Rainbow Hotel Yongsan

Located in a quaint part of Seoul, this operation is Chef Dae-hyun Yoon’s bold experiment in stylish fine dining. Here, the diverse culinary traditions and ingredients one may encounter in modern-day Korea converge with the familiar tastes found in everyday life to form unique fusion creations. Among the many connotations of the establishment’s name is the chef’s desire to serve food with soul, and this is palpable in every dish. Along with his wife, Chef Hee-eun Kim, this husband-and-wife duo have partitioned their establishment into several distinct sections, creating suitable dining spaces

Mosu delivers imagination, precision, and balance on each plate. Unpredictable flavours and intriguing textures create constant delight. Signature dishes like abalone taco, sesame tofu, and burdock tarte are deeply satisfying, the sourdough is especially delightful, and the fish dish is elegantly composed. Each floor of the restaurant provides a distinct ambience: the first offers a view of the passionate chefs at work; the second, a romantic sunset view. The attentive service and thoughtful wine pairing further add to the unforgettable dining experience.

Gigas presents seasonal Mediterranean cuisine crafted with fresh vegetables and herbs that reflect the fragrance of nature. All produce comes from the chef’s family farm 40 kilometers away, bringing true farm-to-table dining to the heart of Seoul. Chef Jung Hawan uses natural ingredients to craft Mediterranean dishes that carry his own distinct character, elevating traditional recipes with a clear sense of direction. Enjoy the charm of nature-driven food in a dining space that evokes nature, decorated with rocks and trees.

The regulars at Oilje return for one dish: the perilla seed miyeok-guk. The clean broth and nutty perilla seeds pair perfectly to create a flavourful soup. Simple banchan—such as soy sauce for dipping miyeok, nakji-jeotgal, and gat kimchi—round out a well-balanced meal alongside freshly cooked rice. Diners can view the soup and rice being cooked in the gamasot in the spotless open kitchen. The restaurant offers special birthday meals every Friday to guests celebrating their special days.

The gomtang at Neungdong Minari is topped with a pile of minari so tall that at a glance, it doesn’t look like a tang at all. The clear, clean broth is made from fresh hanwoo beef that was slaughtered on the day, which is topped with piquant minari that was grown in clear freshwater for added freshness. You should expect a wait, but you will think it is well worth it once you take your first bite.

Hwanggeum Kongbat focuses on nourishing, comforting Korean cuisine, using domestically grown soybeans to craft their house-made tofu. Seasoning is kept light to highlight the natural flavors of each ingredient, resulting in dishes that are gentle yet flavorful. Standouts include jjabak dubu, dubu jorim, dubu jeongol, dubu jeon, and dubu duruchigi, all beautifully paired with house-brewed takju made from just rice, nuruk, and water. While tofu is the star, the menu also features pork bossam, yuk jeon, and various seafood options, offering a well-rounded, soulful dining experience.

Zero Complex has consistently presented innovative interpretations of the ingredients since its opening. Despite relocating twice, the flavours and creativity of the dishes have never wavered. The restaurant showcases the delightfully bouncy texture and rich, smoky flavour of sea mustard through one of their signature dishes—Pacific geoduck served with sides of chewy barley, sea spaghetti, and sea mustard mouse. Although the restaurant, located in a quiet residential area, might be a challenge to find, tasting the dishes while admiring the quiet garden will make it worth your while.