The 5 Best Seoul Restaurants

Sanch'on

Kim Yon-shik, a former Buddhist priest, runs this vegetarian restaurant, based on the style of cooking performed in Buddhist temples. The menu is full of Korean food cooked with few accoutrements, to bring out the flavor of the fresh ingredients, alongside a plethora of traditional fried foods. Dancers spice up the stage every evening with Seungmu (Buddhist dancing) and Bara dance, to give customers a flavor of temple life. Unparalleled in cuisine, entertainment, and dining philosophy, Sanch'on is definitely one of the top five best Seoul restaurants.

Dal Gae Bi

Not many Seoul restaurants can say they serve noodles in rooms where Russian diplomats used to strike negotiations, but this Korean fusion place can. Housed in a former Russian embassy, this restaurant is now filled with long, white tablecloth-clad tables and simple, elegant accents. Take your pick of their six private rooms for your next family gathering or business meeting and dine on creative takes on Korean dishes in style.

Zelen

Surprisingly, one of the best Seoul restaurants is actually a Bulgarian restaurant, serving traditional fare from the Eastern European country. Even more surprising is the consistently mind-blowing food, which continues to amaze even long-time patrons of Zelen (of which there are plenty). Smoked cheese-stuffed pork, moussaka, and stuffed eggplant are only some of the delicacies served, all best experienced with a glass, or bottle, of wine from the well-priced and extensive list. With multiple locations in the city, it's even easier to try the entire menu—a feat you'll want to accomplish after one dish at this popular Seoul restaurant.

congdu food & cuisine

Located in the Seoul Museum of History, this restaurant serves, ironically, modern Korean food. Of course, drawing on the spirit of its surroundings, the cuisine is based on authentic, traditional Korean fare, but given a contemporary spin. “Congdu” means “bean,” and many of the dishes use beans as a base to work around, such as the elegant white bean gazpacho with white ginseng. The staff is professional and amiable, and will make you feel at home in one of the most stylish Seoul restaurants around.

Wazwan

Another one of the great Seoul restaurants serving non-Korean food is this popular Indian joint. Authentic meals here include favorites like tandoori chicken and mutton masala, alongside vegetarian staples like dal makhani. Sip on a smooth mango lassi and watch Bollywood movies on the television in the back of the restaurant while waiting for your food to cook. Located in a former theater, Wazwan is the perfect place to bring a date or group of friends when you're craving paneer or pakora.

Curious about Korean cuisine? Read up on the types and traditions of Korean food before dining out.