Korea's much-followed restaurants in Itaewon, Seoul (With CATCHTABLE GLOBAL Data)

Start where the spice-scented air spills onto the street—Kervan is a spot both locals and visiting food lovers flock to for flame-licked kebabs, pillowy pide, and desserts that waft with pistachio and kaymak. The mixed platters are generous, the lamb is fragrant without heaviness, and the meats arrive with that charcoal-kissed edge that keeps the table lively.

• Order this: Kervan special sampler to taste across kebabs and pide; finish with künefe or kaymak.

A few steps away, the city’s meat devotees trade smiles over perfectly aged beef, pork, and lamb—one of those places both regulars and world travelers pin on their Seoul map. The grill team finds that sweet spot where crust shatters, centers stay rosy, and the house ssamjang packs an umami thrum.

• Order this: Tenderloin and sirloin duo, plus lamb chops; don’t skip the waterless steamed eggs.

Cross into Hannam for sunlight, ciabatta crunch, and the kind of brunch locals share with visiting friends. The Bronte Burger—24-hour seasoned beef shoulder patty on crisp-outside, moist-inside ciabatta—hits that sweet-savory balance that makes a daytime date easy to plan.

• Order this: Bronte Burger and a bright salad; add coffee for that New York-in-Seoul feel.

If Kervan and Tongue & Groove set the global tone, Hannam Tteul brings it back to Korean hearth—charcoal warmth, marbled Hanwoo, and a finish of doenjang rice that tastes like home. It’s a locals’ favorite for dates and family nights, with carefully selected cuts and a calm dining room.

• Order this: Samgyeopsal plus flower sirloin; end with Hanwoo soybean paste rice.

Head up into HBC for a cozy hideaway loved by both locals and out-of-towners, where firewood and charcoal give dishes a gentle smoke and the team leans into aging and fermentation. Octopus arrives tender with a whisper of smoke, pastas balance comfort and craft, and dry-aged sirloin wears its sear like a tailored suit.

• Order this: Octopus salad, vongole with green pesto twist, ragu tagliatelle; add the dry-aged sirloin.

A few blocks over, the night softens at Miammiam—a family-run brunch and dining bar that could pass for a hidden spot in Paris. It’s where you slide into analog music, share refined small plates, and pick a glass from a deep list; locals bring dates and friends for its relaxed, second-round magic.

• Order this: Follow staff picks from the wine-by-the-glass list with warm, refined bites.

For a breezy meet-up that can stretch into the evening, Oldvic keeps things easy—brunch, terrace when weather allows, and a wine-led night crowd that includes both locals and travelers. Plates lean seasonal and simple, from bright greens to comforting pastas and well-seared meats.

• Order this: Water parsley pasta with a seasonal side, then switch to wines upstairs as the sun dips.

When you crave the lift of lemongrass and basil, this local go-to delivers—a bright, aromatic kitchen where curry warmth meets wok-fired snap. It’s the kind of place you find yourself returning to for a comforting, unfussy Thai fix that still feels special.

• Order this: A curry and a stir-fry to share—balance richness with fresh herbs and lime.

Wind down with a quieter rhythm at this first-generation izakaya—loved by locals and visitors for steady seasonal cooking and carefully grilled unagi over rice. It’s comfort with craft, where the chef’s timing and warm explanations make omakase feel inviting rather than formal.

• Order this: Grilled eel over rice or a light omakase; ask about seasonal small plates.

Craving a plant-based pause? This cozy vegan spot has become a word-of-mouth favorite for gentle flavors and a welcoming “everyone can join” vibe. It’s a smart anchor for mixed-diet groups exploring the area.

• Order this: Ask for the seasonal vegan specials and pair with something bright and citrusy.