From Screen to Table: Discover the Top Restaurants Run by Culinary Class Wars Contestants
If you’re a fan of Culinary Class Wars on Netflix, you’re probably thinking — damn the food looks good, how can I get my hands on it?
Luckily, most of the talented chefs in the show own restaurants in Seoul, so fans can try their food! This guide will take you through the restaurants owned by the top contestants, so you can plan the ultimate foodie adventure in South Korea.
What is Culinary Class Wars?
Credit: Netflix
For those living under a rock, Culinary Class Wars is a South Korean cooking competition series on Netflix. I gave the first episode a try thinking it’d be a good "background show", but ended up binging the entire series within a few days.
What can I say? I love food and drama.
The show features a rivalry between two groups of chefs: the “White Spoons,” consisting of 20 renowned culinary masters, and the “Black Spoons,” made up of 80 skilled yet lesser-known chefs. Chefs compete for a grand prize of ₩300 million, showcasing their culinary skills and creativity in various cooking challenges.
Credit: Netflix
The show is judged by Paik Jong-won (celebrated restaurateur) and Anh Sung-Jae (Korea’s only Michelin 3-star chef). Let's just say it was like Physical 100 meets Masterchef — I’ve never seen a similar format in any other cooking show.
Now, let’s dive into the best restaurants owned by Culinary Class Wars chefs. Warning: spoilers ahead!
1) Kwon Sung-jun "Napoli Mafia": Via Toledo
Credit: Netflix
Chef Kwon Sung-jun, better known by his nickname "Napoli Mafia," earned his reputation as one of Korea's top Italian chefs through his mastery of authentic Neapolitan cuisine.
He honed his culinary skills at Italy's prestigious ALMA culinary school and worked in renowned Michelin-starred establishments. Oh, and he also won the entire show — so you know his food is good.
One of my favorite episodes of the show is where contestants were challenged to whip up a dish using convenience store goods. Napoli Mafia won over the judges with his highly creative Chestnut Tiramisu. PSA: You can now try his dessert at CU Convenience Stores in Korea!
His passion for Italian food, especially homemade pasta, took him from the heart of Naples to Seoul, where he now runs Via Toledo —a restaurant that brings a true taste of Naples to Korea.
What to try at Via Toledo
- Risotto: Creamy and rich, this dish is prepared with seasonal ingredients, showcasing Chef Kwon's skill in crafting comforting yet sophisticated flavors
Address: 7-2 Wonhyo-ro 83-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul
Opening Hours: 5PM - 10PM (Tuesday to Saturday)
Reservations: Reservations can be made online on the 10th and 25th of each month
2) Choi Hyun-seok: Choi Dot
Credit: Netflix
Choi Dot, located in the upscale Cheongdam-dong area of Seoul, is a fine dining restaurant run by chef Choi Hyun-seok. One of South Korea's most prominent culinary figures, Choi brings a unique flair to his dishes by blending Italian techniques with Korean flavors.
The restaurant features a minimalist decor that emphasizes the artistry of the food, with signature offerings such as vongole pasta and crab meat dumplings.
What to try at Choi Dot
- Vongole Pasta: A standout dish made with fresh clams, garlic, and a delicate sauce. He made this dish in the Netflix show, albeit forgetting the garlic.
- Crab Meat Dumplings: These dumplings are celebrated for their rich filling and perfectly crafted wrappers, embodying Choi's flair for combining textures and flavors.
Address: 3F, 457 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: 12PM - 3PM, 6PM - 10PM daily
Reservations: Call +82 2-518-0318 or reserve online
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3) Yoon Nam-no "Cooking Maniac": Deepin
For a taste of authentic Japanese-style French cuisine, head to Deepin, located in the Jung District. This cozy restaurant, owned by Chef Yoon Nam-no, known as Cooking Maniac, a Black Spoon contestant on Culinary Class Wars, serves up classic dishes with a modern flair.
After mastering Japanese cuisine and falling in love with French cooking, Yoon crafted a menu that blends these culinary traditions. Yoon’s innovative approach to blending Japanese and French culinary traditions makes Deepin a standout in Seoul’s competitive dining scene.
What to try at Deepin
- Scallop Tartlet: A delightful appetizer featuring fresh scallops served in a crispy tart shell, perfect for pairing with natural wines
- Lamb Chops: Juicy and flavorful, these lamb chops are expertly cooked and seasoned, showcasing Yoon's skill in bringing out the best in each ingredient
- Seasonal Course Meals: Deepin is known for its creative course menus that change with the seasons, allowing diners to experience a variety of dishes that reinterpret classic flavors.
Address: 14 Dasan-ro 33-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Sindang-dong)
Opening Hours: 5:30PM - 10PM (Closed on Mondays)
4) Jung Ji-sun: Tian Mi Mi
Credit: Netflix
Tian Mi Mi, a popular Chinese restaurant chain operated by Chef Jung Ji-sun, also known as the "Queen of Dim Sum," gained acclaim for its vibrant and authentic Sichuan-style cuisine. She became one of my favorite contestants during the team restaurant mission when her unique shrimp dim sum was the most ordered dish!
With locations in both Gangnam and Hongdae, Tian Mi Mi offers an inviting atmosphere where diners can enjoy a variety of expertly crafted dim sum and traditional Chinese dishes.
What to try at Tian Mi Mi:
- Truffle Shaomai: A luxurious twist on traditional dumplings, filled with succulent shrimp and enhanced with the rich flavor of truffles.
- Mala Dim Sum: This dish features a spicy and numbing sensation characteristic of Sichuan cuisine, making it a favorite among spice lovers.
- Stir-Fried Seafood with Meatballs: A delightful combination of fresh seafood and tender meatballs, stir-fried to perfection with aromatic seasonings.
- Deep-Fried Eggplant with Yuxiang Sauce: Crispy eggplant served with a savory and slightly spicy sauce, offering a perfect balance of flavors.
With its diverse menu and emphasis on quality ingredients, Tian Mi Mi has become a must-visit destination for those seeking authentic Chinese dining experiences in Seoul.
- Tian Mi Mi Gangnam
- Address: 104-1, 143 Saimdang-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- Opening Hours: 11AM - 10PM daily
- Reservation Phone: 010-8874-1040
- Tian Mi Mi Hongdae
- Address: 4th floor, Mercure Ambassador Seoul Hongdae, 144 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Opening Hours: 7AM - 10 PM
- Reservation Phone: +82-2-3774-1071
5) Kang Seung-won "Triple Star": Trid
Credit: Netflix
Situated in the trendy Gangnam district, Trid is a modern Korean restaurant run by Chef Kang Seung-won, affectionately known as Triple Star.
After honing his skills as a sous chef at the prestigious Michelin three-star restaurant Mosu under Chef Anh Sung-jae, Kang has gained recognition for his meticulous cooking techniques and creative approach to diverse cuisines.
Trid is celebrated for its exquisite course meals that reinterpret various culinary traditions, showcasing seasonal ingredients and unique flavor combinations. It was also featured on the MICHELIN Guide in 2022, 2023, and 2024!
What to try at Trid
- Whole Wheat Noodles: Served with soy-marinated crab, butter, and kani-miso, highlighting a fusion of flavors.
- Buttery Tartlets: Filled with housemade crème fraîche and topped with Mexican-style barbecued pork neck and guacamole, offering a delightful twist on traditional ingredients.
Address: 2F, 16 Seolleung-ro 162-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul
Opening Hours: 12PM – 3PM and 6PM – 10PM (Tuesday – Saturday)
Reservations: For reservations or more information, check their Instagram page @tridseoul.
6) Lee Mi-ryeong "Auntie Omakase #1": Andongjip Son Kalguksi
Credit: Netflix
Andongjip Son Kalguksi, located in the bustling Gyeongdong Market, is a beloved eatery owned by Chef Lee Mi-ryeong, affectionately known as "Auntie Omakase #1."
After overcoming personal hardships, Lee established this humble restaurant to share her passion for traditional Korean cuisine, particularly kalguksu, or knife-cut noodles.
What to try at Andongjip Son Kalguksi
- Kalguksu: Freshly made knife-cut noodles served in a savory broth — a staple of the menu.
- Cabbage Pancakes (Baechujeon): Crispy and flavorful pancakes that complement the noodles perfectly.
Address: 1022 Jegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: 10AM – 8PM daily
Reservation: Walk-ins only
7) Jang Ho-joon: NEGI Dining Lounge
Credit: Netflix
NEGI Dining Lounge, located in the vibrant Gangnam District of Seoul, is led by white spoon Chef Jang Ho-joon. With a passion for Japanese cuisine, Jang operates several restaurants under the NEGI brand, focusing on fresh and vibrant dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients.
The dining lounge offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for both casual dining and special occasions.
What to try at NEGI Dining Lounge
- Sashimi Platter: An exquisite selection of fresh seafood, beautifully presented and showcasing the chef’s commitment to quality.
- Japanese Course Meals: A carefully curated experience featuring multiple courses that reflect the best of Japanese culinary traditions.
Address: 4F, 18 Dosan-daero 15-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul
Opening Hours: 5:30 PM – 11PM (Closed on Sundays)
Reservations: Call +82 2-548-0807 or reserve online
Visit These Restaurants in Seoul on Your Next South Korea Trip
Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse range of fine dining restaurants that showcase the city’s culinary excellence.
If you're hoping to dine at restaurants in Seoul by the contestants of Culinary Class Wars, reservations can be made through the Korean restaurant reservation app Catch Table. Book in advance!
And while you're visiting, why not check out more fun things to do in South Korea like a color analysis or renting a hanbok for a day?
More South Korea Travel Inspiration & Guides
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