The TOP 10 Restaurants in Seoul

What is it? Mingles sits on Dosan-daero 67-gil in the Gangnam District. It holds two Michelin stars and ranks as the best restaurant in Korea according to the 2024 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

Why we love it: This restaurant secures the number 43 spot on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list by balancing Korean, Japanese, and fusion techniques at a high price point. The space offers a rare, romantic atmosphere that justifies the premium, separating it from the busier dining options found near Apgujeong Rodeo Street.

Good to Know: Mingles requires a smart and elegant dress code to match the tone of its fine dining room, which remains a calmer alternative to the nearby bustle of the COEX Aquarium or the Bongeunsa Temple area.

What is it? MOSU Seoul is a Michelin-starred restaurant located at 4 Hoenamu-ro 41-gil in the Yongsan District. It holds the Chefs Choice Award from Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, sits at number 59 on La Liste, and holds the number 85 spot on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list.

Why we love it: This venue distinguishes itself by merging Japanese influences with a refined fusion approach, justifying the higher price point that keeps it well above typical neighborhood dining. With a guest rating of 4.79 from 266 reviews, it remains a consistent draw for those seeking a disciplined, high-end environment rather than a casual meal. The location offers a quiet reprieve, positioned a fifteen-minute walk from the shops of Itaewon and about half an hour from the War Memorial of Korea.

Good to Know: The fine dining menu at MOSU Seoul follows the rigors of its Japanese and fusion heritage, so keep the attire smart and elegant to match the tone of the room.

What is it? 7th Door sits on Hakdong-ro 97-gil in the Gangnam District, roughly a twenty-minute walk from Bongeunsa Temple. The restaurant holds a Michelin star and ranks among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and the top tier of La Liste.

Why we love it: It bridges the gap between modern techniques and contemporary Korean traditions, earning its place on both the Michelin and Asia’s 50 Best lists. The price point reflects a high-end, luxury experience that manages to satisfy a 4.72 rating from 100 reviewers, making it a reliable destination for those seeking consistent, top-tier service.

Good to Know: The terrace at 7th Door offers a rare outdoor vantage point in the district, perfect for a romantic evening when the weather permits.

What is it? L’Amant Secret sits on Toegye-ro in the Jung District, a ten-minute walk from Myeongdong Shopping Street. The restaurant holds a Michelin star and maintains a position on the La Liste rankings.

Why we love it: L’Amant Secret executes a precise blend of French and contemporary Korean techniques that justifies its status as a high-end destination. While many establishments in the Jung District cater to the heavy foot traffic of nearby landmarks like Namsan Park, this venue prioritizes a disciplined, romantic atmosphere that rarely falters, as evidenced by its high volume of positive guest feedback.

Good to Know: The menu at L’Amant Secret leans into the complexity of French-Korean fusion, so you should dress in smart and elegant attire to match the pacing of the service.

What is it? Soul is a restaurant on Sinheung-ro 26-gil in the Yongsan District that holds a Michelin star. It sits roughly a ten-minute walk from Itaewon Shopping Street and is accessible from Namsan Park and the War Memorial of Korea.

Why we love it: While many establishments in the area lean into heavy tourist traffic, Soul commands a high guest rating by pairing traditional Korean foundations with contemporary techniques. It delivers a fine dining experience that feels calibrated for precision, earning a spot on the La Liste rankings.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Soul pairs best with the restaurant’s quiet, romantic atmosphere, so expect a refined evening that feels worlds away from the nearby Itaewon crowds.

What is it? La Yeon sits inside THE SHILLA Seoul in the Jung District, positioned about a twenty-five-minute walk from Myeongdong Shopping Street. This fine dining destination holds two Michelin stars and earned the number 59 spot on the La Liste ranking.

Why we love it: While many high-end kitchens in the city lean into fusion, La Yeon focuses on contemporary Korean cuisine that prioritizes the integrity of local ingredients. The dining room offers a view that pairs the distance from the busy DDP—roughly a twenty-five-minute walk away—with an expensive, high-level approach to traditional flavors that earns it a loyal following.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at La Yeon requires more than just a collared shirt; bring your most formal attire to match the tone of this Michelin-starred dining room.

What is it? Gong-Gan is a fine dining restaurant on Yulgok-ro 3-gil in the Jongno District. It sits a ten-minute walk from both Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insadong, and holds a rank of no. 88 on Asia's 50 Best Bars.

Why we love it: This venue bridges the gap between traditional Korean roots and contemporary techniques, offering a level of polish that justifies its premium price point. While many spots in the area rely on their proximity to Bukchon Hanok Village, the 4.94 rating from 161 reviews suggests Gong-Gan prioritizes consistency over simple foot traffic.

Good to Know: Gong-Gan requires a smart and elegant dress code, so save your casual streetwear for the hike up to the nearby palace grounds.

What is it? Alla Prima sits on 13 Hakdong-ro 17-gil in the Gangnam District. It holds two Michelin stars, ranks number 90 on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, and holds the 27th spot on La Liste.

Why we love it: The restaurant commands a high price point that matches its standing as a destination for modern, creative cuisine. It is a roughly 20-minute walk from the COEX Aquarium and Bongeunsa Temple, making it a polished retreat from the density of those nearby landmarks.

Good to Know: Given the venue's emphasis on creative, modern fine dining, the atmosphere requires guests to adhere to a smart and elegant dress code for the duration of their meal.

What is it? San is a fine dining restaurant located on Eonju-ro 168-gil in the Gangnam District of Seoul. It holds a Michelin star and maintains a focus on Korean, Japanese, and fusion cuisines.

Why we love it: San sets itself apart by blending diverse culinary traditions within a high-end, luxury environment. The restaurant utilizes its fine dining status to create a focused experience that separates it from the more casual eateries scattered throughout Gangnam.

Good to Know: The view from the dining room provides a distinct perspective of the surrounding Gangnam architecture while you navigate the menu’s Japanese and Korean fusion techniques.

What is it? Soigné is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Sinsa-square, within the Gangnam District. It sits a six-minute walk from Garosu-gil Road and maintains a position at number 38 on the La Liste rankings.

Why we love it: The kitchen manages a rare balance, framing French techniques through a modern Korean lens. While the pricing reflects its standing as a high-end luxury destination, the consistent 4.65 guest rating from hundreds of diners proves it delivers on its promise. It functions as a precise, upscale choice for those navigating the space between the Apgujeong Rodeo area and the broader Gangnam dining scene.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Soigné calls for formal attire, so save the casual wear for your stroll to the nearby Bongeunsa Temple.