The Best Restaurants in Busan, Korea

Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea, is an absolute paradise for foodies. The coastal city is famous for its fresh seafood and traditional Korean dishes. Whether you’re looking for a fancy fine dining experience or a casual street food feast, Busan has it all. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best restaurants in Busan that will satisfy your cravings and leave you with unforgettable flavors.

🍤Fine Dining Restaurants

Busan has a plethora of fine dining restaurants that offer a culinary experience like no other. From Michelin-starred restaurants to rooftop establishments with stunning views, these restaurants are the perfect place for a special occasion or a luxurious night out.

1. The Table by Teum

The Table by Teum is located on the 12th floor of the Lotte Department Store and offers a sophisticated dining experience. The restaurant specializes in contemporary Korean cuisine with a focus on seasonal produce. The menu changes every three months to showcase the best ingredients of the season. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, curated by a sommelier.

2. O’Kim’s

O’Kim’s is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves traditional Korean cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant is located in a traditional Korean house, which adds to the unique dining experience. The menu is based on the chef’s interpretation of Korean flavors and ingredients and changes every season. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of Korean liquors.

3. Veritable Quandary

Veritable Quandary is a French restaurant located on the 50th floor of the Haeundae Grand Hotel. The restaurant offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the ocean. The menu features classic French dishes with a Korean twist, created by the Michelin-starred chef, Nicolas Joanny. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and a private wine cellar.

🍜Traditional Korean Restaurants

For those who want to experience the authentic flavors of Korea, Busan has numerous traditional Korean restaurants. These restaurants serve classic Korean dishes, such as kimchi, bulgogi, and bibimbap, that are made using traditional methods and recipes.

4. Bokgukjib

Bokgukjib is a small restaurant located in the Seomyeon district that serves traditional Korean soups. The restaurant’s signature dish is the seolleongtang, a savory broth made with beef bones and brisket. The dish is served with rice and various toppings, such as scallions and radish.

5. Haeundae Jalgachi Market

Haeundae Jalgachi Market is a traditional Korean market that sells fresh seafood and street food. The market is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike and is known for its lively atmosphere. Visitors can choose from various seafood dishes, such as raw fish, grilled octopus, and seafood stew.

6. Jeonpo Cafe Street

Jeonpo Cafe Street is a trendy street in the Jeonpo district that is lined with cafes and restaurants. The street has a vibrant atmosphere and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can enjoy traditional Korean dishes, such as kimchi jjigae and bibimbap, as well as international cuisine, such as pizza and pasta.

🍲Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants

For those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, Busan has several restaurants that cater to their dietary requirements. These restaurants serve delicious plant-based dishes that are made using fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

7. Loving Hut

Loving Hut is a vegan restaurant located in the Haeundae district that serves Asian-inspired dishes. The restaurant uses organic and non-GMO ingredients and offers a variety of dishes, such as vegan sushi, vegan burgers, and vegan bibimbap.

8. Beastro

Beastro is a vegetarian restaurant located in the Gwangalli district that serves comfort food with a healthy twist. The restaurant uses fresh and seasonal ingredients and offers a variety of dishes, such as vegetarian burgers, vegetarian lasagna, and vegetarian bibimbap.

9. Hug

Hug is a vegan restaurant located in the Seomyeon district that serves Korean-inspired dishes. The restaurant uses organic and locally sourced ingredients and offers a variety of dishes, such as vegan kimchi fried rice, vegan japchae, and vegan soybean stew.

🍦Dessert Restaurants

Busan has numerous dessert restaurants that offer sweet treats for those with a sweet tooth. From classic Korean desserts to modern ice cream parlors, these restaurants will satisfy your cravings for something sweet.

10. Sulbing

Sulbing is a chain of dessert cafes that specializes in bingsu, a Korean shaved ice dessert. The cafe offers a wide variety of bingsu flavors, such as mango, strawberry, and matcha. The cafe also serves other desserts, such as waffles and crepes.

11. Bistopping

Bistopping is a dessert cafe located in the Gwangalli district that specializes in soft serve ice cream. The cafe offers a wide variety of flavors, such as sea salt, green tea, and raspberry. The cafe also serves other desserts, such as macarons and cakes.

12. Cafe 74

Cafe 74 is a dessert cafe located in the Haeundae district that serves homemade cakes and tarts. The cafe offers a wide variety of flavors, such as carrot cake, chocolate cake, and lemon tart. The cafe also serves coffee and tea.

🍻Bars and Pubs

Busan has a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars and pubs that offer a variety of drinks and food. From trendy rooftop bars to traditional Korean drinking establishments, these bars and pubs are the perfect place to unwind after a long day.

13. Galmegi Brewery

Galmegi Brewery is a craft brewery located in the Gwangan neighborhood that offers a variety of craft beers. The brewery also has a restaurant that serves pub food, such as burgers and wings. The brewery has a laid-back atmosphere and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

14. Thursday Party

Thursday Party is a chain of bars that are located throughout Busan. The bars have a lively atmosphere and offer a variety of drinks and food. The menu features international dishes, such as tacos and quesadillas, as well as Korean bar snacks, such as fried chicken and tteokbokki.

15. Haeundae Fish Market

Haeundae Fish Market is a traditional Korean market that sells fresh seafood. The market also has numerous bars and pubs that serve traditional Korean alcohol, such as soju and makgeolli. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and drinks while experiencing the lively atmosphere of the market.

🤔FAQs

1. What is the best restaurant in Busan?

The best restaurant in Busan depends on your personal taste and preferences. However, some of the top restaurants in Busan include The Table by Teum, O’Kim’s, and Veritable Quandary.

2. What is traditional Korean food?

Traditional Korean food consists of rice, soup, and numerous side dishes. Some of the most popular dishes include kimchi, bulgogi, and bibimbap.

3. What is bingsu?

Bingsu is a Korean shaved ice dessert that is traditionally served with sweet toppings, such as fruit, red beans, and condensed milk.

4. What is makgeolli?

Makgeolli is a traditional Korean alcohol that is made from rice or wheat. It has a sweet and tangy flavor and is typically served in a bowl.

5. What is the dress code for fine dining restaurants in Busan?

The dress code for fine dining restaurants in Busan is typically smart casual. Men are usually required to wear a jacket and tie, while women are expected to wear a dress or pantsuit.

6. What is the best time to visit Busan?

The best time to visit Busan is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, Busan is a year-round destination and has something to offer during every season.

7. What is the seafood like in Busan?

The seafood in Busan is fresh and delicious. The city is located on the coast, which allows for easy access to a variety of seafood. Some of the most popular seafood dishes in Busan include raw fish, grilled octopus, and seafood stew.

👍Conclusion

Busan is a food lover’s paradise with a variety of restaurants that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or street food, Busan has something to offer. From traditional Korean dishes to