Restaurants in Jongno-gu (Seoul)

Hakrim

Established in the 1950s, this cafe now sports a Retro 1970s look. It is a popular hang-out for university students and young adults as well as middle-aged Koreans wanting to relive the past. Hakrim will delight anyone who is tired of bland modern cafes and seeking something a little different. Enjoy a coffee, or a meal for a very reasonable price. Come and experience the food, drinks and time-warp, Korean-style.

Chonnyon Dongan Do

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.

Basic

Renowned Korean jazz musician, Won-seo Park, and his students create a lively and cheerful atmosphere as they fill this place with music. A singing group named "Basic on the Stage" also performs daily. Basic is small and consistently crowded, but this rather adds to the intimacy between musicians and guests. Drinks from your local draft beer to exotic imported bottled beers are available. If you are looking for a really special night out in Seoul, and you enjoy jazz, then Basic is the place to head for.

Sanchon

Using only the freshest of vegetables, 'Sanchon' (meaning 'mountain village') prepares mouth-watering vegetarian dishes that even those with the most fastidious of palates would find deliciously tasty. Take off your shoes, sit down on a cushion on the floor and be prepared to choose from up to 20 set menus. The wooden interior serves to enhance the experience. Tuck into such delicacies as Wild Sesame and Rice Porridge, Tofu made with pure sea water and Seven Mountain-Vegetable Kimchi.

Sale E Pepe

This three-story restaurant has a splendid, regal exterior. The first and second floors are restaurant areas and the third floor is a cafe with a modern design that is popular and fashionable with the young crowd. Fresh meat and vegatables are used at all times and the spaghetti and pizza dough are hand made by the chef, who spent some ten years in Italy learning his craft. Fresh fruit juice, beers, coffee and wines are available here.

Yeongbin-Garden

This long-established restaurant, popular among both Koreans and foreigners, specializes particularly in tasty and highly recommended Charcoal-Broiled Ribs and Cold Noodles. Definitely worth a try. Old though it is, the restaurant has something of an antique look about it - a traditional Korean ambiance. There is even a yard out front. You will enjoy dining in the wooden interior.

Genbei

As the Korean outlet of the well—known original restaurant Genpei in historical Kobe, Japan, this small but elegant and comfortable diner serves traditional Japanese fare. Both the owner and the chef are Japanese and have spent time working working at Genpei in Kobe, which has now been serving customers for almost twenty years. With the exception of the rice and some of the side dishes, they use only ingredients imported directly from Japan. Choices from the menu include a tempura set and the Genpei special. Others include oroshi soba (noodles) and zaru soba (cold noodles).

Dimatteo Pizza

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.

Ipanema

Named after a famous Brazilian beach, Ipanema specializes in churascaria, a traditional Brazilian barbecue dish. This dish is cooked by a staff member beside your table, and when cooked, is sliced and served. For novelty value and taste, it is hard to resist the churascaria. Alternatively, for drinks try a Caippira Bachita (Brazilian cocktail).

Arirang Minsokgwan

This is a very good place for non-Koreans to experience exquisite Korean food and enjoy the local culture. You can hear Korean traditional music and see a dance concert in the evening . The married couple who own and run the restaurant are themselves traditional Korean entertainers. Most of the food served here is traditional Korean fare. Although prices may be considered to be on the expensive side, they are well worth paying.

Cafe Jang

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.

Sale e Pepe

In operation since 1996, this Italian restaurant offers a memorable alfresco dining experience. Designed in the style of a lavish Korean palace, the restaurant makes fresh spaghetti daily, and prepares delicious Italian cuisine from all natural ingredients. Enjoy pasta, pizza, or steak at reasonable rates. Complete your meal with glass or two of wine. The view of the buzzing Taehakro area is stunning, especially at night.