Seoul unveils 2026 Gourmet 100 list of top restaurants

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has announced the ‘2026 Seoul Gourmet 100’, a curated list of 100 restaurants and cafes designed to guide domestic and international tourists through the city’s diverse food culture. The selection was made by 60 experts, including professional chefs, food journalists, and tourism researchers, based on criteria such as professionalism, popularity, and global relevance.

The 100 selected establishments are categorized into seven groups: 27 Korean, 23 Western, 15 Asian, 10 Grill, 8 Vegetarian, 9 Cafes/Desserts, and 8 Bars/Pubs. Notably, 25 new locations were added to the list this year. Additionally, the city introduced the ‘50 Seoul Cafes and Desserts’ list for the first time to address the growing demand for coffee and dessert-focused tourism, evaluating venues on beverage quality, spatial experience, and accessibility for foreigners.

To celebrate the selection, the ‘2026 Seoul Gourmet Week’ will be held from the 23rd to the 29th. The event will feature various programs, including restaurant weeks, gourmet markets, tours, and workshops, with the central stage located at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP).