Gangnam-gu is Seoul's upscale business and entertainment district south of the Han River. Home to K-pop entertainment companies, COEX Mall, and the Apgujeong-Rodeo shopping strip, it attracts young professionals, tourists, and K-drama fans. Restaurants here tend toward the polished and premium, with a density of international cuisine, high-end Korean dining, and trendy cafés.
EATWe came because of Instagram, but this was a little over hyped. We had a reservation, but it wasn't needed at all for lunch. It was delicious, but it wasn't amazing. I did like that there were plenty of vegetables. Service was friendly, and prices were reasonable. Don't know if I'd come back.
Cool experience! Unique way of cooking and enjoying K-BBQ. The quality of beef was great too. Not too long of a wait for a weekday dinner. Medium set plate was a good amount of food for 2 people.
We were invited to Hanmiok by a close friend who insisted it was one of the hardest restaurants to book in Seoul, and after dining there, I understand why. He mentioned that during his previous visit, he queued for an hour just to get in, so our expectations were already sky-high. The restaurant sits in a basement, and descending the stairs felt like entering a hidden culinary institution. The entrance walls were lined with photos and signatures of celebrities who had dined there, a sign that this place had earned its reputation. Once seated, we were surrounded by an elegant and warm atmosphere that immediately set the tone for the evening. The meal began with beef sashimi sushi. Our server explained the sauces to pair it with, and from the first bite, we were blown away. The flavour was rich, buttery, and perfectly balanced, the kind of bite that makes everyone at the table fall silent. Then came the main dish, prepared table-side with precision and rhythm. Ingredient after ingredient was added, each step building anticipation. The final dish was an explosion of textures and flavours, complex, unexpected, and deeply satisfying. Hanmiok isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. A place for celebration, indulgence, and the joy of food done right.
