Best Restaurants In Itaewon Korea

Experience the Best of Korean cuisine in Itaewon

Itaewon is a neighborhood located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. It is known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, and, most importantly, its diverse food scene. From Korean traditional cuisine to international flavors, Itaewon has become a hub for food enthusiasts. In this article, we will guide you through the best restaurants in Itaewon.

🍖 Hanilkwan

Hanilkwan is a traditional Korean restaurant that has been in existence for over 80 years. It is famous for its Pyeongyang naengmyeon, a cold buckwheat noodle dish that is a must-try. The restaurant also serves Korean-style barbecue and other traditional Korean dishes.

Hanilkwan FAQ

Q: What is the best dish at Hanilkwan?

A: The Pyeongyang naengmyeon, Korean-style cold buckwheat noodles, is a popular and delicious choice.

Q: Is it necessary to book a table at Hanilkwan?

A: Yes, it is advisable to make a reservation beforehand as the restaurant can be quite crowded.

🌮 Vatos Urban Tacos

Vatos Urban Tacos is a popular restaurant that combines Mexican and Korean cuisines. The restaurant’s menu includes Korean-inspired tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Vatos also offers an extensive cocktail and craft beer selection, making it an ideal spot for a night out in Itaewon.

Vatos Urban Tacos FAQ

Q: What is the restaurant’s specialty dish?

A: The Kimchi Carnitas Fries, a crispy French fries dish topped with spicy Korean-style pork, kimchi, and cheese.

Q: Does Vatos Urban Tacos offer vegetarian or vegan options?

A: Yes, Vatos has a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes on its menu.

🍝 La Tavola

La Tavola is an Italian restaurant tucked away in the back alleys of Itaewon. The restaurant’s menu features classic Italian dishes made from fresh ingredients. The cozy atmosphere and good wine selection make it a great choice for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.

La Tavola FAQ

Q: What is the restaurant’s signature dish?

A: The Tagliolini all’aragosta, homemade spaghetti with fresh lobster, cherry tomatoes, and chili pepper.

Q: Is there a dress code at La Tavola?

A: The restaurant does not have a strict dress code, but smart casual attire is recommended.

🍱 Ichiran Ramen

Ichiran Ramen is a Japanese restaurant that specializes in tonkotsu ramen. The restaurant’s unique feature is its seating arrangement, where each customer sits in a private booth to enjoy their meal in peace. Ichiran Ramen’s broth is made from pork bones simmered for hours, resulting in a rich and flavorful broth.

Ichiran Ramen FAQ

Q: What is the restaurant’s most popular dish?

A: The Tonkotsu Ramen, a bowl of thin noodles in a creamy pork broth, is Ichiran Ramen’s best-selling dish.

Q: Is it possible to customize the ramen at Ichiran Ramen?

A: Yes, customers can customize their ramen by choosing the noodle texture, the broth richness, and the amount of garlic and spicy sauce.

🍲 Gwanghwamun Jip

Gwanghwamun Jip is a Korean restaurant specializing in galbi-jjim, a Korean-style braised short ribs dish. The restaurant is located in a traditional house, giving it a cozy and authentic Korean atmosphere. Gwanghwamun Jip’s galbi-jjim is cooked to perfection, with the meat falling off the bone and the sauce being sweet and savory.

Gwanghwamun Jip FAQ

Q: Is Gwanghwamun Jip a pricy restaurant?

A: The prices at Gwanghwamun Jip are reasonable considering the quality of food and the atmosphere.

Q: Does Gwanghwamun Jip offer any vegetarian or vegan options?

A: Unfortunately, as it is a meat-focused restaurant, Gwanghwamun Jip does not offer any vegetarian or vegan options.

🍛 The Bab

The Bab is a Korean restaurant that serves Korean-style rice bowls. The restaurant’s menu includes a variety of rice bowls, including bibimbap, galbi, and bulgogi. The Bab’s rice bowls are flavorful and filling, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or a casual dinner.

The Bab FAQ

Q: What is the restaurant’s most popular rice bowl?

A: The Galbi Jjim Bowl, a rice bowl topped with braised short ribs, fried egg, and assorted vegetables, is a must-try at The Bab.

Q: Does The Bab offer takeout or delivery?

A: Yes, The Bab offers both takeout and delivery services.

🍜 Jin Ok Hwa Myeon Baek

Jin Ok Hwa Myeon Baek is a Korean restaurant that specializes in hwe naengmyeon, a cold noodle dish with raw fish. The restaurant’s naengmyeon noodles are made from buckwheat flour and have a chewy texture. Jin Ok Hwa Myeon Baek’s hwe naengmyeon is served with slices of raw fish, making it a refreshing and healthy meal option.

Jin Ok Hwa Myeon Baek FAQ

Q: What is the best time to visit Jin Ok Hwa Myeon Baek?

A: It is best to visit during the summer months, as the hwe naengmyeon is a perfect meal for hot weather.

Q: Is the raw fish safe to eat at Jin Ok Hwa Myeon Baek?

A: Yes, the restaurant uses fresh and high-quality raw fish, ensuring its safety for consumption.

🍣 Manpuku Sushi

Manpuku Sushi is a Japanese restaurant that serves sushi and sashimi. The restaurant’s sushi is made from fresh ingredients, including locally sourced fish. Manpuku Sushi’s sushi rolls are beautifully presented, making it an excellent spot for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.

Manpuku Sushi FAQ

Q: What is the restaurant’s most popular sushi roll?

A: The Salmon Aburi Roll, a sushi roll with seared salmon, avocado, and cucumber, is a customer favorite at Manpuku Sushi.

Q: Does Manpuku Sushi offer any vegetarian or vegan options?

A: Yes, Manpuku Sushi has a good selection of vegetarian and vegan sushi rolls on its menu.

🍔 Craftworks Taphouse

Craftworks Taphouse is a gastropub that offers a wide range of craft beers and pub food. The restaurant’s menu includes burgers, pizzas, and wings, making it an excellent spot for a casual night out with friends.

Craftworks Taphouse FAQ

Q: What is the restaurant’s best beer selection?

A: The restaurant has an extensive beer selection, but the locally brewed IPAs are a customer favorite.

Q: Does Craftworks Taphouse have outdoor seating?

A: Yes, the restaurant has a spacious outdoor seating area, making it an excellent spot for a summer evening.

🍜 Ojang-dong Heungnamjip

Ojang-dong Heungnamjip is a Korean restaurant that specializes in cold noodle dishes. The restaurant’s naengmyeon noodles are served with a hot and spicy beef broth, making it a unique and flavorful meal option. Ojang-dong Heungnamjip’s cold noodle dishes are perfect for hot summer days.

Ojang-dong Heungnamjip FAQ

Q: What is the best time to visit Ojang-dong Heungnamjip?

A: It is best to visit during the summer months as the cold noodle dishes are perfect for hot weather.

Q: Is the restaurant crowded?

A: Yes, the restaurant can be quite crowded, so it is advisable to make a reservation beforehand.

🍲 Jungsik

Jungsik is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a modern take