Lim foodie was staying 5years to study in Canada for high school and went back to Korea on January 30 of 2018 and had stayed in Korea till July 25th of 2019. Since Lim food fancy travel outside of Korea, I haven’t discovered Korea a lot. However, I tried on my best to tell you the best restaurants regarding my experience. Since Lim Foodie was eating out every single day while studying university in Seoul, it is really difficult to pick the fittest food because I have an infinite number of food pictures on my phone. As this post covers Korean food, I will introduce two types of the menu for you which are one is for Korean and the other one is the English version. Furthermore, the food price is written in won which is Korean currency. Don’t freak out when you see the price for food in won because won use 3 more digits zero than euro and dollar.

• Best Restaurant in Seoul
• Best Bunsik in Seoul
• Best Buffet in Seoul
• Best Afternoon tea in Seoul

Best Restarant in Seoul

빠리 가옥– Parigaok

대한민국 서울특별시 종로구 익선동 수표로28길 33-4

MY MAIN: 페투치니 까르보나라(17000WON)🍝 
My MAIN: Carbonara Fettuccine(17000WON)
My DRINK:보르도샤또 꼼브레(7000WON)🍷 
MY DRINK: Bordeaux Chateau Combray(7000WON)
FOOD: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    
SERVICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
ATMOSPHER:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️   
LOCATION:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
PRICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Lim foodie’s review:

The name of this restaurant is Parigaok, which means they serve French food in a Korean traditional house-style setting. Having French cuisine in a classical Korean house can be a captivating experience for both locals and tourists. I opted for Carbonara Fettuccine, officially Italian but made with smoked bacon from Black Jeju Pork, mushrooms, onion, egg yolk, and fresh Parmesan cheese. The homemade pasta is well-cooked and pairs perfectly with the chewy and tasty Jeju pork. Jeju pork, known as the best in Korea and mainly sourced from Jeju Island, is thicker than typical pork, ensuring a delightful bite. When you combine it with pasta, you’re sure to exclaim, “MAMAMIA,” in delight. However, if you find pasta with pork alone a bit greasy, don’t worry—try it with fresh veggies on top to refresh the taste.

Moreover, all the servers are from France, fluent in Korean, and adept at treating customers well. The atmosphere in this cool restaurant is a mix of Korean and French cultures. Located at Jongno3 station, in a district where past and future coexist, you’ll discover many traditional houses amid modern and bustling Korea. While the food prices may be a bit steep, considering the district’s expensive nature.

Lim foodie’s tip:There are many cafes around this restaurant, so I suggest you guys check it out some cafe after dining out here:)

바베양장 -Barbecue Boutique

대한민국 서울특별시 성동구 성수이로7길38

MY MAIN:  모든고기 숯불바베큐(29000WON) 🍖 
My MAIN:All meat charcoal barbecue (29000WON)
MY SIDE DISHI:구운치즈떡구이(4000WON) 🧀 
My SIDE DISHI: Grilled cheese rice cake(4000WON)
My DRINK: Coke(3000WON)🍹 
FOOD: ⭐️ ⭐️
SERVICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
ATMOSPHER:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
LOCATION:⭐️ ⭐️ 
PRICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Lim Foodie’s Review:

This restaurant exudes a 70~80s vibe of Korea, and its entrance doesn’t conform to the typical style—it’s more like a secret entry that might pose a bit of a challenge to open. Upon entering, the entire interior is finely decorated, from the tables to the dishware. However, when it comes to Barbecue, there are three options available. I opted for the “All Meat Charcoal Barbecue,” designed for sharing between two people. The set includes meats like sausages, hambak steak, and beef, with the option to add baked potatoes or pineapples to your set. What’s unique is that they serve the dish with all the ingredients pre-cooked, so you needn’t worry about smells clinging to your clothes. While anything with meats and cheese is usually a win, the food itself was decent with no particularly special taste. On the flip side, I thoroughly enjoyed the cheese rice cake I ordered as a side. The delightful combination of tasty grilled rice cakes and melting cheese is simply inseparable.

As mentioned earlier, the restaurant’s retro-style interior and music contribute to its unique vibes. The service is friendly but a bit slow due to the extended cooking time for the food. Despite the relatively high food prices, the overall experience makes it worth a visit.

Lim Foodie’s Tip: The restaurant is located near Seongsu station, but be cautious not to confuse it with the similarly named Sangsu-dong station.

더백푸드트럭- The 100 Food Truck

대한민국 서울특별시 용산구 후암동 신흥로20길 45-1

MY MAIN: 더백버거(9800)+ 세트메뉴(5500WON) 🍔 
MY MAIN: THE 100 BURGER(9800WON)+SET MENU:French Fries and Soda(5500WON)
FOOD: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️   
SERVICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
ATMOSPHER:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  
LOCATION:⭐️ 
PRICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Lim Foodie’s Review:

If you’re on the hunt for a restaurant with a breathtaking panoramic view of Seoul, this spot is exactly what you’re looking for. Tucked away near the N Tower, this hamburger shop is a hidden gem on the third floor of a building. The first floor serves as the cashier, where you place your burger orders. The second and third floors have seating areas, with the third floor boasting patios. Let me tell you, the terrace tables are incredibly popular. If you’re fortunate enough to snag one, you can relish the magnificent skyline of Seoul while savoring your burgers. The place is especially lively during sunset, adding an extra touch to your dining experience.

Now, let’s talk burgers. This hamburger shop offers four types of signature hamburgers and six types of original burgers, each loaded with a plethora of topping choices. I went for The100 burger and upgraded with a set menu that includes french fries and a soda. The 100% Korean beef patty, combined with rich vegetables, resulted in a juicy and flavorful delight. Being on the terrace of the third floor, I was treated to a mesmerizing view, where old houses and modern apartments coexist seamlessly.

Regarding location, given its high altitude, transportation to this spot can be a bit complicated. I opted for a taxi to navigate the uphill journey. While there might be alternative transportation, I’d wager that getting here isn’t the easiest.

Lim Foodie’s Tip: This place is particularly popular during the summertime, especially at sunset. To avoid crowds, consider visiting during the fall or on weekdays.

Best Bunsik in Seoul

청담 고센-goshen

대한민국 서울특별시 강남구 청담동 88-23

MY MAIN: 닭떡볶이(39000Won)🍗 
MY MAIN:A Broiled Dish of Rice Cake with Chicken (39000Won)
My DRINK: 아이스 로얄 밀크티(14000Won)
MY DRINK:Ice Royal MilkTea(14000Won)
FOOD: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️   
SERVICE:⭐️ 
ATMOSPHER:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  
LOCATION:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
PRICE:⭐️ ⭐️ 

Lim Foodie’s Tip:

This cafe, nestled in the upscale area of Gangnam, is a place you’ve probably heard of due to the famous Korean song “Gangnam Style.” Offering an extensive range of choices from beverages to food, you have the freedom to pick according to your taste. My frequent visits are primarily for indulging in Tteok-Bokki, a spicy stir-fried rice cake and a highly popular Korean street food. There are eight varieties of Tteok-Bokki available here. On this occasion, I went for the Chicken Tteok-Bokki, featuring well-seasoned fresh chicken, large chunks of various vegetables, rice cakes, and fries. The portions here are generous, making it ideal for sharing with two or three people. I’ve also tried the seafood Tteok-Bokki before, and it was equally delicious.

The overall atmosphere of the cafe is luxurious and modern, with dim lighting complementing the upscale menu. However, one downside is the poor service. Despite visiting more than six times, I’ve never been satisfied with the service, often dealing with arrogant behavior from the four young male employees. During my last visit, a young employee neglected my order for over 20 minutes while engaged in casual chatter with coworkers. In terms of location, situated in the center of Cheongdam, it’s a convenient spot for those who enjoy shopping for luxury branded items.

Lim Foodie’s Tip: Keep in mind that the prices at this cafe are higher compared to other ordinary ones.

창화당- ChangHwaDang

대한민국 서울특별시 종로구 익선동 수표로28길 23

MY MAIN: 떡볶이(7000won) and 모둠만두(7000won) 🥟 
MY MAIN:Tteok-Bokki(7000won) and Mixed Mandu Plate(10000won)
FOOD: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️   
SERVICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
ATMOSPHER:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️   
LOCATION:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
PRICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Lim Foodie’s Review:

This eatery is part of a chain with 10 locations in Seoul. Despite the various options, I always find myself at the Ikseon-dong branch due to its proximity to my university. The Ikseon-dong district, with its mix of traditional houses and modern buildings, is an emerging area filled with eateries, restaurants, cafes, and small shops—a perfect spot to indulge in local bites. Upon exiting Jongno3-ga station, take exit 4 and head towards the small alley on the left side of the station. Once there, you’ll usually find a namelist outside where you can add your name. Be prepared for a wait, which can extend up to an hour. It’s crucial to be present when they call your name; otherwise, you might lose your spot.

This restaurant boasts large windows facing the street, allowing you to witness the workers’ dumpling-making performance while waiting. Despite the relatively small dining area with about 10 tables, the food here is noteworthy, especially the signature item—dumplings. The Mandu Set includes two meat dumplings, two shrimp dumplings, two kimchi dumplings, and two chili dumplings. You also have the option to order a single type of dumpling. Don’t miss out on the Tteokbokki, a perfect complement to the dumplings. It features chewy rice cake, fish cake, eggs, fresh sesame leaves, and fried dumplings on top.

While the location isn’t central in Seoul, it remains accessible. In terms of pricing, it leans slightly towards the expensive side for ordinary Bunsik (Korean fast food) but remains affordable.

Lim foodie’s tip: you can take away food unless you don’t want to stuck in the long line.

남도분식- Namdobunsik

대한민국 서울특별시 종로구 익선동 수표로28길 33

MY MAIN:김밥쌈(9000won) ,비빔당면(4500won) and 빨콩떡볶이(6000won) 🍜 
MY MAIN: Kimbapwrap(9000WON), Spice noodle(4500won) and Tteok-bokki(6000won)
FOOD: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
SERVICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
ATMOSPHER:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
LOCATION:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
PRICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Lim Foodie’s Review:

The Namdo Restaurant has gained fame as a favorite spot of comedian Lee Young-Ja, who is known for her love of food. Given her affinity for dining, there are several Lee Young-Ja restaurants across the country. This particular snack bar stands out for its vintage blue plates and old-fashioned interior. As it’s part of a chain with about 10 different locations, you have the flexibility to choose the most convenient one for you. Personally, I opt for the Ikseon branch due to its proximity to my university.

The standout dish here is the fried lettuce, renowned for its unique flavor. However, since I’m not a big fan of greenery, I steered clear and instead ordered the Kimbapwrap, Spicy Noodle, and Tteokbokki. The Kimbapwrap comprises kimbap, spicy pork, and lettuce, allowing you to create Korean-style burritos by wrapping up the ingredients in lettuce. As for the Tteokbokki, there are three types available; I went for the first, featuring spicy Tteokbokki with crunchy bean sprouts and fried green onions. If spicy isn’t your thing, I highly recommend the Jajang Tteokbokki with black bean sauce, which is equally popular.

While the space is small and the tables are relatively packed tightly together, the vibrant and bustling atmosphere adds to the fun of enjoying Bunsik (Korean fast food). Bunsik, being street food, is best enjoyed in a lively and bustling setting.

Lim Foodie’s Tip: This place is renowned for its local bites, attracting long queues. Be prepared for a wait if you decide to dine here.

청담 miel

대한민국 서울특별시 강남구 청담동 94-3

MY MAIN: Kimchi fried rice(20000won) and Seafood pasta(26000won)
My DRINK: Sangria(14000won)
FOOD: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️   
SERVICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
ATMOSPHER:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  
LOCATION:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
PRICE:⭐️ ⭐️ 

Lim Foodie’s Review:

Situated in the affluent area of Cheongdam-dong, this restaurant boasts a plethora of options ranging from Korean cuisine to steak. Among the diverse menu, the standout and most famous dish is the Kimchi fried rice. Some even claim it to be among the top three in Korea. The Kimchi fried rice here is a perfect blend of oil, resulting in a glossy and savory taste. Personally, what draws me to this place is the unique taste of the kimchi fried rice, reminiscent of a famous restaurant I encountered while studying in Canada.

The atmosphere of this restaurant is both luxurious and novel, adding to the overall dining experience. Notably, the convenience of a well-equipped parking lot, including valet parking, sets it apart from many other places with less efficient parking systems. However, it’s essential to note that the price of food here is on the higher side. For instance, the kimchi fried rice costs 20,000 won here, while you can find it for around 7,000 won at other places. The choice is yours—whether you want to savor the unique and luxurious vibes while indulging in Korean snacks, this is the right place for you. Additionally, being located near Cheongdam-dong, it enjoys a central location in the city.

BEST BUFFET IN SEOUL

바이킹스워프-VIKING’S WHARF

대한민국 서울특별시 강남구 삼성1동 영동대로 513 코엑스 컨벤션센터 2층

MY MAIN: Weekend Brunch per person (113600Won)OR (100USD) 
FOOD: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️   
SERVICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
ATMOSPHER:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  
LOCATION:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
PRICE:⭐️ 

Lim Foodie’s Review:

Who doesn’t love a good buffet? Well, I do, and my preference is always for quality over quantity. This buffet, part of a chain with three locations in Seoul, caught my attention. I visited the one in Coex, a massive shopping mall in Seoul. Booking a month in advance is advisable, but if you miss out, you can always drop by and hope for a cancellation.

This buffet is a haven for food lovers, offering an extensive array of options. The standout feature is the seafood section, boasting fresh lobster, oysters, and more. Beyond seafood, the choices span from appetizers to desserts. The dessert section is a delight, featuring fresh fruits, fruit juices, ice cream, cakes, and coffee. Given the restaurant’s reputation for seafood, indulging in lobsters, king crabs, and even sashimi is a must. What’s unique is the option to choose live seafood from a fish tank, and they bring it to your table for a fresh experience.

The atmosphere is reminiscent of San Francisco’s fish wharf, but with a touch of luxury. However, one drawback is the relatively small tables, making it a bit challenging to accommodate all the delicious food. The service is quick and friendly, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Additionally, the fixed price is in American dollars, set at 100 dollars per person, making it convenient for American tourists. For locals, the payment varies depending on the currency exchange rate.

Lim foodie’s tip: this place is so popular so making a reservation is essential.

Le Meridien Seoul

대한민국 서울특별시 강남구 역삼동 봉은사로 120

MY MAIN:- Chef's Palett Per person(135000won)
FOOD: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️   
SERVICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
ATMOSPHER:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  
LOCATION:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
PRICE:⭐️ 

Lim foodie’s review: 

this restaurant is located 5 stars hotel which is called Le Merdian Seoul. This buffet has a different opening time range from breakfast to dinner. I went there dinner time so price itself relatively expensive than breakfast and lunch menu. Dinner time has two-part. The first part opens around 17:00~19:00 and part2 is open around 19:30~21.30. This buffet has a varied range of food such as seafood, steak, wine, and another dessert. and this place loaded of wine so if you love to drink wine why don’t you try to drink wine which is suit for food. Furthermore, the person who loves to eat Asian food, don’t worry about this place because it also has many types of oriental food. so if you are sick of western food you can just try other things. Also, this restaurant has many seating areas. one is located in more like garden vibes place, another place is more like the restaurant vibe. Overall this restaurant has luxury vibes. The service is friendly and quick. whenever you finish the dish, they just clean up right away. This restaurant is located in Gangnam. if you take the train from here, there is a big shopping mall which is near here so it has a convenient location. When it comes to cost, I would like to it is pretty costly but every food is fresh and well-made so if you come here, you feel like the price is appropriate to regard to the quality of food. 

Best Cafe in Seoul

House of Dior-Dior Cafe

대한민국 서울특별시 강남구 청담동 압구정로 464 하우스 오브 디올 5F

MY MAIN: Afternoon tea set for two(120000won) 🍰 
My DRINK: Signature Latte(19000won) ☕️ 
FOOD: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
SERVICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
ATMOSPHER:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  
LOCATION:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
PRICE:⭐️ 

Lim foodie’s review:  

do you guys know luxury brand Dior? I think everyone does. Since Dior is famous worldwide, even there are several Dior chain cafes around the world but limited locations. Luckily, there is one Dior cafe in Seoul. I just find out this place back to 2018 because I was inspired in Dior product which is a ladybag . Anyway, I couldn’ afford a lady bag but I can go to Dior cafe. Thi cafe placed in Chengdam-dong which is affluence Gangnam district. This district is full of luxury brands so if you are into a luxury brand, check it out after a cup of coffee. I had an afternoon tea set and a signature latte which is latter with Dior logo. When you order afternoon tea, you can choose and tea or coffee with many options, Unfortunately, the afternoon set didn’t include the signature latte which you can see in my picture. So I have to order it separately. Afternoon tea set offer Pierre Herme’s pastries, is a famous french pastries brand, such as colorful Macarons, tarts, Canele, and icecream. Pastries are divine. One thing I don’t like about this afternoon tea set in here is no sandwiches came with the afternoon tea set. Since the afternoon tea set has only sweet pastries, I badly craving for savory desert. Moreover, all servers are well-training and wear a tidy uniform which gave me the impression that I was well-treated by the server. Besides, this cafe has a beautiful interior that is floor and tables made by luxury white marble. This shop is usually busy so you better make a reservation. and since this is a luxury brand, the price will expensive which is along with the name value of the brand.

Lim Foodie’s Tip: They only serve afternoon tea around 5 times per day, so making a reservation is vital. However, if you’re not in the mood for afternoon tea, you can still drop in without a reservation.

청담 트리아농-TREEANON

대한민국 서울특별시 강남구 청담동 학동로59길 43

MY MAIN:Afternoontea per person(19800won)
FOOD: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
SERVICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
ATMOSPHER:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 
LOCATION:⭐️ ⭐️ 
PRICE:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Lim Foodie’s Review:

Known as the famous afternoon tea cafe, this place gained its popularity after being featured on the TV program Heart Signal. The scenes shot here made it a buzzing spot, making reservations quite challenging last year. While it may not be as busy this year, it’s still a sought-after spot.

This afternoon tea shop offers both patio and indoor seating, each with its own distinct vibe. The patio setting has a garden-like feel, while the indoor seating creates an enticing atmosphere with dim lighting. Personally, I find the patio area more favorable for pictures due to the natural light.

The afternoon tea set includes two pairs of sandwiches, scones, macarons, yogurt, and a wide selection of teas or coffee. Among the pastries, the croissant filled with ham, cheese, and vegetables stood out to me. The other desserts were decent, but the macaron, filled with peanut butter, was a bit too sweet for my taste. While the plating was cute, it didn’t exude the luxury one might expect from a more expensive afternoon tea set.

The service is friendly, and the cozy atmosphere makes it a great place to chat over coffee with friends. Keep in mind that there’s a two-hour time limit for afternoon tea. In terms of location, it’s a bit inconvenient as the cafe is situated on a hill, requiring a bit of a hike.

Lim foodie’s tip: reservation is necessary sometimes you have to make reservations in 2weeks advance

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