Korea's 10 Must-Visit International Restaurants in Gyeongridan-gil

Loved by locals and visiting wine lovers alike, this European-leaning bistro pours a rotating lineup of natural wines by the glass and plates that taste as good as they look. The buttered scent of warm bread lifts from the table while clean, balanced dishes roll out with thoughtful pacing—each course reset with fresh plates so flavors stay bright.

• Order this: Ask for a glass-pairing flight with seasonal dishes; start with bread and cultured butter.

Here, the perfume of oak smoke hits first, then the glisten: bark turned mahogany, juices pooling at the cut. Locals bring friends, travelers detour for the smoke ring—this is where trays of brisket and ribs taste unhurried, with pickles and slaw cutting through the richness.

• Order this: Three-meat sampler with ribs and brisket; add cornbread and extra pickles for balance.

Part wine destination, part culinary postcard from Lisbon, this spot layers an industrial-warm main hall with a romantic terrace and a private room overlooking Seoul. Expect seafood-forward flavors and petiscos that pair naturally with hard-to-find Portuguese wines poured by a savvy team.

• Order this: A by-the-glass pairing with a petiscos spread; ask for something off the beaten path.

At the end of the hill, the sky opens: Namsan Tower framed by glass, light fading to amber as small plates and bottles arrive. It’s an intimate, lingering kind of dinner—best for a date or a tight-knit group that wants the cityscape as part of the conversation.

• Order this: Shareable chef’s plates and a bottle that suits your mood; bar snacks if you’re keeping it light.

The crunch is audible before the heat kicks in—Nashville-style hot chicken stacked into juicy sandwiches with cooling slaw and tangy pickles. A casual, come-as-you-are stop loved by locals and curious visitors chasing crispy, spicy satisfaction.

• Order this: Nashville hot chicken sandwich with waffle fries; choose your heat level and grab extra sauce.

A snug, quietly confident gastropub where Korean roots meet Western techniques—broths taste clean, plating’s polished, and portions hit that satisfying “one more bite” stride. It’s where friends linger over soju or wine, sharing noodles, stews, and sizzling pans that feel crafted, not rushed.

• Order this: The house vongole to share, then a couple of hearty anju plates for the table.

It’s small, close-knit, and full of character—the kind of spot where a steaming bowl of pasta can turn an evening around. Come for a casual pour and a plate that tastes cooked just for you; stay if you enjoy being part of the hum.

• Order this: House pasta and a simple drink; let the team guide your second round.

Bright, gentle flavors lead here—stocks, sauces, and condiments made in-house so vegetables speak clearly. It’s the place you bring that friend who says they’re “not into vegan,” and they leave charmed by texture, color, and calm.

• Order this: The two-person set with an extra cabbage salad; it shows the kitchen’s range without overwhelming.

A rare temple to fortified wines—glasses of nutty, saline sherry or deep, figgy port poured alongside ribbons of ibérico ham hand-carved to order. The room glows low and late, perfect for lingering, learning, and tasting how these wines transform with food.

• Order this: Fortified flight plus jamón; let the team map a progression from dry to sweet.

Warm light, worn wood, and the feeling of a small-town trattoria set the stage for honest Italian cooking. The kitchen’s truffle risotto is an insider favorite—properly loose and creamy—especially when finished with a snowfall of fresh truffle.

• Order this: Truffle risotto with fresh truffle, plus a couple of antipasti and a shared pasta with wine.