Samwon Garden

"Open for: Lunch and dinner Price range: $$$ Since 1976, refined yet welcoming Samwon Garden has been a cornerstone of Seoul’s barbecue scene. After a major renovation, the restaurant now features a stunning indoor space with tall ceilings and expansive glass windows, alongside a beautifully landscaped outdoor garden where you can enjoy coffee or ice cream after your meal. The highlight here is the signature marinated short ribs, expertly grilled over charcoal on a brass plate, imparting subtle smoke that pairs perfectly with the beloved sweet marinade. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing only the highest-quality cuts of premium Korean beef, while the skilled grill team provides impeccable service at tables. There are private rooms available for gatherings of any size. Know before you go: The weekday lunch set, served with bulgogi or soy-marinated crab, is a great deal." - Matty Kim

"In the cultural landscape of Korean barbeque, Samwon Garden has long enjoyed fame based on its intricate balance between comfort and haute cuisine. It is where diverse cuts of prime Korean beef meet the seasoned grilling skills of its staff, a synergy that creates a delightful and comfortable gastronomic experience. What’s more, a gorgeously landscaped outdoor garden, coupled with high ceilings and glass walls infused with the Korean aesthetics of empty space, adds a sense of openness to this gracious dining. Its various private dining rooms cater to a variety of communal dining needs. For several decades, Samwon Garden has transformed Korean barbeque culture while carrying on the country’s culinary tradition. Visit this culinary landmark and enjoy a meal loaded with great traditional flavors." - Michelin Inspector

"Sam Won Garden is the oldest and largest Korean barbecue restaurant in South Korea, and their first US location is a three-story space on 32nd Street. It’s a big restaurant with a minimalist design, and it feels just a tiny bit more upscale than some of the other Korean barbecue places in the area, although it isn’t much more expensive. Come here when you’re with a group and just want to eat a lot of beef on 32nd Street." - Bryan Kim