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Seoul’s Hidden Gems: 10 Must-Try Restaurants Discovered Over 2 Years

After exploring 120 restaurants in Seoul over two years, I’ve carefully selected ten exceptional spots. These aren’t just random choices; they’re based on recommendations from chef friends, neighborhood regulars, and selections from Michelin and ‘Bi-Cloud’ (presumably a local food critic/publication). I’ve focused on places that offer true quality, not just social media hype. Some might not have the highest ratings or a flood of reviews, but they are all gems, discovered through dedicated exploration as a culinary professional and food-loving YouTuber. Get ready for condensed, honest reviews of these culinary treasures!

1. Sanjehu: Wood-Fired Grill Perfection

Sanjehu is all about capturing the natural flavors of ingredients with a smoky touch using a wood-fired grill. Think BBQ, but elevated. What makes this place special is how rare it is to find authentic wood-fired cooking in Korea, especially at such a reasonable price. It requires expertise, equipment, and dedication. The owner’s passion for sourcing fresh seafood from the Noryangjin Fish Market early in the morning is evident in every dish. Their menu is simple, focusing on the quality of the ingredients.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Han Chi (Squid): Without a doubt, the best squid I’ve ever tasted. Incredibly fresh and lightly grilled, topped with green chili oil – a total game-changer. The combination of the squid’s natural sweetness, smoky flavor, and the chili oil creates an addictive experience.
• Cheong-eo (Herring): Herring can be tricky due to its bones and high fat content. However, Sanjehu’s herring is masterfully prepared. The subtle smoky flavor complements the rich, savory taste of the fish. Pair it with the smoky pickled radish for a perfect textural contrast.
• Wagyu: Indulge in the Wagyu, boasting an MBS rating (similar to 1++ Hanwoo). The melt-in-your-mouth beef is elevated with a unique shrimp sauce, creating a delightful blend of earthy and oceanic flavors.

I intended to spend 30,000 won but ended up spending 120,000 won, and I have zero regrets. I hope restaurants like Sanjehu, with their dedication to quality and unwavering beliefs, receive the recognition they deserve.

2. Kori: An Impossibly Balanced Izakaya

Kori is an izakaya (Japanese pub) that seemingly defies expectations. The quality, taste, and service are exceptional, especially considering the price. I truly wish I lived nearby so I could visit every day. Due to its small size, reservations are highly recommended through Naver or Catch Table. The semi-open kitchen allows you to watch the chefs at work. The menu prices range from 15,000 to 28,000 won, similar to other izakayas, but the flavor is on another level.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Sakamushi (Clam Soup): This is the best clam soup I’ve ever had. The broth is perfectly balanced. High-quality clams provide a refreshing and deep sea flavor without any overly salty fishiness. Adding noodles to the leftover broth is a must – the combination is heavenly.
• Godeungo Bongchoshi (Mackerel Sushi): A worthy contender to my all-time favorite from Moaweon in Mullae-dong. The combination of the mackerel, the acidity of the rice, the wasabi, ginger, and perilla leaf creates a symphony of flavors that completely eliminates any fishiness. The sear on the mackerel skin adds a wonderful smoky touch.

Kori is so delicious that you’ll want to pair everything with sake. If you’re in Jamsil, don’t hesitate – go!

3. Halmae Jip: Michelin-Selected Jokbal (Pig’s Feet)

Finding Halmae Jip can be an adventure in itself! This restaurant has been selected by Michelin and ‘Bi-Cloud’ for seven years. The exterior is quite unassuming, a true ‘nopo’ (old established restaurant), unlike other Michelin-recommended places that often have a more modern aesthetic. The interior feels like stepping into your grandmother’s house, requiring you to remove your shoes. Halmae Jip’s jokbal is characterized by its use of dried chili peppers during the boiling process, resulting in a spicy flavor and a visually appealing red hue. The thick slices of jokbal provide a satisfyingly full bite, with incredibly chewy skin and fat.

Tip: If you are sensitive to spice, or if it becomes too spicy as you eat, bring a piece of cheese. My only minor disappointment was the absence of bibim guksu (spicy noodles) and radish kimchi, but the jokbal was so good that I still want to go back. The portions are generous; enough for two men to leave feeling full, or enough for four if you also order the gamjatang (pork bone stew).

4. Party: French Bistro Vibes

Party offers incredible quality and flavor for the price. It’s a place that food lovers will immediately appreciate. I ordered the signature octopus salad, spinach pesto pasta, and bisque pasta.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Octopus Salad: A work of art both visually and in terms of taste. The combination of crispy potato starch, tender octopus, spicy-sweet sriracha mayonnaise, and the fresh, slightly acidic salad creates pure flavor harmony.
• Spinach Pesto Pasta: A dish that might surprise you. Despite its appearance, the parmesan cheese and squid add a wonderful umami flavor. The subtle aroma of pistachio oil and the crunchy texture of the pistachios make it incredibly enjoyable.
• Bisque Pasta: A bite of this pasta transports you to the sea. The intense seafood flavor comes from the bisque sauce, made with shrimp and crab. The addition of dried pollock flakes enhances the oceanic experience even further.

5. Sanchung Supul Garden: A Mountain Retreat in Seoul

Sanchung Supul Garden brings the atmosphere of a countryside mountain lodge to Seoul. While some restaurants excel at concept and branding but lack in flavor, and others have amazing food but a weak concept, this place nails both. Their signature dishes are traditional salted pork belly and gochujang (red pepper paste) marinated pork belly. I ordered both, along with pork skirt meat and pork jowl for a complete experience. While good quality pork belly is delicious with just salt, the variety of banchan (side dishes) – including green onion salad, pickled mustard greens, chili peppers, and cucumber kimchi – adds depth and complexity to the meal. The pork, with its perfect balance of marbling, freshness, and juiciness, is undeniably delicious.

The gochujang marinated pork is flavorful and addictive. It is best enjoyed after the salted pork to cleanse the palate. The doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) is hearty and rich enough to be a main course. The fried rice is good, but not particularly memorable compared to the other dishes. The restaurant’s ambiance evokes a mountain lodge, a butcher shop, and a retro vibe all at once.

While Sanchung Supul Garden is on the pricier side, it’s worth the splurge. As someone who has worked in the restaurant industry for 10 years, I am very critical of both taste and price, so if I am satisfied with the value then most people will also enjoy this experience.

6. Emi Coffee: A Cafe You Can’t Help But Love

Emi Coffee truly impressed me, even after visiting numerous cafes and restaurants in the food and beverage industry. It’s famous for its ‘Happiness’ dessert, a peach-based treat available only during peach season. It is incredibly popular and often sells out. The atmosphere blends both sophistication and warmth, with hand-drip bar seating and regular tables. Selecting a dessert includes pairing the dessert with a carefully selected hand-drip coffee.

Upon serving the dessert, you’re presented with a card that fully describes the menu, adding to the experience of psychological satisfaction. Then, tasting the Happiness dessert is literally the same as feeling happy. The combination of the sweet and tangy peaches, the nutty tart, and the rich cream creates an amazing flavor. The staff goes above and beyond to care for their customers, offering ice water to those waiting outside on a hot day and engaging in conversation with solo diners. This café is extremely popular, so it is best to arrive well before the 12:00 opening time. Arriving late may mean the signature ‘Happiness’ dessert is sold out.

7. Ador: Exquisite Western Cuisine

Ador is a Western-style restaurant run by a chef with experience in hotels and fine dining. It’s a place I both want to recommend and keep secret! In short, the quality is incredible for the price. All sauces and ingredients are made fresh daily by the chef. This requires dedication and passion because consumers might not always realize it. I ordered three dishes: the salmon gravlax, carbonara, and bisque pasta.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Salmon Gravlax: The soft texture of the salmon is balanced by the crunchy of corn, beets and green grapes. The addition of shiso aioli adds a refreshing touch.
• Carbonara: Made in the traditional Roman style with eggs and cheese instead of cream. Mixing the egg yolk into the pasta is a fun experience.
• Bisque Pasta: The bisque sauce is incredibly rich and flavorful. The chef uses shrimp heads to make the sauce, and the pasta is a type called paghe yemi, a pasta thicker than spaghettini and better at absorbing the sauce.

If you visit Seongsu-dong, be sure to check out Ador. I believe you will not be disappointed.

8. Yoon Si Min’s Dangmae Untang: A Mother’s Touch

Yoon Si Min’s Dangmae Untang is a restaurant that locals can’t help but love. As is typical for these types of unassuming ‘nopo’, it is either delicious or terrible. The friendly staff greets you warmly. The menu features Dangmae Untang (chicken stew) with both radish greens and aged kimchi. The banchan is impressive, especially the seasoned garlic stems and the radish greens with doenjang (soybean paste), confirming its reputation as a hidden gem. The aged kimchi has a refreshing tang.

The Dangmae Untang is a spicy and refreshing stew, reminiscent of tteokbokki sauce. As it simmers, the flavors of the radish greens and aged kimchi meld with the chicken broth, creating an incredibly delicious stew. For the best experience, enjoy the radish greens as a topping or dipping sauce for the chicken. The fried rice has a slightly softer texture than typical fried rice. The kimchi adds acidity and umami.

9. Small Pizza Shop: Tiny Space, Huge Flavors

Small Pizza Shop is a place I hesitated to share, because I was afraid of alerting too many people to one of my favorite places. I love this place so much, I am a genuine regular. The restaurant itself is small, with limited seating. The menu doesn’t have many different flavors or unique elements. However, the generous amounts of cheese, toppings, and the incredibly flavorful tomato sauce make this pizza heavenly. I usually get the half-and-half with pepperoni and triple cheese. The triple cheese pizza has so much cheese that every bite is a cheese explosion. The cheddar and mozzarella create incredible savory flavors, and the cream cheese adds richness. If you like a salty pizza, try the pepperoni. Dip the pepperoni in the garlic dipping sauce.

10. Santong: The One Tendong You Need to Try

If you had to choose only one tendon (tempura rice bowl) restaurant to try before you die, Santong should be it. The tare sauce (sweet soy sauce) is exceptional, and the consistent quality guarantees happiness every time. I ordered the special tendon with anago (conger eel). The quality and composition of the tempura are perfect, and the balance is great. The tare sauce is crucial for tendon because if it is not balanced then the meal can become too greasy. The tare in Santong is perfect and balances the flavors, the rice itself is delicious as well.

I recommend avoiding the salmon tendon if you do not like oily textures.

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Google Search & Assessment

To further assess the restaurants, I performed a Google search for each location. Based on aggregated reviews and user photos, the general assessment aligns with my personal experience. The restaurants generally receive positive feedback for food quality, service, and atmosphere, validating their inclusion in this curated list.