1. Eatanic Garden
My experience at Eatanic Garden was one of the most memorable moments of my trip. To put it simply, they have top-tier service, delicious food and a stunning view.
Their meals incorporate traditional ingredients from Korean cuisine into bold new dishes, resulting in some of the tastiest food I had during my entire visit to Seoul. Head Chef Son Jong-won selects dishes that highlight staple aspects of his childhood and Korean culture in general to construct an exquisite tasting menu. Some of my favorite dishes in the current lunch menu include the savory Samgyetang and the sweet corn Bingsu with ice cream.
Perched on the 36th floor of Josun Palace Hotel, the Michelin-starred restaurant skies over Gangnam District, giving you a stunning view of the landscape. The interior of the restaurant is even more remarkable, with marble designs all around and gold accents to top them off. If you’re in Seoul, make sure you have a meal here.
2. Daol Charcoal Grill
Barbeque (BBQ) is a staple in Korean culture, and Daol offers some of the best K-BBQ in all of Seoul.
The service is exceptional, and the food is cooked to perfection right in front of you. Their pork and marinated beef were some of the tenderest and most flavorful BBQ I’ve ever had, let alone in Seoul. The restaurant lies in the middle of Myeongdong’s bustle, and despite the commotion outside, the ambiance in Daol is cozy, paired with a team of amicable staff.
Aside from the amazing BBQ, the Korean glass noodles had an amazing texture to them and the sides tasted amazing, which was a cherry on top to the exceptional experience to begin with. Overall, dining at Daol was a top-notch experience that I’d highly recommend for any K-BBQ lovers.
3. A Flower Blossom on the Rice
If you’re looking for delectable traditional Korean food, reserve a spot at A Flower Blossom on the Rice.
This restaurant is hidden within the busy streets of Insa-dong, and they boast a Michelin Green Star because 95% of their food is sourced directly from farms with a range of eco-friendly certifications. The wooden interior of the restaurant gives it an intimate vibe that pairs well with the home-cooked food.
I opted for the Steamed Rockfish course and had an amazing dinner experience. Each dish had a distinct and rich taste to it, with my favorite being the Jeons (Korean pancakes) because they were incredibly flavorful. I enjoyed the classic Korean desserts as well because they were refreshing, bite-sized sweets that rounded off the meal nicely.
4. Sulbing
In the heat of Korean summers, you can cool off with Bingsu, which is essentially Korean shaved ice. Bingsu is unique compared to typical shaved ice because it is often made with a milk base to give it some fluff and sweetness.
Sulbing is one of the most popular, if not the most popular, Bingsu chain in South Korea. They’re known for their amazing variety of flavors that change by season, ranging from iconic Injeolmi almond to limited time melon flavors. Many of the options they have include ice cream, mochi, fresh fruit, and more.
If you’re feeling the sweltering summer heat, make sure to grab some iced treats from a Sulbing near your stay.
There are countless other restaurants worth visiting in the city, but these are the most memorable and enjoyable dining experiences I had during my trip to Seoul. Thanks so much for reading this article, and I hope you’ll consider these options on your next visit!
Alex Chu
Seoul, the vibrant capital city of South Korea, is home to some of the most fascinating and scrumptious food in the world. As a member of the TV5MONDE Asia-Pacific team, I was recently able to get a taste of Seoul’s remarkable cuisine and can’t wait to share the highlights with you!