop or two from this gelato shop, one of the best in Seoul. Flavors of the creamy Italian-style ice cream rotate but could include old standbys like stracciatella, pistachio, passion fruit sorbet, and chocolate, as well as unique flavors like gamtae (seaweed), sweet corn, butter, and matcha. There's not much seating in the shop, so it's best to take your cup to go.