Korea's well-known restaurants in Itaewon, Seoul (With CATCHTABLE GLOBAL Data)

Beloved by locals and visitors alike, this Hannam corner spot is all about thick-cut pork belly and pork neck kissed by steady charcoal heat—edges crackle, the center stays plush, and the aroma greets you at the door. Staff often handle the grill and slicing for you, so you can focus on that first juicy bite and the clink of soju glasses after.

• Order this: Pork belly and pork neck combo; ask for a slower sear for extra crust.

A relaxed hideout where locals and travelers graze side by side on Spanish jamón, Italian prosciutto, cacciatore, and silky salumi paired to a savvy, value-conscious wine list. Aromas of cured fat, toasted bread, and fresh olive oil fill the room; plates arrive thoughtfully composed so every sip meets its perfect bite.

• Order this: Mixed charcuterie and cheese platter with a glass (or carafe) of house wine.

A temple to Hanwoo where the mantra is time and temperature: premium beef is carefully aged so the aroma is deep yet clean, the texture supple, and the finish long. It’s the kind of place you picture for an anniversary or business dinner—calm lighting, assured pacing, and polished service.

• Order this: Yukhoe and roast beef slices to start; finish with the comforting soybean paste porridge.

A few blocks away, flames leap over cast-iron domes as lamb juices hiss and perfume the room with sweet smoke. This Sapporo-born Jingisukan specialist—frequented by celebrities and featured on hit shows—delivers lamb that’s vivid, tender, and unmistakably char-graced.

• Order this: Lamb rib set; pair with a crisp beer to cut the richness.

If Woodaum honors restraint, Hanwadam leans into elegance: Hanwoo matured for 21 days at 1.2°C, seasonal banchan that whispers rather than shouts, and wine service that invites conversation. It’s a popular choice for celebrations—expect a polished room and an easy rhythm to the meal.

• Order this: A Hanwoo trio (ribeye, sirloin, special cuts), then wrap with their comforting hangover ramen and fried rice.

When you crave the sea, step into this Hannam staple loved by neighborhood regulars—steam curls off grilled cutlassfish, and the room fills with sesame and perilla aromas from house-pressed oils. The taste is clean and coastal; the plating is tidy and soothing.

• Order this: Whole grilled cutlassfish (tong-eun-galchi) with their house-fermented doenjang sides.

The world is paying attention here: Chef Justin Lee’s dessert bar (LA LISTE 2024 Pastry Talent of the Year; Taste of Seoul 2024 Best Cafe & Dessert) layers single-origin chocolates and seasonal produce into plated compositions that smell like roasted cacao and citrus zest. A perfect finale to any Hannam feast.

• Order this: A plated dessert flight followed by macarons to-go.

As the evening deepens, slip into this dreamily named izakaya for pristine sashimi, charcoal notes from skewers, and a considered sake list. The interior is modern and quietly plush—ideal for late-night talk or a discreet celebration.

• Order this: Chef’s seasonal picks with warm sake, then a crisp highball to finish.

If you’re craving open air and a celebratory mood, this Italian garden spot brings both—think fragrant basil, lemony seafood, and butter-warmed sauces in a space designed for birthdays and date nights alike. The name means harmony, and that’s exactly what it serves.

• Order this: The sea bream dish alongside seasonal antipasti; finish on the terrace if weather allows.

A staple for terrace meet-ups, Chef Hwang Dong-hwi’s kitchen runs savory with al dente pastas, glossy reductions, and the aroma of butter and thyme from the pass. Wine handling is notably deft, making it a favorite among local oenophiles and globetrotting friends alike.

• Order this: Seasonal pasta plus a shared main; bring a special bottle if you like their corkage terms.