Seoul Restaurants

Chonnyon Dongan Do means "for a thousand years" in Korean. This is a popular place to indulge in fine cuisine and cocktails while enjoying live jazz performed by local and international artists. Lovers of seafood will relish the lobster or Sea Crawfish Set, while the juicy Lean Beef Ribs are also recommended. Dine in the glass-enclosed veranda with patio tables and umbrellas. During the evenings, the dim lighting and intimate ambiance provides a perfect setting for live jazz, and the wide stage comes alive with unforgettable cocktail shows.

Pho Hoa is a popular place to enjoy reasonably priced Vietnamese-style food. Pho means rice noodle in Vietnamese, and Hoa mean harmony. A high ceiling, thick wooden tables and bright colored chairs are part of the simple decor. However, the food is the main attraction. There are photographs of dishes on the menu, which makes choosing dishes easy for tourists. Some recommendations include Steak Pho or grilled pork chops and fried egg roll. This is a chain with several locations throughout Seoul. Contact the main restaurant for more information.

This unique center combines galleries, studio space, a media theater, and a coffee shop all into one space, spread out over seven floors. It was developed as a way to promote and encourage Korean artists and musicians. The main gallery features the work of the artists—in—residence, while a couple of the other smaller galleries host an array of various exhibits. The media theater Baram (wind) is the setting for performance art, video art, artistic and bizarre films, as well as concerts by avant-garde and underground rock groups.

Leave the crowds behind and escape the chaos with Irodori, a Japanese restaurant that not only offers good food but also privacy to enjoy your meal. This place boasts of six private rooms with Tatami mats and service that's truly Japanese. And for those who have a liking for Teppanyaki, there are special tables reserved for this culinary delight. Seat yourself in an authentic Japanese ambience and indulge in food that's well worth the money.

Don't let the name confuse you, The Library is actually a lounge located at the Hotel Shilla in Seoul. The atmosphere at this place is laid-back and soothing and the interiors are contemporary. Gorge on light snacks and desserts including creamy New York Cheese Cakes, Tiramisu and Coffee Chocolate Pie. There is an extensive drinks menu that features seventy odd supreme malt whiskeys and around 250 wines from all over the world. Enjoy live performances by Jazz bands while you sip on your drink. If want to some time alone, then pick up a book on history, culture or art and get cozy in one of the soft cushioned couches. This place also makes a good venue for hosting small private parties and functions.

This restaurant has the finest Korean Cuisine in Seoul. The food out here is as wonderful as the Sabiru structure of the Paekche Dynasty after which this place has been named. Mesmerize yourself with traditional Korean music as you enjoy yourself in the main dining room, or in the private rooms for a more intimate experience.

Dimatteo will delight anyone in the mood for some good Italian cuisine. This is authentic Italian dining, right down to the shouting Italian man! Patrons can watch the whole pizza-making process, and choose from a wide variety of toppings. Complement your meal with a sweet Italian liquor or a bottle of Chianti or Valpollicello wine. Service is extremely efficient, and reservations are necessary for Mondays only. Dimatteo's reputation even reached former United States president, Bill Clinton, who dined here in 1997.

Located on the 33rd story of the Millennium Plaza (Chongno Tower), dining here is like eating in the clouds. The Chongo building itself is regarded as a Seoul landmark, due to its innovative design. Top Cloud, lives up to its name with cozy decor consisting of a wooden floor, limestone features, and glass windows on all four sides. Through the window, you can enjoy Seoul's fantastic night view and skyline. On the eclectic menu, special recommendations include Tuna Salad with Miso dressing or Beef Dumpling with Yogurt Sauce.

Jang is one of the best-known and most popular eateries in the area—and for a good reason. Sensational Indian curry is served, with special ingredients imported fresh from India. Spaghetti is another popular dish, and tea and coffee is also on offer. Modern in style, the cafe-restaurant features black and white decor and both round and rectangular tables. Situated almost at the street's end, it offers a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Ice Berry specializes in the Korean iced treat bingsoo, which is made with shaved ice, fruit, sweet crushed red beans and rice cakes. The restaurant was renovated recently to offer customers a clean and fresh atmosphere. New chairs and tables were added in addition to a new hall. From fruit-topped bingsoo to coffee bingsoo, it is easy to find the right variety for you. For the thirsty customer, the strawberry bingsoo, watermelon bingsoo and coffee Bingsoo are all recommended.

Owned and operated by a Canadian, this special cozy cafe is the place to go when you have a craving for some authentic Western-style sandwiches, pastries, and rich, tasty imported coffee. With soft comfortable couches and armchairs, dried flowers and books adorning the walls, and soft background music, the cafe makes you feel right at home. Among light meals offered are rice dishes, Canadian chili, or panini sandwiches. The Bakery serves muffins, scones, Biscotti, croissants, apple pie and various cakes. There is a fully stocked bar in addition to a wide range of specialty imported coffees (Brazil, Indonesia, Ethiopia etc)—all freshly roasted.

Popular for both business drinks and romantic dinners, Compass Rose offers live jazz every evening. Its name means that it can be found from any direction. About 400 English and Korean books are situated near the entrance, adding to the sophisticated ambiance. A wide range of drinks is available, including French, Italian, and Australian wines, cocktails, whisky, gin, vodka, rum, cognac, brandy, and beer from all over the world.

Bar 0101 is a snazzy wine bar and restaurant in the popular Samcheong-dong area of Seoul. The food served is Italian, with pastas ruling the roost. Brews served include some fabulous wine plus some great foamy cappuccinos. The interiors give a very comfy feeling, as you can sit in the orange bucket seats and gaze at the world pass by outside through the huge glass window. The bar is at an elevated area in the corner, thus offering a quite solace to those who wish to hang out on their own.

Located on the Han River, this floating restaurant is a romantic place to enjoy trademark steak, with spectacular water views. Classical furniture is part of the pleasant decor. In addition, there are glass windows on all sides to enjoy the scenery. On the meat lover's menu are such options as tenderloin steak with parmesan cheese, lamb chops with herb sauce, rib-eye steak with teriyaki sauce or beef cutlets.

Featuring fantastic live piano music and reasonably priced drinks and snacks, this cafe is immensely popular, and is a great place to meet people. You might even meet a Korean movie star! The unique decor suggests a scene from the Middle Ages, but modern technology harmonizes the cafe, and various instruments adorn the walls. The hungry can indulge in the sandwich and drink combination, while the brave can sample traditional bingsoo (ice flakes with sweet red beans and fruit).