Seoul is a food-obsessed city like few others, promising a memorable culinary experience at every turn. Ahead of the 2024 edition of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, check out the local chefs’ favourite insider spots
In a city full of endless options, 50 Best speaks to some of Seoul’s leading chefs to discover where they eat when they’re not cooking in their own kitchens. The result? Ten tried-and-true recommendations that run the gamut from nopo – long-standing, multi-generation-run establishments that serve artisanal recipes in humble settings – to fine diners, dessert spots, craft cocktails bars and more.
Sang-Won Jung of Born and Bred recommends:
Natural Stone Grilled Pork Gui
97-18 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu
“In Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, there’s a gui [grill] restaurant that’s been there for more than 30 years, serving typical dishes of thinly sliced pork belly in a unique way: self-grilled on hot stone grills.
“The crispy pork belly is delicious paired with their signature shredded cabbage salad with mustard soy dressing. Koreans are particular about pork belly restaurants as they are so ubiquitous in Seoul, but this place continues to amaze me every time I visit as each bite is so fresh and of very high quality. I go here often, usually with friends for a night filled with soju and delicious food.”
Mingles
2nd Floor, 94-6Chungdam dong, Gangnam-gu
“Mingles by chef Mingoo Kang is truly a destination restaurant. It’s known as leading the way in its modern expression of Korea’s culinary identity through traditional ingredients and seasonal produce. Its designs – the bright interior, the ceramics – are also a great articulation of Korean beauty.
“When I think of Mingles, I think of its Jang Trio dessert, where the three representative jangs (fermented soybean pastes) of Korea are captured through a blend of concept, harmony and taste. From the moment you enter, you will enjoy the best of Korea’s fine dining culture, from its hospitality to the always excellent wine pairing.”
Jang Trio Dessert is one of Mingles' most popular dishes
Tae-jun Eom of Solbam recommends:
Cesta
68-4 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu
“When I’m not working I dine at Cesta, which is helmed by Chef Sea-kyeong Kim, a fellow CIA [Culinary Institute of America] graduate who I’ve been fortunate to work with in the past. Cesta is a modern bistro specialising in seasonal, charcoal-grilled dishes. I often eat there with my chef friends to chat over delicious wines and enjoy the delightful hospitality.
“The setting reminds me of a classic American resort complete with hanging rattan baskets, which sets the mood for a relaxed meal. The team expertly grills fresh ingredients in the open kitchen and serve small bites perfectly paired with wines, like chips topped with beef tartare with champagne or the fish of the day cooked in a Josper oven with a glass of white. Deciding between the 900 options on the wine list is a pleasure; the only downside is that often the one I want is out of my budget.”
Chef Tae-jun Eom from Solbam recommends visiting Cesta and Yeongdong Seolleongtang in Seoul
Yeongdong Seolleongtang
24 Gangnam-daero 101an-gil, Seocho-gu
“Yeongdong Seolleongtang has been open for more than 30 years, 24 hours a day, which makes it a post-shift team favourite. The speed from order to service – just five minutes – is ideal when you’re hungry after service. Our usual order of seolleongtang – milk-coloured ox bone soup – with suyuk (melt-in-your-mouth boiled beef slices) is always paired with soju. This hearty meal never fails to nourish us as we laugh together and prepare for the next shift.”
Eun-Hee Cho of Onjium recommends:
Café Dong Byung Sang Ryun
96 Seonjam-ro 5-gil, Seongbuk-gu
“Cafe Dong Byung Sang Ryun has deepened its expertise in tteok, Korean rice cakes, hangwa confectionery and traditional Korean beverages for the past 30 years. Based on a careful study and application of tradition, they develop modern products from the best ingredients and select rice varietals.
“Consistent attention to detail makes everything consistently delicious – and the space is beautiful with hand-arranged flowers. For me, having cha, Korean tea, alongside tteok and hangwa makes for a perfect afternoon.”
Gigas
3rd Floor, 30 Jung-gu, Toegye-ro 6ga-gil
“A modern Mediterranean restaurant that feels different every time you visit, Gigas by Chef Hawang Jung is the place I want to go back to again and again, despite having already dined there numerous times. The team cultivates its own produce from its own farm, resulting in a fresh, flavourful experience that even makes you feel healthier for having eaten it.
“Chef Jung’s interpretation of ingredients is always innovative and creative and the plating is beautiful yet unfussy. While the restaurant’s design and atmosphere is elegant, there is a sense of stepping into a dreamlike atmosphere when you come through the door, which all adds to the experience.”
At Gigas, chefs cultivate their own produce from the restaurant's farm
Hee-sook Cho recommends:
Pildong Kalguksu
9 Jung-gu, Toegye-ro 36-gil
“Outside of work or personal social gatherings, I don’t have many opportunities to eat out, but due to my fondness for noodle dishes and its convenient location, I always make it to Pildong Kalguksu (Kalguksu literally translates to ‘knife noodles’).
“The humble yet immaculate kitchen is presided over by a 70-year-old female chef who prepares every dish from start to finish. All the ingredients are carefully selected for their quality, including the two handmade signature kimchis. Every time I visit, I am moved by the unwavering quality of nourishment she provides for her guests. At times, I wonder how long I will be able to dedicate myself to my own kitchen, but here I am always nourished, not just with a delicious bowl of noodles but also by her example.”
Haenam Sundaeguk
8 Dasan-ro 8-gil, Sindang 3(sam)-dong, Jung-gu
“Haenam Sundaeguk is across the street from a more famous sundaeguk [blood sausage-based soup] restaurant that always has a long queue. Yet, my recommendation for this one has never failed to delight every person I’ve sent there. Even the take-away, which I sometimes get as a staff meal, always manages to satisfy my team.
“There isn’t anything notable in terms of atmosphere, it’s the excellent food that’s the star of the show with a rich, flavourful broth and well-cooked, generously portioned meat. The unique delicacy at the restaurant is the chilled, thinly sliced and perfectly cooked liver — such a delicious bite.”
Dae-hyun Yun & Chef Hee-eun Kim of Soul recommend:
Yeong Dong Pochana
14 Nadong 2#08, Eonju-ro 148-gil, Gangnam-gu
“On our days off, we love to eat Thai and Chinese food and one of our favourites is Yeong Dong Pochana. The late opening hours – last orders are at 11pm – mean we can enjoy a proper dinner after service without rushing, which makes it perfect for chefs. From conventional and natural wines to hard liquors, or light yuja high balls, the diverse drinks selection flexes to whatever mood you’re in that night.
Our typical order includes stir-fried clams with smoky pepper paste, fried basil clam nam prik pao and the crispy pork som tam set. Yeongdong Pochana's unique fish sauce transports us straight to Thailand and we often can’t put our chopsticks down until every plate is scraped clean.”
The Herb Gimlet is a must-order when visiting Mixology
Mixology
Basement Level, 18, Dosan-daero 58-gil, Gangnam-gu
“On nights where our service ends too late to go to a restaurant, or after a late-night date when we want a nightcap, we love to go to Mixology.
“From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with its unique house mix playlist. Starting with a glass of signature Herb Gimlet, we typically have a few more cocktails while chatting with the bartenders, before finishing with a whisky. The hospitality and atmosphere are so smooth that it easily wins over the hearts of its guests. We’ve been going for more than 10 years, even before our restaurant opened, making us true regulars.”
The list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, will be announced on Tuesday 26th March in Seoul. To stay up to date with the latest news, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube and sign up to our newsletter
