If you were captivated by the intense cooking battles in Netflix’s hit show Culinary Class Wars (Black and White Chef), you are probably eagerly awaiting Season 2. The show pits “Black Spoon” (hidden masters) against “White Spoon” (established star chefs).
Many fans are now searching for the best White Spoon restaurants in Seoul to experience these culinary masterpieces firsthand. In this guide, we have compiled the definitive list of the 20 elite chefs rumored for Season 2 and the White Spoon restaurants where you can taste their food.
Whether you are looking for fine dining or casual eats, this list of White Spoon restaurants has something for everyone.
Note: White Spoon restaurants are led by recognized leaders in the culinary industry. Getting a reservation at these spots is competitive, so we highly recommend booking in advance via the links provided.
🌟 Michelin-Starred White Spoon Restaurants: The Pinnacle of Seoul Dining
For the ultimate gastronomic experience, these White Spoon restaurants have been recognized by the Michelin Guide.
1. Chef Lee Jun (Soigné)
Restaurant: Soigné (스와니예)
Status: 2 Michelin Stars ⭐️⭐️
As one of the top White Spoon restaurants in Seoul, Soigné offers a unique experience. Chef Lee Jun is a master of storytelling through food. The Michelin Guide describes his style as “Contemporary Cuisine of Seoul.” He blends global inspirations with Korean sentiments to create unique seasonal episodes.
- Signature Dish: Seorae Escargot. A brilliant “translation” of French ingredients into Korean sensibilities.
- Price: Lunch ~240,000 KRW / Dinner ~380,000 KRW.
- Address: 2F, Sinsa Square, 652 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
- Reservations: Book on Catchtable
2. Chef Son Jong-won (L’Amant Secret & Eatanic Garden)
Chef Son manages two distinct White Spoon restaurants, both holding 1 Michelin Star.
A. L’Amant Secret (라망시크레)
- Status: 1 Michelin Star ⭐️
- Style: Contemporary French.
- Vibe: Located in L’Escape Hotel, this is one of the most romantic White Spoon restaurants in the city.
- Address: 26F, L’Escape Hotel, 67 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul.
- Reservations: Book on Catchtable
B. Eatanic Garden (이타닉 가든)
- Status: 1 Michelin Star ⭐️
- Style: Innovative Korean.
- Vibe: Located in Josun Palace, featuring a stunning open kitchen.
- Address: 36F, Josun Palace, 231 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
- Reservations: Book on Catchtable
3. Chef Hou Deok-juk (Haobin)
Restaurant: Haobin (호빈)
Status: 1 Michelin Star ⭐️
If you are looking for authentic Chinese cuisine among White Spoon restaurants, Haobin is the place. Chef Hou is a living legend and the “Godfather” of Chinese cuisine in Korea. He was the first to introduce “Buddha Jumps Over the Wall” to Korea.
- Style: Authentic High-end Chinese.
- Price: Courses range from 110,000 KRW to 400,000 KRW.
- Address: 2F, Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel, 287 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul.
- Reservations: Reservations are best made via phone (+82-2-2270-3141).
4. Chef Kim Hee-eun (Soul)
Restaurant: Soul (소울)
Status: 1 Michelin Star ⭐️
Chef Kim Hee-eun runs one of the most creative White Spoon restaurants in Haebangchon. They are famous for reinterpreting Korean food culture into modern art, especially their unique “Bites” and desserts.
- Style: Contemporary Korean.
- Price: Lunch ~170,000 KRW / Dinner ~270,000 KRW.
- Address: B1, 35 Sinheung-ro 26-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
- Reservations: Book on Catchtable
5. Chef Choi Yu-gang (Kojacha)
Restaurant: Kojacha (코자차)
Status: 1 Michelin Star (2022-2024) ⭐️
Among the diverse White Spoon restaurants, Kojacha stands out for its fusion. The name combines Korea, Japan, and China. Chef Choi offers a unique fusion of these three Asian culinary traditions in a retro-modern setting.
- Style: Asian Fusion / Retro-Modern.
- Address: 1F, 17 Hakdong-ro 97-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
- Reservations: Book on Catchtable
6. Chef Kim Sung-woon (Table for Four)
Restaurant: Table for Four (테이블포포)
Status: 1 Michelin Star (Past)
This is one of the White Spoon restaurants that focuses heavily on farm-to-table dining. Originally from Taean, Chef Kim brings the freshest seafood and vegetables directly from his hometown to the table.
- Style: Italian Fine Dining with Korean Ingredients.
- Address: 5F, 25-12 Daesagwan-ro 31-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
- Reservations: Check on Catchtable
7. Chef Kim Keon (Goryori Ken)
Restaurant: Goryori Ken (고료리 켄)
Status: 1 Michelin Star ⭐️
If you prefer intimate dining, this is one of the smallest White Spoon restaurants on the list. With only about 8 seats, it follows the “Kappo” style of Japanese dining.
- Style: High-end Japanese Omakase.
- Address: 2F, 15-3 Eonju-ro 152-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
- Reservations: Check on Catchtable
8. Chef Kim Do-yun (Yun Seoul)
Restaurant: Yun Seoul (윤서울)
Status: 1 Michelin Star ⭐️
Yun Seoul is unique among White Spoon restaurants because of its obsession with noodles. Chef Kim dries and ages his own noodles and uses ingredients he has sourced and preserved himself.
- Style: Innovative Korean Noodle Dining.
- Address: 805 Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
- Reservations: Book on Catchtable
📺 Popular White Spoon Restaurants by TV Star Chefs
These chefs are famous for their TV appearances, making their White Spoon restaurants highly sought after by fans.
9. Chef Jung Ho-young (Caden)
Restaurant: Udon Caden (1F) / Izakaya Caden (2F)
One of the most famous TV chefs in Korea runs this landmark. Unlike other fine-dining White Spoon restaurants, this place is relatively accessible.
- 1st Floor (Udon Caden): Famous for authentic Japanese Udon.
- 2nd Floor (Izakaya Caden): A spacious Izakaya serving fresh sashimi.
- Address: 2F, Geohwa Bldg, 173 Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul.
10. Chef Sam Kim (Pasta Master)
Chef Sam Kim operates two Italian White Spoon restaurants in Seoul.
- Trattoria Sam Kim: Upscale Italian in Gangnam. Reservations
- Osteria Sam Kim: Casual Dining in Hapjeong. Reservations
11. Chef Song Hoon (Crown Pig)
Restaurant: Crown Pig (크라운돼지)
If you are looking for Korean BBQ among White Spoon restaurants, this is it. Chef Song Hoon focuses on premium “Nanjang” pork from Jeju Island.
- Style: Korean BBQ (Jeju Pork).
- Address: 17-1 Gangnam-daero 156-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
- Reservations: Naver Map Booking
12. Chef Cheon Sang-hyun (Ex-Presidential Chef)
Restaurant: Cheon Sang (천상현의 천상)
Chef Cheon served as the Executive Chef at the Blue House for 20 years. His establishment is one of the few Chinese-Korean White Spoon restaurants.
- Style: Korean-Chinese (Jjamppong, Jajangmyeon).
- Address: 6F, Lacita Della Moda, 16 Maeheon-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul.
13. Chef Lee Keum-hee (Bongraeheon)
Restaurant: Bongraeheon (봉래헌)
This is one of the most traditional White Spoon restaurants. Located in the Mayfield Hotel, it is set in a stunning Hanok building.
- Style: Traditional Royal Korean Cuisine.
- Address: Mayfield Hotel, 94 Banghwa-daero, Gangseo-gu, Seoul.
✈️ Global White Spoon Restaurants
These chefs operate White Spoon restaurants outside of Korea, bringing K-food to the world.
14. Chef Sim Sung-chul (New York City)
Chef Sim creates waves in NYC with his Michelin-starred concepts.
- Kochi: Skewer tasting menu (Michelin 1 Star).
- Mari: Handroll tasting menu (Michelin 1 Star).
- Gui Steakhouse: Korean Steakhouse.
15. Chef Jennie Walldén (Sweden)
Restaurant: Namu
Winner of Master Chef Sweden 2013, she runs one of the popular White Spoon restaurants in Malmö, Sweden.
- Address: Landbygatan 5, 211 34 Malmö, Sweden.
White Spoon Restaurants No Longer Running
Some White Spoon restaurants no longer operate as public eateries.
- 16. Chef Choi Kang-rok: Previously owned “Sikdang Neo”, a pub-style course meal in Songpa-gu. He is preparing to open a new one.
- 17. Chef Park Hyo-nam: A legend who served as the Executive Chef of the Sejong Hotel. Currently does not operate a public restaurant.
- 18. Chef Raymon Kim: Currently focused on TV appearances and consulting. No flagship restaurant open for regular bookings.
- 19. Im Sung-geun: His name is attached to franchises, but he does not run a fine dining spot.
- 20. Seonjae Sunim: A recognized Temple Food Master. She focuses on research and education.
Conclusion: Visiting White Spoon Restaurants in Seoul
Exploring these White Spoon restaurants is the best way to experience the height of Korean gastronomy. Whether you visit a Michelin-starred venue or a casual noodle shop, these chefs promise an unforgettable meal.
Make sure to download the Catchtable app to secure your seats at these popular White Spoon restaurants before you arrive in Korea.
If you want to check out the Season 1 contestants, click here. They will be easier to book.
