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Busan overflows with restaurants and cafes of every description. Portions are large and prices are reasonable so it's as easy to indulge in fine dining as it is in street food—options at both ends of the price scale are most likely serving local seafood specialties, particularly in the area around the Jagalchi Markets.
Opened in 1964 and known for its premium cuts of Korean hanwoo beef, this upscale barbecue restaurant is regarded as one of the finest in the city. The traditional u-shaped hanok building it calls home adds to its deep charm. Just make sure to bring a mighty credit card, or plenty of cash.
Situated near the famous 40 Steps in the historic Jungan-dong neighborhood, this all-you-can-eat tuna sashimi restaurant is worth the trip for not only the succulent slices of fish, but also the intimate ambience. Make sure to sit at the cozy bar and treat yourself to the deluxe set (₩50,000), while sushi chef Kim transports you with cut after cut of amazing tuna and more.
While Busan is a great food town, it's never been known for its fine-dining scene. This has begun to change in recent years with the addition of establishments such as Lab 24, where chef Edward Kwon dishes out French-inspired plates with gentle nods to Korean flavors. The dining room directly overlooks Songjeong Beach, which serves as a terrific backdrop for an indulgent, leisurely prix-fixe meal.
Perched on the 43rd floor of the Lotte Hotel, the Mugunghwa offers lucky diners sweeping views of the city and the distant hills. This elegant restaurant has five private rooms (for four to fifteen diners) in addition to its light, spacious main room. The cuisine emphasizes traditional Korean dishes, like galbi (grilled short ribs) and kimchi. The menu always offers courses that feature a good selection of local and seasonal fare, like Yeongdeok crab and seasonal fish. There's also an excellent Korean liquor list and a decent selection of wines.
The Centum branch of this popular chain just may be the nicest in town. The Party manages to elevate the notion of the buffet by guaranteeing a wide range of delectable, freshly prepared dishes with a dash of class. The food runs the gamut from Korean favorites, Chinese, sushi and sashimi, to Western standards such as pizza, pasta, and grilled-on-the-spot steak.
Located inside the Novotel hotel, this steak and seafood restaurant has fantastic sea views, mood lighting, and a modern décor of sepia tones and dark wood. It's arguably one of the most attractive (and romantic) restaurants in Haeundae. All meals are set menus made with the highest quality ingredients—the beef mignon and rack of lamb are sourced from Australia. Ventanas also has the most extensive wine list in Busan but on Mondays and Thursdays they do allow diners to bring their own wine (no corkage for the first two bottles).
