Toyoko Inn Seoul Dongdaemun I

After honing his culinary skills in Japan, the owner-chef returned to reinterpret the beloved soba tradition using Korean buckwheat. Instead of following the typical buckwheat-to-flour ratios such as juwari or nihachi, the chef opted for sotoichi. The soba features a gentle grain aroma and a pleasantly chewy texture. You can enjoy classic zaru soba along with tasty braised dishes and crispy tempura, all great choices to pair with sake.

Located along a main road in Sindang-dong, Geumdwaeji Sikdang can be easily spotted by its gold-on-white-tile signage and the queue outside the door long after peak dining hours. The establishment used to serve fine cuts of YBD pig and has recently upgraded the meat quality by switching to premium-grade cuts. The texture of the pork is firm and meaty, with a good balance of flavourful fat that renders the meat supremely juicy. Items are cooked on a cast-iron grill over coal briquettes that help keep the temperature constant.

Woo Lae Oak is one of the best-known Pyongyang naengmyeon restaurants in Seoul, and its traditions have been upheld since its opening in 1946. The broth is what sets this spot apart from other competitors. It is made by boiling Hanwoo foreshank for hours and seasoned with nothing more than salt and soy sauce to create the clean savoury flavour that can only be tasted here. The bulgogi, another popular dish, pairs well with the cold noodles. The restaurant has maintained consistent flavours and has exclusively used local ingredients through its many years of service, which makes it packed with

Tucked beneath a red awning in Sindang-dong Jungang Market, Gosari Express stands out among the neighbourhood’s long-established eateries. With the motto 'Vegetarian every day', it takes a playful approach to plant-based dining. Every dish features the restaurant’s signature gosari oil sauce, from spicy bibim noodles to Taiwanese pancakes topped with sweet and tangy gosari chilli sauce. This inventive spot demonstrates the boundless potential of gosari.

Located near Namsangol Hanok Village by Chungmuro subway station, this restaurant is a Pil-dong landmark that has been serving Pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles for decades. The restaurant’s chilled broth has a delicate beef flavor, its subtlety both loved and disputed among cold buckwheat noodle aficionados. Another highlight of the restaurant is the buttery and tender boiled pork slices, served in thick slices with a dipping sauce. Homemade dumplings are also popular.

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.