Top 10 Best Restaurants in Seoul

Located atop the luxurious Mondrian Hotel, Privilege is one of the best rooftop bars in Seoul today. This exclusive bar on the rooftop serves excellent cocktails and delicious food in a very elegant setting. If you're in Itaewon, it's definitely worth a visit! The Privilege Bar combines a stylish rooftop with carefully chosen decor that evokes a classic, refined atmosphere. Choose from a selection of the finest whiskeys and single malt scotches from around the world while taking in the breathtaking view of the city.

Enjoy a date at the sophisticated Privilege Bar in Itaewon. This is the place where you can relax and enjoy great food and drinks in a spacious area that offers a serene and simple atmosphere, because you deserve it! Try their Drappier Brut Nature Rose champagne with a citrusy flavor or enjoy their special cocktail, One For The Road, inspired by Black Pearl. It's made with homemade peanut butter bourbon, chocolate vermouth, and PX Sherry. Food is also available, so pair your drinks with Lobster Rolls and Wagyu Beef.

CONTACT INFO:
Address: RF, 23 Jangmun-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Phone: +822 2076 2071

Opening Hours: 18:00-00:00

Price Range: 8-38 USD

Blind Spot is an excellent spot for both morning and late-night dining. During the day, they serve 'forest-inspired and seasonal' teas, but as night falls, the venue transforms into a lively cocktail bar. Blind Spot offers a range of unique, flavorful signature cocktails, making it an ideal place to meet up and enjoy a drink no matter the time of day. The cocktails are bold and distinctive, packed with flavor, ensuring that whatever time you visit, it's the perfect spot to relax and unwind.

Blind Spot serves specialty teas, tea-infused spirits, cocktails, rich champagne, and exquisite wines by the glass. Relax, chat, snack, and gradually ease into the evening in an intimate and distinct setting, while enjoying classic cocktails bursting with flavors influenced by British Empire culture and its ancient trade roots. Their fall afternoon tea set includes desserts enhanced with the unique flavors of Marron, rose, and dried rose, featuring Marron tea cakes, Mont Blanc cakes, and Black Rose Choux. Whether you're a coffee lover or a tea enthusiast, Blind Spot will satisfy your cravings with its six signature cocktails.

CONTACT INFO:
Address: 1st Floor, 23 Jangmun-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Phone: +822 2076 2051

Email: [email protected]

Opening Hours: 10:00 - 22:00

Price Range: 4-38 USD

853 Restaurant is a small, traditional Korean restaurant located near Ssamziegil in Insadong. The three owners of this K-BBQ business specialize in pork. This cozy, well-known spot in Insadong has a simple yet refined menu, offering some of the best pork cuts in Seoul. They only use the finest pork neck and belly, marinated using an exclusive technique that imparts a unique and savory flavor to their dishes. Alongside the delicious grilled meats, you'll find a variety of fresh banchan (side dishes) to complement your meal.

Hidden inside a traditional Korean-style building, the restaurant's menu features pork neck, cheek, shoulder, and belly cuts. Each dish comes with a variety of sides, sauces, and dips that enhance the flavors of the grilled pork, which is tender and not overly greasy, allowing the natural taste of the meat to shine. Customers can enjoy the attractions of Poopoo Land nearby and make reservations for a memorable meal. Korean dishes are the specialty here at 853 Restaurant.

You'll be treated to perfectly cooked pork belly, BBQ pork, and grilled meats. If you get the chance to visit, make sure to try their parfait. According to visitors, the soju served at 853 Restaurant is highly recommended. The restaurant is known for its excellent service and friendly staff, who are always ready to assist you. Some customers note that the prices are fair for the quality of food and service. It's a great place to try something new and enjoy a peaceful dining atmosphere. The restaurant has a solid Google rating of 4.4.

CONTACT INFO:
Address: 16, Insadong 12-gil, Jongnogu Near Samjigil, Seoul, South Korea
Phone: +822 2733 0853

Opening Hours: 11:30 - 22:00

Price Range: 11-23 USD

Recognized for eight years of service by Blue Ribbon Fine Dining in South Korea, Gusto Taco is a casual, family-friendly, full-service restaurant located in the heart of Hongdae. They offer vegetarian and gluten-free options. The second branch of Gusto Taco, located near Sangsu Station, is known for serving some of the best tacos in the area, popular with both locals and visitors. At Gusto Taco, you can enjoy delicious tacos made with homemade corn tortillas on the upper floor.

Gusto Taco is widely regarded as the best Mexican restaurant in Hongdae! Whether you're trying Mexican cuisine for the first time or looking for a taste of home, this is a paradise for food lovers. The restaurant has great reviews and reasonable prices, recommended by Mexican residents in Korea. It is well-known as one of the best Mexican eateries in South Korea. Located near Sangsu Station (Exit 1), it's just a 1-minute walk from the exit. The area is calm, with a lovely view of the highway and pedestrian traffic. After exiting the station, turn right around the corner, walk about 100 meters, and you'll find Gusto Taco on your left.

CONTACT INFO:
Address: 41, Wausanro, Mapogu, Seoul, South Korea
Phone: +822.338.226

Opening Hours: 11:00 - 22:00

Website: http://gustotaco.com/

Price Range: 2-10 USD

If you're planning to visit South Korea, especially Seoul, Jangseng Geongangwon is a must-visit spot. This place serves some of the finest cocktails in the country, offering an array of delectable drinks and dishes. One of the highlights is their unique cocktails featuring traditional Korean liquor. Situated in the heart of a traditional Korean market in Gangnam, the venue offers a sophisticated whiskey bar ambiance. However, the real draw is the extraordinary cocktails, crafted by expert mixologists who source ingredients from local farmers. The bartenders are incredibly attentive and polite, making your experience even more enjoyable.

Jangseng Geongangwon is a truly special place. They offer a wide range of cocktails, some made with traditional Korean ingredients, providing unique and memorable flavors. If you're a fan of cocktails, you'll be in for a delightful experience that makes time fly by. The cozy bar, delicious cocktails, and friendly bartenders create the perfect setting. You can even book a private room for a birthday celebration. Jangseng Geongangwon uses locally sourced ingredients to create balanced, unexpected, and distinct cocktails, with a true Korean flavor. The service is exceptional, adding to the overall experience.

CONTACT INFO:
Address: 23, Gangnam-daero 124-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Phone: +8210 2278 5968

Opening Hours: 19:00 - 04:00

Price Range: 11-760 USD

Established in 1991 and operated by the "Living Treasure of Korean Royal Cuisine," Jihwaja is a premier traditional Korean restaurant located in the heart of Seoul. It has earned a stellar reputation as the best place to experience the authenticity of Royal Korean Cuisine, offering an authentic taste of Korea's culinary heritage. Jihwaja reflects the refined atmosphere of a neighborhood with a 600-year history, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. The dishes are not only nutritious but are made with the finest natural ingredients, using royal cooking techniques—without the use of MSG, artificial flavors, or additives.

Jihwaja is dedicated to promoting the true cultural heritage of Korean royal cuisine worldwide. As one of Seoul’s top dining spots, it provides a space where you can savor the essence of Korea’s culinary tradition and royal gastronomy. "Anyone who visits can feel like royalty, enjoying the same royal banquet dishes that kings once savored in the past."

This is the mission of Jihwaja, continuing the legacy of royal cuisine, prepared with heart by the finest chefs using the best ingredients sourced from across the Joseon Dynasty. At this royal restaurant, you’ll experience the cultural richness of the Hwang Hye-seong family, who have preserved and shared traditional Korean cuisine globally, while embracing the solemnity and sincerity of the 600-year-old Joseon dynasty tradition.

CONTACT INFO:
Address: 125 Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu (48 Cheongun-dong, Jongno-gu), Seoul, South Korea
Phone: +822.269.5834

Opening Hours: Lunch: 11:30 ~ 15:00 (Last order 13:30) | Dinner: 17:30 ~ 21:30 (Last order 20:00). Closed on Tuesdays.

Website: http://www.jihwajafood.co.kr/

Price Range: 72-148 USD

Jungsik is a fine dining restaurant in Seoul that combines Korean and Western ingredients and cooking techniques to create innovative Korean dishes with a modern twist. Nestled in a quiet alley in Gangnam, the service here is impeccable yet understated. Known as a pioneer in modern Korean haute cuisine, Chef Yim Jung-sik, with restaurants in both Seoul and New York, is credited with bringing Korean gastronomy to the global stage with his entirely unique and creative approach.

What Chef Yim does best is take traditional Korean dishes like gimbap, bibimbap, and pork-wrapped napa rolls, and transform them into something unexpected yet surprisingly sensual and authentic. The eye-catching desserts, excellent wine list, and attentive service make Jungsik a top-tier dining experience. You can enjoy a full lunch or dinner menu ranging from 70,000 to 180,000 won, with wine pairings available for an additional 125,000 won.

Jungsik boasts a sleek, high-end design with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Dosan Park, as well as private rooms for those seeking a more intimate atmosphere. The menu is divided into appetizers, land, sea, rice, and sweets, with guests encouraged to select a variety of dishes from each section. The sea urchin with kimchi and cabbage recalls the classic bibimbap, while the octopus wrapped in cream and the signature green tea mousse dessert, modeled after the dol hareubang statues from Jeju Island, are just a few of the delightful creations you'll find.

CONTACT INFO:
Address: 11, Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Phone: +8225 174 654

Opening Hours: 12:00-13:00 and 17:30-23:00

Website: https://www.jungsik.kr/

Price Range: 50-150 USD

Flavors is a restaurant located within the Marriott Hotel in Seoul, offering an extensive buffet for breakfast and lunch, featuring a wide selection of international dishes.

At this restaurant, you can indulge in delicious crab, ribs, and sashimi. The knowledgeable and diligent staff work tirelessly to make this place exceptional, with their warm and enthusiastic service being a key factor in Flavors' success. Rated 5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #1 among 38,303 restaurants in Seoul, Flavors is renowned for its memorable dining experience. The unique buffet concept offers a diverse array of freshly prepared dishes, made-to-order by skilled chefs at live cooking stations.

Guests can also enjoy freshly prepared meals created by top chefs, both local and international, in the live kitchen area. The restaurant stands out with its elegant and sophisticated decor, providing a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for families. This is a major reason why Flavors continues to attract so many guests.

CONTACT INFO:

Address: 176 Sinbanporo, Seochogu, Seoul, South Korea

Phone: +822 6282 6730

Opening Hours: 06:30-10:30 | 11:30-16:00 | 18:00-21:00

Price Range: 50-120 USD

Cleo offers a warm, social dining atmosphere with shareable dishes that blend local flavors with modern twists. Drawing inspiration from the diverse cultures of the Mediterranean, Cleo serves a range of mouthwatering dishes paired with a creative cocktail list featuring artisanal drinks. This award-winning restaurant delivers a culinary experience that celebrates Mediterranean flavors with a contemporary touch. The diverse menu offers a distinctive dining experience that's truly one-of-a-kind.

Many visitors come to Cleo to enjoy perfectly grilled meats and delicious bass fish. You can sip your favorite cocktail at the lounge or take in the stunning views of Seoul from the Privilege Bar. From desserts like almond cake, dried figs, and sweet persimmons to flavorful savory dishes inspired by autumn, there's something for everyone. Mango cake and coconut mango tart proudly showcase both flavor and elegance, while the newly introduced gray chiffon cake, Moonwalk, and Honeycomb Pandora's Box are a delight for the senses. The friendly staff welcomes guests at CLEO year-round, ensuring excellent service that sets the restaurant apart.

CONTACT INFO:
Address: 1st Floor, 23 Jangmunro, Yongsangu, Seoul, South Korea
Phone: +822 2076 2050

Opening Hours: 05:30-22:00

Price Range: 11-76 USD

New Delhi (뉴델리) is an authentic Indian restaurant located in the popular Apgujeong district of Seoul. With its elegant and thematic decor, the restaurant creates a casual yet inviting atmosphere, perfect for guests seeking an enjoyable meal accompanied by Bollywood tunes in the background. However, the real highlight is the food: the menu offers a wide variety of delicious dishes, from classic naan, tandoori chicken, and masala to rare momo (dumplings) that are hard to find in Korea. New Delhi's menu also includes many vegetarian options.

New Delhi offers Indian cuisine that rivals five-star hotel standards, allowing diners to experience the depth and refinement of Indian cooking, honed by years of expertise from the chefs. With a carefully curated menu of about 80 dishes, these are Indian flavors not easily found at other Indian restaurants in Korea. Key ingredients, spices, and tandoori ovens are imported directly from the region, ensuring consistent flavors and top-notch service.

CONTACT INFO:
Address: 28, Nonhyeonro 176-gil, Gangnamgu Sinsadong, Seoul, South Korea
Phone: +821 0869 04915

Opening Hours: 11:00-22:00

Price Range: 8-10 USD