Must-see restaurants in Seoul

The special kalguksu (noodles in a meat, dumpling and vegetable broth) is famous, so it’s busy, busy, busy. Fortunately, it has multiple levels and a…

You can enjoy the bright lights of Hongdae's student hang-outs but still dine at this converted hanok restaurant hidden in a quiet courtyard. The menu of…

Koong’s traditional Kaeseong-style dumplings are legendary and more than a mouthful. Only order one portion, unless you're super hungry, or enjoy them in…

Haru’s decades-long run alone could be considered a feat in Seoul – not to mention the constant (fast-moving) lines out the door and topping local 'best…

One of the most famous and best-value chicken joints in Seoul. Portions are smallish, but the fried exterior is crispy-perfect and the juiciness of the…

Cute North African–themed spot offering a chalkboard of half a dozen halal dishes like carrot salad, claypot lamb and the popular 'Morocco Over Rice' (…

You'll feel whisked to the Himalayas at this charming fair-trade cafe that raises awareness about Tibet (Rogpa is Tibetan for 'friend and helper')…

Sit on chairs at tables for this modern take on royal cuisine as you work your way through multiple dishes such as yukhoe (Korean steak tartare) and…

Made famous on local television for using a fresh batch of oil for every fry, Chicken in the Kitchen has larger, juicier cuts of poultry than most fried…

Hungry revellers flock here for the nightly all-you-can-eat barbecue deal (₩16,900 per person), which includes beef ribeye and all the pork cuts on the…

Can purely raw, vegan, gluten-free and organic dishes be tasty? Yes! Take this tiny cafe's pad thai, which spices up vegie spirals (in place of noodles)…

Following the same recipe since the 1980s, Gwanghwamun Jip is one of the most famous kimchi jiggae (stew) restaurants in South Korea. The homey interior…

One of Seoul's most acclaimed fried chicken eateries, Mirak serves three types: crispy, marinated and garlic-topped. Most popular is the garlic pan…

Right behind the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Chosun Gimbap is a rare cheap eat in the area. Its signature dish, the chosun gimbap, is…

In the basement of the Royal Building, Ogawa's expert chefs craft sushi and sashimi, piece by piece, and serve it directly over the kitchen counter – in…

One of the most photogenic dessert spots in Seoul, Sobok creates desserts based on Korean ingredients. Its menu varies season to season but the year-round…

Swiss-German chef Roland Hinni and his wife Yong-Shin run this charming gourmet restaurant that blends sophistication with traditional European cooking…

British baker Jonathan exhibits admirable bake-off skills in his selection of sweet treats ranging from scones and ginger cake to coconut macaroons – but…

Spread over a series of hanok, Tosokchon is so famous for its samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) that there is always a long queue waiting to get in,…

This humble bakery-cafe just off Itaewon's main party strip bakes the best pecan pie this side of the Pacific, along with cranberry cheesecake, butter…