137 Best Restaurants in Seoul, South Korea

This neighborhood barbecue restaurant serves up a variety of hanwoo beef as well other favorites such as samgyeopsal (pork belly). The prices vary drastically depending on which cut you're keen on, but Sammi's staying power has been its consistent commitment to quality. 

This popular cold noodle restaurant in the Lotte Mall has an appropriately limited menu. You're best off ordering mul naengmyeon (cold noodles in ice water) with a side of mandu (dumplings), though if you're in the mood for a hearty bowl of soup, try their mandu galbitang (beef short rib dumpling soup). There's often a line, though for good reason: this place, despite its mall location, really nails it.

Located in a commercial building near Namdaemun Market, Seoryung specializes in naengmyun (cold noodles) made of 100% buckwheat. There are three types of noodles on the menu: mul (water) served in a subtle, cold broth; bibim (mixed) served with spicy sauce; and a vegan option with perilla oil. The bite to the noodles gives it a toothsome texture. Those coming in larger parties should also try the bulgogi, which is cooked over the table to perfect tenderness and not overpoweringly sweet like many other restaurants. The service is attentive, but the long lines outside mean few people linger at their tables.

Housed in a large, redbrick building, this sunny coffee shop located in Seochon serves coffee and quick bites. While their menu includes a decent array of pound cakes, seasonal brunch items, teas, lattes, and Americanos, Staff Picks fans are more likely to point you to its merchandise for sale at the café’s entrance. Knickknacks like high-end pencils, vintage china, and other decorative items are popular picks. Outside, seats are arranged around a tall gingko tree. Because the café is dog friendly, you’ll often come across pet owners with their furry friends. 

While this Seattle-based coffee behemoth boasts more than 500 stores in Seoul, this branch in the Han River Park may be the shiniest diamond in the crown. Occupying the first floor of the Seoul Wave Art Center, this is the only floating Starbucks in Korea, and surely the most Instagram-able. Sip on a cafe latte or Venti Frappuccino as you gaze out on the lazy flow of Seoul's major river. Afterward, make sure to explore the art and Korean culture gallery that shares the same space. 

Despite Korea's wonderful and varied cuisine, there are days when you want a taste of home and Suji's it the best place in Seoul to get it. After studying at New York's French Culinary Institute, chef Suji Park introduced the best of American cuisine to Seoul. Everything—including the bread, pickles and deli meats—is made in house. Not only is it the best place in Seoul to get a pastrami sandwich or apple crumble, it is hands-down the city's best brunch.

One of the best places for Western-style dining, Summer Lane is an Australian, all-day brunch eatery located in the backroads of Hannam-dong. Popular menu items include the bacon waffle eggs Benedict, smashed avocado, and the DIY option which allows you choices of sourdough bread, eggs any way, tomatoes, spinach, and bacon among others. With high ceilings and a bright decor, the dog- and kid-friendly space is a favorite among early birds, especially since the restaurant opens at 7:30 am (a rarity for a Western restaurant in Korea).

The star recipe of this restaurant is sundae (Korean blood sausages); their menu has traditional sundae soups as well as modern takes like sundae steak. Even those who usually don’t like sundae or are nervous about trying it leave with a newfound appreciation for this Korean delicacy.

Seasonal ingredients guide the menu at this intimate contemporary Korean bistro that often incorporates worldly flavors. You might order home-style classics like cold buckwheat noodles, grilled pork belly, or seoritae (black soybean) with mascarpone or a vegetable lasagna.

The Gangnam branch of this conveyer belt-style sushi chain sits right behind the CGV movie theater down from Exit 11 of Gangnam Station. What it lacks in size it makes up for in flavor and value, with nice cuts of fresh fish atop firm balls of rice. Most of the seats are packed together right at the counter, creating a cozy ambience reminiscent of sushi joints found in Japan. This is a great place to grab lunch, since they offer satisfying set courses that are also easy on the wallet. 

The Sinsa branch of this Seoul coffee company is hip, elegant, and focused on the most important thing: the coffee itself. Located on a side street just a few minutes up from the Garuso-gil shopping street, Tailor exudes sophistication, while also managing to be inviting. They also play jazz, which is a rarity in the Korean cafe world, which often pumps out K-pop and overwrought ballads. 

Great pastries, creative coffee drinks, and even a few select cocktails are served at this hip dessert cafe. The clientele tends to be young and fashionable in a way that appears like they're not even trying.

A café built into a hanok, Veranda is a cozy space filled with books and an outdoor space perfect for sunny weather. Coffee is the most common order, but there are plenty of alternatives and snacks if you'd like something to nibble on with your beverage. The basil pesto toast is a perfect, not too filling, snack before dinner. 

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 2, 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.