Seoul Food Guide: Top 10 Restaurants in Gangnam, Jamsil and Seongsu

Seoul is a vibrant epicentre of gastronomy, offering everything from decades-old traditional eateries to Michelin-recognised establishments and trendy social media hotspots. Based on high search volume, local and traveller repeat rates, and overall accessibility, here is the ultimate guide to the top 10 restaurants in Seoul.

Top 10 Restaurants in Seoul

1. Eulmiduk Gangnam Branch (Pyongyang Naengmyeon)
   

• Recommended Menu: Pyongyang naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles), nokdujeon (mung bean pancake)

• Price Range: 15,000 to 30,000 won

• Rating: 4.1

• Address: 223 metres from Exit 4 of Gangnam Station (Sinbundang Line)

• Phone: 02-552-1922

• Opening Hours: Last order at 21:00

• Amenities: Group seating, parking, takeaway, separate restrooms

2. Samwon Garden (Gangnam)
   

• Recommended Menu: Hanwoo raw galbi, seasoned galbi

• Price Range: 50,000 to 100,000 won

• Rating: 4.2

• Phone: 02-548-3030

• Break Time: 14:30 to 17:30 (varies slightly by day)

• Amenities: Parking, valet parking

3. Jinmi Pyongyang Naengmyeon
   

• Recommended Menu: Pyongyang naengmyeon

• Price Range: 16,000 to 20,000 won

• Rating: 4.32

• Phone: 02-515-3469

• Last Order: 21:10

• Amenities: Parking, valet parking

4. Geum Dwaeji Sikdang
   

• Recommended Menu: Aged samgyeopsal (pork belly), moksal (pork neck)

• Price Range: 20,000 to 40,000 won

• Rating: 4.4

• Address: 1st Floor, 149 Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

• Phone: 0507-1307-8750

5. Saebukjib (Cheongdam Main Branch)
   

• Recommended Menu: Yukhoe bibimbap (raw beef rice bowl), galbitang (short rib soup)

• Price Range: 15,000 to 35,000 won

• Rating: 4.7

• Address: 742 metres from Exit 13 of Cheongdam Station (Line 7)

• Phone: 02-546-5739

• Amenities: Reservations, parking, valet parking, takeaway

6. Gangnam Gyoja (Main Branch)
   

• Recommended Menu: Kalguksu (knife-cut noodles), mandu (dumplings)

• Price Range: 12,000 to 18,000 won

• Rating: 4.37

• Phone: 02-536-4133

• Last Order: 20:20

• Amenities: Reservations, no parking

7. Bongpiyang Jamsil Branch
   

• Recommended Menu: Pyongyang naengmyeon, Hanwoo beef

• Price Range: 18,000 to 60,000 won

• Rating: 4.1

• Address: Basement Level 1, Lotte Department Store Jamsil Branch (52 metres from Exit 3 of Jamsil Station, Line 2 and 8)

• Phone: 02-2143-7008

• Amenities: Takeaway, parking, separate restrooms

8. Tokyo Desuim Jamsil Branch (Tokyo Doshim)
   

• Recommended Menu: Hanwoo course, lunch special A, lunch special B, lunch special C, lunch signature, dinner special A

• Price Range: From 60,000 won

• Rating: 4.8

• Address: 2nd Floor, Lotte Castle Gold, 269 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul (2nd Floor, Lotte Castle Plaza, right in front of Jamsil Station Exit 8)

• Phone: 02-2146-2115 or 02-2146-2266

• Opening Hours: 11:00 to 22:00 (Break time: 15:00 to 17:00, Last order: 21:00)

• Subway Access: 1-minute walk from Jamsil Station Exit 7; 15-minute walk from Jamsilnaru Station Exit 3

• Amenities: Electronic payment, credit cards, private dining, parking, reservations

9. Seongsu Darak
   

• Recommended Menu: Brunch plate, pasta

• Price Range: 18,000 to 30,000 won

• Rating: 4.5

• Address: 575 metres from Exit 3 of Seongsu Station (Line 2)

• Phone: 0507-1349-9197

• Amenities: Group seating, takeaway, delivery, reservations, Wi-Fi, high chairs

10. Grizzy House (Songridangil)
    

• Recommended Menu: Pasta, steak

• Price Range: 20,000 to 40,000 won

• Rating: 4.2

• Address: 438 metres from Exit 1 of Seokchon Station (Line 8 and 9)

• Phone: 0507-1321-8169

• Break Time: 14:30 to 17:30 or 15:00 to 17:30 depending on the day

• Last Order: 20:30

• Amenities: Wi-Fi, takeaway, delivery, reservations

Recommended Tour Itineraries

• Course 1: Gangnam Gourmet Tour
  COEX → Lunch at a Gangnam restaurant → Bongeunsa Temple → Café → Dinner

• Course 2: Jamsil Date Course
  Lotte World Mall → Songridangil → Seokchon Lake → Café

Tips to Reduce Waiting Times

• Arrive 20 to 30 minutes before opening time.

• Visit on weekdays whenever possible.

• Make advance reservations for restaurants that accept them.

• Avoid peak lunch (12:00 to 13:00) and dinner (18:00 to 20:00) hours to minimise queues.

Essential Items for Your Seoul Food Tour

• Portable power bank

• Tumbler

• Portable fan (during summer)

• Folding umbrella

• Camera or smartphone tripod

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the most popular foods in Seoul?
  Pyongyang naengmyeon, Hanwoo grilled beef, samgyeopsal, kalguksu, brunch dishes, and pasta consistently enjoy high popularity.

• Are reservations necessary?
  Popular barbecue spots, omakase venues, and certain Hanwoo specialty restaurants accept reservations, so checking in advance is recommended.

• Is parking available?
  Parking policies vary by venue; checking official guidelines or inquiring ahead is advised.