20 Best Restaurants in Gangnam, Seoul

This extremely popular restaurant takes donkas (Korea's version of Japanese pork cutlet), to a whole other level. If you think you've had good versions of the dish before, think again, because Jeongdon absolutely knocks it out of the park. Their signature dish is tenderloin donkas, with thick, succulent pieces of prime pork cut into medallions and cooked until still pink in the middle. The panko breading is perfectly crispy and the juicy flavor of each bite is heavenly. The restaurant's decor is Japanese retro with almost an American diner feel. Just make sure to have some time to spare, as there's almost always a line.  

Chef Yim Jung-sik made waves with this restaurant that takes traditional Korean fare, such as bibimbap and gimbap (Korean sushi rolls) and transforms them into a fine dining experience. Jungsik specializes in course meals that draw from a variety of influences, but are always given a distinctly Korean touch. The service is kind, attentive, and discreet, the atmosphere chic, and the wine list is custom-curated to pair with the current menu. There is a reason why Michelin gave this place two stars.  

Traditional Korean cooking "mingles" flawlessly with new techniques at this fine dining restaurant, where exquisite preparations of quality ingredients make for an extra special lunch or dinner. This is the high-end experience for which Gangnam is known, so it's a must if you're looking for the place to indulge in the luxury of the neighborhood.

This highly praised restaurant serves Pyeonyang naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles), which is a must-try dish during any visit to Korea, especially during the blistering summer months. Chef Kwon Hee-sung prepares the beef bone broth every day, and uses only the freshest, local ingredients to elevate this beloved yet humble dish into something really special.

Up until a few years ago it was impossible to get proper New York–style pizza in Korea, but Brick Oven, along with a few other upstarts, helped change that. This establishment set the standard for crispy thin crust pies in town, and are widely considered to be the best in the game. They also offer a number of nice craft beers on tap, so if you'd like a change from Korean food, consider stopping by. 

The very definition of Gangnam luxury is this brand-new seafood buffet on the 52nd floor fo the World Trade Center Seoul. Gaze out at the cityscape below as you dine on king crab, lobster, shrimp, prawns, tuna belly sashimi, and more. The interior is modern and classy without feeling stuffy, and the restaurant also boasts an impressive wine list to go with all of that top-notch seafood. Just bring a powerful credit card, because for a meal like this you've got to pay to play.

Reservations are essential for this highly lauded fine dining establishment where traditional Korean cuisine shines in a multi-course tasting menu. Local ingredients highlight the flavors of the region to produce dishes like sea bream, beef ribs, abalone, black bean tea, and more.

This little neighborhood Japanese joint specializes in yakatori (meat skewers grilled over coals) along with cold beer and sake. The intimate space contains just a handful of tables, so it pays to call ahead and reserve a spot. Perhaps the best thing about Gyunae is the homey, cozy atmosphere. It also looks like it's been there for a while, which is always a good sign. 

Always a hit with visitors to Korea, dak galbi (stir-fried chicken) is the perfect combination of savory, spicy, and sweet, and it's cooked up in a sizzling pan right in the middle of your table, which adds a touch of theatrics. This popular neighborhood joint serves up dak galbi in its purest, most unpretentious form, while still managing to be pretty close to the rest of the nightlife action. 

Situated on "Meat Alley" (Gogi Golmok), Heuk Da Don specializes in Jeju Island barbecue pork (the black pigs raised on Jeju are said to have a deeper flavor). This restaurant serves up several different cuts, so you're best off ordering the mixed grill. There is indoor and outdoor seating, though if you really want to soak up the party-like atmosphere, sit outside, and make sure to wash down that grilled porky goodness with some cold beer or soju. 

Chicken is huge in Korea, especially when paired with beer, and Kkanbu is a Korean chain that serves up many varieties of the bird, including basic crunchy, spicy barbecue, garlic soy sauce, as well as boneless pieces fried up with pieces of squid. Whatever your preference, the Samseong branch has it all, but make sure to wash it down with a cold glass of beer or two.

Leading the way in introducing Korean palates to the joys of American-style pizza (instead of Korean fusion variety, which had focused for many years on toppings such as sweet potato, corn, bulgogi, and strawberry jam, often drenched in a lake of sweet sauces and mayonnaise), Maekju Deokhi Pizza Deokhu has perfected the rectangular-cut Detroit style pizza. The funky Apgjujeong restaurant also has scores of quality brews on tap that perfectly complement their pies. While a few other places get more attention, this is one of the city's hidden gems. 

Seolleongtang (a thin, milky white soup made from boiling oxtail and bones) is a Korean comfort food, and Oegojib is famous nationwide wide for their use of only the freshest local veggies, tender slices of beef, and attention to detail in their recipe. This is a soup that melts in your mouth and goes straight to the center of your soul. The sour, zesty crunch of the kimchi and kkakdugi (radish kimchi) adds a nice complement to the soft, savory goodness of the seolleongtang in the bowl.

If you have a sweet tooth or need a burst of energy while exploring, swing by this French patisserie for a delicate blueberry tart or classic madeleine. The shop has rows of macarons in standby flavors like vanilla, pistachio, and rose as well as some more unusual flavors like chocolate yuzu, oolong caramel, and olive.

This neighborhood barbecue restaurant serves up a variety of hanwoo beef as well other favorites such as samgyeopsal (pork belly). The prices vary drastically depending on which cut you're keen on, but Sammi's staying power has been its consistent commitment to quality. 

While this Seattle-based coffee behemoth boasts more than 500 stores in Seoul, this branch in the Han River Park may be the shiniest diamond in the crown. Occupying the first floor of the Seoul Wave Art Center, this is the only floating Starbucks in Korea, and surely the most Instagram-able. Sip on a cafe latte or Venti Frappuccino as you gaze out on the lazy flow of Seoul's major river. Afterward, make sure to explore the art and Korean culture gallery that shares the same space. 

Seasonal ingredients guide the menu at this intimate contemporary Korean bistro that often incorporates worldly flavors. You might order home-style classics like cold buckwheat noodles, grilled pork belly, or seoritae (black soybean) with mascarpone or a vegetable lasagna.

The Gangnam branch of this conveyer belt-style sushi chain sits right behind the CGV movie theater down from Exit 11 of Gangnam Station. What it lacks in size it makes up for in flavor and value, with nice cuts of fresh fish atop firm balls of rice. Most of the seats are packed together right at the counter, creating a cozy ambience reminiscent of sushi joints found in Japan. This is a great place to grab lunch, since they offer satisfying set courses that are also easy on the wallet. 

The Sinsa branch of this Seoul coffee company is hip, elegant, and focused on the most important thing: the coffee itself. Located on a side street just a few minutes up from the Garuso-gil shopping street, Tailor exudes sophistication, while also managing to be inviting. They also play jazz, which is a rarity in the Korean cafe world, which often pumps out K-pop and overwrought ballads. 

Cool off in the summer (or any time of year, really) with a scoop or two from this gelato shop, one of the best in Seoul. Flavors of the creamy Italian-style ice cream rotate but could include old standbys like stracciatella, pistachio, passion fruit sorbet, and chocolate, as well as unique flavors like gamtae (seaweed), sweet corn, butter, and matcha. There's not much seating in the shop, so it's best to take your cup to go.