El Loco
Seongsu
A sophisticated Spanish dining experience in the heart of trendy Seongsu-dong. El Loco brings authentic Spanish flavors to Seoul with signature dishes like honey cod, charcoal-grilled octopus, and creative churros gnocchi. The restaurant features a warm, intimate atmosphere perfect for date nights or wine-focused dinners. Their carefully curated wine selection complements the Mediterranean-inspired menu, offering corkage-free service on most days (excluding Saturday evenings).
Insadong
Giwakang — Michelin-Starred Korean Fine Dining in Nonhyeon
Gangnam
Giwakang is a Michelin-starred Korean fine dining restaurant tucked on the fourth floor of a building in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam. The restaurant's name evokes the elegance of traditional Korean architecture — "기와강" — and its cuisine reflects that same thoughtful blend of heritage and refinement.
Glow Seongsu
Seongsu
A groundbreaking global culinary village in Seoul's trendiest neighborhood, showcasing flavors and cultures from around the world. Glow Seoul transformed their showroom into this innovative culinary curation venue that brings together diverse international food and beverage brands under one vibrant roof.
The Hanok Smith Likes
A unique Korean-Italian fusion restaurant housed in a beautifully renovated traditional hanok in Samcheong-dong. Selected for the Michelin Guide Seoul 2023, this charming venue blends traditional Korean architecture with contemporary Italian cuisine, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light while maintaining the hanok's historic character.
HBC (Haebangchon) Gastro Alley
Itaewon
A foodie paradise with international restaurants, craft beer bars, and cozy wine spots on the slopes of Namsan.
Hoho Sikdang (Ikseon)
Insadong
A cozy Japanese home-style restaurant in the heart of Ikseon-dong's traditional hanok alleys. Famous for its tender hirekatsu (pork cutlet) and comforting omurice, this warm atmosphere eatery has become one of Seoul's most searched restaurants, offering authentic Japanese comfort food in a traditional Korean setting.
Ichizen
Hongdae
A beloved tendon specialist in Mangwon-dong's trendy Mangridangil street, Ichizen has built a devoted following since opening in May 2017. This small, 14-seat restaurant serves authentic Japanese-style tendon (tempura rice bowls) that rivals anything you'd find in Japan itself. The restaurant's commitment to quality has made it one of Seoul's top two tendon destinations, drawing long queues especially during meal times.
IMOK Smoke Dining — Fire and Smoke Tasting Experience
Gangnam
IMOK Smoke Dining gained fame when its chef, Yoo Yong-wook, appeared on Netflix's hit cooking competition "Culinary Class Wars" (흑백요리사). The restaurant is housed in a converted 36-year-old bathhouse in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam, transformed into an atmospheric fire-and-smoke-themed dining space that is as dramatic to look at as it is to eat in.
Jinuh Tuna (진어참치)
Hongdae
A hidden gem in Yeonnam-dong's residential alleys, run by a "tuna doctor" with 30 years of experience, serving premium bluefin tuna with various rare cuts including belly, gills, and reproductive organs.
Kyochon Pilbang
Itaewon
An innovative "chimakase" (chicken omakase) restaurant that elevates Korean fried chicken to fine dining. Kyochon's flagship store features a speakeasy-style entrance and offers both a la carte menu and premium 8-course omakase experience (₩70,000 per person). This unique concept transforms traditional Korean fried chicken into an artful culinary journey, making it one of Itaewon's most talked-about dining destinations.
La Yeon
Myeongdong
A two-Michelin-star restaurant, La Yeon represents the pinnacle of modern Korean fine dining. Perched on the 23rd floor of The Shilla Hotel Seoul, this elegant restaurant offers exquisite royal court cuisine reimagined with contemporary techniques, paired with breathtaking panoramic views of Namsan and the city.