Korea's must-try restaurants in Itaewon, Seoul (With CATCHTABLE GLOBAL Data)

The fragrance hits first: a clean, nutty charcoal aroma rising off glossy japonica eel, lacquered with a tare slow-simmered from 30+ herbs. Loved by locals and visiting diners on CATCHTABLE, UNA’s two-tier bento opens to steaming rice and eel you can enjoy neat, with condiments, or as soothing ochazuke. Portions feel balanced and the finish is light, not cloying.

Modern Kyoto-inspired interiors and a gently lit hall set an elegant, date-friendly pace while private rooms keep family meals serene.

• Order this: Hitsumabushi set; try the classic 3-ways sequence and finish with hot tea over rice.

In a century-old house, charcoal wakes up marbled ribs with a faint crackle and a savory, gently sweet glaze guarded by a family recipe. This is a neighborhood favorite that travelers are quickly discovering on CATCHTABLE, especially for celebrations where the meat covers the grill and the room smells like toasted soy and oak.

Vintage beams and warm hanok lines make it an atmospheric stage for traditional drinks and slow-grilled beef.

• Order this: Woo Daepan Galbi; dip in the perilla-leaf sauce for a bright herbal lift.

A softly humming room where saffron, seafood, and smoke drift out of the kitchen, The Xef pairs honest tapas with paella that carries a whisper of socarrat. Locals and travelers alike share tables here thanks to an owner-chef with 27 years of Spanish-cuisine know-how and limited-run menus that keep regulars curious.

Expect unfussy plating, quality olive oil, and pacing that encourages another glass of cava.

• Order this: Seasonal paella and a couple of market-driven tapas; ask the team for pairing suggestions.

Slip into a quiet Hannam alley and find a bistro where butter warms slowly and sauces shine without shouting. Travelers and regulars meet over recipes that let ingredients speak, from a crisp-skin poultry plate to a clean, herb-lifted salad that smells like a Paris market morning.

Furniture, lighting, and small objects are curated for mood; on sunny days, the garden and balcony feel unmistakably French.

• Order this: Daily bistro specials with a glass of Champagne; ask for a table by the balcony when the weather’s kind.

A minimalist room where the light flatters and the playlist relaxes, pave is where in-the-know locals sip next to curious travelers. Plates are nuanced rather than loud, designed to sync with a wine list that’s both thoughtful and quietly adventurous.

The team’s warmth and pacing make it ideal for an unhurried date or a deep-dive tasting with friends.

• Order this: Build a flight with the staff and pair through the menu’s elegant, not-too-salty flavors.

A breezy HBC wine room where sunlight glows off glasses by day and the terrace hums by night. Both locals and visitors land here via CATCHTABLE for approachable bottles and a menu that’s crafted for relaxed sharing without sacrificing flavor.

The mantra is in the name—enjoy every moment—carried through friendly service and a space that welcomes dates and small groups alike.

• Order this: Bottle during weekend happy hour, then graze through the shareable plates.

No sign, no printed list—just a confident, Coravin-driven by-the-glass program tuned to what you like. This is where wine-curious locals bring visiting friends to explore Champagne and Galician whites with small plates that carry their weight.

The team listens, then pours; it’s low-key, precise hospitality that turns newcomers into regulars.

• Order this: Tell them your mood; let the pairing guide a few plates from the a la carte lineup.

Tokkuri clink, steam lifts, and a procession of small, purposeful bites—Chivitko is a snug izakaya dedicated to balance. It’s a great after-dinner drift from Hannam or Hyochang Park when you want clean, deft flavors with well-chosen sake by the glass.

Each dish has a clear role at the table, encouraging you to pace the evening rather than rush it.

• Order this: Mix light and richer small plates; ask for a sake flight tailored to your comfort level.

Shrimp pancakes arrive crackling, and the anju list reads like a greatest hits of balanced, bingeable flavors. It’s a lively locals’ spot with a growing CATCHTABLE following, perfect when you want conversation-friendly energy and plates built to share.

Find it just off Sukdaeipgu Station; the alley buzz adds to the charm without overwhelming the room.

• Order this: The shrimp pancake and a couple of house snacks for the table before diving into your drink of choice.

End the night where jazz hums and the lighting softens conversation. This small, casual speakeasy near Yongsan Station mixes spirit-forward classics and comfort-leaning signatures with an attention to detail you can taste from first sip to the slow, aromatic finish.

The bartender’s touch is the point here; consider it a date-night closer or a thoughtful solo stop.

• Order this: Share your flavor notes and let them shape a custom build; classics are precise and balanced.