1. Gosari Express (@gosari_express) | A Seoul Vegan Restaurant Doing Hip Chinese Comfort Food
Located in the rising, artsy neighborhood of Shindang, Gosari Express reimagines heavy Chinese-Korean comfort food into clean, plant-based masterpieces. They’ve completely nailed the rich flavors using ingredients like bracken (gosari).
Signature Items: Gosari Jjajangmyeon (Black Bean Noodles), Gosari Oil Tteokbokki
Location: 서울특별시 중구 다산로42길 47 1층
Reservation: Walk-ins only (No reservations)
📌 Real Tip: You absolutely have to try the Gosari Jjajangmyeon. The smoky, umami-rich black bean sauce has so much depth, you won’t believe there’s no meat inside.
⚠️ Heads Up: The seating area is quite intimate and cozy. If you’re visiting during peak lunch or dinner hours, expect a bit of a wait, so coming right at opening time is highly recommended.
2. Plant (@plantcafeseoul) | The OG Pioneer of Seoul’s Vegan Scene
With branches in both Itaewon and Yeonnam, Plant is essentially the legendary birthplace of Seoul’s modern vegan culture. It’s a breezy, international-friendly space serving up massive, comforting portions of Western-style plant-based meals.
Signature Items: Lentil Veggie Burger, Hummus Salad Bowl, Vegan Cakes
Location: 서울특별시 용산구 보광로 117 2층 (Itaewon Branch)
Reservation: Available via Naver (Mainly for large groups)
📌 Real Tip: The Lentil Veggie Burger is an absolute classic. The texture of the patty combined with their rich, creamy secret sauce makes it a crowd favorite even for non-vegans.
🤫 Inside Scoop: While the savory food is amazing, Plant is secretly a world-class bakery. Make sure to grab a slice of their famous Earl Grey or Banana Lotus cake from the display case before you leave!
3. Dahlia Dining (@dahliadining) | Fine-Casual Vegan Italian by a Celebrity Chef
Tucked away near the upscale Dosan Park in Apgujeong, Dahlia Dining is a gorgeous restaurant curated by famous Korean Chef Choi Hyun-seok. It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for an elegant, elevated dining experience for a special night out.
Signature Items: Eggplant Lasagna, Vegan Cream Pasta
Location: 서울특별시 강남구 도산대로45길 14 2층
Reservation: Available via Catch Table
📌 Real Tip: Go for the Eggplant Lasagna. They use premium plant-based meat and vegan cheese alternatives to create a sauce so rich and savory that it easily rivals traditional Italian spots.
⚠️ Heads Up: Because of its premium fine-casual concept, the prices are on the higher side. To secure a table without hassle, it’s best to book in advance via the Catch Table app.
4. Base Is Nice (@baseisnice_seoul) | Michelin-Recognized Art of Korean Vegetables
Awarded the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand, this Mapo-gu gem treats vegetables like pure art. Instead of using heavy faux meats, the chef focuses on bringing out the natural, delicate sweetness of seasonal roots and greens served alongside perfectly cooked rice bowls.
Signature Items: Seasonal Vegetable Rice Bowls, Daily Veggie Souls
Location: 서울특별시 마포구 도화2길 20
Reservation: Catch Table required (100% reservation-based)
📌 Real Tip: This place is a sanctuary if your stomach is feeling heavy from traveling. The clean, minimalist seasoning leaves you feeling deeply nourished, peaceful, and refreshed.
🤫 Inside Scoop: This spot operates strictly on a 100% reservation basis, and booking a seat can feel like winning the lottery. Keep an eye on their Instagram page to catch the exact moment their reservation window opens.
5. Vegis (@vegis_official) | Cozy, Neighborhood Hidden Gem Near Hongjecheon Stream
Previously located in Seongsu, Vegis has moved to a peaceful residential alleyway in Hongeun-dong (near Yeonhui-dong). Helmed by a chef with professional temple food training, it offers soothing, wholesome Korean-Western fusion dishes that feel like a warm, comforting home-cooked meal.
Signature Items: Taco Rice, Chive Pesto Pasta, Cream Gnocchi
Location: 서울특별시 서대문구 홍연길 87 1층
Reservation: Contact via Instagram DM or phone
📌 Real Tip: The dynamic flavor of their Taco Rice is an absolute must-try. It blends fresh greens and savory toppings so seamlessly that even non-vegans will easily wipe their bowl clean.
⚠️ Heads Up: Since it’s tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, it’s a bit far from major subway stations. It’s highly recommended to take a local bus and get off near “Hongyeongyo Bridge” or enjoy a breezy walk along the scenic Hongjecheon Stream.
6. Bytofu (@bytofu_hbc) | Cozy Eco-Friendly Sandwich Shop in Haebangchon
Perched on the scenic, winding hills of Haebangchon (near Itaewon), Bytofu is a charming, community-driven sandwich shop. They are deeply committed to zero-waste and sustainable living, radiating warm, friendly neighborhood vibes.
Signature Items: Broccoli Tofu Sandwich, Bird Salad (Taco-style)
Location: 서울특별시 용산구 신흥로 32 1층
Reservation: Walk-ins only (No reservations)
📌 Real Tip: Order their signature Broccoli Tofu Sandwich to-go! The crispy, marinated tofu cubes are incredible. Take your meal bag and walk up toward Namsan Park for a perfect scenic picnic.
🤫 Inside Scoop: Bytofu is completely pet-friendly, meaning you’ll almost always get to dine alongside adorable local dogs. It’s a beautifully relaxed, welcoming space for animal lovers.
7. Osegyehyang (@osegyehyang) | 100% Vegan Korean Cuisine in Insadong
Located in a traditional hanok alleyway in Insadong, Osegyehyang is a 100% vegan restaurant. It is a great spot for travelers who want to experience classic Korean comfort dishes—like stews, noodles, and barbecue wraps—without hidden meat or fish broths.
Signature Items: Spicy Vegan BBQ Ssam (Lettuce Wraps), Soft Tofu Stew, Vegan Tangsuyuk (Sweet & Sour)
Location: 서울특별시 종로구 인사동12길 14-5
Reservation: Walk-ins welcome
📌 Real Tip: Go for the Spicy Vegan BBQ Ssam. They use soy protein infused with a smoky char. Wrapping it in fresh lettuce with savory ssamjang sauce gives you a direct experience of Korean BBQ flavors.
⚠️ Heads Up: This is a traditional space, meaning you need to take your shoes off at the entrance. They have both floor-seating and regular tables, so if floor-seating is uncomfortable, ask for a table with chairs when you arrive.
🗺️ How to Book Vegan Spots in Seoul
To make sure you don’t end up standing in a massive line or facing a fully booked restaurant, downloading these two essential Korean booking apps is a game-changer.
• Naver Maps / Booking: You can search for the restaurant directly on Naver Maps and hit the “Booking” button. This is super useful for placing takeout orders or booking large group tables.
• Catch Table: This is the best restaurant reservation platform in Korea. For popular spots like Dahlia Dining, Base Is Nice, and Food Does Matter, you can use the global version of the Catch Table app. It allows foreign travelers to easily book with international phone numbers and credit cards, and you can even join virtual queues!
Besides food apps, if you want to check out other essential apps for navigation, subways, and instant translation to make your Korea trip 200% smoother, don’t miss our full guide below!
👉 [Essential Apps for Travelers in Korea]
👉 [Subway & Bus Translation Guide]
In our next post, we’ll be back with a curated list of the best vegan desserts in Seoul!
Stay tuned and Catch you in the next Seoulbits!🍀