10 Best Restaurants in Myeongdong | Where to Eat in 2026

Last updated: May 13, 2026

In 2026, Myeongdong feels lively again, with more shops reopening and new restaurants moving in. At the same time, prices have gone up, so it is easier than ever to end up at a place that looks good on social media but feels overpriced once you actually eat there. For this guide, our editorial team drew on years of experience covering Myeongdong to select 10 food spots that are genuinely worth your time, even if this is your second or third visit.

As of May 2026, we selected 10 restaurants and food spots in Myeongdong that are especially easy for travelers to use. Our criteria were: how easy they are to visit solo, breakfast and late-night options, English language support, accessibility, and a good balance of price and satisfaction.

To make this list useful for travelers, we focused on places our team has visited directly or reviewed through Creatrip’s on-site content and customer feedback. We prioritized accessibility, solo-dining friendliness, breakfast and late-night availability, English support, and overall value.

Bottom line (Myeongdong eats in 30 seconds)

The 10 truly recommended food spots in Myeongdong are the following.

• Best for solo dining → Isaac Toast, Chick Gimbap, Lee Nam Jang
• Best light breakfast → Isaac Toast
• Best hearty breakfast → Seowon
• Best value for money → Ungteori Saenggogi (all-you-can-eat ₩17,900)
• Best for a splurge or special occasion → Ilpyeon Sirloin, Namsan Sirloin
• Best late-night option → BBQ Chicken (until 01:30)

Below, we’ll share detailed info on each place, plus our impressions from actually visiting.

What kind of area is Myeongdong, and how do you get there?

Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s best-known shopping and dining districts. It’s a classic must-visit area for travelers, packed with cosmetics shops, fashion, and great food. Many places on the main street are priced for tourists, but you can still find hidden gems that locals love in the back alleys and on basement level 1.

Getting there

• Take Subway Line 4 to Myeongdong Station (명동역); the main shopping area is right outside the station.
• About a 5-minute walk from Euljiro 1-ga Station (을지로입구역) on Subway Line 2
• From Incheon Airport, take the AREX to Seoul Station, then transfer to Subway Line 4 to Myeongdong Station (about 80 minutes)

How can you compare Myeongdong restaurants so you do not end up disappointed?

When choosing a place to eat in Myeongdong, you are less likely to go wrong if you check your budget, how easy it is to dine solo, and whether English is available in advance. Use the comparison table below to find a spot that fits what you are looking for.

※ ◎ = Highly recommended, ○ = Available, △ = Conditional, × = Not recommended

Prices and operating hours were checked in May 2026 through on-site visits, store information, and booking/spot pages. Because business hours and menu prices can change, we recommend confirming again before visiting.

Where can you find truly great food in Myeongdong?

In Myeongdong, it’s hard to go wrong with Isaac Toast or Seowon for breakfast, Chick Gimbap or Lee Nam Jang for a solo meal, and Ilpyeon Sirloin or Namsan Sirloin for Korean BBQ on a special day.

The idea that “Myeongdong is just overpriced because it is a tourist area” feels outdated now. In 2026, the neighborhood still has expensive options, but it also has plenty of worthwhile choices, from good-value casual spots to well-known restaurants that are worth booking in advance.

*Prices in this article are as of May 2026. Also, business hours may change, so please check before visiting.

1. Isaac Toast

Right by Myeongdong Station, a toast specialty shop that opens at 7 a.m., perfect for grabbing breakfast to go. From ₩5,500

Hours: 07:00–20:00
Getting there: Exit 8 of Myeongdong Station

From Exit 8 of Myeongdong Station, walk straight down the alley between Olive Young and TOUS les JOURS for about three minutes. It’s fairly easy to find. The shop is a takeout-only street-stall style spot, you order at the counter and pick it up right away. There are a few chairs set out in front, so you can also eat there. I went in the early afternoon on a weekday, and there always seemed to be a line of about 2 to 3 people.

The menu is written in English too, and you can order just by telling them the number, so it’s easy to order. The staff could also handle basic English, so it felt easy to order even without knowing Korean.

I ordered the Bacon Potato Pizza Toast (5,500 won). It comes with a hash brown and two kinds of cheese, and it pairs really well with the slightly sweet house sauce. If it’s your first time, this is a classic choice you can’t go wrong with. I also got an Americano (2,900 won), and coffee goes great with this rich toast.

One thing to note, since you eat the toast by biting right into it, if you need it, you might want to grab one of the disposable cutting knives placed in front of the register. The portion isn’t huge, so it’s easy to eat quickly between sightseeing stops, and the value for money is hard to beat.

If you prefer a light breakfast, placing a pre-order through Creatrip before you leave your hotel lets you start sightseeing while snacking on it, and saves time in the morning.

Editor's TIP：There are only a limited number of chairs in front of the shop, so when it’s crowded, it’s easiest to plan on eating nearby quickly.

2. Seowon

A famous abalone porridge spot founded in 1986. Open from 7:00 a.m. on B1 level at Exit 9 of Myeongdong Station

Hours: 07:00 to 16:30 (Sundays until 14:00)
Getting there: Exit 9, Myeongdong Station

It’s on B1 of the building right next to Exit 9 of Myeongdong Station. It’s in such an easy-to-find spot you won’t even need a map. The stairs at the entrance are quite narrow, but inside it’s more spacious than you’d expect, with a calm, relaxed atmosphere. This is a famous abalone porridge spot that’s been around since 1986, and it’s been featured on TV food shows.

The side dishes come in three kinds, stir-fried shishito peppers, seasoned bean sprouts, and salted squid. The salted squid is made in-house, and it pairs perfectly with the porridge. There’s a recommended way to eat it, first enjoy the ingredients as-is, then mix in the egg, shredded seaweed, and sesame salt for a milder taste, and finally top it with the salted squid for a salty finish.

If you’re ordering, the signature dish is the Special Abalone Porridge (24,000 KRW). It uses top-grade abalone, so it’s tender and delicious even on its own. The shrimp porridge and mushroom porridge are also just right when you want something gentle on your stomach.

If you like it, they also sell the salted squid separately as a souvenir. They’ll pack it in a freezer bag, so it’s easy to take home. They open at 7 a.m., making it a great pick for an early breakfast too.

Editor's TIP:Sundays have shorter business hours, so it’s best to visit in the morning or early afternoon. Be careful so you don’t end up saying, “I went and it was closed...”!

3. Chick Gimbap

A mini gimbap specialty shop you can eat in just 10 minutes between sightseeing stops. Takeout available,

Hours: 08:00 to 21:00
Getting there: Exit 8, Myeongdong Station

A mini gimbap (Koma Gimbap) specialty shop located on B1, just a few minutes on foot from Exit 8 of Myeongdong Station. The yellow sign at the entrance makes it easy to spot. The stairs inside are a bit steep, but the cute chick-themed interior gives it a charming feel, and it seemed especially popular with international visitors. It also felt like nearby office workers use it often.

The kiosk supports English so ordering is easy, and since it takes card payments, if you are paying in cash you will need to order at the register. You will get a number ticket and wait at your table, then pick it up when your number is called.

If you are eating alone and want something light, the lunch boxes and single-item menu are convenient, and it is also great for takeout. If you are with a group and want good value, the set menus are recommended. Along with various gimbap and inari options, you also get tteokbokki, dakgangjeong, and fish cake (odeng), so it is very filling.

Once you try it, you will notice the rice seasoning is different from typical gimbap, and there are lots of unique options like pork cutlet gimbap and seared inari, which makes choosing part of the fun. The dakgangjeong has a crispy coating tossed in a sweet sauce, definitely worth ordering even on its own. Since you can also take it to go, you might even bring it back to your hotel for a relaxed late-night snack while planning the next day.

Editor’s TIP: Kiosks are card-only, so if you prefer cash, order at the counter from the start.

4. Lee Nam Jang

Seolleongtang simmered for 46 hours starts from 14,000 KRW. Free refills of rice, noodles, and side dishes

Hours: 08:30–22:00
Access: Exit 5 of Euljiro 1-ga Station

The restaurant is located in the Myeongdong area, about a 3-minute walk from Exit 5 of Euljiro Entrance Station. The interior is spacious across 1 to 2 floors. With everything from counter seats to tables for groups, it feels welcoming even if you are dining solo. Even at 3 p.m. on a weekday, it was bustling with office workers and tourists, which shows how popular it is. The second floor has a retro vibe, perfect for enjoying a relaxed meal.

This time we ordered the Special Seolleongtang (21,000 won) and the regular Seolleongtang (14,000 won). The soup is simmered for 46 hours, so it is clean and rich without any unpleasant odor. Even the regular seolleongtang came with plenty of meat.

The Special Seolleongtang includes three cuts, beef brisket, beef tongue, and chuck flap meat, and surprisingly, the beef tongue pairs really well with the broth. For the brisket, cutting it with scissors and dipping it in the sauce makes it even more delicious.

There is salt, green onion, and pepper on the table, so you can season it to your taste. If you start to want a change halfway through, adding a little gochujang switches up the flavor and keeps it enjoyable to the last bite. Also, if you need more rice, noodles, or side dishes, you can help yourself to free refills at the self-serve bar.

Editor’s TIP:It’s lightly seasoned at first, so adding a little salt at a time makes it easy to adjust to your taste.

10% Discount Coupon ⇩

5. Ilpyeon Sirloin

Premium Korean BBQ serving hanwoo in the top 4% nationwide, dry-aged for 21 days. Staff will grill it for you. Reservations recommended.

Hours: 12:00 to 24:00 (break time 15:00 to 16:00)
Getting there: Exit 8 of Myeongdong Station

Just a few minutes on foot from Exit 8 of Myeongdong Station, this hanwoo specialty restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of a building. The Myeongdong branch is known for its extra private feel and exceptionally attentive service. According to the restaurant, hanwoo ranked in the top 4% nationwide is aged for 21 days in the low-temperature refrigerator near the entrance.

The interior is clean and upscale, with an atmosphere suited for anniversaries or business dinners. The staff grills the meat for you, so you can simply relax and enjoy top-quality hanwoo cooked to the right doneness.

This time, in addition to the Signature Set (for 2 to 3 people), we also ordered sirloin and tenderloin a la carte, along with yukhoe and hanwoo sashimi.

Sirloin is best grilled to medium-rare, and it tastes clean and not greasy when dipped in their special salt (horse-meat salt plus six kinds of herbs). Tenderloin pairs well with white kimchi and wasabi. The hanwoo yukhoe highlights the meat’s natural sweetness, so it is served without egg. To finish, the hanwoo miso rice included in the Signature Set is a good choice. You can also end with beef tartar bibimbap or beef tartar cold noodles if you want something more filling.

Prices are a bit on the higher side, but the service and quality make it well worth it. Wait times can happen depending on the time of day, so if you want to be sure you get in, it is best to reserve in advance.

Editor’s TIP: If you want to avoid waiting, try visiting between 3 and 5 p.m. or book ahead for dinner.

6. Hamcho Ganjang Gejang

Set meal of Ganjang Gejang marinated in their signature glasswort-aged sauce, ₩44,000

Hours: 11:30–22:00
Getting there: Exit 8 of Myeongdong Station

About a 5-minute walk from Myeongdong Station Exit 8, this Ganjang Gejang specialty restaurant is on B1. It’s a little hard to spot since it’s down the stairs in front of a shopping mall, but there’s a sign out front.

The interior feels bright and has both table seating and floor seating. A monitor plays instructions on how to eat it, so even first-timers can feel at ease. Even around 4 pm on a weekday, there were lots of international customers.

Once you order, the food comes out quickly along with sides like kimchi and seasoned soybean sprouts. The best way to eat it is to squeeze the meat from the crab legs onto rice, then mix it with the roe in the shell and the soy sauce marinade. It takes a bit of work, but this is the tastiest way. There was plenty of crab roe, and the meat was nicely packed.

The ganjang sae-u (soy-marinated shrimp) is also eaten by putting on plastic gloves, peeling the shells, and digging in. Just place the springy shrimp on rice and drizzle over the soy sauce marinade.

This restaurant’s gejang is aged in a unique sauce made with hamcho (glasswort), which helps reduce any fishy smell and makes it easier to enjoy even if it’s your first time. The flavor feels like a rich, deeply savory soy marinade. The Ganjang Gejang set is 44,000 KRW per person, and the sae-u jang (14 shrimp) is 50,000 KRW.

Editor’s TIP:If it’s your first time, we recommend checking the eating instructions and trying the crab shell rice, too.

Free drink coupon ⇩

7. Bbandak Bbandak

A full lineup of chicken dishes like dakgalbi, Dak Hanmari, and fried chicken. You can adjust the spice level, so it’s great for families too.

Hours: 10:30 to 23:00
Getting there: Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station

A chicken specialty restaurant located on the 2nd floor of a building, about a 2-minute walk from Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station. Dakgalbi is their signature, but they also offer a wide variety of chicken dishes like Dak Hanmari and fried chicken.

The interior is clean and has a calm, relaxed vibe. Ordering is done via a tablet at the table, and it supports English, so there’s no need to worry about the language.

The top pick is the Bulgogi cheese dakgalbi. Half of the hot plate is mildly spicy dakgalbi, the other half is topped with Korean natural cheese and beef, it’s a real showstopper. They use only chicken thigh, so it’s incredibly tender and juicy. It’s great dipped in cheese, and if you wrap it with the pickled radish side dish and eat it together, it’s refreshing and you’ll keep going back for more.

To finish, the kimchi fried rice is an easy recommendation. The Dak Hanmari was also better than expected. The chicken was tender and the soup was rich, and with kalguksu noodles added in, we enjoyed it all the way to the last bite.

According to the restaurant’s in-store materials, it has been featured on Korean TV programs including KBS, SBS, and MBC. It’s also certified as a “Safe Transaction Store” by the Seoul Tourism Organization.

Editor’s TIP:If you’re not good with spicy food, you’re less likely to go wrong if you choose the rose sauce or soy sauce flavor from the start.

8. Ungteori Saenggogi

All-you-can-eat samgyeopsal for ₩17,900. The best-value Korean BBQ spot in Myeongdong. From 2 people.

Hours: 10:30–23:00
Getting there: Exit 6, Myeongdong Station

A few minutes on foot from Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station, this all-you-can-eat pork BBQ chain is on the 2nd floor of a building. The all-you-can-eat samgyeopsal plus doenjang-jjigae set has gone up slightly to 17,900 won per person (minimum 2 people), but it is still great value.

You pick your meat yourself from the self-serve bar, and garlic, kimchi, namul, and various sauces are lined up alongside it. Just a heads-up, if you take too much and leave leftovers, you will be charged a 3,000 won environmental fee. Drinks cost extra, and the time limit is 2 hours. Like many Korean BBQ spots, the chairs have storage space under the seat for bags and jackets, so you will not have to worry too much about the BBQ smell.

In addition to the classic ways to eat it, like with salt, with kimchi, or wrapped in lettuce, pairing it with wasabi cuts the greasiness and makes the texture even more enjoyable. It is also great with bibim Naengmyeon. There are plenty of à la carte sides too, like a mushroom platter (5,500 won) and bibim Naengmyeon (7,500 won).

Editor’s TIP:It’s all you can eat, so be careful not to take too much. If you leave a lot of food, you may be charged an extra fee.

5% Discount Coupon ⇩

9. BBQ Chicken

Open until 1:30 a.m. Enjoy “chimaek” with Golden Olive Chicken

Hours: 10:00 to 01:30
Getting there: Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station

This is the Myeongdong branch of the famous chicken chain “BBQ,” located on the 2nd floor of a building near Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station. Since it’s a spot dedicated to chimaek (chicken + beer), the interior is spacious with a stylish, pub-like vibe. In summer, they open the windows wide so you can enjoy an airy atmosphere. Of course, you can come in even if you don’t drink beer.

If it’s your first time, the half-and-half chicken (Golden Olive + Yangnyeom) is recommended. It’s fried in olive oil, so it’s not greasy, and even the breast meat stays juicy. The yangnyeom has a crispy coating, and the sauce is evenly glazed over the chicken, giving it that classic Korean fried chicken flavor. Before the chicken arrives, they’ll bring out pontigi (a snack made of rice) and pickled radish.

According to the brand’s promotional materials, BBQ is associated with the drama Crash Landing on You, and Golden Olive Chicken appears in the show. If you’re not into beer, enjoy it with cola instead (chikol).

Editor’s TIP:Late at night, many people come in for “just a quick drink,” so if you want to eat in peace and quiet, it’s best to go earlier in the evening.

Free Drink Coupon ⇩

10. Namsan Sirloin

Only A++ grade hanwoo used. An aged meat specialty restaurant run by a chef formerly from Chosun Hotel

Hours: 11:20 to 22:00 (break time 14:40 to 16:00)
Getting there: Exit 3 of Myeongdong Station

About a 4-minute walk from Exit 3 of Myeongdong Station. This hanwoo sirloin specialty restaurant is in a prime location, surrounded by the Namsan Cable Car, Myeongdong Cathedral, and Lotte Department Store. It’s run by a veteran owner-chef with 20 years of experience who has served as a chef at the Chosun Hotel and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and according to the restaurant, it’s a popular spot with reviews saying that celebrities like SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu and the U.S. Ambassador to Korea have visited.

The restaurant spans floors 1 to 3 and is quite spacious, with staff grilling the meat for you. They use only A++ grade hanwoo, so you can enjoy a variety of sirloin cuts all at once. The oil used on the grill is rendered from the fat around the cow’s kidneys, and it’s served with aged salt and wasabi. For your first bite, we recommend keeping it simple with just salt. You can also try a modern trend, topping the tomabara cut with yukhoe.

To finish, go for the kkakdugi fried rice. The crunchy chopped kkakdugi combined with the savory aroma of cheese and seaweed makes it more than just a palate cleanser, it’s truly satisfying. Another nice touch is that it even comes with ice cream for dessert.

Sets with a highball start from 115,000 won. (Get 1 free highball with reservations through Creatrip)

Editor’s TIP:With its calm atmosphere, it’s a great choice for days when you want to focus on the meal, or for a special occasion.

What should foreign travelers know?

Because Myeongdong receives so many international visitors, many restaurants are used to serving travelers and can usually handle basic English communication. Still, it helps to know a few practical details before you go. That said, here are a few points to know in advance to make things go smoothly.

□ Payment methods

Most restaurants in the Myeongdong area accept credit cards (VISA and Mastercard recommended) but at places like street stalls, cash only may be the case, so it’s reassuring to carry around 20,000 to 30,000 won in cash. Some places accept USD, but the exchange rate is poor, so we don’t recommend it. Also note that quite a few places still do not accept NFC payments like ApplePay. In Korea, tipping is not customary, so the total is simply the listed price.

□ Language support

Many restaurants in Myeongdong offer English menus, and basic English communication is often possible. In many cases, photo menus or simple pointing also make ordering easy. Still, the level of language support can vary depending on the store and the staff on duty.

□ About reservations

If you go during quieter hours, around 3:00 to 5:00 PM, you can often get in without a reservation, but in general Myeongdong is an area packed with international visitors, so it tends to be busy all the time. For that reason, reservations are especially essential for hanwoo restaurants and Ganjang Gejang spots. If you book through Creatrip, some places offer discounts or perks like a free drink, so be sure to check.

□ Recommended by time of day

⚠ Things to note

• Changes to business hours: On public holidays and during Lunar New Year and Chuseok, some places may close or shorten their hours. Check before you go.
• Mid-day break: Watch out for restaurants that take a break, such as Ilpyeon Sirloin(15:00 to 16:00) and Namsan Sirloin(14:40 to 16:00).
• Leftover penalty: At all you can eat places like Ungteori Saenggogi, leaving food may result in an extra charge (around 3,000 won).

Myeongdong Food FAQs

We have compiled the questions travelers most often ask about Myeongdong food.

Q1. Are there any places in Myeongdong that are easy to visit even if you’re dining solo?

A. Yes. Isaac Toast, Chick Gimbap, Lee Nam Jang, and BBQ Chicken are relatively easy to visit even on your own. If you avoid peak hours, it’s even easier to get in.

Q2. Where do you recommend for breakfast in Myeongdong?

A. If you want something light, Isaac Toast is a great choice. For a gentle, stomach-friendly breakfast, we recommend the porridge at Seowon.

Q3. Is the food in Myeongdong expensive because it’s a tourist area?

A. It depends on the place. All you can eat spots and light meals are relatively affordable, but hanwoo and Ganjang Gejang are in a higher price range.

Q4. Are there any restaurants where English is spoken?

A. Myeongdong is an area with lots of tourists, so some places have English menus and staff who can help in English. That said, it can vary depending on the time of day and the staff on duty, so it’s best to check before ordering for peace of mind.

Q5. Are there any restaurants in Myeongdong that I should book in advance?

A. For upscale Korean BBQ restaurants and popular dinner spots, it’s safer to make a reservation. In particular, well-known places like Ilpyeon Sirloin and Namsan Sirloin are best booked ahead of time.

Q6. Are there any places in Myeongdong that are open until late at night?

A. Yes, some places stay open late, like BBQ Chicken. However, business hours can change, so please check the latest information before you visit.

Q7. Where is a good place to eat non-spicy Korean food in Myeongdong?

A. Porridge, seolleongtang, and Korean BBQ-style dishes are generally easy to enjoy. If you are worried about spice, it is easiest to choose places like Seowon, Lee Nam Jang, and Ilpyeon Sirloin first.

Q8. Are there any places in Myeongdong that are easy to get takeout from?

A. Isaac Toast and Chick Gimbap are both easy to take out, which makes them convenient for travelers who want to bring food back to their hotel and eat there.

Q9. Can I use a credit card in Myeongdong?

A. At most places, you can use Visa, Mastercard, and JCB. However, some street stalls may be cash only, so it’s reassuring to have about 10,000 to 20,000 won in cash.

Q10. Are there any restaurants in Myeongdong that are easy to enter even with kids?

A. Lee Nam Jang, Bbandak Bbandak, and Ungteori Saenggogi have relatively spacious seating, so they’re easy for families to use. BBQ Chicken also has a casual vibe that works well with kids. High-end hanwoo restaurants tend to be more quiet and refined, so they may not be suitable for families with very young children.

Q11. Are there any foods in Myeongdong that are great for eating on the go?

A. Isaac Toast is takeout only, so it’s perfect for eating while you walk around. Chick Gimbap is also available for takeout. Myeongdong’s main street has lots of food stalls too, where you can enjoy hotteok, tteokbokki, skewers, and more.

Nearby spots to visit before or after eating in Myeongdong

Here are some popular spots around Myeongdong that are easy to stop by before or after a meal. If you mix in sightseeing, a tea experience, and night views, it’s easy to build a half-day plan.

Author: naryooo (Creatrip Editorial Team)

Written by a Creatrip editorial team member who has lived in Korea for 12 years and regularly covers Korea travel, dining, and beauty experience content for international readers. We continuously update the latest Korea travel info for international travelers.

If you have any questions or concerns, Creatrip provides 24/7 real-time support in English, Chinese, and Japanese for international visitors completely free of charge. Reach us anytime on WhatsApp (+82 10-8818-2915) or LINE (@creatrip). You can also follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Youtube to stay updated on all things Korea!