Travel 50 excellent Seoul restaurants that work right now for visitors.
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Writer AndyKim1
Hit 122 Hits
Date 25-09-19 01:29
Content
50 excellent Seoul restaurants that work right now for visitors. I’ve grouped them loosely by style, and for each spot I give: what it is, what to order, vibe/price, and a quick “why it’s special.” For “ratings,” I reference major guide signals (MICHELIN Stars / Bib Gourmand) or trustworthy editorial roundups where relevant.
Freshness note: in 2025 the MICHELIN Guide promoted Mingles to ★★★ (the country’s only 3-star) and Evett to ★★; several long-running classics (e.g., Woo Lae Oak, Myeongdong Kyoja) continue as Bib Gourmand picks. Eater’s 2025 refresh also highlights neighborhood essentials like Solbam, Vinho, Mapo Jeong Daepo, Hansung Kalguksu, etc.
Eater
+5
MICHELIN Guide
+5
MICHELIN Guide
+5
Flagships & tasting menus (book well ahead)
Mingles (Gangnam) — Modern Korean, 3 MICHELIN Stars (2025)
Order: Seasonal tasting (think abalone & cabbage seon, pristine seafood, micro-banchan as edible research). Vibe/Price: Quietly luxurious; $$$$.
Why special: Chef Kang Min-goo distills vernacular Korean flavors (jangs, grains, sea greens) into a contemporary language with flawless pacing; now the nation’s sole ★★★.
MICHELIN Guide
+1
Jungsik (Cheongdam) — New-Korean haute, ★★
Order: Uni “bibimbap,” multi-texture octopus, iconic strawberry dessert course. Vibe/Price: Sleek, service-led; $$$$.
Why: The original “New Korean” grammar—precise saucing, beautiful plates, deep wine list.
La Yeon (The Shilla) — Court-inspired hansik, ★★
Order: Imperial-style grilled short rib, abalone juk, seasonal formal set. Vibe/Price: Palace-adjacent serenity; $$$$.
Why: Textbook balance and ceremony—Korean flavors dressed in royal etiquette.
Evett (Yeoksam) — Foraged Korean terroir, now ★★
Order: Vegetable-centered surprises (e.g., fermented grains, seasonal roots), playful desserts (think sikhye made new). Vibe/Price: Curious, conversational; $$$.
Why: A witty, ingredient-first lens that just earned its second star.
MICHELIN Guide
Onjium (Anguk) — Heritage research studio, ★
Order: Evolving menu rooted in documented court/home recipes; Korean liquor pairing is excellent. Vibe/Price: Scholarly chic; $$$.
Why: A living lab of Korean culinary history that still feels delicious, not academic.
Mosu (Itaewon) — Nature-driven, ★★ feel in spirit
Order: Seaweed taco, lotus courses, immaculate seafood. Vibe/Price: Quiet, design-forward; $$$$.
Solbam (Seochon) — Forest-seasonal, ★; Eater Essential
Order: Charcoal-kissed fish/shellfish, herbaceous pairings. Vibe/Price: Intimate; $$$.
Why: A modern Seoul voice—restrained, smoky, green.
Eater
Joo Ok (City Hall) — Jang-centric tasting, ★
Order: Fermentation-led sauces, ancient grains. Vibe/Price: Minimalist calm; $$$.
Why: Deep, savory articulation of Korea’s pantry.
7th Door (Cheongdam) — Fermentation atelier
Order: Seafood courses layered with aged sauces. Vibe/Price: Luxe counter; $$$$.
Why: A “long time” cuisine—controlled funk and umami.
Alla Prima (Hannam) — Korean-Italian tasting
Order: Seasonal pastas with local fish/shellfish. Vibe/Price: Relaxed fine dining; $$$.
Why: Cross-current cooking that stays elegant.
Barbecue royalty & meat specialists (smoke, sizzle, satisfaction)
Born & Bred (Majang) — Hanwoo temple
Order: Counter omakase or grill hall; tartare + sirloin; finish with broth. Vibe/Price: Premium carnivore playground; $$$.
Why: Serious aging and butchery; one of Seoul’s definitive beef experiences.
Woo Lae Oak / Wooraeok (Euljiro) — Pyongyang naengmyeon + charcoal bulgogi, MICHELIN Bib
Order: Naengmyeon first (clean buckwheat broth), then tabletop bulgogi. Vibe/Price: Old-school, multigenerational; $$.
Why: Northern-style noodle soul with classic grilled beef—beloved for decades.
MICHELIN Guide
Geumdwaeji Sikdang (Yeonnam) — Pork BBQ hit, Bib
Order: Neck & belly; kimchi-jjigae finale. Vibe/Price: Bustling; $$.
Why: Perfect sear, neighborhood energy.
Ggupdang (Itaewon) — Marinated galbi, Bib
Order: Beef ribs glazed and charred just right. Vibe/Price: Casual, young; $$.
Why: Classic flavors done with consistency.
Yukjeon Hoekwan (Euljiro) — Gallery-row bulgogi, Bib
Order: Thin bulgogi, then rice with pan drippings. Vibe/Price: Retro charm; $$.
Why: A window into mid-century Seoul tastes.
Samwon Garden (Sinsa) — Grand BBQ date spot
Order: Thin-cut ribeye, naengmyeon. Vibe/Price: Gardened, polished; $$$.
Why: Big-night atmosphere without fuss; an Eater “Essential.”
Eater
Byeokje Galbi (Gangseo) — Celebration galbi
Order: Signature ribs, abundant banchan. Vibe/Price: Classic banquet feel; $$$.
Mapo Jeong Daepo (Mapo) — Charcoal pork belly favorite
Order: Samgyeopsal + kimchi ring on the grill; end with kimchi fried rice. Vibe/Price: Loud, happy; $$.
Why: A vibe machine—Eater-endorsed for good reason.
Eater
Sancheong Sootbul Garden (Anguk) — New-wave meat
Order: Carefully sourced cuts, clean sides. Vibe/Price: Modern rustic; $$.
Why: “Less is more” barbecue; Eater Essential.
Eater
Han Chu (Apgujeong) — Fried chicken legend
Order: Pepper chicken, crunchy wings, somaek. Vibe/Price: Late-night comfort; $$.
Why: A cult classic for couples’ night.
Noodles, mandu & soups (Seoul comfort canon)
Pildong Myeonok (Jung-gu) — Pyongyang-style naengmyeon, Bib
Order: Cold buckwheat noodles; add suyuk (sliced beef). Vibe/Price: Spartan, soulful; $.
Why: Quiet, beefy elegance in a bowl.
MICHELIN Guide
Myeongdong Kyoja (Myeongdong) — Knife-cut noodles & dumplings, Bib
Order: Kalguksu + mandatory kimchi; mandu on the side. Vibe/Price: Lightning-fast; $.
Why: The city’s most copied noodle shop—queue moves quickly.
MICHELIN Guide
Hwangsaengga Kalguksu (Bukchon) — Beef-broth noodles, jumbo mandu
Order: Kalguksu + half-dozen dumplings. Vibe/Price: Family-friendly; $.
Why: Generous portions, clean flavors; Eater Essential + Bib.
Eater
+1
Yurimmyeon (Jongno) — Buckwheat stalwart, Bib
Order: Hot or cold memil-guksu; scallion pancakes. Vibe/Price: Old Seoul; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Jungin Myeonok (Mapo) — Chewy Pyongyang noodles, Bib
Order: Mul-naengmyeon + vinegar/mustard to taste. Vibe/Price: Unfussy; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Mandujip (Jongno) — Hand-pleated dumplings, Bib
Order: Pork-veg mandu, tteok-manduguk in winter. Vibe/Price: Cozy; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Samcheongdong Sujebi (Samcheong) — Hand-torn dough soup, Bib
Order: Anchovy-kelp sujebi; perilla version too. Vibe/Price: Homestyle; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Hapjeongok (Hapjeong) — Gomtang specialist, Bib
Order: Milky beef-bone soup, scallions, rice. Vibe/Price: Quiet, restorative; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Mapo Ok (Mapo) — Seolleongtang classic, Bib
Order: Salt/pepper to taste; add kkakdugi. Vibe/Price: Minimalist; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Okdongsik (Hannam) — Jeju-style pork rice soup, Bib
Order: Bossam-ish pork over rice in clear broth. Vibe/Price: Light, porky; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Seafood, markets & comfort legends
Buchon Yukhoe (Gwangjang Market) — Hand-cut beef tartare, Bib
Order: Yukhoe + julienned pear; adventurous eaters add raw liver. Vibe/Price: Market counter; $.
Why: Benchmark texture and seasoning.
MICHELIN Guide
Gebangsikdang (Sinsa) — Soy-marinated crab set, Bib
Order: Ganjang-gejang set (expect rice refills). Vibe/Price: Set-menu neatness; $$.
MICHELIN Guide
Yonggeumok (Jongno) — Chueotang (mudfish soup), Bib
Order: Ground or whole-fish style; perilla-rich broth. Vibe/Price: Heritage canteen; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Gaeseong Mandu Koong (Jongno) — Giant North-style dumplings, Bib
Order: Mandu-guk (soup) or steamed platter. Vibe/Price: Homely; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Mijin (Gwanghwamun) — Buckwheat set menus, Bib
Order: Makguksu + jeon combo. Vibe/Price: Office-district stalwart; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Hwanggeum Kongbat (Seochon) — Handmade tofu table, Bib
Order: Warm tofu with sauces, doenjang jjigae. Vibe/Price: Gentle, vegetarian-friendly; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Anju Maeul (Noryangjin) — Seafood & soju snacks
Order: Spicy braised fish, seasonal clams, jeon. Vibe/Price: Night market energy; $$.
Why: A modern “drinking food” workshop; Eater-listed.
Eater
Gwangjang Market – Bindaetteok Alley (Jongno) — Snack crawl
Order: Mung-bean pancakes, mayak kimbap, yukhoe. Vibe/Price: Loud, irresistible; $.
Why: Pure Seoul—walk, point, eat. (Arrive early for seats.)
Jinmi Sikdang (Sinsa) — Beloved soy crab
Order: One crab per person; mix rice with tomalley. Vibe/Price: No-nonsense; $$$.
Why: A benchmark for ganjang-gejang; Eater Essential.
Eater
Hadongkwan (Myeongdong) — Clear gomtang institution
Order: Regular or special cut; kimchi on table. Vibe/Price: Spartan, speedy; $.
Why: A bowl that tastes of time; Eater Essential.
Eater
Trendy, global-leaning & green-star minds
Gigas (Yeoksam) — Vegetable-first Mediterranean, ★ + Green Star (2025)
Order: Seasonal veg plates, seafood accents. Vibe/Price: Light, precise; $$$.
Why: Sustainability with finesse—new star in 2025.
MICHELIN Guide
Légume (Seongsu) — Full vegan tasting, ★ (2025)
Order: Multi-course vegetable set (K-seasonality). Vibe/Price: Minimalist, elegant; $$$.
Why: A landmark vegan fine-dining experience in Seoul’s hip maker district.
MICHELIN Guide
Sosuheon (central Seoul) — Sushi omakase, ★ (2025)
Order: Seasonal nigiri; otsumami with Korean touches. Vibe/Price: Serene counter; $$$$.
Why: New star + Service Award recognition in 2025.
MICHELIN Guide
A Flower Blossom on the Rice (Itaewon) — Modern hansik, Green Star
Order: Grain-centric set menus, low-waste philosophy. Vibe/Price: Calm, thoughtful; $$–$$$.
Why: Sustainability baked into deliciousness.
MICHELIN Guide
Vinho (Anguk) — Contemporary Asian tasting + strong wine
Order: Charcoal-laced seafood, clever sauces. Vibe/Price: Candle-lit; $$$.
Why: Eater-approved, stylish date night.
Eater
Hansung Kalguksu (Dongdaemun) — Noodles + soju, locals’ hang
Order: Kalguksu, bossam, anju classics. Vibe/Price: Late-night friendly; $.
Why: Where Seoulites actually eat after hours—Eater Essential.
Eater
London Bagel Museum (Anguk) — Cult bakery
Order: Onion-cream bagel, quiche, seasonal pastries. Vibe/Price: Instagram darling; $.
Why: A photogenic carb party that also tastes great.
Eater
Cafe Onion (Anguk / Seongsu) — Industrial-chic café
Order: Pandoro, flat whites, morning sets. Vibe/Price: Spacious, sun-lit; $.
Why: The café that defines Seongsu’s look; Eater Essential.
Eater
Hyun Udon (Seongsu) — Hand-pulled udon, Bib
Order: Classic kake or tempura udon. Vibe/Price: Warm and simple; $.
Why: A Bib pick where technique shows in the chew.
MICHELIN Guide
Hapjeong–Yeonnam Ramen Cluster (Oreno / Damtaek / Sarukame) — Counter ramen, some Bib
Order: Tonkotsu or shio depending on shop; add tamago. Vibe/Price: Tiny counters; $.
Why: A fun crawl across three styles in two neighborhoods.
MICHELIN Guide
How to actually use this list (quick strategies)
Reservations: #1–10 and #41–43 book out fast; grab seats 3–4 weeks ahead when possible. (Those promotions were announced in Feb–Mar 2025 and demand stayed high.)
MICHELIN Guide
Queues you can handle: Bib favorites like Myeongdong Kyoja and Pildong Myeonok turn lines quickly; go off-peak.
MICHELIN Guide
+1
Neighborhood hopping: Pair Solbam with Seochon galleries; Vinho or Onjium with a Bukchon/Palace stroll; Mapo Jeong Daepo then a Mangwon-dong dessert walk. (Eater’s 2025 map is a great cross-check for up-to-the-minute neighborhood hits.)
Eater
Freshness note: in 2025 the MICHELIN Guide promoted Mingles to ★★★ (the country’s only 3-star) and Evett to ★★; several long-running classics (e.g., Woo Lae Oak, Myeongdong Kyoja) continue as Bib Gourmand picks. Eater’s 2025 refresh also highlights neighborhood essentials like Solbam, Vinho, Mapo Jeong Daepo, Hansung Kalguksu, etc.
Eater
+5
MICHELIN Guide
+5
MICHELIN Guide
+5
Flagships & tasting menus (book well ahead)
Mingles (Gangnam) — Modern Korean, 3 MICHELIN Stars (2025)
Order: Seasonal tasting (think abalone & cabbage seon, pristine seafood, micro-banchan as edible research). Vibe/Price: Quietly luxurious; $$$$.
Why special: Chef Kang Min-goo distills vernacular Korean flavors (jangs, grains, sea greens) into a contemporary language with flawless pacing; now the nation’s sole ★★★.
MICHELIN Guide
+1
Jungsik (Cheongdam) — New-Korean haute, ★★
Order: Uni “bibimbap,” multi-texture octopus, iconic strawberry dessert course. Vibe/Price: Sleek, service-led; $$$$.
Why: The original “New Korean” grammar—precise saucing, beautiful plates, deep wine list.
La Yeon (The Shilla) — Court-inspired hansik, ★★
Order: Imperial-style grilled short rib, abalone juk, seasonal formal set. Vibe/Price: Palace-adjacent serenity; $$$$.
Why: Textbook balance and ceremony—Korean flavors dressed in royal etiquette.
Evett (Yeoksam) — Foraged Korean terroir, now ★★
Order: Vegetable-centered surprises (e.g., fermented grains, seasonal roots), playful desserts (think sikhye made new). Vibe/Price: Curious, conversational; $$$.
Why: A witty, ingredient-first lens that just earned its second star.
MICHELIN Guide
Onjium (Anguk) — Heritage research studio, ★
Order: Evolving menu rooted in documented court/home recipes; Korean liquor pairing is excellent. Vibe/Price: Scholarly chic; $$$.
Why: A living lab of Korean culinary history that still feels delicious, not academic.
Mosu (Itaewon) — Nature-driven, ★★ feel in spirit
Order: Seaweed taco, lotus courses, immaculate seafood. Vibe/Price: Quiet, design-forward; $$$$.
Solbam (Seochon) — Forest-seasonal, ★; Eater Essential
Order: Charcoal-kissed fish/shellfish, herbaceous pairings. Vibe/Price: Intimate; $$$.
Why: A modern Seoul voice—restrained, smoky, green.
Eater
Joo Ok (City Hall) — Jang-centric tasting, ★
Order: Fermentation-led sauces, ancient grains. Vibe/Price: Minimalist calm; $$$.
Why: Deep, savory articulation of Korea’s pantry.
7th Door (Cheongdam) — Fermentation atelier
Order: Seafood courses layered with aged sauces. Vibe/Price: Luxe counter; $$$$.
Why: A “long time” cuisine—controlled funk and umami.
Alla Prima (Hannam) — Korean-Italian tasting
Order: Seasonal pastas with local fish/shellfish. Vibe/Price: Relaxed fine dining; $$$.
Why: Cross-current cooking that stays elegant.
Barbecue royalty & meat specialists (smoke, sizzle, satisfaction)
Born & Bred (Majang) — Hanwoo temple
Order: Counter omakase or grill hall; tartare + sirloin; finish with broth. Vibe/Price: Premium carnivore playground; $$$.
Why: Serious aging and butchery; one of Seoul’s definitive beef experiences.
Woo Lae Oak / Wooraeok (Euljiro) — Pyongyang naengmyeon + charcoal bulgogi, MICHELIN Bib
Order: Naengmyeon first (clean buckwheat broth), then tabletop bulgogi. Vibe/Price: Old-school, multigenerational; $$.
Why: Northern-style noodle soul with classic grilled beef—beloved for decades.
MICHELIN Guide
Geumdwaeji Sikdang (Yeonnam) — Pork BBQ hit, Bib
Order: Neck & belly; kimchi-jjigae finale. Vibe/Price: Bustling; $$.
Why: Perfect sear, neighborhood energy.
Ggupdang (Itaewon) — Marinated galbi, Bib
Order: Beef ribs glazed and charred just right. Vibe/Price: Casual, young; $$.
Why: Classic flavors done with consistency.
Yukjeon Hoekwan (Euljiro) — Gallery-row bulgogi, Bib
Order: Thin bulgogi, then rice with pan drippings. Vibe/Price: Retro charm; $$.
Why: A window into mid-century Seoul tastes.
Samwon Garden (Sinsa) — Grand BBQ date spot
Order: Thin-cut ribeye, naengmyeon. Vibe/Price: Gardened, polished; $$$.
Why: Big-night atmosphere without fuss; an Eater “Essential.”
Eater
Byeokje Galbi (Gangseo) — Celebration galbi
Order: Signature ribs, abundant banchan. Vibe/Price: Classic banquet feel; $$$.
Mapo Jeong Daepo (Mapo) — Charcoal pork belly favorite
Order: Samgyeopsal + kimchi ring on the grill; end with kimchi fried rice. Vibe/Price: Loud, happy; $$.
Why: A vibe machine—Eater-endorsed for good reason.
Eater
Sancheong Sootbul Garden (Anguk) — New-wave meat
Order: Carefully sourced cuts, clean sides. Vibe/Price: Modern rustic; $$.
Why: “Less is more” barbecue; Eater Essential.
Eater
Han Chu (Apgujeong) — Fried chicken legend
Order: Pepper chicken, crunchy wings, somaek. Vibe/Price: Late-night comfort; $$.
Why: A cult classic for couples’ night.
Noodles, mandu & soups (Seoul comfort canon)
Pildong Myeonok (Jung-gu) — Pyongyang-style naengmyeon, Bib
Order: Cold buckwheat noodles; add suyuk (sliced beef). Vibe/Price: Spartan, soulful; $.
Why: Quiet, beefy elegance in a bowl.
MICHELIN Guide
Myeongdong Kyoja (Myeongdong) — Knife-cut noodles & dumplings, Bib
Order: Kalguksu + mandatory kimchi; mandu on the side. Vibe/Price: Lightning-fast; $.
Why: The city’s most copied noodle shop—queue moves quickly.
MICHELIN Guide
Hwangsaengga Kalguksu (Bukchon) — Beef-broth noodles, jumbo mandu
Order: Kalguksu + half-dozen dumplings. Vibe/Price: Family-friendly; $.
Why: Generous portions, clean flavors; Eater Essential + Bib.
Eater
+1
Yurimmyeon (Jongno) — Buckwheat stalwart, Bib
Order: Hot or cold memil-guksu; scallion pancakes. Vibe/Price: Old Seoul; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Jungin Myeonok (Mapo) — Chewy Pyongyang noodles, Bib
Order: Mul-naengmyeon + vinegar/mustard to taste. Vibe/Price: Unfussy; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Mandujip (Jongno) — Hand-pleated dumplings, Bib
Order: Pork-veg mandu, tteok-manduguk in winter. Vibe/Price: Cozy; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Samcheongdong Sujebi (Samcheong) — Hand-torn dough soup, Bib
Order: Anchovy-kelp sujebi; perilla version too. Vibe/Price: Homestyle; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Hapjeongok (Hapjeong) — Gomtang specialist, Bib
Order: Milky beef-bone soup, scallions, rice. Vibe/Price: Quiet, restorative; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Mapo Ok (Mapo) — Seolleongtang classic, Bib
Order: Salt/pepper to taste; add kkakdugi. Vibe/Price: Minimalist; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Okdongsik (Hannam) — Jeju-style pork rice soup, Bib
Order: Bossam-ish pork over rice in clear broth. Vibe/Price: Light, porky; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Seafood, markets & comfort legends
Buchon Yukhoe (Gwangjang Market) — Hand-cut beef tartare, Bib
Order: Yukhoe + julienned pear; adventurous eaters add raw liver. Vibe/Price: Market counter; $.
Why: Benchmark texture and seasoning.
MICHELIN Guide
Gebangsikdang (Sinsa) — Soy-marinated crab set, Bib
Order: Ganjang-gejang set (expect rice refills). Vibe/Price: Set-menu neatness; $$.
MICHELIN Guide
Yonggeumok (Jongno) — Chueotang (mudfish soup), Bib
Order: Ground or whole-fish style; perilla-rich broth. Vibe/Price: Heritage canteen; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Gaeseong Mandu Koong (Jongno) — Giant North-style dumplings, Bib
Order: Mandu-guk (soup) or steamed platter. Vibe/Price: Homely; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Mijin (Gwanghwamun) — Buckwheat set menus, Bib
Order: Makguksu + jeon combo. Vibe/Price: Office-district stalwart; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Hwanggeum Kongbat (Seochon) — Handmade tofu table, Bib
Order: Warm tofu with sauces, doenjang jjigae. Vibe/Price: Gentle, vegetarian-friendly; $.
MICHELIN Guide
Anju Maeul (Noryangjin) — Seafood & soju snacks
Order: Spicy braised fish, seasonal clams, jeon. Vibe/Price: Night market energy; $$.
Why: A modern “drinking food” workshop; Eater-listed.
Eater
Gwangjang Market – Bindaetteok Alley (Jongno) — Snack crawl
Order: Mung-bean pancakes, mayak kimbap, yukhoe. Vibe/Price: Loud, irresistible; $.
Why: Pure Seoul—walk, point, eat. (Arrive early for seats.)
Jinmi Sikdang (Sinsa) — Beloved soy crab
Order: One crab per person; mix rice with tomalley. Vibe/Price: No-nonsense; $$$.
Why: A benchmark for ganjang-gejang; Eater Essential.
Eater
Hadongkwan (Myeongdong) — Clear gomtang institution
Order: Regular or special cut; kimchi on table. Vibe/Price: Spartan, speedy; $.
Why: A bowl that tastes of time; Eater Essential.
Eater
Trendy, global-leaning & green-star minds
Gigas (Yeoksam) — Vegetable-first Mediterranean, ★ + Green Star (2025)
Order: Seasonal veg plates, seafood accents. Vibe/Price: Light, precise; $$$.
Why: Sustainability with finesse—new star in 2025.
MICHELIN Guide
Légume (Seongsu) — Full vegan tasting, ★ (2025)
Order: Multi-course vegetable set (K-seasonality). Vibe/Price: Minimalist, elegant; $$$.
Why: A landmark vegan fine-dining experience in Seoul’s hip maker district.
MICHELIN Guide
Sosuheon (central Seoul) — Sushi omakase, ★ (2025)
Order: Seasonal nigiri; otsumami with Korean touches. Vibe/Price: Serene counter; $$$$.
Why: New star + Service Award recognition in 2025.
MICHELIN Guide
A Flower Blossom on the Rice (Itaewon) — Modern hansik, Green Star
Order: Grain-centric set menus, low-waste philosophy. Vibe/Price: Calm, thoughtful; $$–$$$.
Why: Sustainability baked into deliciousness.
MICHELIN Guide
Vinho (Anguk) — Contemporary Asian tasting + strong wine
Order: Charcoal-laced seafood, clever sauces. Vibe/Price: Candle-lit; $$$.
Why: Eater-approved, stylish date night.
Eater
Hansung Kalguksu (Dongdaemun) — Noodles + soju, locals’ hang
Order: Kalguksu, bossam, anju classics. Vibe/Price: Late-night friendly; $.
Why: Where Seoulites actually eat after hours—Eater Essential.
Eater
London Bagel Museum (Anguk) — Cult bakery
Order: Onion-cream bagel, quiche, seasonal pastries. Vibe/Price: Instagram darling; $.
Why: A photogenic carb party that also tastes great.
Eater
Cafe Onion (Anguk / Seongsu) — Industrial-chic café
Order: Pandoro, flat whites, morning sets. Vibe/Price: Spacious, sun-lit; $.
Why: The café that defines Seongsu’s look; Eater Essential.
Eater
Hyun Udon (Seongsu) — Hand-pulled udon, Bib
Order: Classic kake or tempura udon. Vibe/Price: Warm and simple; $.
Why: A Bib pick where technique shows in the chew.
MICHELIN Guide
Hapjeong–Yeonnam Ramen Cluster (Oreno / Damtaek / Sarukame) — Counter ramen, some Bib
Order: Tonkotsu or shio depending on shop; add tamago. Vibe/Price: Tiny counters; $.
Why: A fun crawl across three styles in two neighborhoods.
MICHELIN Guide
How to actually use this list (quick strategies)
Reservations: #1–10 and #41–43 book out fast; grab seats 3–4 weeks ahead when possible. (Those promotions were announced in Feb–Mar 2025 and demand stayed high.)
MICHELIN Guide
Queues you can handle: Bib favorites like Myeongdong Kyoja and Pildong Myeonok turn lines quickly; go off-peak.
MICHELIN Guide
+1
Neighborhood hopping: Pair Solbam with Seochon galleries; Vinho or Onjium with a Bukchon/Palace stroll; Mapo Jeong Daepo then a Mangwon-dong dessert walk. (Eater’s 2025 map is a great cross-check for up-to-the-minute neighborhood hits.)
Eater