Le Collective Gangnam SAC Roium

Since 1988, this restaurant has been proving that a humble bowl of noodle soup can be truly memorable when done right. The pleasant texture of their hand-cut noodles, prepared daily from scratch, and immensely comforting broth, served piping hot and packed with flavor from the clams in all their naturally sweet glory, are stellar. Other favorites include Pyeongyang jumbo sized dumplings and noodles in cold soybean soup. Simple but warm service.

At Restaurant Allen, Chef Hyun-min Suh’s sensibility shines through in contemporary dishes accented with light French touches. The elegant yet comfortable dining room, paired with carefully chosen tableware and views into the orderly kitchen, enhances the experience. The cuisine is delicately constructed around seasonal local ingredients and reinterpreted throughout the year. A sourcing map in the menu highlights the origins and seasonality of the products used. The makgeolli-yeast sourdough, with its crisp crust and balanced acidity, is a standout. Warm, polished service brings the meal to a

alla prima's natural flavors of the ingredients are preserved, while the balance of herbs and vegetables adds an alluring aroma. The tasting menu is original without being overly complex or intimidating. The wide counter offers the best view of the the kitchen’s lively energy, while the calm, classic ambiance and softly lit dining room ensure that no detail has been overlooked in providing a truly comfortable meal.

As the name suggests, the space evokes a beautiful urban garden. The window seats are prized for the commanding views of the cityscape from the 36th floor of the Josun Palace Hotel. There is no menu here; instead, diners receive a series of illustrated cards depicting the main seasonal element of each beautifully executed dish. The delightful staff are there to guide them along and explain each dish in more detail. Traditional Korean dishes are given a creative twist, which demonstrates the restaurant’s mastery of contemporary culinary techniques.

Soigné is celebrated for a tasting menu that reflects the changing seasons and brings each ingredient to life. Owner-chef Jun Lee blends Korean sensibilities with contemporary techniques, creating dishes articulated entirely in his own voice. His signature ‘Episode’ menus unfold like a classical narrative, from introduction to conclusion, as a paced culinary performance. In a minimalist, white-toned space centred on the kitchen, with elegant plating and attentive service, the dining experience is one to remember.

The not-so-secret secret to the longevity and success of Yangyang Memil Makguksu is that its noodles are made with 100% buckwheat and that they are made to order every time. The proprietor of the restaurant began his business many years ago for one reason only - buckwheat noodles were his favorite food. Although the restaurant specializes in the Gangwon-do Province-style cold buckwheat noodles, it also makes a fine bowl of spicy noodles composed with homemade kimchi. The basic spread is simple, but it’s rustic food at its best, made with love.

Chef Young-chul Kang has spent years studying and refining the craft of soba making, driven by a single aim: to serve soba that matches the quality found in its birthplace. At Subaru, the soba follows the classic nihachi style and is made fresh using traditional Edo-period methods. Signature dishes include zaru soba, prized for its clean, pure flavour; soba with umami-rich duck and green onion; and soba with perilla oil. Diners can also enjoy foot-kneaded udon noodles, made in-house for a satisfyingly chewy texture.