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When planning a trip to Korea, what’s on your itinerary? Besides shopping, most travelers make sure to try a few delicious restaurants, especially the ones visited by celebrities. There’s just something extra tasty about eating the same food your favorite idols enjoyed! For all the K-Wave fans out there, how exciting would it be to run into a K-Pop star on the streets? Or visit the exact café or restaurant where your idol once dined, and snap photos of the same dishes and spots

Today, we’ve rounded up some of the trendiest K-Pop Idol-approved restaurants. See if your favorite star is on the list, and be sure to add these places to your itinerary—who knows, maybe you’ll get lucky and spot a celeb!

Korean Food｜Idol-Favorite Restaurant Recommendations

mmn Café｜Visited by SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu & IVE’s Jang Wonyoung and Ahn Yujin

This charming café in Seoul’s Gangnam area has taken social media by storm. Known for its beautiful French countryside-inspired decor, it serves desserts, light meals, soups, coffee, and tea. Stars like SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu and IVE’s Wonyoung and Yujin have all visited.

Must-tries: The open-faced sandwich on crispy European bread or croissants, filled with smoked salmon, tuna, avocado, and scrambled eggs. Don’t miss their signature handmade French onion soup—slow-cooked until the onions melt in your mouth, perfectly paired with a chunk of crusty bread.

Address: 39 Dosan-daero 66-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Phone: +82-2-515-3596
Hours: 11:00–19:00
Instagram @mmn.seoul

NUDAKE｜BLACKPINK Jennie’s Go-To Matcha Lava Croissant

Located in the trendy Seongsu area, NUDAKE is a bakery brand by Gentle Monster that launched in 2023. Jennie from BLACKPINK visited for their Matcha Lava Croissant, a volcano-inspired treat that’s been making waves online. Set in a former factory, this sleek, dark-themed “museum café” features giant round tables and sculptural desserts, offering a high-end, art-gallery-like café experience.

Address: 13 Hangang-daero 11-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Phone: +82-2-798-0131
Hours: 11:00–15:30 / 16:30–22:00
Instagram @nu_dake

Ogeunnae2 Dakgalbi (오근내2닭갈비)｜Loved by ENHYPEN & Yoo Jae-suk

Named after Chuncheon’s old name, this spicy stir-fried chicken spot has branches across Korea and was even Bib Gourmand-recommended. Celebs like ENHYPEN and Korea’s beloved MC Yoo Jae-suk have visited. The chicken is all thigh meat—tender and juicy—with generous servings of cabbage, sesame leaves, and customizable add-ons like cheese.

Address: 13 Hangang-daero 11-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Phone: +82-2-798-0131
Hours: 11:00–15:30 / 16:30–22:00
Instagram @ogeunnae_food

Geumdwaeji Sikdang (금돼지식당)｜BTS’s Favorite BBQ Spot

A Bib Gourmand pick for six consecutive years, Geumdwaeji Sikdang is one of Seoul’s top three BBQ restaurants. Adored by BTS, EXO, and TVXQ, it’s often called the “BTS Restaurant” thanks to Jungkook’s frequent visits. The 15-day aged pork belly grilled over charcoal is the highlight, perfectly crispy and juicy. It’s so good, lines are inevitable!

Address: 149 Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Phone: +82-507-1307-8750
Hours: 11:30–22:00
Instagram @gold_pig1982

Daehan Gopchang (대한곱창 장안점)｜Recommended by Hwasa from MAMAMOO

Daehan Gopchang is a famous chain with over 60 locations. After MAMAMOO’s Hwasa featured it on I Live Alone, the Chang-an branch became a hotspot. Try the assorted beef intestines grilled tableside and finish your meal with their must-have kimchi fried rice.

Address: 21 Cheonho-daero 85-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
Phone: +82-70-8285-6219
Hours: 15:00–01:00
Instagram @food_people11

Joseon Hwarogui (조선화로구이)｜YG Artists’ Favorite BBQ with BigBang Signatures on the Wall

This long-standing BBQ joint in Hongdae is frequented by YG Entertainment stars. Walls are filled with autographs from Big Bang and more. They serve top-grade Korean beef and pork—don’t miss their marinated pork ribs and galbitang (short rib soup)!

Address: 5 World Cup buk-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Phone: +82-2-3143-1300
Hours: 11:30–15:00 / 17:00–00:00 (Closed Sundays)
Instagram @iilove_0309

Yeongdong Gyojip (영동교집)｜A Star-Favorite in Apgujeong: EXO, SNSD, SHINee, HyunA & Lee Kwang Soo

A small but super popular grill house in Apgujeong, this place has seen visits from EXO, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, HyunA, and Lee Kwang Soo. The Jeju Black Pork belly is a must, paired with four unique dipping sauces and refillable side dishes.

Address: 11 Seolleung-ro 148-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Hours: 11:30–23:30
Instagram @mukyang2food

Chupungnyeong Kal Samgyeopsal (추풍령칼삼겹살)｜Super Junior, NCT, TWICE & More Have Been Here

Near major entertainment agencies like SM and FNC, this BBQ spot is a fan favorite for idol sightings. They serve thick-cut pork belly grilled in a heavy pan, wrapped in sesame leaves with kimchi and garlic—irresistible! Add a bubbling kimchi stew for the ultimate meal.

Address: 41 Dosan-daero 51-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Phone: +82-2-518-9996
Hours: 17:00–23:00 (Closed Sundays)

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