Korea's fan-favorite restaurants in Myeongdong, Seoul (With CATCHTABLE GLOBAL Data)

Meat hits a hand-crafted stone stand, a cast-iron grill locks in a smoky crust, and fat turns glossy and sweet—this is grilled pork that smells like campfire memories, yet eats with city polish. A go-to for both Seoulites and visitors, the thousand-layer pork belly and pork belly cuts arrive perfectly timed by the staff, edges crackling and centers still blushing. If you’re starting your night near Myeongdong, this is the savory overture; a few blocks later, your evening softens into jazz and dessert.

• Order this: Cheongyeopsal (thousand-layer belly) and classic pork belly; let the staff manage the grill.

Under soft sunlight and the hush of a waterfall, afternoon tea turns into a scene: glassy glazes on pastries, citrusy aromas, and a gentle string of classical notes. By evening, live jazz paints the room—locals celebrating, travelers toasting Myeongdong’s skyline—while the Small Concert SET and cocktails keep the rhythm. Float here after a savory start; it’s the intermezzo your night deserves.

• Order this: Small Concert SET with dessert pairing; linger for live jazz sets in the evening.

If Peninsula is the waltz, Lakheeoak is the lively chorus—bossam, kimchi noodles, yukjeon and seasonal specials designed to pair with highballs and whiskey. The mood is warm and bustling, the kind of spot where a quick drink becomes a tableful of clinking glasses. Prefer a low-key meal? Visit before the dinner rush for more elbow room.

• Order this: Bossam and yukjeon with the house Rakhee Ball highball.

The lighting dips, the music hums, and plates arrive like postcards from Europe—paper-thin Tarte Flambée, plush hummus with organic baguette, and pastas that balance richness with lift. A favorite for dates and group catch-ups, it bridges locals and travelers with easy charm. If weekends are your plan, expect a buzz; weeknights feel more intimate.

• Order this: Signature creamy hummus and Alsatian Tarte Flambée; pair with a seasonal draft or highball.

Tucked into a glowing alley, Ciao is where nights turn cinematic—wine glasses stack into a sculptural “tree,” plates are small but dialed-in, and the DJ scores your conversations with a warm pulse. It’s not a full-meal spot, and that’s the point: think elegant bites before or after dinner. If you chase atmosphere, you’ll be back.

• Order this: The signature Wine Tree to share; add a crispy bite and a rich pasta to anchor the flight.

A softly lit perch above Euljiro, MAHO blends Japanese precision with French warmth—sauces whispering umami, textures landing just where you want them. It’s the quiet charmer that regulars keep close; couples, too. The room is petite, so book ahead if your evening hinges on it.

• Order this: Ask the team for a pairing-friendly course; let the wine pacing guide your night.

Cozy, charming, and proudly Korean, Jaeundong plays with tradition in delightful ways: the perilla-oil flatfish is silky and fragrant, banchan pop with color, and every plate reads like a toast to good company. If your group loves soju, makgeolli, or craft Korean spirits, you’re in the right place.

• Order this: Perilla oil marinated flatfish and a seasonal warm dish; pair with your favorite Korean alcohol.

A fragrant bowl that bridges Hanoi and Seoul: clean pork broth steams up with herb notes, noodles slurp silkily, and the finish stays light—perfect for an easy lunch or a pre-bar bite. Locals pop in solo; visitors find it a friendly, no-fuss stop between sights.

• Order this: Pork rice noodles or the pork soup set; add a little chili to wake the broth.

Near Sindang Station, Hoilak grills the kind of beef and pork you plan a night around—marbling that melts without heaviness, sides that actually matter, and staff who tune the heat like pros. It’s a local favorite that feels welcoming to out-of-towners, too; bring friends, order a mix, and pass the tongs back to the team.

• Order this: The day’s best Korean beef cut and a pork favorite; ask for a slower sear for deeper flavor.

Cap the night with a toast and the roar of the crowd: massive screens, easy drinks, and a clean, spacious room built for cheering. Baseball fans flock here (KBO diehards, this is your sign). If you prefer a whisper-quiet chat, pick an early slot—game nights get proudly loud.

• Order this: A round of beers and sharable plates; grab a seat facing the main screen for the best view.