What to eat at Culinary Class Wars’ restaurants in Seoul

Trid Chef: Triple Star (Kang Seung-won)

EXPECT a contemporary fusion of “culturally unbound” cuisine, where chef Kang Seung-won draws on his diverse culinary experiences to create immersive tasting menus. The dishes reflect inspirations from global culinary traditions, incorporating locally sourced Korean ingredients for a vibrant and original dining experience. With a minimalistic design and sophisticated ambiance, the restaurant focuses on a refined, detail-oriented culinary experience. 

Address: 2F 16 Seolleung-ro 162-gil, Gangnamgu Seoul

Choi. Chef: Choi Hyun-Seok

At Choi. (read Choi dot), chef Choi Hyun-seok marries traditional Korean flavours with global influences, creating modern fusion dishes. Each dish is crafted to highlight the ingredients while exploring innovative culinary techniques and presenting them in fun and imaginative ways. Don’t miss his signature pasta aglio olio, from which he famously forgot to add garlic in the show, but most likely perfectly cooked in this eatery. Or the Jang Trio steak, featuring three different Korean condiments, which Choi also cooked in the show.

Address: 3F 457 Dosan-daero Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Pono Buono Chef: Hidden Genius (Kim Taesung) 

Chef Kim Taesung’s vision of an Italian-inspired restaurant that emphasises simplicity and comfort is created within a thoughtfully detailed dining space. Known for its rustic and approachable dishes, Pono Buono brings the essence of classic flavours. The restaurant provides a cosy, inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy a vibrant range of pasta dishes crafted with Kim’s personal touch.

Address: 2F 8-7 Dosan-daero 45-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

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Keebo Edamame Chef: God of Seasoning (Jacob Hyun) 

Keebo Edamame showcases chef Jacob Hyun’s unique take on Japanese-Chinese cuisine, featuring flavourful and high-quality dishes. The tiny izakaya sits in a small alley in Namyeong-dong, which is also home to a few other restaurants from the show, including Namyeong Chicken and Via Toledo. The casual setting is cosy and serves up hearty cooking, including its signature mapo tofu.  

Address: 11-40, Hangang-daero 76-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Namyeong Chicken Chef: Yeong Chicken (Jason Oh)

The Seoul-based restaurant built its name with its unique approach to chicken dishes served in a casual, inviting atmosphere. Namyeong emphasises the art of fried chicken with carefully developed recipes and seasonings that bring out bold flavours influenced by different cultures from Asian to South American. Its minimalist interior is a fuss-free backdrop for comfort cooking, and you can pick from fried or slow-roasted chicken cooked over a wood fire. With a minimalist interior, it creates an ambiance perfect for enjoying hearty fare with ice-cold beer.

SEE ALSO

Culinary Class Wars: the hit show that redefined Korean cuisine

Address: Hangang-Daero 80-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Via Toledo Chef: Napoli Matfia (Kwon Sung-joon)

This upscale Italian dining restaurant by chef Kwon Sung-joon is celebrated for his dedication to authentic Neapolitan cuisine with a modern twist. Located in Seoul, the restaurant is renowned for its meticulously crafted pizzas and wood-fired delicacies that embody the flavours of Italy using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Chef Kwon’s expertise, gained through extensive training in Italy, shines through in each dish, making Via Toledo a standout spot for those seeking genuine Italian flavours in Korea. The ambiance is refined yet welcoming, with an emphasis on creating an immersive, memorable dining experience.

Address: 7-2 Wonhyo-ro 83-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul

Deepin Chef: Cooking Maniac (Yoon Nam-no)

Deepin is a sophisticated culinary destination in Seoul helmed by chef Yoon Nam-no, specialising in Japanese-style French cuisine. Yoon expertly merges the elegance of French cooking with the delicate flavours of Japanese culinary traditions. This unique fusion reflects his extensive training in Japanese cuisine and his passion for French gastronomy. Its beautifully presented dishes highlight seasonal ingredients, and there’s a range of natural wines to choose from.

Address: 411 Toegye-ro, Jung District, Seoul

Negi Dining Lounge Chef: Jang Ho-joon

The restaurant by white spoon chef Jang Ho-joon offers a unique and elevated dining in the upscale Gangnam district. This stylish lounge specialises in modern Japanese cuisine, presenting a carefully curated menu that showcases fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant emphasises an immersive dining experience, and features sashimi platters and multi-course set menus.

Address: 4F, 18 Dosan-daero 15-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul

Andongjip Sonkalguksi & Cheerful Drinking Table Chef: Auntie Omakase #1 (Kim Mi-ryeong) 

Andongjip Sonkalguksi serves up the comforting taste of handmade noodles (sonkalguksi) in a warm and inviting setting. Located within Gyeongdong market, its rustic and homestyle flavours bring the taste of traditional Andong-style noodles with hearty broths and fresh, chewy noodles made by hand. Chef Kim Mi-ryeong also operates Cheerful Drinking Table, where she serves a different omakase menu depending on available ingredients. Both restaurants focus on simple ingredients and offer comforting dishes reminiscent of a Korean home kitchen.

Address: 3 Gosanja-ro 36-gil, Dongdaemun District, Seoul