Buto

This place is owned by Celebrities’ Chef from Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars season 1, Lim Heewon. As you can see, I tried the infamous Vegetarian Sashimi which particularly mindblowing for me because I hate beet in a dish, and this dish has it but it was good, didnt have that “earthy” beet taste that I hate. The rest of the menu also really good, my favorite were the yukhoe (raw beef tartar) and the grilled chicken with crispy sticky rice (please note that these are not the actual name of the menus). It is said that this place is frequented by many K-celebs like Lee Hyori, Suho from Exo, Uhm Junghwa, so you can try your luck when you visit Buto ~

My preference is to go to places with food options for vegans and non-vegans alike, so I was curious to give Buto a try. The chef apparently wowed judges with his vegetarian (vegan) sashimi on Netflix's Culinary Class Wars and has trained with Jeongkwan Sunim. I went to Buto in a group of 4, myself the only vegan. The Netflix-famous chef wasn't there that night, but there were 2 other people in the kitchen and 1 waiter. Ordered the veg sashimi, but were also told by the waiter that there might be other dishes they could adapt (we were never told which). The rest of the group ordered non-vegan dishes. Food is served one dish at a time, with probably 15-20 min between each dish (which was not something that was clear in advance). The idea is, it seems, that everyone shares everything. (Saying "One member of our table is vegan" doesn't seem to mean anything to them.) The veg sashimi is ok. Nothing mind-blowing: a few different veg (lightly steamed or boiled, only the shiitake mushroom is seasoned). There's wasabi, black sesame cream, and (maesil) vinegar to add flavour. Honestly, I can do this myself at home. I could see that the other dishes (3 mains, 1 dessert) were more creative – nurungji as a creamy risotto, bibimyon with angel hair pasta and chili oil – but the veg dish didn't taste like anything special. This place is not cheap (you have to order wine). While I didn't expect lots of vegan options, I was hoping for more. Honestly, I had the impression the waiter had no clue about veganism: he could point to the one vegan option on the menu, but didn't really get what it means when one customer is vegan and thus eats ONLY vegan food. He brought out free cake (just something they were sharing that night) with forks for everyone at the table. When my partner ordered ice cream, he brought out 4 bowls + spoons, because it just didn't enter his mind that only 3 people could eat it. To me this means that he hasn't been trained properly (not his fault). I have had much more attentive service elsewhere, at places that don't present themselves as high-end – e.g., Kkot Bape Pida and even Lucyd (a brunch bar!), where they told me, unprompted, that their relish is made with non-vegan wine. At Buto, I'm not sure if they even know that not all wines are vegan. It's probably a great place for people who eat everything and want one plant-based dish among the several they order, but it's a lackluster place if you're the only vegan in a mixed group. I left hungry.

We were looking for a bar to have a beer before walking back to our hotel. We came by Buto and just walked in … we did not know anything about it and my goodness it was good! Small cosy restaurant… not on the cheap side and well worth it. Deliciously original food and very friendly and professional service! Highly recommended especially the eggplant menbosha 🙌

Very innovative, wonderfully tasting dishes along with an attentive and very friendly staff. Excellent wine and other drinks options. Though the restaurant only seats 20 or so, there was no rush to turn our table as we were there for almost 3 hours. Creative small plate Korean dishes with Chinese and other influences.

Rice is cooked at 8pm everyday! Chef used to run momo jein in hk and now has returned to Korea! Must try the cauliflower and the rice!!!

Good was fantastic and the chefs amazing. Menu is so good you can’t go wrong. Despite not being on the menu, the guys made us a couple of bespoke cocktails.

our favorite meal in Seoul by far! charming and informative service from reservation (thru instagram) to goodbyes. Hits the sweet spot between cool and cozy, not at all pretentious. I'm a vegetarian and the chef/owner was so gracious about accommodating me (and my omnivore sister). We had multiple courses recommended by the chef and all were outstanding (grilled watermelon salad, sweet corn, mala noodles, fried eggplant, and then two different desserts). I can't recommend Buto highly enough... a particularly welcome find for those looking for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Daily specials off the menu and a great wine selection. Provides english menus for foreigners and friendly service makes it ideal for locals and tourists that are looking for a fun, quality dinner time in Seoul.