Bicena provides tasty Korean cuisine available only in Korea in a refined interior.  

Opened in 1953 by a woman known as Mabongnim, the restaurant takes pride in its 50-plus years of service. As Mabongnim gained popularity, other similar establishments opened nearby, and eventually, formed the now famous “Teokbokki Street.” The elderly proprietor is well known, even starring in a red-pepper paste (gochujang) ad in the 1990's.The secret of this restaurant’s tteokbokki lies in the fact that red pepper paste is mixed with Chinese soybean paste for a sweet and spicy taste, but has now been adopted by other Sindangdong restaurants. Nevertheless, there is something special about this restaurant’s fare. At present, Mabongnim’s daughters-in-law are running the restaurant.

Operated by a Japanese chef, Aoi Tori is a bakery during the day but transforms into a bar in the evening that serves alcoholic beverages and meals. As soon as one takes a step inside, the open kitchen will grab one’s attention while the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods builds up an appetite.

Bonjour Hawaii is an exotic fusion restaurant. Just by looking taking a glance at parasol rooftop which is by its main entrance, you can tell that the restaurant exudes exotic atmosphere/mood. The interior, small details, and the traditional Hawaiian music will have you mistaken that, in fact, you are at a cafe in Hawaii somewhere. It’s main dishes include, “BBQ Sunset Platter,” (It is a dish that has a set of ingredients: sausage, potato, chicken kebab, shrimp, Korean style pork), and “Cream Curry Udon,” which is just one of its many unique dishes on Bonjour Hawaii’s menu. Also, a pizza so addicting that it is nicknamed, “Drug Pizza,” is its specialty pizza called, “Sushi Pizza,” together with a fruit punch cocktail, you do not have to be jealous of someone who just went on a trip to Hawaii.     Through the restaurant’s appearance in the drama, “Doctors,” it created curiosity in the viewer’s mind. Since after the appearance it has become Hongdae’s, “hot place,” through words by mouth. Specifically, Bonjour Hawaii took on a role of a cafe that the main character Yoo Hae Jung (Park Shin Hae), operated. Back then, the restaurant was called, “ Suni Hawaii,” and Hong Ji Hong (Kim Rae Won), Ryu Hye Jung (Park Shin Hye) who are couples in the drama, “Doctors,” had scenes where they were drinking beer, while enjoying their date.  

Located in the hub of Korean culture, Insa-dong, Doodaemunjip has been serving Korean fusion cuisine for the past 10 years. The restaurant takes form of a traditional hanok decorated with a modern touch, blending Asian and western-style design to create an exquisite atmosphere favored by both Koreans and international visitors. Doodaemunjip is the only building in Insa-dong that has an indoor garden and a terrace full of fresh living plants, presenting peaceful atmosphere rarely found in the urban city. Signature menus include maekjeokgui ssambap (pork with Korean herbs served with vegetable wraps and rice) and Doodaemun haemul onbap (seafood rice) along with other specialty menus such as soy-marinated bossam (vegetable wraps with rice), soy-marinated crab, haemul pajeon (seafood and green onion pancake), etc. In particular, maekjeokgui (pork with Korean herbs) is seasoned with soybean paste made with traditional Korean recipe, bringing out deep flavors when consumed with vegetable wrapped rice. Traditional Korean alcoholic beverages such as bamboo liquor and bokbunjaju (Korean black raspberry wine) are also available.

Located by several entertainment agencies, Naive Coffee is frequented by many K-pop stars including GOT7’s BamBam and Jackson, Miss A’s Fei, as well as Hyerim, Yubin and Sunmi. Authentic specialty coffees are blended and brewed in-house, daily. Naive Coffee’s signature blends, Oger and Bosanoba, boast a fanatic following, and the caffè latte is extremely smooth and complex with an elegant ratio of coffee and milk. Cold brew coffee packaged in unique beverage cans, is also available for purchase.  

               

Hannam-dong Rose Bakery is located on the first floor of the Comme des Garcons store, a world famous avant-garde brand launched by Cheil Industries.Rose Bakery is a franchise branch of the French organic bakery, All Day Brunch Bakery. Korea is the third location to open following London and Paris. Rose Bakery is more than just a place to buy bread. Visitors can enjoy simple but enjoyable European-style meals, deserts and beverages made from fresh ingredients just as in the Paris shop.Customers are greeted with a large kitchen immediately upon entry. Many of the produce used in their recipes are displayed on the counters for customers to peruse. Salads, pizza, quiche, and scones are all prepared daily with organic ingredients. Some of the more popular items are the salad selections which vary everyday.

Located close to Dongdaemun Gate and Cheonggyecheon Plaza, Haruyeonga is a great restaurant for a hearty meal after sightseeing or shopping in the surrounding area.Haruyeonga specializes in meat and typical Korean dinning options, including bibimbap with marinated pork, spicy ribs and doenjang stew (bean paste stew) with lean beef brisket. Their stir-fried small octopus is also popular. The Jeju roasted black pork is another must try dish as it is grilled over hardwood charcoal.

La Yeon takes pride in expressing the traditional tastes of Korea through carefully prepared Korean cuisine. Experience formal Korean dinning through La Yeon's course menus.