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14 Best Bites in Seoul, South Korea

    Updated: Jul 20

    Seoul is a foodie's dream, brimming with everything from traditional eats to modern reimaginings of Korean cuisine. Whether you're wandering through historic markets or exploring chic neighbourhoods, here are some of the best bites to savour across the capital.


    Raw beef with sesame seeds and egg yolk on top of spicy noodles, garnished with sprouts and thin white radish slices on a plate.
    Yukhoe Bibimbap Noodles at Hyeongje Yukhoe

    1. 🍰 4F Cafe (Desserts & Coffee)

    2. 🥐 BETON (Salted Bread)

    3. 🍸 Charles H. (Cocktail Bar)

    4. 🍴 Eatanic Garden (Modern Korean)

    5. 🥐 fresh bread factory (Salted Bread)

    6. 🐷 Geumdwaeji Sikdang / Gold Pig (Samgyeopsal - Grilled Pork)

    7. 🦀 Hwa Hae Dang (Ganjang Gejang)

    8. 🥩 Hyeongje Yukhoe (Yukhoe)

    9. 🦀 Jangjinyeong Ganjang Gejang (Ganjang Gejang)

    10. 🥯 Kokkilli Bagel (Bagel)

    11. 🥛 Lazy Yogurt (Greek Yogurt)

    12. 🥢 Onjium (Refined Korean)

    13. 🐚 Seowonjuk (Porridge)

    14. 🥩 Yeongcheon Yeonghwa (Hanwoo Beef)


    4F Cafe

    🍰Desserts & Coffee┆Euljiro


    • Description: A hidden gem in a renovated printing factory near Bangsan Market, this 4-floor cafe blends moody interiors with handmade desserts and craft drinks

    • Recommendations: Strawberry Tiramisu

    • Reservation: Walk-in only

    • Information: Instagram ┆Google Maps



    BETON

    🥐Salted Bread┆Multiple Locations


    • Description: One of the trendsetters behind Seoul’s salted bread craze, BETON offers a range of sweet and savoury flavours with a chewy, layered bite

    • Recommendations: Plain, Corn Cream, Garlic Salted Bread

    • Reservation: Walk-in only

    • Information: Instagram ┆Google Maps (Seongsu branch)



    Charles H.

    🍸Cocktail Bar┆Gwanghwamun


    • Description: Speakeasy tucked inside the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, known for immersive storytelling and world-class drinks; Asia’s 50 Best Bars regular

    • Recommendations: Pastelito, Lotus Pond

    • Reservation: via TableCheck

    • Information: Instagram ┆Google Maps




    Eatanic Garden

    🍴Modern Korean┆Gangnam


    • Description: Elevated Korean dining with seasonal set courses, served 36 floors above Seoul in the Josun Palace hotel

    • Recommendations: Seasonal Tasting Menu only

    • Reservation: via Catch Table

    • Information: Instagram ┆Google Maps



    fresh bread factory

    🥐Salted Bread┆Dongdaemun


    • Description: A minimalist shop selling only one thing - perfectly baked, old-school salted bread; no frills, no variety, and you must buy a set of three

    • Recommendations: Plain Salted Bread (sold in bundles of 3)

    • Reservation: Walk-in only

    • Information: Google Maps


    Hand holding a golden-brown salted bread in focus, with a blurred store background, conveying a cozy atmosphere.




    Hwa Hae Dang

    🦀Ganjang Gejang┆Mapo


    • Description: Bib Gourmand spot serving soy-marinated female blue crabs with full roe, claypot rice, and classic sides

    • Recommendations: Ganjang Gejang Set (Female Crab)

    • Reservation: via Phone (+82-2-785-4422)

    • Information: Instagram ┆Google Maps





    Hyeongje Yukhoe

    🥩Yukhoe (Raw Beef)┆Gwangjang Market


    • Description: one of Gwangjang’s best-known yukhoe spots, serving Korea’s beloved raw beef and spicy cold noodles combo

    • Recommendations: Yukhoe Bibimbap Noodles

    • Reservation: Walk-in only

    • Information: Google Maps





    Jangjinyeong Ganjang Gejang

    🦀Ganjang Gejang┆Hannam


    • Description: A specialty crab restaurant focusing on soy-marinated female blue crab with orange roe

    • Recommendations: Female Ganjang Gejang Set

    • Reservation: Walk-in only

    • Information: Google Maps





    Kokkilli Bagel

    🥯Korean Bagels┆Multiple Locations


    • Description: Chewy artisanal bagels made with locally inspired flavours and techniques

    • Recommendations: Daily flavours - check in-store

    • Reservation: Walk-in only

    • Information: Instagram ┆Google Maps (Hannam branch)


    Two bagels, one plain and one with raisins, on a plate with green trim. Background shows cream cheese tub and blurred bakery box.




    Lazy Yogurt

    🥛Greek Yogurt┆Seongsu & Gangnam


    • Description: Minimalist yogurt shop offering custom bowls and creative toppings - order by tablet, cashless only

    • Recommendations: Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Bowl

    • Reservation: Walk-in only

    • Information: Instagram ┆Google Maps (Gangnam branch)




    Onjium

    🥢Refined Korean┆Jongno


    • A Michelin-starred cultural institute serving seasonal, heritage Korean cuisine in a refined, contemporary setting

    • Recommendations: Tasting Course only

    • Reservation: via CatchTable

    • Information: Instagram ┆Google Maps


    Seowonjuk

    🍚Porridge┆Myeongdong


    • Description: Comforting bowls of premium abalone porridge - perfect for breakfast

    • Recommendations: Premium Abalone Porridge

    • Reservation: Walk-in only; go early

    • Information: Instagram ┆Google Maps





    Yeongcheon Yeonghwa

    🥩Hanwoo Bibimbap┆Gangnam


    • Description: Local-favourite, celeb-approved 24-hour restaurant serving comforting Korean beef dishes

    • Recommendations: Yukhoe Bibimbap

    • Reservation: Walk-in only

    • Information: Instagram ┆Google Maps


    Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025: A Grand Celebration

      Updated: Jul 20

      The much-anticipated Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 awards ceremony took place on March 25th, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, in the heart of South Korea’s vibrant capital. Organised by The World's 50 Best Restaurants and proudly sponsored by San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, this prestigious event brought together culinary visionaries from across the continent to celebrate gastronomic excellence.




      Honouring Asia's Finest Culinary Talents


      The ceremony was a spectacular affair, with some of the best chefs and restaurants in the region receiving well-deserved accolades. The night was filled with moments of inspiration as winners took the stage to accept their awards, showcasing the talent and innovation that define Asia’s dynamic culinary landscape.


      Team Japan’s Achievements


      Japanese chefs, foodies and restauranteurs taking stage against a pink backdrop with "Asia's 50 Best" text.
      Team Japan at Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 Ceremony in Grand Hyatt, Seoul

      A strong presence was felt from Japan, with multiple restaurants securing spots on the list:


      • 4. SÉZANNE (Tokyo, Marunouchi)

      • 6. La Cime (Osaka)

      • 8. NARISAWA (Tokyo, Aoyama)

      • 17. Florilège (Tokyo, Azabudai)

      • 22. Den (Tokyo, Gaienmae)

      • 30. Crony (Tokyo, Higashi-Azabu)

      • 33. Sushi Saito (Tokyo, Roppongi)

      • 34. Sazenka (Tokyo, Minami-Azabu)

      • 36. Goh (Fukuoka)

      • 43. MAZ (Tokyo, Nagatacho)

      • 45. Myoujyaku (Tokyo, Nishi-Azabu)




      Exclusive Collaboration Events Across Seoul


      Leading up to the awards, Seoul played host to an array of exclusive collaboration dinners and networking events, where top-tier chefs came together for once-in-a-lifetime culinary experiences.


      Ando x Crony x Restaurant Allen x Respiración

      📍 Restaurant Allen, Seoul


      A remarkable 11-course tasting menu brought together Michelin-starred restaurants from Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, and Kanazawa.


      The highlights included:

      • Torigai Clam Chawanmushi with Kombu & Caviar (Crony)

      • Scallop with Piparras, Celtuce & Avocado (Ando)

      • 21-Day Dry-Aged Duck with Mini Cos Lettuce (Allen)

      • Dessert Inspired by Noto Cedar Tree (Respiración)




      JL Dessert Bar x Rosewood Hong Kong

      📍 JL Dessert Bar, Seoul


      A decadent afternoon tea featuring Jonathan Soukdeo from Rosewood Hong Kong and Justin Lee from JL Dessert Bar.


      Standout dishes included:

      • Brioche with Lime Ice Cream, Caviar & Bonito Flakes

      • Yukhoe Bibimbap Tart with Incheon Rice

      • Ginger & Yogurt Gelato with Earl Grey & Grapefruit Sauce




      Grand Majestic Sichuan x The Great Hong Yuan

      📍 The Great Hong Yuan, Seoul


      An unforgettable dinner that fused bold Sichuan flavours from Grand Majestic Sichuan (Hong Kong) with The Great Hong Yuan (Seoul).


      Highlights included:

      • Hanwoo Beef Short Rib in a Sea of Chilli

      • Sichuan Fried Chicken

      • Sichuan Peppercorn Ice Cream




      The Gimbap Sisters Networking Event

      📍 Narang, Seoul


      A unique outdoor spring picnic celebrated women in the culinary industry, focusing on food writers, marketers, and influencers. The spotlight was on gimbap with a twist, featuring creations inspired by cities around the world, proving that traditional Korean rice rolls can take on a global identity.




      A Night to Remember


      The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 ceremony at Grand Hyatt Seoul was not just a celebration of fine dining but a powerful testament to the diverse and evolving nature of Asia’s culinary scene. With high-profile networking events and exclusive collaborations, Seoul reaffirmed itself as a gastronomic hub that continues to captivate food lovers worldwide.


      Huge congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their incredible achievements - here’s to another year of groundbreaking culinary artistry across Asia!



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