Insadong

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.

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

One of only two restaurants in Korea to hold three Michelin stars, 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.

Le Forte

A stunning rooftop dining restaurant on the 12th floor offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Han River. Located in Dangsan, Le Forte specializes in Western cuisine with a focus on Italian dishes including pasta, pizza, and steaks, all served against the backdrop of Seoul's iconic riverscape.

Légume

Gangnam

Asia's first and only Michelin-starred vegan restaurant, Légume showcases Chef Sung Si-woo's innovative plant-based Korean cuisine. This refined dining destination earned its Michelin star through creative vegetable-forward dishes that highlight seasonal Korean produce, offering a sophisticated vegan tasting experience with signature creations like flounder with gochujang-marinated caviar reimagined with plant-based ingredients.

Maison Jo

Gangnam

An artisanal French charcuterie restaurant in Seocho led by Chef Ouram Cho, the first Korean to receive France's national certification in charcuterie. Complemented by pastry chef Eunhee Lee's French-honed craft and sommelier Jaehwan Jung's thoughtful wine pairings, Maison Jo delivers authentic French flavors with depth and care.

Mariposa

An elegant modern European restaurant perched on the 29th floor of Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Han River and Yeouido skyline. Mariposa combines sophisticated fine dining with stunning vistas, featuring locally sourced ingredients crafted into exquisite course menus by expert chefs.