Netflix: Culinary Class Wars

Netflix's Korean culinary competition show, 'Culinary Class Wars' has been the talk of the town. 80 Black Spoon chefs, undiscovered talents, and 20 iconic White Spoon chefs compete against each other to be the best in Korea. The show ranked top on the Non-English TV Series charts, and the restaurants of the chefs are now in the spotlight. Some restaurants are fully booked for up to a month the moment reservations became available. Here’s a guide to the must-visit restaurants run by Black & White Spoon chefs —be sure to make a reservation before it’s too late!

This Italian restaurant has earned the Fresh Food Master certificate, awarded to restaurants that use fresh, verified ingredients. Their popular dish, the Fresh Truffle Pasta, is generously topped with truffle oil and fresh truffles, offering a rich aroma and flavor. The Grilled Short Rib Steak, served medium-rare, comes with a small grill on the side so you can keep it warm until your last bite.

Popular Pho restaurant located between Chungmuro Station and Euljiro Station. The restaurant operates from 10 AM to 3 PM, but may close early if ingredients run out. Their most popular dish is the pork pho, featuring a rich pork broth filled with generous portions of various cuts of pork. The flavor is reminiscent of Korea’s sundaeguk (blood sausage soup).

Salt House Deli started in 2016 as a small workshop making smoked bacon. They now offer their signature Jambon Beurre, a perfect combination of crusty baguette, savory ham, and creamy butter, which has become a popular favorite. Another best-seller is their salad, made with fresh arugula, nuts, cherry tomatoes, house-made ham, and burrata cheese. They also serve beer and wine, so make sure to pair them with bread!

This restaurant specializes in North Korean cuisine. Their courses feature unique dishes like Hamhung-style myeongtae sikhae (fermented dried pollock) and low-temperature cooked boiled pork. The main dish is a selection of four types of sundae (Korean blood sausage stuffed with various fillings inside pig intestines). The homemade sundae is freshly cut and served right from the traditional iron pot.

During lunch, you must order drinks to have a table, and in the evening, you must order alcohol drinks. They also serve North Korean liquor, which is highly recommended to pair with your meal.

Manuel Jip specializes in garlic-infused chicken dishes, with dakbokkeumtang (spicy braised chicken) and whole chicken as the top choices. Mix the garlic generously served on top of the chicken into the broth for a kick. After finishing the chicken, you're offered buckwheat noodles or fried rice for free. The garlic scape kimbap, made with pickled garlic scapes, is also a unique side dish worth trying.

A handcrafted meat workshop with branches in Mangwon, Anguk, and Seongsu. They exclusively use Korean sea salt from Shinan, which is collected and aged for 3 years. Their Jambon Beurre is made with Jeju black pork ham and French Isigny butter, resulting in an exceptional taste. You can choose sides like French fries or coleslaw salad to enjoy a hearty meal!

A French restaurant known for its popular photo spot inside the cave-like entrance that leads into the dining area. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, from salads and beef tartare to steak, and lamb chops. Most of the dishes pair perfectly with wine, so it's recommended to order a bottle to enhance your dining experience. Since weekend reservations can be difficult, a weekday visit is recommended.

Located near Dosan Park, their signature dishes include fono bread, prosciutto, and Tête de Moine cheese, a combination known as the "Fono Buono Trio." This trio is a must-try! Lately, many order the Aglio e Olio made by 'Hidden Genius' in the Netflix show. Please note that only 1 plate of Aglio e Olio can be ordered per table, and it’s best enjoyed when mixed well, thanks to its perfect al dente texture.

Wine orders are mandatory to get a table. You can also order by glass, not bottle.

Enjoy shabu-shabu in a modern-style hanok. The shabu-shabu broth here is made with simmering beef, chicken, and shiitake mushrooms, creating a light yet deep flavor. The best-selling dish is the chuck flap tail shabu-shabu, and popular side dishes include water parsley pancakes and beef tartare. As a restaurant specializing in Korean-style shabu-shabu, they also offer a variety of traditional Korean liquors like makgeolli.

An Italian & Chinese fusion restaurant that retains the name of the factory it used to operate in. The signature dish is the Balsamic Guo Bao Rou, a crispy fried pork dish paired with balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy flavor. If you’re having trouble choosing from the wide variety of menu options, the set menu is highly recommended! It offers a chance to try several of the restaurant's unique and experimental dishes.

A great spot to enjoy pork BBQ paired with traditional Korean sauces. The recommended dish is the Doenjang-baki (pork belly marinated in soybean paste) for regular visits, while the Gochujang Jumuluck (spicy marinated pork) lunch special is a must-try. The restaurant is located near Seongsu, and it opens until late at night.

Located in Peaches Dowan, a cultural complex in Seongsu, the restaurant is a fun place to explore for its high ceilings, spacious interior, and trendy items. Their signature Jambon Beurre and the Peaches Pastrami are only available in Seongsu. This hearty sandwich is packed with sourdough bread, cheese, dressing, and generous amounts of pastrami.