Family-Friendly and Best International Restaurants in Seoul

Hello all! My name is Marisa, and I have been living abroad in Seoul for two years with my family. As a big foodie, I have ventured through Seoul and tried so many restaurants. Below I have listed my favorite international restaurants in Seoul, where satisfaction was left throughout; from the food to the service. In this post, I list a variety of cuisines and overall my top recommendations.

I write these blogs to try and help others travel fearlessly and enjoy food as much as I do. Many of my close family members and friends deal with severe allergies, and I have seen how scary it can be first-hand. I want to do what I can to help ensure people that are travelling with allergies are comfortable dining in foreign countries.

In addition to this, I have tried a variety of international restaurants such as Italian, Mexican, Western, Mediterranean, and other cuisines in Seoul. From my experience, these are my family’s and my favorite international eateries to go to over a weekend or a holiday. Here are some foreigner-friendly international restaurants in Seoul where we keep coming back for more!

Top Picks for the Best International Restaurants in Seoul

1. Taco Amigo (Itaewon/Yongsan district)

Address: 13 Hoenamu-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul // Phone: 02-749-5253 // Average price per person: ₩10,000–20,000

Taco Amigo, Itaewon

This authentic Mexican restaurant is to die for. It’s my favorite restaurant in Seoul (which says a lot). There is often someone who can speak English or Spanish at the restaurant– which makes it more convenient. From the tasty creamy burritos to the huevos con chorizo~~ this is sure not to disappoint big Mexican food lovers.

In Korea, it’s hard to find authentic Mexican food. It was hard for us to find this place, but when we did, we were as excited as can be. A lot of the most popular Mexican places are the ones with the best location and most advertising. In addition, many of them are often Korean-Mexican fusion. This is completely fine of course, but if you’re looking for authentic, hardcore Mexican food in Seoul; you must go here!

*Allergy Note: It is recommended to use food allergy cards (as listed on our website) if traveling or visiting with food allergens. Please communicate your specific needs to your waiters/waitresses and chefs.

2.  Gino’s Pizza (Itaewon)

Address: 46 Noksapyeong-daero 40-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul // Phone: 02-792-2234 //Average price per person: ₩20,000–30,000

Gino’s Pizza, Itaewon

Sometimes we all need to satisfy that craving for some yummy NY style pizza. And if you happen to be in Korea, Gino’s will be your best friend!

This New York style pizza joint is amazing. It’s rated as some of the best pizza in Seoul, with English speaking waiters and waitresses. Located in Itaewon (Seoul), which is foreigner-central in Korea, Gino’s Pizza offers a variety of thin-crust pizza, as well as wings, salads, and other scrumptious main course dishes and sides.

*Allergy Note: Restaurants such as these in Itaewon and around this district then places like Gino’s are recommended! If your allergy is extremely serious, we recommend the food allergy cards as listed on our website.

3. The Original Pancake House (Itaewon)

Address: 153 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul // Phone: 02-795-7481 // Average price per person: ₩20,000–30,000

The Original Pancake House, Itaewon

An authentic American breakfast diner, that can serve you breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner; it will leave you pining for more. Well, that is at least if you don’t order too many of their delicious mega-sized plates of food for round one!

Based in Portland, Oregon, The Original Pancake House is now a worldwide franchise. Of course the pancakes are my favorite, with a range of at least 12 different choices. Add on the crepes, omelets, french toast, special hash dishes, eggs benedict, and your traditional American breakfast (toast, eggs, bacon).

Now I haven’t even gotten to the vibe you get when you enter the restaurant. The outside does not look the most appealing, but looks can be deceiving. Once you step inside its like you are transferred to another world. Almost like an amusement park restaurant of a classic American diner in the 80’s. If you are craving a filling, delightful, homemade meal, you must come here.

I highly recommend this restaurant if you are looking for a foreigner-friendly place that will leave you satisfied and hopefully not too full!

*Allergy Note: If you are traveling with severe allergies, some allergens that you should watch for include gluten and dairy here. Its important to communicate your health needs to your server. It is recommended to use food allergy cards (as listed on our website) for 100% safety.

4. Local Villa Bagel (Itaewon)

Address: 64-10번지 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul //Average price per person: ₩10,000–20,000

Local Villa Bagel, Itaewon

This bagel place is one of our go-tos. If you are in need of a filling, nutritional, sweet or savoury bagel for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner– this is your place.

Situated in Itaewon, this small bagel shop has a lot to offer. We often order the avocado lox bagel or the original lox bagel. Paired with a refreshing drink, this is sure to make your day.

*Allergy Note: While this bagel shop is delicious it’s important to watch out for common allergens such as sesame seeds that are used in the bagels. This can lead to cross-contamination, but you can possibly talk to them about eating safely with a sesame seed allergy. It is recommended to get the food allergy cards as listed on our website.

5. Layered Cafe (Bukchon Village)

Address: 2-3 Bukchon-ro 2-gil, Jongno District, Seoul // Average price per person: ₩10,000–20,000

Cafe Layered, Bukchon Village

Holy mother of pearl! This has got to be the best bakery in Seoul! From the various flavors of sweet and savory scones, to the delightful cakes, this bakery will always have a place in your heart once you take that first bite.

Whether we go there for Mother’s day, or a holiday bakery getaway, or a birthday morning scone like we have, Layered Cafe is sure to make you want to keep coming back for more. Situated around Bukchon Village, a beautiful traditional tourist destination in Seoul, the cozy vibes are almost too much to bear.

There is often a line heading out the door, but don’t fret, it’s worth the 10-30 minute wait! There are also several other locations throughout Seoul but this one in Bukchon Village is our favorite.

*Allergy Note: This bakery is very good at accommodating allergies as my cousin (Lily) was able to enjoy her freshly baked delicacies nut-free and worry-free! It’s best to carry the food allergy cards with you as listed on our website to ensure your allergy is taken seriously, as this bakery has a lot of common allergens in their products.

6. Fat Cat (Yongsan District)

Address: 28 Sinheung-ro, yongsan-dong 2(i)-ga, Yongsan District, Seoul // Phone: 02-797-2970// Average price per person: ₩10,000–20,000

Fat Cat is a small business which offers a nice variety of baguette sandwiches, salads, burrito bowls, and refreshing or cozy warm drinks. Along with being pet-friendly, the cooks and servers are very kind and attentive. It’s quite a small place, but if you’re looking up for a nice lunch spot- this is the place to go.

Located in HBC (Haebongchon), one of the oldest neighborhoods in central Seoul, Fat Cat is located in a unique spot to explore. As you walk through the winding streets leading up to Seoul’s Namsan Tower, there are so many littles shops and restaurants for you to stop in and visit.

Fat Cat is unique because it gives cozy and welcoming vibes and feels like your go-to neighborhood cafe.

 

*Allergy Note: When coming here with allergies make sure to communicate to the owner/workers. Food allergy cards as listed on our website are recommended.

7. Menya Sandaime (Itaewon)

Address: Seoul, Yongsan District, Itaewon-ro, 208 2층 // Phone: 02-790-4129// Price per person: ₩10,000–20,000

Menya Sadaime, Itaewon

This ramen joint is sure to captivate you. If you’re looking for an authentic Japanese restaurant in Seoul, Menya Sandaime is your place.

Menya Sandaime has a variety of ramen and delicious appetizers and side dishes. The mixture of flavors in my personal favorite– the Tonkotsu ramen will melt in your mouth. With the perfect mixture of sweet, savoury and fresh, you’ll leave this little restaurant satisfied like we always do.

Since it’s situated in Itaewon, international customers are common here. So if you are looking for a foreigner-friendly, local Japanese place, this is my top recommendation!

*Allergy Note: Common allergens are likely to be in Japanese food such as sesame, fish, and shellfish. Make sure to communicate needs to chef/servers and use food allergy cards listed on our website, especially when dealing w severe allergies.

8. Petra (Itaewon)

Address: 33 Noksapyeong-daero 40-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul // Phone: 02-790-4433// Price per person: ₩20,000–30,000

Petra, Itaewon

Petra is also situated in Itaewon. While in Seoul, if you’re looking for authentic Middle Eastern food– this restaurant is for you!

From their delicious appetizers of fallafel, different dips, and tabbouleh salad to the Biryani, Mandi, and Kapsa main dishes — Petra won’t disappoint. This place is also awesome because it offers a lot of vegetarian/vegan dishes if you have these dietary preferences/restrictions!

*Allergy Note: if you are coming here with food allergies, please alert your servers and communicate your needs. Food allergy cards listed on our website are recommended to emphasize the seriousness of your allergy or your loved one’s allergy.

In conclusion…

I hope this gives you some comfort in traveling to a popular foreign cities like Seoul. Whether you’re looking for places where you would be comfortable to dine in as a foreigner, looking out for a loved one, or for yourself with food allergies, you’ll be ahead of the game!

Enjoy your culinary adventures through Seoul! Please leave comments if you visit any of these restaurants, and thank you for stopping by. Bon voyage!

Marisa C

Hello! My name is Marisa. I'm Pat's niece and Lily's cousin, and guess what? I'm also a big foodie! I live abroad in Asia with my family and am currently navigating high school life in Seoul. Living in different corners of the world with my family over the years has its perks, especially when it comes to tasting all the amazing flavors from around the globe. As a fellow foodie, I like when people can enjoy food as comfortably and joyfully as me. There's an indescribable happiness I get when I travel and explore the world's wonderful delicacies with family and friends.

I've also witnessed the challenges of food allergies, affecting those closest to me like Lily and one of my best friends in Paris. Witnessing the accidental consumption of allergic foods, especially in foreign countries, has been eye-opening. So, here I am, super excited to share my adventures and food insights from my travels. My mission? Offer recommendations for fantastic places to eat and share recipes for those with food restrictions, allergies, or specific diets. Since I'm so lucky to live in international locations, I want to share information that allows you to travel fearlessly to destinations I've enjoyed. Thanks for reading and happy travels!

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