Myeongdong · Jung-gu Walk Oysters · Izakaya · Beef · Wine Bars

Korea's distinguished restaurants in Myeongdong, Seoul (With CATCHTABLE GLOBAL Data)

From neon-lit alleys to hotel cellars, this is a mouthwatering stroll through Myeongdong and its neighboring streets—ocean-fresh oysters hissing on the grill, beef searing to a rosy center, highballs fizzing with citrus, and wines opening like flowers. Follow the scents, book the right moments, and let the city cook you a memory.

Book on CATCHTABLE
Oyster Bae at The Plaza Hotel with grilled oysters and whisky pairing

1. Oyster Bae City Hall · Myeongdong

Hours 18:00–01:00 Address 119 Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, The Plaza Hotel, LL Floor, Seoul Value Year-round premium oysters · 234+ bottles behind the bar

Loved by both locals and travelers on CATCHTABLE, this sleek hotel hideout plates briny-fresh oysters that steam and perfume the air, while the grill kisses shells with a caramelized edge. Start with raw and move to grilled, then sip a peat-laced whisky and notice how the sweetness blooms. Prime-hour seats go fast and some items sell out early, so aim for the 18:00–20:00 window if you want the widest selection.

Created for pairings, the menu leans into clean flavors that spotlight the shellfish, and the room’s soft lighting makes it ideal for anniversaries or a polished pre-theater stop.

  • Order this: Grilled oysters two plates, then a dram or classic highball for contrast.
TIPS
Early birds often catch a 18:00–20:00 special; ingredient-driven menus may sell out—reserve and arrive on time.
User Review
“We love that oysters are pristine here all year—great vibe, and the grilled oysters have become our must-order.”
Bonehouse City Hall table with marinated meats and craft beer

2. Bonehouse (ppyeotanjip City Hall) City Hall · Myeongdong

Hours 11:00–23:00 Address 26-7, Namdaemun-ro 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (1–2F) Value House-marinated cuts · Craft beer on tap

A locals-first favorite that travelers happily discover, this meat house channels a family legacy of butchery and bone cookery into juicy, lacquered bites. Staff grill for you, keeping the sizzle steady until edges crisp and the aroma turns nutty, then they rest the meat so every slice tastes focused and warm.

Prices are friendly for the area and the vibe is lively; expect short waits at peak lunch and dinner but they move quickly—it’s worth lingering for a pint and their rib-focused specialties.

  • Order this: The signature bone set with a cold craft beer; ask for a slower sear for extra crust.
User Review
“They did all the grilling so we ate comfortably, and the rib-and-beer combo exceeded expectations.”
Urban Garden courtyard-style Italian dining near Gwanghwamun

3. Urban Garden Jeongdong · near City Hall

Hours 11:00–22:00 Address 12-15 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul Value Downtown garden oasis · Valet available

Beloved by locals and visitors alike, this leafy Italian spot opens with the scent of herbs and the gentle clink of glassware, a soft city-breeze drifting through its garden-inspired halls. Plates arrive cleanly composed, pastas al dente, sauces bright and balanced so conversation feels effortless.

Weekday lunch runs on a 90-minute rhythm and parking is manageable with valet or validated options; it’s an elegant choice for family gatherings, proposals, and reunions close to Myeongdong.

  • Order this: Seasonal pasta and shared antipasti, then linger over dessert in the garden room.
User Review
“Perfect atmosphere for gatherings—and the food delivers.”
Euljiro Ball highball and sake bar with neon ambience

4. Euljiro Ball Euljiro 3-ga

Hours 17:00–00:00 Address 4F, 29 Euljiro 12-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul Value Highballs & sake · Private rooms for 5+

A locals-first izakaya where ice chimes in tall glasses and citrus oils perfume the air above a lively counter. Dishes channel Japanese market fare with a Seoul accent, tidy plating and just enough char or smoke to keep each bite interesting.

Book ahead for group rooms or a prime counter perch; it buzzes in the evening and makes a great hop from Myeongdong after shopping or theater.

  • Order this: A signature highball to start, shared yakitori and daily specials to follow.
User Review
“Delicious food, friendly service, and a hip Euljiro vibe—such a good time.”
aff seoul Asian Funky Flavor dishes and cocktails

5. aff seoul Euljiro

Hours 17:00–23:50 Address 42-21, Supyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul Value Playful Asian plates · Share-friendly mains

Loved by both residents and curious travelers, this “Asian Funky Flavor” dining bar riffs on familiar textures and aromas—ginger, garlic, peppercorns—then plates them with a modern, camera-ready sheen. The seafood stir-fry crackles from the wok while steamed cod exhales a clean warmth that pairs nicely with a citrusy cocktail.

Best for small groups and dates; prime times fill, so reserve your preferred slot on CATCHTABLE and plan a short Euljiro bar hop afterward.

  • Order this: Oyster starter, seafood stir-fry, steamed cod, then a bright sorbet finish.
User Review
“Every dish was spot-on from oysters to dessert—truly a must-visit. Staff were wonderful.”
Frater Sindang cozy red-brick dining room with pasta

6. Frater Sindang

Hours 11:30–22:00 (Break 15:00–17:30) Address 68 Dasan-ro 38-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (1F) Value Signature Eundaegu pasta · Birthday lettering service

A locals-first red-brick charmer where sauces simmer silky and plates land with quiet confidence, from the famous eundaegu (silver cod) pasta to well-rested mains. Lunch sets keep things light and tidy, while dinner invites a bottle and richer textures.

Reserve on CATCHTABLE—there’s a per-person reservation deposit and corkage policy, and lettering on celebratory desserts is available with advance request, making it a thoughtful date-night pick near Myeongdong.

  • Order this: Eundaegu pasta and a seasonal main; ask about the dessert lettering for celebrations.
TIPS
Deposit and corkage apply; limited paid parking is nearby (Donghwa-dong public lot). Plan around the break time.
User Review
“Atmosphere is lovely and the food is genuinely delicious—easy to recommend.”
Zoosindang zodiac-inspired cocktail lineup with Korean spirits

7. Zoosindang (Sindang Main) Sindang

Hours 18:00–02:00 Address 411, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul Value 12 Zodiac cocktails · Korean craft spirits

A bar where international visitors and locals meet under dim lights and mythic motifs, Zoosindang pours zodiac-inspired signatures built on traditional Korean spirits and seasonal ingredients. Aromas of herbs and fruit mingle with the warmth of the backbar, while small plates reinterpret Korean flavors with finesse.

Ideal for a late-night cap after dinner in Myeongdong; book weekends early and ask staff to guide you to a cocktail aligned with your sign for the full story-driven experience.

  • Order this: A couple of zodiac signatures and a sharing plate reimagined in house style.
Yaksu Wine Bar Vins candlelit table with sommelier service

8. Yaksu Wine Bar Vins Yaksu

Hours 18:00–03:00 Address B1, 56 Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (Namsan Jeong-eun Sky Apt.) Value Sommelier-led selections · Late-night refuge

A locals-first, late-night wine bar where the bouquet leads the way—dark cherry and spice unfolding as the sommelier tailors pours to your mood. The glow is intimate, the service practiced, and plates are built to flatter the glass in your hand.

Perfect for anniversaries and unhurried dates; if you value a tailored experience, note your preferences on CATCHTABLE and let the 20-year veteran guide the night.

  • Order this: Chef’s warm dish of the day and a flight curated by the sommelier.
User Review
“Run by a sommelier and chef—the food and list were outstanding, and the kindness made our date.”
Doma Jungnim-dong beef set and signature soybean paste stew

9. Doma Jungnim-dong Branch Chungjeongno · Jungnim

Hours 11:00–22:00 (Break 15:00–17:00) Address B1, Ewha Building, 31 Jungnim-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul Value Premium beef cuts · Iconic doenjang stew

A steady favorite for both locals and visitors, Doma sears short rib cuts to a glossy char, then lets the meat rest so the first bite runs juicy and warm. Their famed soybean paste stew arrives aromatic with chives and umami, substantial enough to count as its own course.

Lunch sets are efficient; dinner leans celebratory. If you prefer quieter conversation, request the sub-hall. Break time applies, so time your reservation accordingly.

  • Order this: Set B to sample multiple cuts, then finish with the signature stew.
User Review
“Loved tasting multiple cuts and the nostalgic, hearty stew—quiet sub-hall made it extra pleasant.”
Cornedepepe bright brunch plates and terrace near Jangchung

10. Cornedepepe Jangchung-dong

Hours 11:00–21:00 (Break 15:30–17:00) Address 21, Jangchungdan-ro 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul Value Picture-ready brunch · Easy parking access

A bright, travel-in-a-bite bruncher loved by locals and weekend wanderers, where eggs arrive supple, greens crisp, and the room hums with sunlit chatter. The plating is cheerful and the music unhurried, which makes coffee linger longer than you planned.

Good parking nearby adds peace of mind; on hot days, book indoor seating. It is popular during midday peaks, but the line moves and the setting rewards the wait.

  • Order this: A brunch plate and a seasonal drink; ask about terrace or indoor availability when you book.
User Review
“Parking was easy, food and ambiance great—we braved a warm day and still had a lovely date.”
Night view of Euljiro bar alley with glowing signs and cocktails

Why book now?

Myeongdong runs on rhythm: pre-theater dinners, late-night bar hops, and weekend brunch crushes. Booking on CATCHTABLE secures the right seat at the right hour, before specials sell out and counters fill.

Smart timing
Oyster lovers: arrive early evening for the widest selection. Izakayas and bars peak after 19:00—grab counter seats in advance.
Occasion-ready
For birthdays or anniversaries, note lettering requests (Frater) and pairing preferences (Vins) in your CATCHTABLE reservation.
Match the mood
Date-night polish (Oyster Bae, Vins), lively groups (Bonehouse, Euljiro Ball), family-friendly gatherings (Urban Garden, Doma), easy brunch (Cornedepepe).
See Real-Time Seats on CATCHTABLE