Local places · 2716 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Raymond Isu Branch is a pizza-by-the-slice restaurant near Isu Station in Dongjak, Seoul. Bacon Hawaiian and Spicy Fusilli slices, tomato spaghetti, and dark beer made for a filling lunch just 5 minutes on foot from the station. Verdict: Great for sharing oversized slices in different styles.
Lotus Leaf Rice and Noodles Damil Geomdan Branch is a Korean restaurant in Geomdan, Incheon, serving lotus-leaf rice, tofu dishes, noodles, and more. We tried the ₩43,000 Special B, from pine-nut porridge to hot pot, LA galbi, and lotus-leaf rice. Verdict: a generous but gently seasoned choice for a family meal.
Jaecheoldameun Mapo Bada is a sashimi restaurant in Daheung-dong, Mapo, Seoul. The 151,000 won Signature Set included assorted raw fish, seafood, gizzard shad, 20 grilled live shrimp, and chilled boiled pork. Jaecheoldameun Mapo Bada is a memorable choice for a full seafood spread with hot shrimp.
Daejong Kalguksu is a noodle restaurant near WesternDom in Goyang, Gyeonggi. I had beef-bone kalguksu and spicy mixed kalguksu with extra noodles, plus the crispy chive pancake I order every time. Verdict: all three were just as satisfying on my third visit.
Nagwon-ui Soba Bossam Kalguksu Chungmuro Station Main Branch is a Korean restaurant in Jung-gu, Seoul, serving bossam, soba, and pork cutlets. I ordered a small bossam platter and seasoned pollock soba with crunchy radish and dressed pollock. Verdict: a roomy pick for family meals or group gatherings.
Incheon Beer Tiger is a craft beer bar in Jemulpo, Incheon, serving house beer and pizza near Open Port Street. On a Friday visit, we tried Gaehang-ro Lager, Banana White, and pizza while enjoying the powerful, clean sound system. Verdict: a lively spot worth revisiting for the weekend live lineup.
Rustic Smokehouse is a Southern-style barbecue restaurant in Bojeong-dong, Yongin, Gyeonggi. I had tacos and seafood pasta there for brunch with a friend, and loved the smoky meat and clean, deeply flavored seafood broth. Verdict: a spacious, comfortable choice for brunch or a get-together.
Jwasuyeong Baguette Burger is a café near Yi Sun-sin Square in Yeosu, Gwangju, serving baguette burgers and sea-breeze mugwort desserts. On an impromptu Yeosu trip, I tried the burger, Geomundo sea-breeze mugwort ice cream, and thick macarons; the burger stayed on my mind the longest. Verdict: a great light stop after Yi Sun-sin Square and Jinnamgwan.
Gyugyu Donkatsu is a tonkatsu and ramen restaurant on Junae-ro in Yeoju, Gyeonggi. I had the chashu ramen set with ebi katsu and an extra egg on my own, and the rich broth and tender tonkatsu were especially good. Verdict: a place I’d happily revisit for ramen and tonkatsu in Yeoju.
Yeongpo is a pet-friendly bar in Bucheon, Gyeonggi, with outdoor patio tables. We stopped by for a second round with my lab members and had ragu cream tteokbokki for 20,000 won and seafood ramyeon. Verdict: a great second-stop bar when you want patio drinks and creamy food.
That Man's Italian Restaurant & Lounge is a steak and pasta restaurant near Jungang Station in Ansan, Gyeonggi. We ordered lamb rib steak and squid ink risotto, and the risotto’s nutty flavor and tender squid stood out. A lovely pick for an anniversary dinner or family gathering.
Pizza Never Sleeps Songridan-gil Branch is a pizza restaurant near Songpanaru Station in Songpa, Seoul. We shared a half-and-half pizza with Pepperoni and Chicken Never Sleeps over a lunch date, and the two sides were distinctly different. Verdict: a convenient choice for sharing two pizza styles in one pie.
