Toh Lim Seoul

Toh Lim sits on Eulji-ro, just steps from the Lotte Department Store. It holds the no. 22 spot on the 2024 La Liste rankings for its contemporary Chinese and Asian cuisine.

While Myeongdong Shopping Street and Deoksugung Palace are both a fifteen-minute walk away, the restaurant’s real appeal is how it separates itself from the noise of the surrounding commercial hub. The room runs smart and elegant, feeling more like a sanctuary than the department store eateries nearby. Many spots in this district lean into the fast-paced energy of the shopping streets, but Toh Lim opts for a quieter, more formal register that rewards those looking to linger. It is the better choice for a structured meal, as the focus here remains on the craft of the cooking rather than the convenience of the location.