10 Best Restaurants in Yeouido, Seoul

Set on the 50th floor of the FKI Tower, this see-and-be-seen restaurant, made popular in the 2016 K-drama series W, is all about the views. The airy dining room is a mishmash of glass, whitewashed steel, hanging plants, and a rustic, almost farm-like vibe, made more prevalent by waitstaff dressed in Little House on the Prairie–style garb. While known as a brunch restaurant with favorites like French toast, full English breakfast, and chicken and waffles, the menu also has a steady lineup of pasta, salads, and desserts. Reservations are taken a month in advance, and without one there can be a long wait—pass the time with a stroll in the building’s rooftop atrium garden.

During the Joseon Dynasty, the king's table featured 12 elements---including soup, rice, hot pot, kimchi, and pastes---and formed a tradition of Korean cooking classified as \"royal court cuisine.\" In that tradition, this buffet restaurant offers a diverse range of expertly crafted traditional Korean dishes, as well as dozens of banchan (side dishes) and traditional Korean desserts---making it a good option if you want to try a little bit of everything. The restaurant grows its own greens on-site, and there's also a gift shop selling Korean home decor and packaged snacks.

Like many steak houses the world over, 37 Grill & Bar at Conrad Seoul has dark, plush interiors, an old-world vibe, and a traditional surf and turf menu. What sets it apart is the 37th-floor location that has panoramic views of the Han River, the Seoul skyline, and N Seoul Tower rising up from atop Namsan Mountain. It’s also notable for prioritizing sustainable seafood. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.

If you're in the mood for a juicy cheeseburger and a craft beer after shopping at nearby IFC Mall, head to this popular local chain that's bathed by neon lights. The trendy spot has a menu that aims to excite with experimental choices such as a wasabi mayo and shrimp burger and a Hawaiian burger loaded with bacon and pineapple.

This trendy coffee label from Oakland, California, has percolated into South Korea, with its popular location on the fifth floor of The Hyundai Seoul shopping complex. The light-and-tree-filled space with no walls or windows was designed by a landscape architect to give it an outdoor feeling. The crew of well-trained baristas grind and brew each cup by hand to create a bespoke coffee experience.

What this diminutive, hole-in-the-wall café lacks in size, it more than makes up for in flavor. The European-style shop produces scrumptious handmade chocolates in flavors like matcha, basil, and ginger, plus an array of decadent cookies and breads. There's also a sizeable lineup of tea and coffee options.

With elegant interiors reminiscent of belle époque Paris, the sumptuous 29th-floor dining room at Mariposa is decorated with motifs featuring its namesake butterfly. Although set within the Fairmont Ambassador Hotel, the restaurant maintains an independent and intimate feel, more so due to its hyper-local tasting menus. Superb views, terraces, and the attached M29 bar with its signature cocktails round out the many reasons to visit.  Note that the restaurant only allows entry for those age 19 and over.

Although the standard Italian fare at this cafeteria-like spot likely won’t bring Michelin knocking anytime soon, the laid-back eatery is worth a visit simply for the picturesque waterfront location. Set on a platform just offshore and reached by a gangplank-style bridge, the quirky structure randomly topped by a windmill has a three-story dining room, a roomy terrace, and a convenience store known for its tasty fried chicken. The cafe also offers paddleboat rentals and water-skiing lessons. It’s a great place to settle in for sunset and watch the city light up at dusk.

Open by reservation only, this Italian fine-dining restaurant is headed by Korean chef Yoon-Geun Eo, who refined his culinary talent in Italy, most notably at the Four Seasons hotel in Milan. Ingredients are brought in daily, and the focus is on hyper-fresh, simple, and healthy cuisine. Ristorante Eo achieved one Michelin star in the 2017 inaugural Michelin guide to Seoul and another in 2018, then received The Plate rating in 2019 and 2020.  There is no exterior sign for this property, so confirm the location of the restaurant before your departure.

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.