Food has a huge role in Seoul’s social life and the city has a restaurant around every corner. There are many places to eat in Seoul however despite the fact that food is available around every corner, ‘where to eat in Seoul’ can still be a very tricky question especially if you insist on having an English menu or a meal consisting of identifiable ingredients only. However, that should not act as a deterrent to any travel plan as Seoul is also home to many Japanese restaurants serving delicacies of sashimi and sushi. One is bound to find some Chinese restaurants too but the taste will more or less be twisted to suit the Korean palate.  The same happens when you enter an Italian restaurant. Though these restaurants have still managed to retain the Italian flavors, thanks to the chefs who were trained in Italy itself, there are still touches of Korean seasoning on Italian cuisines like the use of sugar in garlic bread and meatballs. Seoul also has ample options to satiate your sweet tooth.

1. Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette, very popular in Seoul, serves some mouthwatering pastries, shaved ice creams, rice cake, smoothies, tea, coffee, and birthday cakes. The ambiance is nice and settling and it is an amazing place to hang out for a group of friends.

2. Sadongmyenok

Try a local delicacy at the Sadongmyenok known especially for mandu-guk, a soup of huge homemade dumplings with a stuffing of meat and vegetables. The availability of an English menu is a cherry on top.

3. Loving Hut Achasan

Seoul has not forgotten its vegan travelers. Loving Hut Achasan, a vegan restaurant is famous for its soy cutlet and dumplings. The restaurant has delicious mixes of vegan food, both Korean and international. Besides, it serves coffee and other non-alcoholic drinks as well.

4. The Frypan

Try the American-style fried chicken and chips with some draft beer at The Frypan. The restaurant is a huge hit among the travelers for its generous portions, hole-in-the-wall like atmosphere and authenticity of the delicacies.

5. Hanwoori

Check out the clean and classy upper-end restaurant of Hanwoori that specializes in the Korean version of Japanese delicacy of shabu-shabu. It is basically a boiling pot used for cooking vegetables and thin slices of meat only with a little Korean twist. Their menu is extensive with plenty to choose from.

6. Jeonju Jungana Hoegwan

Think healthy eating? Head to the Jeonju Jungang Hoegwan, a Korean mid-range restaurant specializing in bibimbap of the Jeonju variety. The delicacy is prepared using different ingredients and spices than used in other bibimbap dishes.

7. Pattaya

A taste of Thai in Seoul, featuring about a hundred different items, Pattaya is the most famous for its noodles, stir-fried rice, curry pots, and stew.

8. Pizza Hill

For a restaurant with a view, try the Pizza Hill, a pizzeria near the Walker Hill Hotel. The restaurant is perched on a hilltop and gives an amazing panoramic view of the city of Seoul. The place can a bit pricey but is definitely worth a visit.

You can also check out the basements of large department stores to get good food and a pretty decent deal on major food items. For instance, the food court at the Hyundai Department Store’s COEX branch is a glossy, city-center spot serving authentic Korean delicacies and keeping the foodies up-to-date with the trends in the food markets. Their ddukbokki spicy rice cake is a must try.