Where to Eat in Seoul: 15 Restaurants Foreign Travelers Actually Love

You know the first thing that gets you excited about Korea? The food. But when you actually land in Seoul, figuring out where to eat can feel overwhelming. Travel guides list famous spots, but you're not sure if they're tourist traps or the real deal. This guide is different. I've lived in Seoul for over 10 years and these are the 15 restaurants where I've taken foreign friends and heard them say "This was the highlight of my trip."

(Quick note: Restaurant hours, menus, and prices can change anytime. Always double-check on Google Maps or their social media before you go.)

1. Tosokchon Samgyetang

Address: 5, Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Korean: 서울특별시 종로구 자하문로5길 5

Perfect lunch spot after visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace. They serve samgyetang, which is ginseng chicken soup with a whole young chicken stuffed with rice and ginseng root. First-time visitors always ask "Wait, there's rice inside the chicken?" The broth is milky white and tastes healthy, so if you're worried about spicy food, this is a safe start. I personally love it in summer, but it warms you up in winter too.

Why foreigners love it: English menu available, close to Gyeongbokgung Palace so the route makes sense. "Korean health food" vibe makes it approachable for cautious eaters.

2. Hadongkwan Main Store

Address: 12, Myeongdong 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Korean: 서울특별시 중구 명동9길 12

This is a 70-year-old gomtang restaurant. Gomtang is clear beef bone soup that you eat with rice mixed in. The flavor is so mild that people describe it as "grandma's home cooking." You season it yourself with salt and kkakdugi (radish kimchi), so if you're worried about food being too salty or spicy, you control everything here.

Why foreigners love it: Easy lunch stop during Myeongdong shopping, reasonable price. When I wake up early from jet lag, I always look for 24-hour gomtang places like this.

3. Myeongdong Kyoja Main Store

Address: 29, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Korean: 서울특별시 중구 명동10길 29

Famous for kalguksu (hand-cut noodle soup) and mandu (dumplings). It's right in the middle of Myeongdong so it gets packed with tourists, but the taste is legit. The noodles are hand-rolled so they're chewy, and the dumplings are big and juicy. Foreign friends always tell me "This is real comfort food." Especially good on rainy days.

Why foreigners love it: Simple menu means no decision stress, photo menu makes ordering easy. Fits perfectly into Myeongdong shopping routes.

4. Woo Lae Oak

Address: 62-29, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Korean: 서울특별시 중구 창경궁로 62-29

Traditional Korean restaurant famous for Pyongyang-style cold noodles and bulgogi. It's in the Michelin Guide and has a calm hanok atmosphere, so if you want to experience a "real Korean restaurant," this is it. First-timers are confused by cold noodles but once you get used to it, you keep craving it. I didn't understand cold noodles at first either, but now I look for them every summer.

Why foreigners love it: Upscale but not crazy expensive. Great for second-time visitors who've built up some Korean food experience.

5. Samwon Garden

Address: 835, Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Korean: 서울특별시 강남구 언주로 835

High-end Korean BBQ specializing in hanwoo (Korean beef) and galbi (short ribs). It has a big garden and hanok vibes mixed in, so if you want the "luxury Korean barbecue experience," this is your answer. The price is steep but the meat quality is excellent and service is top-notch. Some foreign friends have told me "The galbi I had here was the best meat of my life."

Why foreigners love it: The space itself is beautiful, lots of English-speaking staff. Perfect for anniversaries or special dinners.

6. Gwangjang Market

Address: 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Korean: 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88

Seoul's most famous traditional market. Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), mayak gimbap (addictive mini rolls), yukhoe (raw beef), tteokbokki—you can try a little bit of everything. Foreigners absolutely love "the experience of ordering and eating inside a real market." Just heads up, some sundae (blood sausage) parts might be intense, so start with less challenging items first.

Why foreigners love it: "That market" from YouTube and Instagram, experienced in real life. Cheap prices and generous portions.

7. Linus' BBQ

Address: 136-13, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Korean: 서울특별시 용산구 이태원로 136-13

American Southern-style barbecue spot. When you need a break from Korean food, this is the first place I think of in Itaewon. They do pulled pork, brisket, authentic sauces—the whole deal. Foreigners are always surprised like "I can't believe I'm eating legit BBQ in Korea."

Why foreigners love it: Perfect escape when you need a break from Korean flavors. Fits right into Itaewon's international vibe.

8. Born & Bred

Address: 1, Majang-ro 42-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Korean: 서울특별시 성동구 마장로42길 1

Premium hanwoo BBQ restaurant. Price is high but some foreigners call it "life-changing beef." It's near Majang-dong meat market so you're getting super fresh Korean beef grilled right in front of you. The interior is sleek too, great for Instagram.

Why foreigners love it: Premium hanwoo experience. Special occasions or when you want "the real Korean beef."

9. God Eat Yeonnam

Address: 161-13, Seongmisan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Korean: 서울특별시 마포구 성미산로 161-13

Mexican food spot specializing in tacos and burritos. It's near Yeonnam-dong's cafe street, so when you need something other than Korean food, this is a solid choice. Generous portions and close to authentic flavor, frequently recommended in foreign communities. Even I feel refreshed when I switch from Korean food to a burrito here.

Why foreigners love it: Great to pair with a Yeonnam-dong walk. Perfect non-Korean option when you need variety.

10. Evett

Address: 10-5, Dosan-daero 45-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Korean: 서울특별시 강남구 도산대로45길 10-5

Michelin 2-star modern Korean fine dining. They reinterpret traditional Korean ingredients with contemporary techniques, and foreigners are often shocked by "how elevated Korean food can be." Expensive, but worth experiencing if you're into fine dining or celebrating something special.

Why foreigners love it: Michelin experience + new interpretation of Korean ingredients. Great for anniversaries and couples.

11. La Cantina

Address: B1, 19, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Korean: 서울특별시 중구 을지로 19 (삼성빌딩 지하 1층)

Known as Korea's first Italian restaurant, this place has old-school charm. Classic Italian dishes like pasta and risotto. When you're tired of Korean food, you get a unique experience of "old-school Italian in Korea."

Why foreigners love it: Convenient for Myeongdong and Euljiro shopping routes, reasonable non-Korean option.

12. L'Amitié

Address: 2F, 30, Dosan-daero 67-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Korean: 서울특별시 강남구 도산대로67길 30 (2층)

Michelin 1-star French fine dining. Perfect for couples or anniversary travelers who want an elegant dinner course. Switching from Korean to French resets your palate and lets you experience Seoul's high-end dining scene.

Why foreigners love it: Sophisticated Gangnam atmosphere + Michelin quality. Perfect for special evening courses.

13. Mingles

Address: 2F, 19, Dosan-daero 67-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Korean: 서울특별시 강남구 도산대로67길 19 (2층)

Michelin 2-star modern Korean restaurant. They blend Korean ingredients with Western techniques for creative dishes. Among foodie travelers, this always lands on "must-visit restaurants in Seoul" lists. It's a tasting menu format so visit when you have time.

Why foreigners love it: World-class Michelin experience + Korean elements. Essential stop for serious foodies.

14. Kkotji

Address: 610, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Korean: 서울특별시 강남구 봉은사로 610

Ganjang gejang (soy sauce marinated crab) specialist. First-timers freak out—"We eat it raw?" But one bite and they understand why it's called "rice thief." The crab marinated in soy sauce is salty-sweet, and with rice it's dangerously addictive. I recommend this for intermediate Korean food eaters and up.

Why foreigners love it: Experience the "rice thief" concept firsthand. Verified taste with Michelin Guide recognition.

15. Samcheonggak

Address: 3, Daesagwan-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

Korean: 서울특별시 성북구 대사관로 3

Traditional hanok restaurant set on a mountainside. They serve hanjeongsik (Korean full-course meal) with traditional performances, so you really feel "this is Korea." Expensive, but frequently recommended for VIP foreign guests or anyone who wants full cultural immersion.

Why foreigners love it: Natural hanok setting + traditional performance. Best choice when you want deep Korean culture immersion.

Once you have a better idea of where you want to eat in Seoul, you might start wondering how to actually order and enjoy Korean BBQ at the restaurant. For that, you can also check out my post, “A Guide to Korean BBQ Restaurants and How to Order for Foreign Travelers”, which will help you feel much more confident at the table.

Final Tips for Eating Out in Seoul with Foreign Friends

1. Always check the spice level

Say this: "Not spicy at all please. I can't handle spicy food."

2. Reconfirm on maps before visiting

Restaurant hours, holidays, and menus can change anytime.

3. Check for English menus

Most places on this list have English menus or photo menus.

4. Make reservations when possible

Especially Michelin restaurants (Evett, Mingles, L'Amitié)—advance booking required.

Note: Addresses, hours, and prices may change. Always double-check via Google Maps or official social media before your visit.