Korea's 10 Must-Try International Restaurants in Apgujeong

A hush settles as the first pintxo lands—glossy anchovy, warm bread, a whisper of olive oil that blooms on the palate. CAVISTRY is a locals-and-travelers favorite, delivering Basque flavors in an intimate omakase rhythm where pairings make each bite sing. Expect clean lines, soft lighting, and a bartender’s touch that turns Spanish small plates into a full-blown evening.

• Order this: Pincho Omakase with beverage pairing; slide back later for the 21:00 à la carte tapas.

A contemporary refrain of East Asia—silky broths, lacquered sauces, and a duck course that glows like embers under the light. Loved by both locals and visiting gourmands, Chef Jay Youngdong Cho’s tasting menu layers familiar aromas with modern restraint so the final bite lands like a quiet encore.

• Order this: The seasonal tasting menu—note dietary needs at booking so the team can tailor replacements.

Sunlit tables, porcelain-white plates, and produce-led dishes that smell like the market at dawn. This plant-only dining room wins over both locals and curious travelers with clean, composed flavors that feel celebratory without the heaviness. It’s vegan that invites everyone to the table.

• Order this: Seasonal plant-based tasting with a crisp, aromatic starter to set the tone.

A soft veil of perfume greets you, then the clink of glasses and the glow of plates made for sipping and sharing. Loved by locals and visitors alike, this chic room balances playful brunch plates with a wine program that flatters every bite, from midday dates to late-evening catch-ups.

• Order this: A seasonal brunch plate with a glass of natural wine—pairings are gentle and smart.

Steam curls off fresh ribbons of pasta while the woodfire throws a gentle, smoky perfume across the room. Beloved by locals and out-of-towners, ARDERE balances comfort and craft—family-friendly during the day, wine-forward by night—so your date night or group dinner feels effortless.

• Order this: The chef’s fresh pasta of the day, followed by a wood-grilled cut to share.

A polished room with the ease of a neighborhood favorite, where the lighting flatters and the plates straddle Italian warmth and French finesse. Locals bring friends here to celebrate, and visitors catch the buzz with a glass of bubbles and a generous spread to share.

• Order this: A classic pasta and shared main; ask about the birthday sparkling if you’re celebrating.

Sauces glide, textures land, and Chef Jaehee Ahn’s “small song” unfolds course by course. This refined room draws both local regulars and destination diners, delivering a tasting that lingers longer than the last sip, with a steak course that’s all silk and snap.

• Order this: The seasonal 10-course tasting—come on time so the cadence flows for the whole table.

The aroma hits first—nutty, savory, a dry-age perfume that promises depth. This steady favorite keeps locals and travelers returning for steaks that preserve juice and texture, plus a bar-and-grill energy that makes a ribeye and a martini feel like the right answer to any day.

• Order this: A signature dry-aged cut with a glass from the curated wine list—or a classic whiskey.

Sun pours through the room, an omelet splits like satin, and pastas arrive dressed like little artworks. A popular pick with locals and visitors, this is where casual comfort meets a sense of occasion, whether you’re lunching light or ordering the steak everyone’s whispering about.

• Order this: The signature omelet plus the recommended steak—finish with a creamy pasta to share.

Neon glow, hot woks, and the sweet-savory aroma that says “one more bite.” With only two private rooms, this locals-and-visitors gem doubles as a party-ready den where you queue your own playlist, order by tablet, and line the table with crispy, saucy favorites built for sharing.

• Order this: A spread of American Chinese classics—think glossy stir-fries and crunchy bites—perfect for groups.