Food Guide To Busan: My 20 Must-try, Delicious Restaurants

Because immersing yourself in the culture of a country also means discovering its local cuisine, and because you can’t reasonably live without food, here are my 20 best restaurants for every budget that you shouldn’t miss on your next trip to Busan, South Korea!

Beware: this list is likely to grow over time, to the delight of our taste buds, of course!

Save it for later!

Street Food & Cheap Eats

1. Leegane Tteokbokki (이가네 떡볶이)

Address: 48 Bupyeong 1-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
(inside Gukje Market)
Opening hours: 10:00-17:00 every day (closed on Sundays)
Price: $3 for a set (tteokbokki + accompaniment)

I can’t possibly start this list without mentioning what is probably my favorite place in all of Busan: Leegane Tteokbokki. The soft, chewy and spicy tteokbokki just the way I like them, with their crunchy vegetables and deep-fried accompaniments, are my number one street food in Busan and my favorite tteokbokki in all of Korea so far. And the set is only $3!

When I tell you I could travel to Busan just for them, I’m not kidding, and that’s how good I find them!

So if you’ve ever around Nampo’s neighborhood and are craving some street food, don’t miss your chance to stop by Gukje Market aka the unbeatable spot for it!

Pro tip: try the delicious Bindaetteok and mandu from the next stall!

2. BIFF Square

Address: 44 Gudeok-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
Opening hours: Open all day
Price: varies depending on your choice

Also in the lovely district of Nampo is the famous BIFF Square, where you’ll find something to suit all tastes. Whether it’s the best ssiat hotteok (Busan specialty) in town, eomuk (fish cakes), gimbap and much more, the street food stalls lining the square are the perfect place to grab a snack or try all the country’s traditional street food!

It’s best to come here on an empty stomach, though, so you can taste as many delicious dishes as possible!

3. Bongousse Rice Burger (봉구스밥버거)

Address: there are numerous branches in Busan and throughout South Korea
Price: between $2-5

The idea is simple: a burger composed mainly of rice, kimchi, and whatever you’d like (tuna, chicken, egg, ham, cheese…), but everyone knows that simple often equals delicious, and Bongousse won’t tell you otherwise!

And at $2 for the simplest rice burger on the menu, you’ll understand why this filling, comforting and tasty dish makes the restaurant one of the favorite addresses among students and a must-try on my list!

4. BBQ Chicken (BBQ치킨)

Address: there are numerous branches in Busan and throughout South Korea
Price: ~$15

Koreans do love their chimaek (chicken&beer), and so do I! Whether as a before/after party dish or as the ideal gathering meal, fried chicken in South Korea is definitely deeply rooted in the country’s culture.

And if you think fried chicken is the same everywhere, you’re totally wrong, because you’ve never really tasted fried chicken until you’ve tried the crispy, full-flavored Korean version, believe me!

Honey garlic, sprinkled with cheese or my favorite yangnyeom (sweet and spicy), try them all before finding your own preference!

For meat lovers

5. Haejeon Gopchang (해전곱창)

Address: 14 Gwangbok-ro 6beon-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 12:00-05:00 every day
Price: $7

Trying local cuisine is a must when traveling abroad, but another of my hobbies (if you can call it that) is sampling unique and weird dishes specific to the country I’m in.

So, of course, I had to introduce you to the best restaurant in Busan that serves gopchang or intestines.

I know what you’re probably thinking: “how gross, I’d never put that kind of food in my mouth” and that would be a shame, as even though it looks icky, it isn’t, and combined with cheese, it’s even more delicious. Not to mention, it has many health benefits too!

The dish is also served with mussels, because in Busan you can’t really forget seafood!

6. Hana Tonkatsu Namcheon Branch (하나돈까스 남천점)

Address: 62, Gwangnam-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 11:00-21:00 every day
Price: from $7

There are plenty of restaurants serving tonkatsu or pork cutlet in Busan, but sometimes you can’t really beat the experience and that’s why Hana Tonkatsu, open since 1999, is a great choice if you’re looking for a hearty meal right next to one of the most beautiful beaches of the city: Gwangalli!

7. Mokgumeong (목구멍)

Address: 11 Gwangbok-ro 6beon-gil, Jung-gu, Busan (there are numerous branches in Busan and throughout South Korea)
Opening hours: 15:00-23:00 every day, closed on Sundays
Price: from $8 for 150g of meat

Have you been to South Korea and not eaten samgyeopsal (or Korean barbecue)? I don’t think so!

Samgyeopsal is something of an institution in the country, and the best way to get together with friends, decompress, rant about your working week or simply have fun!

And what better place to enjoy this famous dish than at Mokgumeong ! I tried many restaurants across Korea, but kept coming back to this one. The quality of the meat, the exceptional service and the vibe make it the address to remember!

Personally I don’t know how many times I’ve been there, I think I stopped counting at some point, which says it all!

8. Suyeong Bonga Dwaeji gukbap (수영본가돼지국밥)

Address: 255-13 Bujeon-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Opening hours: Open all day
Price: ~$7

Dwaeji gukbap, which can be translated as pork rice soup, is one of the most popular dishes in Busan and, for good reason: its steaming, rich in flavors and comforting bone broth is ideal after a hard day and a staple for curing a hangover.

There’s even an alley dedicated to this dish, so what do you say? Ready to try one of the city’s culinary specialties?

9. Joseon’s Hanwoo Nampo Branch (조선의한우 부산남포점)

Address: 35-17 Bupyeongdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 12:00-23:50 every day
Price: from $18

Here’s one of my most beautiful culinary discoveries in the city, where you’ll be able to try the famous top-quality Korean beef or Hanwoo.

The tender meat that melts instantly in your mouth, as well as the raw beef and the cold noodles, will make you want to come back! The whole menu is heavenly and the staff are super friendly. A unique and must-try experience in the magnificent coastal city of Busan!

Pro tip: dip your meat in salt once cooked, it’s the best way to appreciate its divine taste!

For fish lovers

10. Daebak Sliced Sashimi Restaurant (대박횟집 부산대점)

Address: 276-8 Geumgang-ro, Geumjeong-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 18:00-02:00 (17:30-02:30 on the weekends)
Price: from $25

All kinds of raw fish await you at this unmissable restaurant located near Pusan National University! But that’s not all, because for the price, you’ll also get plenty of side dishes such as Gyeranjjim (Korean steamed egg), radish salad, fish of the day, corn cheese, some deep fried accompaniment as well as sauce and other vegetables.

Not too bad for the modest price of $25, right? Quantity and quality at their best! Plus, the place is also never empty, which says a lot about the restaurant’s reputation, and as an added bonus, the staff are adorable.

And when you think about it, it’s all in the name of the restaurant, since “Daebak” stands for “Awesome”.

11. Mubwanna Octopus (무봤나세발낙지)

Address: 830-44 Beomil-dong, Dong-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 17:00-00:00
Price: from $17

Remember the weird, “thing you woudn’t dare eat” hobby? Well, here we are with another local dish known as the still moving and very much alive, creepy octopus that’s going to end up stuck in my throat, or in short nakji.

But don’t worry, as you don’t have to eat it still wriggling here, you can have it cooked to the greatest delight of the less adventurous or should I say the more cautious among us?

Other must-try restaurants

12. Joseon Kalguksu Wa Tong Makgeolli (조선칼국수와통막걸리)

Address: 14 Dongcheon-ro 85beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Opening hours: Open all day
Price: from $5

Another restaurant where the whole menu is delicious, but I particularly recommend this address for its pajeon (Korean pancakes) and makgeolli (rice wine), perfect on rainy days (as is the custom in Korea).

Located in Seomyeon, it’s also the ideal place to start the evening before heading out to the bar, dance floor or karaoke room.

Pro tip: if you want to try something other than the classic makgeolli, opt for the raspberry or chestnut makgeolli. Yes, I’ve tried them all, so what?

13. Choryang Milmyeon – Mipo Branch (초량밀면 미포점)

Address: 1st Floor, 19 Dalmaji-gil 62beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 10:00-20:30 every day
Price: From $5

Looking for a refreshing dish during the scorching summer heat? Enjoy a typically local dish: milmyeon, a variant of naengmyeon, or soft wheat noodles in a cold broth. And if you love to add a little bit of heat to your taste buds, don’t hesitate to try the spicy version (bibim milmyeon).

Pro tip: located next to Mipo station, it’s the ideal restaurant for lunch before going for a nice, relaxing walk along the Blueline Park!

Dessert places

14. Oldmug (올드머그)

Address: 122 Songjeonggudeokpo-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 06:30-00:00 every day
Price: from $4

The drinks and pastries are of course very good, but what makes the cafe even more special is its charming setting and pretty sea views.

It’s also the perfect spot to take a break from your walk along the coastal trail of the Blueline Park. And if you combine your lunch in the restaurant from above with a tea party or snack here, I’d simply say that there’s pretty much no better idea of a perfect day to spend in Busan.

15. Modern Table (모던테이블)

Address: 45-9 Jungang-daero 680beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 12:00-23:00 every day
Price: from $4

I love seaside cafes, but sometimes a cozy atmosphere with good music, tasty drinks and desserts are all you need to have a good time.

The difficulty? Choosing the next item to put in your mouth, as everything is mouth-watering and succulent! Even the coffee, and if you know me, I’m more of an avid tea drinker, which is saying a lot.

One thing’s for sure: you can taste the homemade culinary delights here. Plus, they often change the menu according to the season, giving you all the more reason to come back and try their new recipes!

Pro tip: try anything with pistachios on the menu!

16. Sulbing (설빙)

Address: there are numerous branches in Busan and throughout South Korea
Price: from $6 for the original

Sulbing, which specializes in a particular Korean dessert, is the place to go if you want to try bingsu, but especially if you have a sweet tooth. This dessert made from crushed ice, condensed milk with red beans and sweet toppings is a real treat.

Their cakes are also very good if you’re not in the mood for bingsu!

It’s best to come with friends, though, as it may be a bit too much for one person, or maybe not!

Wake up with a brunch

17. Vamonos (바모노스)

Address: 332 Gwangbok-ro 49beon-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 11:00-20:00 (closed on Tuesdays)
Price: from $10

Want to have a slow day in one of the city’s best neighborhoods before going shopping, visiting a colorful village or taking an easy hike? Head to Vamonos in Nampo for a satiating and yummy brunch at a more than affordable price!

With its simple yet cozy interior and no frills menu, start your day off on the right foot here, and if you’re still hungry after that, know that you’re only a few meters away from one of the best markets in Busan: Gukje Market.

My favorite on the menu: the pancake combo!

International food

18. Stone Street (스톤스트리트)

Address: 12 Yongdusan-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 11:40-21:00 (closed on Mondays)
Price: from $8

Looking for the best pizza and pasta in town? I’ve got you covered! Because let’s be honest, finding good pasta and pizza is pretty tough in South Korea so after a few tests and trials, here’s the best address: Stone Street.

You’ll probably have to queue to get in, which is just another proof of how popular the restaurant and its tasty menu are!

If there are two dishes you shouldn’t miss on the restaurant’s menu: the Margherita pizza and the Porcini cream pasta, trust me!

19. Ramen Ya (라멘야)

Address: 78 2nd Floor, 680 Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 11:30-23:30 every day (with a break from 15:30-17:00)
Price: from $6 for ramen

Fancy some Japanese ramen in a warm, comforting broth? Go to Ramen Ya and let yourself be carried away by the appetizing odors that will grab you as soon as you walk through the front door!

You can also combine your lunch break with a bit of shopping afterwards since you’re already in Seomyeon, so as not to spoil such a good opportunity!

20. Baeksojeong Nampo Branch (백소정 남포점)

Address: 321 Gwangbok-ro 67beon-gil, Jung-gu, Busan
Opening hours: 11:00-21:00 every day
Price: from ~$7

This is another good restaurant for tonkatsu (pork cutlet) but that’s not why it’s one of my favorites and why it figures on this list, because I only came here for one dish in particular: mazesoba.

Mazesoba, which is a kind of Japanese ramen (without the broth), accompanied by egg yolk, minced pork and other delicious toppings, is one of those dishes that I thought would be a bit dry and hard to swallow, but I was very wrong as all the ingredients blend perfectly with each other and the taste is simply exquisite!

Another must-try restaurant that will keep you coming back to the neighborhood just for this dish!

That’s a delicious wrap for my list of favorite, not to be missed restaurants on a trip to Busan! I hope I haven’t whetted your appetite too much, although I for one will soon be running to the kitchen to make myself some ramen!

Need a little exercise to digest all that food? Check out my best hikes and walking trails in Busan!