Finding a great Italian restaurant in Seoul is easier than ever but finding one that truly delivers on authenticity is a different story. Whether you’re craving slow-cooked Sicilian classics, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, or a Korean-Italian fusion that’s taken social media by storm, Seoul’s Italian dining scene has something for every palate — and if you want to complete the experience, don’t miss our guide to Where To Find Authentic Italian Gelato In Seoul. Here are our picks for the best authentic Italian restaurants in Seoul right now.
Top Italian Restaurants in Seoul
1. Ciuri Ciuri Italian Restaurant | Mapo-gu, Seoul
Ciuri Ciuri brings the very best of Sicilian dining to Seoul. Owners Enrico and Fiorenza are native Sicilians who are deeply passionate about their food and have cultivated one of the most authentic Italian dining experiences in the city. The interior is decorated with light blue ceramics imported directly from Sicily, setting the scene for a meal that transports you straight to the Mediterranean. The cannoli, layered with chocolate chips and sweet orange peel, comes highly recommended and Ciuri Ciuri has previously won Best Italian Restaurant in the 10 Magazine Best of Seoul competition.
Our Recommendations:
- Cannoli Siciliani
- Spaghetti con Bottarga
- Pesce all’isolana
Address: 3-13, Dongmak-ro 15-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
2. Brera | Jung-gu, Seoul
Brera is Seoul’s beloved go-to for Italian comfort food, established in 2015 by two university professors who shared a passion for honest, unfussy cooking. The focus here is on balancing great food with a genuinely relaxed atmosphere, and it shows, you’ll find a diverse mix of international patrons and staff that gives the restaurant a warm, welcoming vibe. The Pappardelle alla Boscaiola, a Tuscan dish loaded with Italian sausages, green peas, mushrooms, and parmigiano cheese, is a perennial favourite. Finish your meal with their rich and creamy Tiramisu.
Our Recommendations:
- Pappardelle alla Boscaiola
- Fettuccine Salmone e Vodka
- Saltimbocca alla Romana
Address: 41, Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
3. Seongsu Darak (성수다락) | Seongdong-gu, Seoul
If you haven’t heard of Seongsu Darak yet, your social media feed is about to change that. This viral Seongsu hotspot has captured the hearts of Seoul foodies with its cosy sunlit interior and a menu that bridges Korean and Italian flavours in the most satisfying way. The entrance is half the fun — look for the small white side door rather than the grand wooden double door out front. Seongsu Darak is best known for the show-stopping Darak Omurice, where a fluffy, silky egg omelette is dramatically cut open tableside to cascade over European-style fried rice and house-made sauce. The Spicy Cream Pasta and Darak Rose pasta are equally popular, and the Katsu Sando makes for a perfect side. With a cheerful daytime vibe and no break time on weekends, it’s an ideal spot for a Seongsu date or a casual catch-up with friends.
Our Recommendations:
- Darak Omurice (다락 오므라이스)
- Darak Rose Pasta (다락 로제)
- Spicy Cream Pasta (메콤 크림파스타)
- Katsu Sando (카츠산도)
Address: 2F, 20, Ttukseom-ro 9-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Seongsu Station, Exit 3)
Hours: Daily 11:30–21:15, Last Order 20:30 | Instagram: @seongsudarak
4. Paolo de Maria | Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Paolo de Maria is a fine dining trattoria and one of Seoul’s most respected Italian institutions, helmed by Chef Paolo de Maria, widely considered a pioneer of Italian food philosophy in South Korea. The extensive menu features virtually every Italian classic you can think of, from handmade pastas to expertly prepared secondi, all paired with an impressive wine list. Keep in mind the fine dining experience comes with a matching price tag, but those who’ve made the trip consistently say it’s absolutely worth it. Paolo de Maria has earned multiple Gambero Rosso Two Forks awards year after year, cementing its reputation as a benchmark for Italian cuisine in Seoul.
Our Recommendations:
- Risotto al Chianti
- Homemade pasta of the day
- Seasonal dessert selection
Address: 24, Yeonhui-ro 26-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Hours: Tue closed; all other days 11:30–15:00, 17:30–22:00
5. Il Chiasso | Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Il Chiasso lives by three principles: mangiare (eating), cantare (singing), and amore (loving) — and the restaurant delivers on all three. Located in Itaewon, the energy here is festive and the cuisine is authentic Italian with an upscale edge. If you’re not sure what to order, the cart service is on standby to guide you through the menu. Be prepared to invest a little more for a full course experience, which will likely run between 80,000 and 120,000 KRW — but the quality speaks for itself.
Our Recommendations:
- Lasagna Classica
- Sea Bass Fillet
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina + side dishes
Address: 55-7 Noksapyeong-daero 40-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Instagram: @ilchiasso.seoul
6. Spacca Napoli | Mapo-gu, Seoul
Tucked near Hapjeong Station, Spacca Napoli is the kind of neighbourhood gem that keeps Neapolitan pizza lovers coming back again and again. The spacious interior centres around a proper wood-fired oven, and the pies that come out of it are some of the most faithfully Neapolitan in the city. Even the classic Margherita will tell you everything you need to know about why Naples takes its pizza so seriously. For something with a little kick, the Diavola topped with strips of salami — is a crowd favourite.
Our Recommendations:
- Margherita
- Diavola
- Funghi Bianco
Address: 28, Yanghwa-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hours: Mon closed; Tue–Fri 11:30–15:00 & 17:00–22:00; Sat–Sun 11:30–22:00
7. Terra 13 | Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Headed by Chef Santino Sortino, Terra 13 brings a small but distinguished taste of Italy to the heart of Gangnam. The restaurant’s extensive menu spans both classic and creative dishes, all complemented by an impressive wine list. The Panna Tartufato Nero Da Sortino — a paccheri pasta dish with fresh thyme, herb-infused cream, prosciutto, and shaved black truffle — is the kind of dish people come back for. In the warmer months, the spacious terrace makes Terra 13 an ideal setting for a long, leisurely evening out.
Our Recommendations:
- Panna Tartufato Nero Da Sortino
- Ragu Di Gallo Nero E Anatra
- Fresh Truffle Special Pasta (Market Price)
Address: Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Instagram: @terra13seoul
Special Mention: Borgo Hannam | Yongsan-gu, Seoul
For those seeking a Michelin-recommended experience, Borgo Hannam in Hannam-dong is well worth a visit. Listed in the MICHELIN Guide South Korea, this intimate Italian restaurant in a charming Itaewon side street is praised for its heartwarming, region-spanning Italian cooking and friendly atmosphere. Reservations are highly recommended.
Address: 3F, 31 Itaewon-ro 54-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Hours: Tue–Sun 17:00–22:00 | Closed Mondays
That wraps up our guide to the best authentic Italian restaurants in Seoul. The city’s Italian dining scene is constantly evolving — new favourites like the social media sensation Seongsu Darak are popping up alongside long-standing institutions like Ciuri Ciuri and Paolo de Maria. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bowl of omurice or a multi-course trattoria dinner, Seoul has you covered.
If you’re exploring other international cuisines in the city, don’t miss our guide to the 10 Authentic French Restaurants in Seoul!
