There’s no doubt that Seoul is a food haven. From Korean fried chicken and street food to affordable all-you-can-eat buffets, the city has a plethora of mouth-watering food options to offer. But if you ever get tired of Korean cuisine, check out these 10 restaurants in Seoul that serve authentic food from other countries.
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If Hawaii has been on your travel bucket list for quite some time but you haven’t been able to visit, Waves will give you a taste of the sunny island – minus pricey airfares and travelling.
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The interior is decked out with LED-lined wooden platforms and tropical plants, which makes for an impressive sight right when you enter. Waves is best known for quality Hawaiian dishes commonly found at beach clubs, hence its name.
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When out dining with a group of friends, we recommended going for a sharing platter. The Waves platter (KRW33,000, ~USD27) comes with grilled chicken, shrimps, rice balls, toasted baguette slices, as well as sides such as salads and grilled pineapple.
Meat lovers, on the other hand, should try the sausage and wing platter (KRW19,000, ~USD15.50).
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The beer selection at Waves is incredible. Reliable staples like Big Wave (KRW8,500, ~USD7), a golden ale, and Okinawa (KRW6,500, ~USD5.30), a lager, can never go wrong. For something malty and sweet, try the Gorilla & Seoul Tiramisu Extra Stout (KRW9,000, ~USD7.40).
Other drinks worth a try include mulled wine (KRW8,000, ~USD6.50), sangria (KRW6,500, ~USD5.30), and Long Island iced tea (KRW9,000, ~USD7.40).
To top everything off, order the Hawaiian spam rice (KRW9,000, ~USD7.40). Every rice ball is filled with a thick cut of Spam and omelette, and garnished with a generous amount of sliced avocados.
Note: Waves is a pet-friendly restaurant.
Address: 11 Dorim-ro 128-gil, Mullae-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: Tue – Thu 11.30AM-4PM, 5PM-1AM | Fri 11.30AM-4PM, 5PM-2AM | Sat 12PM-2AM | Sun 12PM-12AM , Closed on Mon
Telephone: 070-7681-0101
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Finding an authentic Italian restaurant at a good price point can be difficult, especially in a city like Seoul. But Al Choc Osteria is just that – a humble restaurant famous for its handmade pasta.
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Located smack dab in the middle of high-rise buildings, the restaurant has a fuss-free interior that stands out from its fancier neighbours. Its warm lighting and little decorative touches make it a romantic date-night spot for those looking for a quiet and cosy space.
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Before diving into the mains, you should order the bruschetta (KRW8,000 for 4 pieces) to whet your appetite.
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The restaurant serves an array of pastas, including classics such as linguine and spaghetti. However, we suggest opting for the truffle gnocchi (KRW22,000, ~USD18) and lasagna (KRW20,000, ~USD16.40).
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If you’re willing to fork out a little more, try the ribeye tagliata & rucola (KRW28,000, ~USD22.90). The beef steak is seared till medium-rare and garnished with freshly sliced parmesan cheese for extra pizzazz.
Address: 43 Seongmisan-ro 26-gil, Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: Tue – Fri 5.30PM-11PM | Sat & Sun 12PM-11PM, Closed on Mon
Telephone: 02-3142-1108
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Forget about Shake Shack – the next time you find yourself craving for classic American-style burgers, head to Zesty Saloon. It serves hearty gourmet burgers that are worth bursting your calorie budget for.
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Its signature Zesty garlic (KRW8,800, ~USD7.20) is a classic cheeseburger dialled up to 11. On top of a 150g beef patty, the burger is also stuffed with melted American cheese, romaine lettuce, onion, tomato, bacon, and a secret sauce.
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The wasabi shrimp burger (KRW9,800, ~USD8), which comes with a thick shrimp patty fried till golden brown and crispy, is also popular amongst customers.
Instead of the usual fries, opt for tater tots that come in 4 flavours: basic (KRW3,300, ~USD2.70), cheese (KRW4,300, ~USD3.50), garlic cheese (KRW5,300, ~USD4.40), and jalapeno bacon (KRW5,300, ~USD4.40).
Address: 19 Seoulsup 2(i)-gil, Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: 11.30AM-3.30PM, 4.30PM-8.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 02-2205-2622
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Camillo Lasagneria is an Italian restaurant well-known for its handmade lasagna.
Image adapted from: @omiberry and @eun._.sik
Although the space is small, it provides an intimate dining experience for its diners. As the restaurant boasts an open concept kitchen, you’ll get to see the chefs rolling out fresh pasta dough and adding finishing touches to your dishes right before your eyes.
Image adapted from: @babjuyoung
A classic lasagna ladled with tomato sauce, stuffed with minced beef and cheese, is only KRW13,000 (~USD10.70). But if you want something more robust and spicier, order the amatriciana lasagna (KRW15,000, ~USD12.30).
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Although the restaurant is known for its lasagna, we can’t help but also have a portion of the beef steak (KRW28,000, ~USD23). The beef cut is thick yet tender and juicy.
Address: 41 Donggyo-ro 12-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: 11.45AM-2.30PM, 6PM-9.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 02-332-8622
Website
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SALT HOUSE offers a plethora of in-house cured meat, including all-time favourites such as salami and bacon, as well as harder to find lonzino (cured pork loin) and lomo embuchado (cured pork tenderloin).
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The store has a charcuterie board (KRW46,000, ~USD37.80) made for those who love to try a bit of everything. It consists of a daily selection of dry-cured meats, deli cuts, pate, saucisson, fruits, cheese, bread, and seasoned olives.
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Another noteworthy dish is the jambon beurre (KRW12,000, ~USD9.90). The toasted baguette is stuffed with layers of shaved ham made from Jeju black pork, with salad and pickles on the side.
A brunch favourite not to be missed is the bacon & eggs hot plate (KRW14,000, ~USD11.50). The bacon has a 50:50 fat to meat ratio, ensuring that every bite is juicy yet not overly rich.
Image adapted from: @kimaaa.0 and @back___ground
For those who can’t get enough of their in-house cured meat, bag home some of their best-selling cuts that are packed into tightly sealed bags. Popular cuts include honey bacon, chorizo sausage, breakfast patty, smoked bacon, pancetta, salami cotto, coppa, and jambon.
But that’s not all that SALT HOUSE has to offer. If you’re a fan of anything sweet and savoury, we recommend bringing home some smoked honey (KRW8,000, ~USD6.60) and smoked salt caramels (KRW6,000, ~USD4.90).
Address: 2F, 14 World Cup-ro 19-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 11AM-10PM | Fri & Sat 11AM-11PM, Closed on Mon
Telephone: 02-336-2617
Website
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At PIMAC Company, you’ll have an unobstructed view of the Han River and city skyline while enjoying a picnic.
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You won’t have to lug all your picnic essentials to the restaurant as everything is provided over at PIMAC, from picnic chairs to beanbags to umbrellas. It’s also warm and cosy over here during the winter months the staff will set up a campfire to keep you warm.
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When on a date, order their 2-pax set (KRW25,000, ~USD20.50) which comes with half a pepperoni and cheese pizza, fries, and salad.
Larger groups should go for their 3 to 4-pax set (KRW36,000, ~USD29.50). It’s served with half a pepperoni and cheese pizza, a whole fried chicken, and a generous serving of spicy tteokbokki.
If you’ve got extra stomach space to try more items on their menu, don’t miss out on the dosirak rose pasta (KRW10,000, ~USD8.20) made with a mixture of cream and tomato sauce. Finally, order a beer (KRW4,500, ~USD3.70) or a coke (KRW4,000, ~USD3.30) to accompany your spread.
Address: 777 Paldang-ri, Wabu-eup, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Opening hours: 11AM-11PM, Daily
Telephone: 010-3322-2948
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A visit to Sojeom will practically whisk you away to an alleyway in Japan, where you’ll find hidden food gems like this small izakaya serving authentic Japanese okonomiyaki.
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Take a seat at the 7-seater bar counter and order a Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (KRW14,000, ~USD11.50). It has a slight charred flavour from the grill and is loaded with yakisoba, prawns, meat, and plenty of greens.
Besides okonomiyaki unique to different regions of Japan, Sojeom also has takoyaki (KRW5,500 for 6 pieces, ~USD4.50) – a must-have street food when you’re in Osaka.
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End off your meal on a high by ordering a highball (KRW7,000, ~USD5.70) – it’s the perfect drink to cleanse your palate.
Address: 99 Seongmisan-ro 17-gil, Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 11AM-2PM, 6.30PM-1AM | Sun 12PM-8PM
Telephone: 010-6316-7739
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Katatsuri Udon is a quaint little shop that sells Japanese udon. It’s the go-to spot for many when they’re craving for a simple yet comforting bowl of rice noodles. Beware though, as you might pass by thinking its an electronics shop since the previous tenant’s signboard has not been taken down.
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Making an order at this restaurant can be a little overwhelming for non-native speakers, but don’t worry as we’re here to guide you through. First, there are 2 broths to choose from – a clean-tasting kake broth (KRW7,000, ~USD5.70) and a sweeter-tasting bukkake broth (KRW8,000, ~USD6.60).
After deciding on the broth, you’ll choose the temperature for the soup and noodles, as such:
The noodles are good enough on their own, but for the ultimate indulgence, we recommend having all of their best-selling add-ons in one seating – pork slices (KRW2,500, ~USD2.10), tofu (KRW1,000, ~USD0.80), and a hanjuku egg (KRW1,500, ~USD1.20).
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Alternatively, order their kamatama udon (KRW7,000, ~USD5.70), a dry udon dish that’s doused in egg yolk sauce.
Address: 72 Myongjidae-gil, Namgajwa 2(i)-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 11AM-2.30PM, Closed on Sun
Image credit: @yoojin.oh0127
Seumibi Butadong, when broken down literally, means “charcoal pork bowl” in Japanese – no prizes for guessing what the restaurant is famous for.
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The place only serves one main dish – the charcoal pork bowl (KRW8,000, ~USD6.60). Every order comes with sides such as pickled tomatoes, miso soup, and kimchi to better suit the locals’ palate.
You can choose to upsize your bowl to a jumbo size (KRW10,000, ~USD8.20) if you can’t get enough of the caramelised pork belly slices.
Likewise, its side menu only has one dish – chicken skewers with leek (KRW3,000 for 2 sticks, ~USD2.50). It’s the perfect accompaniment to a glass of Sapporo beer (KRW6,000, ~USD4.90).
Address: 19, Wausan-ro, 13-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: 11.30AM-3PM, 4.30PM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 02-336-5110
Website
Good food can be found all across Seoul, and while Korean cuisine offers a variety of dishes that are packed with a ton of flavours, there are days when we inevitably crave for other cuisines like a classic American cheeseburger or an Italian handmade pasta. So here you go, a list of restaurants in Seoul you can hit up when those cravings start to kick in!
Here are other things to do in Seoul:
Cover image adapted from (clockwise from top-right): @yemiev, @sma11hyun, @joo6392 and @valllex_lee
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