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Distinctive Eating places in Seoul: 12 Quirky Cafes and Eating Spots


From cafes that transport you into cartoons to eateries the place sheep are your companions, the distinctive eating places in Seoul redefine quirkiness. Dive in, and let’s discover these extraordinary eating experiences collectively!

Seoul, a metropolis in South Korea the place historical palaces stand tall amidst skyscrapers, is a culinary paradise ready to be explored. Image this: bustling streets full of tantalizing aromas, evening markets providing a symphony of flavors, and hidden gems that promise a eating expertise like no different. From the standard to the quirky, Seoul’s eating scene is a pleasant mix of the previous and the brand new.

Think about sipping tea in a centuries-old teahouse, or indulging in a meal in full darkness, heightening your senses. How about cafes the place furry pals accompany your espresso breaks? Intrigued? That’s the magic of Seoul. Each nook, each alley, holds a shock, making each meal an unforgettable journey.

From themed cafes that transport you to a different world, to eateries that serve dishes with a contemporary twist on conventional Korean delicacies, Seoul has one thing for each palate. So, seize your urge for food and are available alongside as we discover essentially the most distinctive eating spots on this vibrant metropolis. Able to embark on a gastronomic journey? Let’s dive in!

The top restaurants to visit in Seoul right now
This text on the distinctive eating places in Seoul incorporates affiliate hyperlinks the place I’ll earn a small fee without charge to you.

Distinctive Eating places in Seoul, South Korea: 12 Unforgettable Eating Experiences

Are you able to discover essentially the most enjoyable eating places in Seoul? As we’ve touched on earlier than, Seoul’s eating scene is an exciting combine that’s certain to thrill each type of meals lover. Persist with us to find the place to eat in Seoul for a unprecedented culinary journey.

Craving Korean BBQ with a contemporary spin? Or perhaps a candy deal with that’s as a lot a feast for the eyes as it’s for the style buds? Seoul’s received you coated, with a various array of eating choices to fulfill any craving. Right here’s your go-to information to essentially the most distinctive and thrilling eating places in Seoul.

1. Le Noir Seoul

Within the coronary heart of the colourful Hongdae district lies Le Noir Seoul, a restaurant that provides greater than only a meal. Right here, visitors embark on a “blind eating” journey, the place your complete meal unfolds in full darkness. This distinctive idea goals to intensify the meals’s flavors and aromas, making it among the finest locations to eat in Seoul for these searching for a sensory expertise.

The various menu ranges from salads to steaks, with dishes priced affordably within the mid-teens. For a complete expertise, many go for the three-course units, beginning at 35,000 gained. And for many who love surprises, the “Chef’s Shock” provides a daily-changing three-course meal, guaranteeing each go to is distinct.

What units Le Noir other than different coolest eating places in Seoul is its attentive service. Whereas the eating room is pitch-black, servers geared up with night-vision equipment guarantee visitors are properly taken care of. From the second you step in and lock away your electronics to the pleasant problem of figuring out dishes by style alone, each second at Le Noir guarantees to be memorable.

For these trying to prolong the enjoyable, the restaurant is hooked up to The Vault, an escape room idea. Pairing a singular eating expertise with an thrilling recreation makes for an unforgettable night. And earlier than you permit, don’t miss out on their “Spiked Espresso” – a testomony to the proprietor’s ardour for mixing espresso and alcohol.

Le Noir Seoul is one of the unique restaurants in Seoul.
Le Noir Seoul provides a sensory eating journey in full darkness, enhancing the meals’s flavors and aromas. | Supply: https://10mag.com/

2. Ddong Café

Located in Seoul’s conventional Insadong district, Ddong Café (또옹카페) provides a hilariously distinctive eating expertise that’s arduous to seek out wherever else. Embracing the artwork of turning poop right into a theme, this café has turn into a favourite amongst each locals and vacationers. From poo-shaped ice cream and waffles served in toilet-shaped bowls to espresso sipped from rest room bowl mugs, each facet of this café is designed to tickle your humorous bone.

Among the many themed eating places in Seoul, Ddong Café stands out for its whimsical decor. Poo-shaped pillows grace the chairs, and the partitions are adorned with cheerful poo-based artwork. Even the ceiling is adorned with poo-shaped smiley faces, making a lighthearted ambiance that’s good for letting unfastened and embracing the silliness.

The treats listed below are as pleasant as they’re quirky. Image this: devouring a poop-shaped dessert that’s as tasty as it’s hilarious. And should you’re trying to snap some Instagram-worthy pictures, these rest room bowl mugs are good. For individuals who wish to attempt conventional Korean pastries with a twist, the “ddong-bang” or a variation of bungeo-bbang (fish-shaped pastry) is offered in poop form, full of both pink bean paste or Nutella. One of many distinctive eating places in Seoul, Ddong Café is a vacation spot that guarantees laughter, enjoyable, and loads of memorable moments.

Ddong Café, a restaurant in Seoul, offers a uniquely hilarious dining experience with a poop-themed decor and menu.
Ddong Café provides a uniquely hilarious eating expertise with a poop-themed decor and menu.

3. 123F Lounge in Lotte World Tower

Perched excessive above the Lotte World Tower, 123F Lounge provides one of the scenic locations in Seoul to eat. The journey to the very best restaurant in South Korea, the 123F Lounge, is an expertise in itself. Beginning with a mesmerizing whale show, guests are taken by means of a sequence of themed rooms, every designed to captivate and intrigue. By the point you attain the elevator, the anticipation is palpable.

When you ascend to the Seoul Sky observatory, the breathtaking 360-degree view of the metropolis awaits. Iconic landmarks just like the N Seoul Tower and the winding Han River come into sight, portray a picturesque panorama of Seoul’s magnificence. The observatory itself spans a number of flooring, every providing distinctive sights, from the Sky Deck’s glass ground to the Sky Terrace’s outside balcony.

Lastly, on the 123rd ground, you’ll discover the 123F Lounge. This restaurant seamlessly blends spaciousness with coziness. As a part of your Seoul restaurant information, it’s value noting that whereas the menu may lean in direction of the pricier aspect by Korean requirements, the view, particularly throughout sundown, is priceless. From beef stew to tomato spaghetti, the dishes are as pleasant because the vista outdoors. And because the metropolis lights up after nightfall, the lounge turns into a beacon of heat and luxurious, making 123F one of the distinctive eating places in Seoul for dinner.

123F Lounge at Lotte World Tower in Seoul offers a breathtaking dining experience on the highest floor.
123F Lounge at Lotte World Tower in Seoul provides a panoramic eating expertise on the very best ground.

4. Bau Home

Within the bustling streets of Seoul’s conventional Insadong district, a pleasant shock awaits animal lovers. Bau Home, a famend canine café, provides a heartwarming expertise that mixes the enjoyment of interacting with furry pals and the pleasure of sipping on scrumptious drinks. It’s a kind of enjoyable locations to eat in Seoul the place the ambiance is as pleasant because the menu.

Upon coming into, visitors are greeted by a plethora of canines, every with its distinctive persona. From the playful Kkambi, an “x-file” mix-breed, to the majestic Afghan Hound, each canine is keen for some consideration. The café is spacious, divided into two sections: one for smaller canines and one other for medium to large-sized ones. This ensures that each the canines and the visitors have a cushty and gratifying time.

For these questioning in regards to the menu, every customer is required to order at the very least one drink. Whereas the drinks might sound a tad expensive, they’re scrumptious and properly value it. In spite of everything, the place else are you able to take pleasure in a Banana Yogurt Shake whereas a Brittany canine naps in your lap?

This distinctive restaurant in Seoul is a haven for canine lovers. Whether or not you’re trying to loosen up with a cup of espresso, make some furry pals, or just benefit from the vibrant ambiance, Bau Home guarantees an expertise that’s each heartwarming and memorable.

Bau House in Seoul combines furry friends and delicious beverages.
Bau Home combines furry pals and scrumptious drinks.

5. Cat’s Playground

Tucked away within the bustling procuring district of Myeongdong, Cat’s Playground provides a pleasant escape for each cat fanatics and informal guests alike. As one of many distinctive Seoul eating places, this café invitations visitors to immerse themselves in a world full of 36 charming felines, every eagerly awaiting some consideration and playtime.

Earlier than you get misplaced within the mesmerizing antics of those cute cats, there’s a small ritual to observe. Swap your outside footwear for the supplied slippers and sanitize your fingers. With the ambiance set, order the necessary admission drink and let the feline enjoyable start.

For these wanting to bond with the cats, take into account buying cat meals from the menu. Slightly tip: these playful creatures have a choice for being fed with a spoon! Such pleasant quirks make Cat’s Playground stand out as one of many distinctive locations in Seoul to eat. Working every day from 12:00 to 23:00, this café, nestled on the third ground of a Myeongdong constructing, guarantees an expertise that’s each heartwarming and memorable.

Cat's Playground invites guests to immerse themselves in a world filled with 36 charming felines.
Cat’s Playground invitations visitors to immerse themselves in a world full of 36 charming felines.

6. Backyard Poete

Amidst the city hustle of Mapo-gu, a serene oasis beckons the weary traveler. Backyard Poete is a pleasant café that provides a tranquil escape from town’s relentless tempo. As one of many hidden gem eating places in Seoul, this institution is a testomony to the harmonious mix of nature and urbanity.

Step inside, and also you’re instantly enveloped in a world of lush greenery and calming vibes. The café is split into three distinct areas: a spacious indoor eating room, a picturesque outside backyard, and a quaint cottage. Every area offers a singular ambiance, guaranteeing each go to feels recent and invigorating.

The indoor eating room, bathed in pure mild, exudes a clear and ethereal vibe. White partitions adorned with potted vegetation and classic knick knacks create a timeless attraction. In the meantime, the outside backyard is a verdant paradise, with birch timber, blooming shrubs, and winding vines providing a refreshing retreat from city life. And for these searching for a extra intimate setting, the backyard’s Summer time Home offers a comfy nook good for bigger teams.

Their menu boasts a spread of delectable treats, from indulgent brunch plates to a curated collection of wines. Whether or not you’re within the temper for a hearty burger, a refreshing salad, or a glass of wonderful wine, there’s one thing to tantalize each palate. For these exploring distinctive eating places in Seoul, Backyard Poete stands out as a must-visit vacation spot.

Garden Poete offers a tranquil escape from the city's relentless pace with a harmonious blend of nature and urbanity.
Backyard Poete provides a tranquil escape from town’s relentless tempo with a harmonious mix of nature and urbanity. | Supply: https://ployslittleatlas.com/

7. Thanks Nature Cafe

Thanks Nature Café provides a pleasant twist to the same old café expertise. Nestled near the Hongik College’s campus within the stylish neighborhood of Hongdae, this cafe is among the many coolest locations to eat in Seoul, this café helps you to take pleasure in scrumptious treats within the firm of two fluffy sheep named Honey and Sugar. These cute creatures like to work together with visitors, making each go to a heartwarming expertise.

The café’s ambiance is a mix of city stylish and rustic attraction. Inside, you’ll discover partitions adorned with playful sheep, airplane, and cow work, whereas sheep toys pepper the area, including to the whimsical vibe. The menu is as pleasant because the setting, providing a spread of refreshing drinks, espresso, and lightweight snacks. From Banana to Strawberry waffles and the Conventional Ice Flake Bingsu, each dish guarantees a burst of taste. And should you’re fortunate, you may even get a scoop of Haagen Dazs ice cream along with your dessert.

For these on the hunt for one of the best eating places in Seoul, Thanks Nature Café is a must-visit. The café operates from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm every day. In case you’re planning a go to throughout summer season, keep in mind that the sheep is likely to be on the farm because of the humid climate situations.

Thanks Nature Café offers delicious treats in the company of two fluffy sheep named Honey and Sugar.
Thanks Nature Café provides scrumptious treats within the firm of two fluffy sheep named Honey and Sugar.

8. Shin Outdated Tea Home

Away from the bustling streets of Insadong, a serene haven awaits these looking for a conventional Korean expertise. Shin Outdated Tea Home is a captivating institution that transports you again in time, providing a glimpse into Korea’s wealthy cultural heritage. Among the many distinctive eating places in Seoul, this tea home stands out with its genuine ambiance and pleasant choices.

The doorway is discreet, with a small picket signal that reads “신옛찻집” – Shin Outdated Tea Home. As you step inside, the heat of the heated flooring and dim lighting welcomes you. The inside is adorned with colourful tapestries, ceramic teapots, and quirky sculptures, creating a comfy ambiance that’s good for leisure. Seated on silk pillows, visitors are handled to a wide range of teas, from refreshing iced variations to fragrant sizzling brews.

For these searching for enjoyable eating places in Seoul, the expertise right here is unmatched. The candy ajumma, or older girl, serves up scrumptious drinks like plum and ginger tea, accompanied by conventional Korean snacks like sticky rice muffins and puffed rice. Whereas the primary strip of Insadong buzzes with exercise, this tea home provides a tranquil escape, making you’re feeling miles away from town’s hustle.

Shin Old Tea House transports you back in time and providing a glimpse into Korea's rich cultural heritage.
Shin Outdated Tea Home transports you again in time and offering a glimpse into Korea’s wealthy cultural heritage.

9. Cheese Trade

Cheese Trade is a haven for cheese aficionados. Tucked away within the charming alleys of Ikseondong, this countryside-looking cafe stands out with its distinctive theme. It provides visitors a pleasant journey by means of the world of cheese. From shifting picket cow installations to a cheese-making show, each nook of this cafe is a testomony to the love for this dairy delight.

The cafe’s menu is a dream come true for cheese lovers. With choices just like the Cheese Trade foam espresso, Blue Cheese Honey Shake, and Cream Cheese Milk, each sip guarantees a burst of creamy goodness. And for these with a candy tooth, the Brie Cheese Cake, which seems precisely like Brie, is a must-try. Made with a mix of cream cheese and whipped cream, this cake is as fluffy as it’s scrumptious.

The perfect meals in Seoul usually comes with a narrative, and Cheese Trade isn’t any exception. The cafe’s dedication to crafting the right cheese expertise is obvious in each dish, from the Honey Brown Pastry with its caramel-like cheese to the savory choices like Bacon Mac & Cheese and Gorgonzola Honey Panini.

For these searching for a singular restaurant in Seoul, Cheese Trade is a must-visit. The mixture of a comfy ambiance, pleasant menu, and the attraction of Ikseondong makes it an ideal spot for a memorable eating expertise.

Cheese Industry offers a delightful cheese-themed journey with moving wooden cow installations and a cheese-making display.
Cheese Trade provides a pleasant cheese-themed journey with shifting picket cow installations and a cheese-making show. | Supply: https://middleclass.sg/

10. Greem Cafe

Step into Greem Café and also you’ll really feel such as you’ve walked straight right into a cartoon. This espresso store provides an expertise that’s really one-of-a-kind. Each nook of the café, from the partitions and counters to the furnishings and cutlery, resembles two-dimensional drawings. The darkish outlines and matte white surfaces create an phantasm, making all the pieces seem as if it’s been sketched onto the scene.

Impressed by the favored Korean animated Internet sequence “W,” the café captures the essence of a narrative the place a person finds himself caught between our world and a cartoon actuality. The identify “Greem” is a Korean phrase that may imply each a cartoon and a portray. This distinctive design isn’t only for present; it’s the very essence of the café. As J.S. Lee, the advertising and marketing supervisor, factors out, whereas many espresso manufacturers supply related tastes, it’s the distinctive reminiscences in memorable locations that really matter.

Among the many distinctive eating places in Seoul, Greem Café stands out not only for its espresso however for the unparalleled expertise it provides. Guests flock to the café to seize the surreal ambiance, with many taking to social media to share their adventures on this cartoon-like setting. Nevertheless, there’s a catch: pictures is barely allowed after making a purchase order. So, should you’re trying to immerse your self in a world the place actuality meets fantasy, Greem Café is the place to be.

11. Nudake

Within the vibrant Apgujeong neighborhood of Seoul, NUDAKE stands as a testomony to the artwork of dessert-making. An extension of the famend Mild Monster model, this five-story flagship retailer seamlessly blends style, artwork, and gourmand pastries. As you step inside, you’ll see desserts which might be nothing in need of artwork items, every crafted into distinctive shapes that captivate the senses.

The café’s ambiance is a mix of business stylish, with a dominant gray theme punctuated by black monitor lights. Amidst this contemporary setting, a vibrant fruit basket centerpiece attracts the attention, showcasing the café’s signature merchandise, the Picnic. This revolutionary creation, formed like a basket, is from multigrain bread and full of almond cream and seasonal fruits. It’s a pleasant illustration of what Seoul’s finest eating places have to supply.

However the Picnic is only the start. The dessert lineup at NUDAKE is a visible spectacle, with creations formed like cauliflowers, canines, and even intricate artwork sculptures. The Peak, as an illustration, stands out with its black layered croissant tart form, full of a hanging inexperienced matcha milk unfold. After which there’s the FOG, a dessert that transitions from black to white, paying homage to a misty panorama.

NUDAKE seamlessly combines fashion, art, and gourmet pastries.
NUDAKE seamlessly combines style, artwork, and gourmand pastries.

12. Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe

Think about sipping your favourite drink in an area that seems like a dreamy, cotton candy-hued paradise. That’s the expertise Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe in Seoul guarantees. Positioned within the stylish Hongdae space, this institution is a visible deal with, making it one of many distinctive eating places in Seoul. With its pastel interiors and playful design, each nook of the café is Instagram-worthy.

The café is a part of Stylenanda, a preferred Korean fast-fashion and sweetness model identified for its stylish and stylish choices. Spanning three flooring of style finds, the café sits proudly on the fourth ground. The area is split right into a lounge-type room and a pool space. And whereas the pool is shallow and just for present (no dipping your toes!), it offers an ideal backdrop for these memorable pictures.

True to its identify, the Pink Pool Cafe is all in regards to the aesthetics. From the blush decor to the pink and blue tiles, each element is meticulously curated. And should you’re searching for a tip: visiting on a weekday proper once they open at 11am is one of the best ways to benefit from the area with out the same old crowd, particularly because it’s close to a college and tends to get busy. For these on a quest to find Seoul’s finest eating places, the Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe is a pleasant pit cease.

Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe offers a dreamy, pastel-hued paradise for a unique and visually captivating dining experience.
Stylenanda Pink Pool Cafe provides a dreamy, pastel-hued paradise for a singular and visually fascinating eating expertise.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions In regards to the Distinctive Locations to Eat in Seoul

Searching for essentially the most distinctive eating places in Seoul may spark some questions, so let’s deal with them!

What do you have to eat in Seoul?

Seoul provides a culinary journey that’s each conventional and fashionable. From scorching barbecued meats to comforting bowls of bibimbap, town’s meals scene is numerous and flavorful. Among the many must-try dishes are kimchi, bulgogi, and tteokbokki. And should you’re trying to elevate your eating expertise, exploring distinctive eating places in Seoul like those talked about on this article can supply a pleasant twist to the same old fare.

What’s the oldest restaurant in Korea?

Imun Seolnongtang in Seoul holds the title of being the oldest restaurant in Korea. Established in 1904, this eatery is legendary for its seolnongtang, a milky beef bone soup that’s each hearty and scrumptious. Over time, it has maintained its conventional flavors, making it a beloved spot for each locals and vacationers.

What’s the well-known road meals in South Korea?

South Korea, particularly Seoul, is a haven for road meals fanatics. A few of the hottest objects embody odeng (fish cake skewers), hotteok (candy pancakes), and kimbap (seaweed rice rolls). However the star of the present is undoubtedly tteokbokki, spicy rice muffins simmered in a fiery sauce, usually present in bustling road markets.

What makes Korean meals distinctive?

Korean delicacies stands out for its daring flavors, numerous elements, and wealthy historical past. It’s a harmonious mix of candy, bitter, spicy, and savory components. Fermentation is a key approach, giving rise to dishes like kimchi. The communal eating tradition, the place dishes are shared amongst diners, provides to the distinctiveness of the Korean eating expertise.

Kimchi, a popular Korean dish, represents traditional fermented food with vegetables and spices.
Kimchi, a preferred Korean dish, represents conventional fermented meals with greens and spices.

What’s Korea’s nationwide dish?

Korea’s nationwide dish is kimchi, a fermented vegetable preparation, normally made with napa cabbage and Korean radishes. It’s seasoned with a mixture of chili powder, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce, amongst different elements. Kimchi isn’t just a dish; it’s an emblem of Korean tradition in nearly each meal.

Are there vegetarian choices in Seoul’s eating places?

Completely! Whereas Korean delicacies is legendary for its meat dishes, many eating places in Seoul supply vegetarian and even vegan choices. Conventional dishes like bibimbap will be made with out meat, and there are additionally institutions devoted solely to vegetarian fare. Exploring a singular restaurant in Seoul can usually result in discovering pleasant plant-based delights.

How do I discover one of the best locations to dine in Seoul?

Seoul is a metropolis brimming with culinary gems. From bustling road markets to upscale eating institutions, there’s one thing for each palate. To search out one of the best spots, it’s a good suggestion to perform a little research, learn opinions, and even ask locals for suggestions. And naturally, exploring distinctive eating places in Seoul, as highlighted on this article, can supply unforgettable eating experiences.

Is Korean meals spicy?

Korean meals is understood for its daring flavors, and sure, many dishes have a spicy kick. Substances like gochugaru (pink chili flakes) and gochujang (pink chili paste) are staples in Korean cooking. Nevertheless, not all Korean dishes are spicy, and plenty of eating places supply milder variations of standard dishes to cater to totally different style preferences.

Last Ideas on Distinctive Seoul Eating places

Seoul is a metropolis that by no means ceases to amaze. From its wealthy historical past and vibrant tradition to its bustling streets and serene parks, there’s at all times one thing new to find. And on the subject of eating, town really shines. The distinctive eating places in Seoul supply a mix of conventional flavors and fashionable twists, making each meal an journey.

Whether or not you’re a foodie trying to discover new culinary horizons or a traveler searching for unforgettable experiences, Seoul’s eating scene has one thing for everybody. So, the subsequent time you fly to South Korea and end up on this dynamic metropolis, be sure that to embark on a gastronomic journey that guarantees reminiscences to final a lifetime.

The top restaurants in Seoul for all types of travelers
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