Busan Food Guide: 5 Local-Approved Spots for Your Trip

When planning a trip to Busan, finding authentic local eateries is essential. Here are 5 verified spots handpicked for their unique flavours, ranging from bustling barbecue joints to ocean-view restaurants and relaxing cafes.

1. Hashukjib BEXCO Centum Branch

Located near BEXCO in Haeundae, this spot offers a lively outdoor tent (pocha) vibe where the terrace is pet-friendly. The restaurant uses premium native female pork sourced from a farm in Hampyeong, Jeollanam-do, resulting in tender, flavourful meat. Their signature spicy squid and pork belly dish (jjusam-gui) is served with a special mayonnaise sauce. With various grilled dishes, domestic seafood appetisers, and hot pots available, you can easily spend your entire evening here.

• Address: Room 107, Centum Tower Medical, 20 Centum 2-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

• Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:05 - 24:00, Sunday 10:30 - 23:00

• Phone: 051-784-8034

• Features: Basement parking available, great location near BEXCO

2. Gijang Haebyeon Jipbul Gomjangeo

Situated within walking distance from Matie Osiria and close to the Dongbusan Interchange and Lotte Mall, this spot specialises in straw-grilled hagfish (gomjangeo). Run by a certified traditional Korean food cook, the restaurant serves 13 homemade side dishes using seasonal ingredients, including seaweed harvested right from the sea in front of the shop and freshly grown wrapper vegetables. Popular options include set menus combining seasoned and straw-grilled hagfish, finished off with a flavourful fried rice.

• Address: 11 Gongsu 2-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan

• Opening Hours: Sunday to Friday 11:00 - 21:20, Saturday 11:00 - 22:00

• Phone: 051-721-4539

• Features: TV-featured restaurant, 1st-floor parking, Catch Table reservations

3. Jede

A new aesthetic brunch cafe located near Bansong in Haeundae, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows with forest views and an outdoor terrace that welcomes pets. It is an ideal spot to unwind after visiting the nearby Haeundae Arboretum and Bansong Park. The menu features a brunch set with pumpkin soup, ginseng salad, and ham croissant sandwiches. For dessert, they serve traditional shaved ice (bingsu) made with 100 percent milk ice, homemade domestic red beans, and chewy rice cakes.

• Address: 4-1 Bansong-ro 757beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan

• Opening Hours: Daily 11:00 - 21:00

• Phone: 0507-1347-6367

• Features: Large cafe, brunch, coffee, pet-friendly terrace

4. Papa Raw Fish Restaurant Haeundae Main Branch

Positioned right in front of the Mipo Passenger Ship Terminal, this raw fish restaurant boasts panoramic ocean views of Haeundae. Whether you visit during the day to watch the sparkling sunlight on the water or in the evening for the sunset, the scenery is stunning. They source seafood, lobster, and king crab directly from the tank upon ordering, and their set courses include refillable sliced raw fish.

• Address: Sealand 2nd Floor, 38 Dalmaji-gil 62beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan

• Opening Hours: Daily 12:00 - 02:00

• Phone: 0507-1464-3012

• Features: Ocean view, private rooms, groups up to 150 people, Naver reservations

5. Burger Bay

Located 5 minutes away from the sea in Ilgwang-myeon, Gijang-gun, this American-style handmade burger joint features an interior reminiscent of a Western film set. They use fresh, chilled beef patties for a juicy flavour without gaminess. Highlights include the double cheese burger, the golden shrimp burger filled with real shrimp meat, and the avocado burger topped with guacamole, which pairs exceptionally well with draft beer.

• Address: 493-29 Ilgwang-ro, Ilgwang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan

• Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 11:00 - 18:30, Saturday and Sunday 11:00 - 19:00 (Last order 40 minutes prior)

• Phone: 0507-1399-6622

• Features: New York-style burgers, spacious private parking, Naver reservations