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Cafés, restaurants and places in Busan, written by bloggers who went there.
Almond Eyelashes is a 100%-reservation lash studio in Busanjin, Busan, near the jewelry street between Beomnaegol and Beomil-dong. The writer got D-curl 10mm up lash extensions with almost no irritation from the fixing patches, falling asleep mid-treatment thanks to the owner's quick hands. The before-and-after difference was so striking that she's making this her regular lash shop.
Deodo Gejang is a yellow crab (hwangge) marinated crab specialist in Marine City, Haeundae, Busan. Dining there with a baby and husband, the writer tried the mixed marinated seafood nutritious pot rice set — soy-marinated hwangge, spicy chili-based marinated crab, marinated octopus, marinated abalone, and peeled shrimp — and every single item was a hit, no exceptions. Verdict: too good to leave after just the crab.
Moshi Moshi PNU Branch is a long-running sushi restaurant near Pusan National University in Geumjeong, Busan. This visit covered a full spread of omakase sushi 12 pieces, raw fish salmon sushi, assorted tempura 3 pieces, tofu salad and a side of udon, plus a live fish tank and one hour of free parking next door. A solid pick for a date meal in front of PNU.
Hyangtaek Jeonpo Branch is a Korean restaurant on Seojeon-ro in Jeonpo-dong, Busan, known for mackerel gondre rice and eggplant doenjang rice bowls. Visiting at 12:30pm on a weekend for two, the writer tried yukhoe bibimbap (raw beef rice bowl), mackerel gondre rice, and the new Cheongsong-style chicken bulgogi — the raw beef tasted fresh rather than frozen, and the mackerel came fully deboned. The rice dishes earn a repeat visit, though the chicken bulgogi's oiliness may not suit everyone.
Shunsaikubo Hwamyeong is a hitsumabushi (grilled eel rice bowl) restaurant in Hwamyeong-dong, Buk-gu, Busan, awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand and Blue Ribbon. On a reserved visit with my mother-in-law, we worked through vegetable tempura, salad and soup, an egg roll served alongside the hitsumabushi, and matcha pudding to finish. It's a polished, full-course-style meal that's ideal for treating an elder, and reason enough to return.
Sasaenghwal is a black-tone Western-style brunch café in Sajik-dong, Dongnae-gu, Busan. The signature Badasmaeul Pasta (₩17,900) and Sous Vide Sirloin Barley Cream Risotto (₩16,900) delivered a spicy oil pasta loaded with clams alongside a rich, mild cream risotto. Solo seating, chargers, and blankets make it comfortable for dates, groups, or a meal alone.
Yetnal Tongdak & Tang Yeonsan Main Branch is a fried chicken and chicken stew restaurant in Yeonje, Busan, open until 5–6am. The dakdoritang (spicy chicken stew) costs ₩24,000 and comes packed with long rice cakes, quail eggs and glass noodles, paired with somaek (soju-beer mix); the sauce wasn't too sweet, making it a perfect drinking snack. It's a great late-night pick in Yeonsan-dong for food and drinks together.
Solsot Gwangalli is a pot rice restaurant in Suyeong, Busan, near Exit 1 of Geumnyeonsan Station. Friends meeting for a wedding invitation catch-up ordered abalone pot rice, salmon pot rice, cheese dak-galbi (stir-fried chicken) pot rice, and yurinki (crispy fried chicken with sweet-tangy sauce) at 8,500 won, sharing everything and finishing with nurungji (scorched rice) tea. There was already a wait past noon on a Monday, and next time it's steak pot rice.
Pickles is a pizza restaurant in Busanjin, Busan, a 3-minute walk from Exit 7 of Jeonpo Station. Visiting on a weekday afternoon around 3-4pm meant no wait for the half-and-half pizza (potato and jambon beurre) with puttanesca pasta set, and sprinkling table salt on the crust turned out to be a great combo. With its atmosphere and corner seats, it's a solid pick for a Jeonpo or Seomyeon date course.
Budan Nampo Branch is a bar (sul-jip) on the 2nd floor above Miryang Pork Soup Rice, in Busan's Nampo-dong pork feet alley. On a second-round visit, the writer ordered maedalgu — grilled beef intestine and chicken thigh loaded with cheese and buldak-bokkeum-myeon (fire noodles) — plus Oreo bingsu, alongside the free side of grilled toast and whipped cream. Portions are huge, almost too much to finish, making it a great pick for group dinners or a second round after work.
Songnim Bok Jangeo Unlimited Freshwater Eel, Busan Dongnae Branch is an all-you-can-eat eel restaurant on Myeongjang-ro in Dongnae-gu, Busan. Adult unlimited refill is ₩29,900 per person plus a ₩3,000 table-setting and self-bar fee, so two people came to ₩65,800 total, with grilled whole pork belly and chicken neck meat also included. The best part was not having to calculate the bill every time they ordered more.
Smith's Farm is a farm-concept Western restaurant near Dongbaek Station in Haeundae, Busan. For a couple's dinner, the writer ordered stone octopus steak, grilled romaine, and shrimp oil pasta — the octopus was surprisingly tender and the oil pasta ranked among the best they've ever had. With generously spaced tables that make conversation easy, it's a solid pick for a Haeundae date night.
