Top Restaurants in Seoul

Hard Rock Cafe

The Hard Rock Cafe is a worldwide franchise cafe, which specializes in American cuisine. The chain first started out in London, and it is renowned for delicious hamburgers as well as rock and roll souvenirs. The walls of this cafe are covered with guitars and pictures of music icons. On stage there is a grand piano and other instruments for live performances. Special recommendations include the Hickory BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger and the Hard Rock Natural Veggie Cheeseburger. Catch a drink or two with your friends with some of their cocktails, beer or other alcoholic beverages.

ZZYZX

For a lively, unusual and delicious experience, head directly to ZZYZX. This café offers exciting lighting and music, and a mysterious atmosphere, making it popular among young adults and the young at heart. Dark decorations and a television screen broadcasting futuristic images further enhance the mood. Energetic cocktail shows are held nightly - be sure to catch the performace called "Queen of the Bed". Sample Korean cuisine such as Kimbop (rice with egg and other vegetables rolled in a sheet of laver).

Free Bird

Free Bird is regarded as the home of Korean rock bands. On the walls are numerous autographs of famous Korean bands who have visited this establishment. Although the stage is not very large, customers enjoy the positioning of seats so close to the stage. Everyday, this place is crowded with people anxious to hear loud rock music. For drinks, have some beer or pick out from their other list of beverages.

Quo Lai

If you are a fan of hot and spicy Chinese food, head for this charming little eatery at Samcheong-dong. Not only is the food a delight for the palate, the interiors too are a rage. Black and pink predominate, while Da-Vinci style murals hang on the wall. This is a perfect hang out zone for one and all with its friendly staff and amazing cuisines, So be sure to come to this place if your in and around Seoul. You would not regret being here. And also if you love spicy food this is a treat.

Ji Hwa Ja

Ji Hwa Ja offers some delectable varieties of traditional Korean food. The decor and the food reflect the richness of the Korean culture, as the fare offers delicacies passed down by the Joshuan dynasty monarchs. Bamboo salads, rice cakes, marinated meats and much more make up for an elaborate multicourse cuisine. So, if you are game for some fabulous royal eats, this is definitely the place to visit.

The Paris Grill

Located in the Grand Hyatt Seoul, the Paris Grill is designed to look and feel like a 1930's Parisian brassiere. Accents of dark wood and marble combined with fresh, contemporary European cuisine make for a sophisticated yet warm and lively atmosphere. A great place for dining with family and friends, the grill is also an excellent choice for business meetings as they offer private dining rooms for added privacy.

Jenny's Café (Jenny's Cafeteria)

Jenny's Café will satisfy those strolling around the Hongik University (Hongdae) area in need of some nourishment. Their sandwiches are out of this world with homemade bread, meat or fresh veggies topped with great cheeses. The sandwiches are not cheap (starting around $8), but they are worth every penny. During lunchtime on a weekend you can expect to wait 30 minutes to an hour for a table, which attests to this venue's popularity. The café offers a wine list and coffee drinks to make it more like a sandwich bistro than a cafeteria. The menu is truly European; it includes items like the Margherita with sliced tomatoes and thick mozzarella or the Prosciutto combining ham and Gorgonzola. -Daniel Eyrich

Chee Hong

Chee Hong is a fantastic Chinese restaurant located at the Ritz-Carlton Seoul Hotel. The restaurant specializes in Cantonese and Shanghai's delicacies and is a popular hub for those who love authentic Chinese. The ambience at Chee Hong is elite and the interiors and decor are very oriental. Be sure to try out the Seafood Chowder, Snapping Turtle, Shark's Fin, Sautéed, Fried Scallops and the Alaskan King Crab here. Chinese Liquor such as Su Jung Bang, Kinmen Kaoliang and Chu Yeh Ching Chew worth a try as well.

Hanazono

Hanazono is an authentic Japanese restaurant located at the Ritz-Carlton Seoul Hotel. With a garden setting and open sushi bar, this restaurant strives to serve equally varied Japanese cuisine. Try out the Small Nabe Soup, Sashimi and the Miso Soup or opt for special courses and complete meals of steamed rice, sushi and soup if you are really hungry. Kubota Manju Junmai Daiginjo, Hakkaisan Junmaiginjo and Ginzyo Senshinkotobugi make perfect accompaniments for these savory delights.

Oksan Buffet

Oksan Buffet is a restaurant located at the Ritz-Carlton Seoul Hotel. This popular restaurant serves an international buffet and is a melting-pot of cuisines with everything from Chinese, Italian and Korean delicacies. The rich aromas of the varied spices and ingredients from the open-air kitchen are enough to lure you. The Japanese and Korean corners here seem to attract the most number of visitors. Do try out the creamy Tiramisu from the dessert corner.