Local places · 6237 stories
Restaurants in Korea, told firsthand by local bloggers — with photos and Google Maps.
Snug Roastery is a charcoal-grilled pork restaurant near Cheolsan Station in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi. Two people ordered premium pork neck, pork skirt meat with whole green onion, steamed egg, and pork kimchi stew on a Sunday evening. Verdict: the green onion pork and deeply fermented kimchi stew made for a very satisfying dinner.
Romaok Riverside is an Italian restaurant in Mium Naru, Namyangju, Gyeonggi, with views of the Han River. On my second visit with my mom, we had the 27,000 won Napoli Mare Pomodoro pasta and 26,000 won Gorgonzola pizza, then rested by the river with my child. Verdict: a satisfying stop for a Namyangju drive, meal, and river view.
Gang Galbitang Seomyeon is a galbitang restaurant in Busanjin, Busan. At this packed weekday-dinner spot, I had tender meat from three rib bones with Jeju medium-thin noodles added to clear and spicy galbitang. A great hearty meal when you want both noodles and rice.
Dana Dongseong-ro Main Branch is an Italian restaurant in Jung-gu, Daegu, five minutes on foot from Banwoldang Station. I have visited with my own money since 2023, and the 35,000 won signature pizza set with baked risotto still lived up to my good memories. Verdict: a lovely pick for dates, birthdays, and group meals.
Choi Budae Jjigae is a budae-jjigae restaurant in Okjeong, Yangju, Gyeonggi. I took home 3 servings because eating out with our newly walking baby is chaos, and the two of us ate it for two meals thanks to all the ham, glass noodles, and vegetables. Verdict: a satisfying way to enjoy a spicy, hearty restaurant-style stew at home.
Ppyeodae Itneun Haejangguk Gamjatang Yulha Branch is a Korean restaurant in Yulha, Gimhae, serving haejangguk (Korean hangover soup) from 8 a.m. My family ordered two Ppyeodae Itneun Haejangguk and one sundae-ugeoji haejangguk, with plenty of meat on the bones, leafy greens, and post-meal slushies. A solid pick for breakfast or a hearty family meal.
Choryang Hyeongje Galbi is a pork rib restaurant in Dong-gu, Busan, tucked inside Choryang Galbi Alley. Staff grilled fresh ribs and marinated pork ribs tableside, alongside a crisp kimchi pancake and glossy steamed rice. A satisfying pick for a hearty meat-and-rice meal in Choryang.
Suksudaega is a traditional Korean restaurant in Anjung, Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi, set among a hanok and garden. My father, younger sibling, and I enjoyed a three-person grilled croaker set with pot rice, scorched-rice tea, and an array of Korean dishes. Verdict: a lovely choice for a family meal or a quiet gathering.
Mapo Bamdada is a seafood restaurant in Mapo, Seoul, serving raw shrimp sashimi and grilled shrimp. We ordered the raw shrimp sashimi + grilled shrimp set for ₩48,000 and filled up on fresh, non-fishy shrimp, plump grilled shrimp, and fried shrimp heads. Mapo Bamdada is a satisfying pick when you want both kinds of shrimp.
Eolkeunhan Ppyeo Haejangguk Suwon Ingye Branch is a 24-hour Korean restaurant in Ingye-dong, Suwon. Mild seonji soup was not spicy even for a spice wimp, while the regular pork bone soup became more savory and spicy as it simmered. Verdict: a clean, filling stop with free parking and ice cream after your meal.
Hanmaeum Jeongyuk Sikdang Hanam Misa Branch is a Korean BBQ restaurant in Hanam, Gyeonggi, serving pork with an abundant spread of side dishes. I tried the ₩42,500 500g half-pig platter, grilled mackerel, doenjang-jjigae, and more while checking out the huge kids’ zone and group seating. Verdict: an easy pick for family meals and gatherings.
Dangsan Odol Bangi Branch is a Korean BBQ restaurant in Songpa, Seoul, near Bangi Station. Before a movie at Lotte Tower, we had lamb ribs and steamed egg, and loved the spacious dining room, private rooms, and easy parking. Verdict: a convenient stop for a variety of meat cuts near Bangi Station.
