11 Must Go Restaurants in COEX Mall
Visiting COEX MALL in Seoul and you need some food recommendations? These are the best places that locals recommend.
Welcome to the ultimate guide for food lovers exploring the culinary landscape of COEX Mall in Seoul! Located in the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant districts, COEX Mall isn’t just a shopping and entertainment hub; it’s a paradise for food enthusiasts.
With its stunning Starfield COEX Mall Library, a popular pic spot for anyone visiting Seoul, and the impressive COEX Mall Aquarium that adds a touch of underwater wonder to your visit, COEX Mall offers much more than just a shopping experience.
In this post, I’ll share with you the best food in COEX Mall, from chic cafes to some of the best restaurants that locals visit. Whether you’re craving authentic Korean foo* or international cuisine, COEX Mall has something to tantalize every palate.
Get ready to discover the best places to eat in COEX Mall and make the most of your visit to this iconic Seoul landmark!
This post is all about must go restaurants in COEX Mall that locals recommend.
P.S. Keep it up until the end of the post for a little surprise!!
Best COEX Mall Restaurants
1. Agra (아그라 코엑스점)
Image Source: Naver Maps
Craving some traditional Indian food in the middle of Seoul? Then pay a visit to Agra. This restaurant is famous for their rich curry and fresh naan. They offer Premium Couple and Triple Sets, perfect for sharing a feast with loved ones.
The Premium Couple Set features an array of flavorful dishes, including Mushroom Snowing Bread, Tandoori Chicken, and Butter Prawn Makhani, all served with warm, fluffy naan. The Triple Set, ideal for those who can’t decide, includes everything that the Couple Set offers, plus Goa Prawn Curry and more variety of naan
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, this restaurant promises a delightful experience that will leave you craving more.
2. Twins Cook (쌍둥이분식 스타필드코엑스몰점)
Image Source: Naver Maps
Twins Cook is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a fast and affordable option. They offer kimbap, ramyeon, and mandu, making it an ideal spot for a quick yet satisfying meal.
Their kimbap comes in various flavors, from classic tuna and pickled radish to spicy gochujang chicken, all rolled fresh and packed with flavor. If you’re in the mood for something warm, their ramyeon is a comforting bowl, customizable with add-ins like eggs, veggies, and cheese for that extra indulgence.
With generous portions and prices that won’t break the bank, Twins Cook is a go-to destination in COEX Mall for anyone craving tasty Korean comfort food on the fly!
3. Vatos Parnas Mall (바토스 파르나스몰점)
Image Source: Naver Maps
Located in Parnas Mall, a building next to COEX Mall, Vatos is a vibrant Mexican restaurant that brings a unique twist to traditional flavors. For taco lovers, the must-try dishes at Vatos are the Chili Lime Shrimp and Carne Asada tacos.
In addition to their tacos, Vatos offers a variety of other meals, including their Quesadillas, Signature Burritos and Vatos Bowls. The lively atmosphere, complete with colorful decor and upbeat music, makes it an inviting place to gather with friends.
4. Mobaksa Budaejjigae (모박사부대찌개 강남코엑스점)
Image Source: Naver Maps
If you’re looking for Korean cuisine at COEX Mall, then you have to go to Mobaksa Budaejjigae. This cozy eatery is renowned for its delicious budaejjigae, a hearty Korean stew that combines savory elements like spam, sausage, tofu, and vegetables, all simmered in a rich, spicy broth.
Bulgogi is also a famous dish at this restaurant, and it’s a must-try for anyone visiting Mobaksa Budaejjigae. This marinated beef dish is grilled to perfection, showcasing a beautiful balance of sweet and savory flavors. The tender slices of beef are typically served with a side of fresh lettuce, allowing you to wrap them up with rice and your choice of condiments, such as spicy ssamjang or sesame oil.
5. Gadeuk Deurim (가득드림 코엑스몰점)
Image Source: Naver Maps
Gadeuk Deurim is a Korean buffet offering a reasonable price, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors. The restaurant boasts an extensive selection of dishes that highlight the diverse flavors of Korean cuisine. From classic favorites like bulgogi and fried chicken to an array of fresh vegetables and seafood, there’s something for everyone.
The ambiance is casual and inviting, making it a great spot for family gatherings or a fun meal with friends. Plus, the friendly staff is always on hand to help you navigate the menu and recommend dishes.
6. Hoho Restaurant Starfield Coex (호호식당 스타필드코엑스)
Image Source: Naver Maps
Hoho Restaurant is a Japanese Home-Style Restaurant offering a cozy atmosphere and a menu that captures the essence of traditional Japanese cooking. Here, you can enjoy a variety of comforting dishes that are perfect for a casual meal or a special gathering.
The menu features classics like rosukatsu jeongsik “로스가츠정식” (Pork Cutlet Set Meal), sake-don “사케동” (salmon rice bowl), and hirekatsu jeongsik “히레가츠정식” (Fillet Cutlet Set Meal), each made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The restaurant also prides itself on its homemade sauces and dressings, which add an extra layer of flavor to every dish.
7. Sonoya (소노야 코엑스몰점)
Image Source: Naver Maps
In Sonoya, you can have a taste of Japanese cuisine with their variety of ramen. This cozy restaurant is renowned for its authentic flavors and rich, savory broths that cater to every palate. Whether you prefer a classic Tonkotsu ramen, with its creamy pork bone broth, or a lighter Shoyu ramen, Sonoya has something to satisfy your cravings.
Whether you’re a ramen aficionado or trying it for the first time, Sonoya promises a delightful dining experience that transports you straight to Japan with every delicious bite!
8. Dong-Gyeong (동경)
Image Source: Naver Maps
If you are a fan of Tonkatsu, Dong-Gyeong is the place to go. They serve up crispy, golden-brown pork cutlets that are tender and juicy on the inside, perfectly complemented by their house-made dipping sauces. Each plate is accompanied by a side of shredded cabbage and rice, creating a satisfying and balanced meal.
In addition to their renowned Tonkatsu, Dong-Gyeong also offers an impressive selection of sashimi and sushi rolls. From classic nigiri to creative rolls bursting with fresh ingredients, there’s something to please every sushi lover. The sushi is expertly prepared, showcasing the freshest fish and a variety of toppings that elevate each bite.
9. Sotnaeeum (솥내음 스타필드 코엑스몰점)
Image Source: Naver Maps
Famous for its sotbap, Sotnaeeum is a popular spot among Koreans, often making people wait in line for more than 30 minutes to get in. The restaurant is well-loved for its delicious rice, cooked in a hot stone pot, which gives it a nice crispy bottom.
The term “솥밥” (sotbap) in English translates to “pot rice” or “rice cooked in a pot.” It refers to a traditional Korean method of cooking rice in a thick-bottomed pot, often resulting in a flavorful, slightly crispy layer at the bottom. This dish can be served plain or topped with various ingredients like vegetables, meat, or seafood.
The most famous dishes at Sotnaeeum include:
- Seafood Sotbap (1인 모듬해물장 솥밥): This dish showcases the restaurant’s commitment to fresh ingredients, featuring a special seafood sauce that has been carefully developed over time to highlight the flavors of nature.
- Eel Sotbap (장어 솥밥): Known for its health benefits, this dish features tender eel brushed with a special sauce and cooked to perfection, making it a nourishing choice that’s full of flavor.
- Steak Sotbap (스테이크 솥밥): This dish features tender beef that is grilled to lock in the juices, served with a rich steak sauce and a touch of wasabi for an exciting flavor combination.
10. Mutan (무탄 코엑스점)
Image Source: Naver Maps
This Chinese restaurant is ideal for any special occasion. Mutan offers a menu filled with flavorful and nourishing dishes, including:
1. Gangwon-do 100% Hwangtae Mupamatangmyeon (강원도100% 황태 무파마탕면): Made with 100% dried pollack from Gangwon-do, this dish is excellent for revitalization and detoxification, providing the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
2. Goheung Octopus and Seafood Nurungji Tang (고흥문어와 해산물누룽지탕): Featuring fresh octopus sourced directly from the pristine waters of Goheung, this dish is rich in taurine and nutrients, making it a healthy and delicious choice.
3. Uiseong Garlic Steamed Yurinchi (의성마늘 스테미너 유린기): This dish combines crispy and tender yurinchi with the deep flavor of high-quality Uiseong garlic, creating a delightful balance that enhances every bite.
4. Jeju Black Pork Sweet and Sour Stir-Fry (흑돼지볶음탕수육): Made with premium, juicy black pork from Jeju Island, this dish delivers a rich and nutty flavor, elevating the classic sweet and sour stir-fry to new heights.
Tip: You can make a reservation in advance to avoid waiting in line, ensuring a smooth dining experience.
11. 플랜튜드 스타필드코엑스점 (Plantude)
Image Source: Naver Maps
If you’re looking for a vegan option, Plantude is your answer. Their menu features vegan-adapted Korean dishes alongside a variety of meals made with Asian ingredients.
You can enjoy dishes like Damyang Bamboo Shoot and Pepper Japchae-bap “담양 죽순 고추 잡채밥”, a delicious stir-fried noodle dish served with fragrant bamboo shoots and peppers, or Fried Eggplant with Veggie Curry “프라잉 가지 베지 카레” , featuring crispy eggplant served with a rich, flavorful curry. They also offer unique options like Vegetable Curry, crafted with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices to create a comforting and satisfying meal.
+ extra) Jamba Juice (잠바주스 코엑스몰점)
Image Source: Naver Maps
Who doesn’t like a good and fresh smoothie after long hours of shopping? Jamba Juice is the perfect stop to recharge with a variety of refreshing options. Known for their commitment to using high-quality ingredients, Jamba Juice offers smoothies packed with real fruit, yogurt, and nutritious boosts.
Their menu features a range of flavors, from the classic Strawberry Banana to the tropical Mango-A-Go-Go, each crafted to provide a delicious blend of taste and nutrition. For those looking for something a bit different, the Green Goddess smoothie combines leafy greens with fruits for a refreshing and energizing treat.
I know it’s not really a restaurant, but it’s one of my must-go’s of COEX Mall. That is why I added it as an extra at the end of the post. I personally ALWAYS end up here every time I visit this landmark.
This post was all about must go restaurants in COEX Mall to truly enjoy places where locals visit.
Do you have any other recommendations? Leave it as a comment and share it to the world!
