3.1 Restaurant guide
Korean RestaurantLuan
A three-story private home converted into a restaurant, Luan serves up modern Chinese cuisine such as cold braised chicken and sweet and sour pork loin.
Price range: 20,000 won and up
Location: on the Blue House compound
Telephone: (02) 736-7726-7
Au Restaurant de Marie
The establishment, also known as De Marie, offers a memorable atmosphere, including a man-made lotus pond, Ming-style furniture and outdoor tents.
Serves affordable Szechuan and Gwangzhou-style dishes.
Price range: 5,000 won and up
Location: Apgujeong-dong
Telephone: (02) 512-0830
Penang
Elegant Chinese dining in the Hongik University area.
Popular dishes include hot seafood and sizzling fried rice with shrimp and crabmeat.
Price range: 15,000 won and up
Location: Seogyo-dong
Telephone: (02) 325-3114
Cheong
This is a modern-style Chinese restaurant that offers elegant course meals in a cozy atmosphere in the chic neighborhood near the Blue House.
Price range: 20,000 won and up
Location: Samcheong-dong
Telephone: (02) 720-3395
Baekwon
A spacious, modern establishment, Baekwon serves an eclectic collection of Cantonese and Szechuan-style dishes.
Price range: Sets range from 69,000 to 95,000 won
Location: Inside Seoul City Club near Yeouido Park
Telephone: (02) 785-9635
Mao
Mao is a clean, bright restaurant that specializes in Chinese hot pot, huoguo and peking duck.
Price range: 12,000 won and up
Location: Apgujeong-dong
Telephone: (02) 514-8803
Italian Restaurant
Chakraa
Created by an Indian family based in Seoul, the restaurant serves authentic and well-priced Indian dishes that can satisfy Indian expatriates.
Price range: 10,000 won and up
Location: Itaewon
Telephone: 1588-7270
Taj
The owner of this Myeongdong favorite turned it into a Chinese establishment for a while, but recently corrected that mistake. Light, moderately oily and judiciously spiced northern Indian food is served.
Price range: Entrees upwards of 15,000 won
Location: Myeongdong
Telephone: (02) 776-0677
Ganga
This was the first restaurant to really introduce authentic Indian cuisine to Korea. Curries, savory samosas, tandoori chicken and more are served in a clean, elegant atmosphere.
Price range: 30,000 won and up
Location: Sinsa-dong and others
Telephone: (02) 3444-3610 (Sinsa-dong), (02) 543-3611 (Cheongdam-dong), (02) 3783-0610 (Seoul Finance Center in Gwanghwamun)
Moghul
This Itaewon establishment, in the alley behind the Hamilton Hotel, specializes in Pakistani cuisine, which is similar to North Indian food. Curries, nan and lamb dishes are all good.
Price range: 30,000 won and up
Location: Itaewon
Telephone: (02) 796-5501
Ashoka
Another Itaewon Indian restaurant, with authentic specialties prepared by Indian chefs.
Price range: 30,000 won and up
Location: Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon
Telephone: (02) 792-0117
India Gate
The restaurant serves northern Indian dishes of chicken, beef, lamb or vegetables with spicy seasoning. There is a modest wine and lager list.
Price range: 6,000 won and up
Location: Apgujeong-dong
Telephone: (02) 511-1138
Thai Restaurant
Pho Hoa
This popular international franchise has been successful in Korea over the years. The noodle dishes (pho), dumplings, spring rolls and other seasonal dishes are affordable and tasty.
Price range: 6,000-13,000 won
Locations: Daehangno and others
Telephone: (02) 766-6444 (Daehangno), (02) 6362-0011 (Myeongdong),
(02) 518-6778 (Cheongdam-dong), (02) 365-8168 (Sinchon), (02) 336-5068 (Sangsu-dong)
Pho 75
A casual, clean yuppie spot in the heart of Apgujeong-dong that serves delicious pho and spring rolls.
Price range: About 7,000 won and up
Location: Near Starbucks opposite Hanyang Apartments
Telephone: (02) 3446-4075
Hoabinh
One of a handful of Vietnamese restaurants downtown; specializes in pho, fried rice and dumplings.
Price range: About 5,000 won
Locations: Downtown and others
Telephone: (02) 757-0025 (City Hall), (02) 313-0058 (Sinchon)
Little Saigon
A variety of popular Vietnamese dishes can be tried in this small, stylish place at the heart of trendy Apgujeong-dong.
Price range: About 10,000 won
Location: Apgujeong-dong
Telephone: (02) 547-9050
Misses Mai
Simple and easy Southeast Asian fare; pho, spring rolls, grilled meat and tofu salad are delicious.
Price range: About 10,000 won and up
Location: Inside Seoul Finance Center
Telephone: (02) 778-7718
Hoasen
A clean, bright and casual restaurant specializing in popular Vietnamese dishes, pho, spring rolls, grilled pork and rice paper crepe dishes featuring assorted vegetables and meat.
Price range: About 8,000 won and up
Locations: Apgujeong-dong
Telephone: (02) 511-1491
Pan-asian Restaurant
Ceia
This is a casual, spacious restaurant specializing in Brazilian barbecue, or churrasco, over Spanish wine.
Price range: 23,000 won per person
Location: Sinsa-dong
Telephone: (02) 547-6633
Casa Maya
One of the few places in Seoul that serve authentic Mexican cuisine. Specialties include tacos, enchiladas, fresh burritos and chicken mole. The bar stocks a wide range of tequilas and Mexican beers. Margaritas are a great starter.
Price range: 5,000 won and up
Location: Next to Hongdae Park
Telephone: (02) 326-3250
La Salsa Loca
Mexican fare in the business district in Yeouido. Presentation is casual (plastic cups and plates), but you’ll find some authentic flavors.
Price range: 14,000 won and up
Location: Yeouido
Telephone: (02) 780-8133
El Paso
This restaurant serves Tex-Mex and is considered to have some of the best Mexican dishes north of the Han river (not that there’s a tremendous amount of competition).
Price range: 12,000 won and up
Location: Daehangno
Telephone: (02) 3675-0111
Pancho’s
Popular Mexican dishes, Americanized and Koreanized (the meat is bulgogi-style). Diners at Pancho’s can play pool while drinking margaritas and looking out over Itaewon’s main drag.
Price range: 15,000 won and up
Location: Itaewon
Telephone: (02) 792-4767
Cusco
Seoul’s only Peruvian restaurant is modest in its appearance and price, catering to South American expats, who miss the taste of pisco sour cocktails and papa relenas, seco de cordero and aji de gallina.
Price range: 15,000 won and up
Location: Hapjeong-dong
Telephone: (02) 334-6836
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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