K-Pop’s Hidden Tables: 10 Celebrity-Loved Restaurants, Cafés in Korea
In Korea, the real magic happens over meals. This is your guide to the restaurants where K-Pop idols and actors actually eat—not for cameras, just for comfort. From EXO's favorite BBQ spot to Kai's family café, these places have soul. Ready to taste K-Culture from the inside?
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| source : Disney+ Hotstar |
Table of Contents
- Why Korean Fans Follow Their Idols to the Dinner Table
- Apgujeong's Star-Studded BBQ: Chupungnyeong Pork House
- BTS's Pre-Fame Comfort Food: Yujeong Sikdang
- G-Dragon's Artistic Escape: Monsant de Aewol, Jeju
- Yoo Ah-in's Creative Burger Joint: TMi
- Sweet Moments at Kai's Family Café: Kaimong
- YG's Stylish Donut Spot: The samE
- JYP's Hidden Lamb Grill: Lam Nikuya
- ITZY's Go-To Kimbap: OTTO
- A Taste of Sicily in Gangnam: Casanello Sicily
- Family-Run Italian with Idol Roots: Viva Polo
- The Heart of Celebrity Dining Culture in Korea
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| Jungkook was spotted dining alone at a meat restaurant in Seoul. |
Why Korean Fans Follow Their Idols to the Dinner Table
In South Korea, being a fan goes way beyond streaming albums and buying concert tickets. It extends to something much more intimate—sharing a meal in the same spot your favorite idol once sat.
From the sleek BBQ joints of Apgujeong to the breezy coastal cafés of Jeju, K-Pop fans don't just want to meet their idols—they want to experience what their idols experience. They want to taste the same comfort food, sit in the same booths, breathe in the same atmosphere.
Walk into any of these celebrity-owned or celebrity-frequented restaurants, and you'll see it immediately: signed polaroids tucked behind the counter, framed autographs on the walls, handwritten notes from stars who stopped by after a long night of rehearsals. Each one tells a story—a quiet record of late-night laughter, exhaustion, and the simple joy of good food.
Eating at these places feels like stepping into the pages of K-Culture itself. It's fandom you can actually taste.
Apgujeong's Star-Studded BBQ: Chupungnyeong Pork House
Where: 41 Dosan-daero 51-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
What to order: Herb and garlic-marinated pork belly (₩20,000–30,000 per person)
Who eats here: NCT, TWICE, SHINee, EXO
This isn't just a barbecue restaurant—it's practically a shrine.
Tucked near Rodeo Station in the heart of Gangnam, surrounded by entertainment agencies like SM and JYP, Chupungnyeong Pork House is where idols and trainees come to decompress after grueling late-night practice sessions. The walls? Basically a hall of fame. Signatures from EXO, TWICE, SHINee, NCT—each one a small artifact of Korean pop history.
The star of the menu is the pork belly, marinated in fresh herbs and finely minced garlic. When it hits the grill, it sizzles and caramelizes into this buttery, melt-in-your-mouth perfection that pairs dangerously well with a shot of soju.
EXO's Kai is rumored to be a regular here, which has turned the place into something of a pilgrimage site for international fans. On any given night, you'll find tourists quietly geeking out over the same table their bias might have sat at just weeks ago.
BTS's Pre-Fame Comfort Food: Yujeong Sikdang
Where: 14 Dosan-daero 28-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
What to order: Stone-pot bibimbap (₩10,000), Jeju black pork (₩25,000)
Who eats here: BTS (back in the day)
Before BTS was selling out stadiums and breaking Billboard records, they were just seven hungry guys looking for a solid meal after practice. And this is where they found it.
Yujeong Sikdang is the definition of a neighborhood gem—warm, unpretentious, and filled with the kind of home-cooked flavors that make you feel like you're eating at your Korean grandma's house. Brass kettles steam on the tables, stone pots hiss and pop, and the walls are covered in handwritten fan letters and old photos.
Their dolsot bibimbap is legendary. It arrives in a sizzling stone pot, the rice forming a crispy, golden crust at the bottom—crunchy, nutty, and deeply satisfying. There's something poetic about it, honestly. Like how hard work creates something beautiful.
For ARMY, eating here is more than just a meal. It's a way to connect with BTS's early days—when they were still struggling, still dreaming, still just seven kids sharing bowls of rice and soup after a long day. Even locals who have no idea about the BTS connection keep coming back for the honest flavors and generous portions.
G-Dragon's Artistic Escape: Monsant de Aewol, Jeju
Where: 56-1 Aewolbukseo-gil, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si
What to order: Signature coffee and homemade desserts (₩8,000–12,000)
Who owns it: G-Dragon (BIGBANG)
Perched on the edge of Jeju Island, overlooking the endless blue of the ocean, Monsant de Aewol is less a café and more a work of art.
This is G-Dragon's creative vision come to life—a space where minimalism meets coastal serenity, where industrial design softens into something almost meditative. The façade is covered in mirrors that reflect the sky and sea, making it feel like the horizon is folding into your table. Inside, modern art hangs on the walls, local beans brew in the espresso machine, and everything is bathed in soft, natural light.
It's not just about the coffee (though it's excellent). It's about the feeling. The calm. The luxury of slowing down. It's a mood board of Korean cool, captured in concrete and glass.
Fans make the pilgrimage to Jeju just to sit here for an hour, sip an Americano, and stare out at the same view G-Dragon must have fallen in love with. It's the kind of place where you understand why someone would want to escape the noise of Seoul and just be.
Yoo Ah-in's Creative Burger Joint: TMi
Where: 16 Noksapyeong-daero 32-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
What to order: Handcrafted burgers and thick milkshakes (₩15,000–20,000)
Who owns it: Yoo Ah-in (actor)
The name stands for "Too Much Information," but at TMi, it really means "too much flavor."
This is actor Yoo Ah-in's passion project—a burger joint that feels more like an art installation than a restaurant. The interior is all exposed concrete, dim neon lighting, and moody shadows. It's the kind of place where Seoul's creative crowd—stylists, photographers, indie filmmakers—hang out between projects.
But don't let the aesthetic fool you. The food is serious. Each burger is made with locally sourced ingredients and house-made sauces, stacked high and messy in the best possible way. Pair it with one of their thick vanilla milkshakes, and you've got yourself a perfect meal.
It's not uncommon to spot Yoo Ah-in himself here, or some of his actor friends stopping by between film shoots. The whole vibe feels like a scene out of an indie Korean drama—moody, intimate, a little rebellious.
Sweet Moments at Kai's Family Café: Kaimong
Where: 17 Seocho-daero 42-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul
What to order: Belgian waffles (₩7,000–10,000)
Who's connected: EXO Kai (run by his sister)
Tucked into a quiet corner of Seocho, Kaimong is a small, cozy café run by EXO Kai's older sister. And yes, Kai himself drops by from time to time—which has made it a low-key pilgrimage site for EXO-Ls.
The atmosphere is warm and personal. Soft lighting, gentle acoustic music, and the faint, comforting smell of waffles crisping on the iron. It's the kind of place where you can actually relax, away from the chaos of tourist-heavy Gangnam.
The waffles are fantastic—crispy on the outside, chewy and soft on the inside, drizzled with just the right amount of syrup. The espresso is strong and smooth. But honestly, even if Kai weren't involved, people would still come here. It's just a good café.
Of course, when Kai does show up, the energy shifts. Fans try to play it cool, stealing glances through the window, whispering excitedly to each other. But most of the time, it's just a sweet little spot with great desserts and a lot of heart.
YG's Stylish Donut Spot: The samE
Where: 6-3 Heeujeong-ro 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
What to order: Donuts and specialty coffee (₩3,000–5,000)
Who's connected: YG Entertainment
Step into The samE, and you immediately recognize the YG aesthetic—sleek, monochrome, effortlessly cool.
Run under YG Entertainment, this café doubles as a creative hangout space. BLACKPINK, iKON, and TREASURE members have all been spotted here between studio sessions, grabbing coffee or lounging in the minimalist chairs. The design is clean and modern, with subtle nods to YG's music videos hidden throughout.
But the real star? The donuts. They're fluffy, slightly chewy, and topped with restrained sweetness—none of that over-the-top American glaze. Just clean, satisfying flavor. It's very YG, honestly. Even the desserts have rhythm.
Fans come here hoping for a chance idol sighting, but even if that doesn't happen, the vibe alone is worth it. It feels like you're sitting inside the world that created your favorite music.
JYP's Hidden Lamb Grill: Lam Nikuya
Where: Yongin, Gyeonggi Province
What to order: Charcoal-grilled lamb (₩30,000–40,000 per serving)
Who eats here: JYP idols (TWICE, Stray Kids, ITZY)
Hidden away in Yongin, far from the bright lights of Seoul, Lam Nikuya is where JYP idols go when they need to escape.
This place specializes in something rare in Korea—lamb. Premium cuts, grilled over charcoal, seasoned simply with rosemary and sea salt. The meat comes out smoky, tender, and incredibly flavorful. It's high-protein, low-grease, and perfect for health-conscious idols who need to stay in shape.
The location alone adds to the allure. It's quiet, almost secretive, tucked away from the usual celebrity hotspots. That makes it a true insider's destination—less about being seen, more about actually enjoying a great meal.
If you're a fan and you manage to find it, you'll probably feel like you've unlocked a hidden level in the K-Pop universe.
ITZY's Go-To Kimbap: OTTO
Where: 1F, IT Tower, Sangam-dong, Seoul
What to order: Kimbap rolls (around ₩5,000)
Who eats here: ITZY
Sometimes the best meals are the simplest ones.
OTTO Kimbap sits right near the broadcast studios in Sangam-dong, making it the perfect quick-bite spot for idols running between rehearsals and live recordings. ITZY members are regulars here, often spotted grabbing takeout before heading to Music Bank or Inkigayo.
The kimbap is fresh, well-made, and comforting—warm rice wrapped around crisp vegetables, tuna mayo, and pickled radish. It's not fancy. It's not Instagram-worthy. But it's good, and it's fast, and that's exactly what busy idols need.
For fans, there's something endearing about knowing that even global stars like ITZY still grab convenience-style kimbap on the go. It makes them feel human. Relatable. Real.
A Taste of Sicily in Gangnam: Casanello Sicily
Where: 10 Bongeunsa-ro 29-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
What to order: Authentic Italian coffee and tiramisu (₩7,000–12,000)
Who owns it: Jinseok (Single's Inferno)
This café is a love letter to Sicily—filtered through the lens of Seoul.
Opened by Single's Inferno star Jinseok, Casanello Sicily serves authentic Italian espresso and delicate, creamy tiramisu in a sunlit, Mediterranean-style interior. The vibe is warm, inviting, and just the right amount of stylish.
Fans come for the connection to Jinseok. But locals? They stay for the quality. The coffee is rich and smooth, the desserts are made with care, and the whole space feels like a little escape from the concrete buzz of Gangnam.
It's a quiet reminder that celebrity ventures can actually succeed when they're rooted in genuine craft and passion—not just name recognition.
Family-Run Italian with Idol Roots: Viva Polo
Where: 1631 Yangjae-daero, Gangdong-gu, Seoul
What to order: Pasta and wood-fired pizza (₩15,000–30,000)
Who's connected: Run by an idol's family
Walking into Viva Polo feels like stepping into a family dinner in Rome—except there are framed autographs on the walls and a subtle K-Pop energy in the air.
Run by a well-known idol's family, this Italian restaurant radiates warmth and hospitality. The pastas are perfectly al dente, the pizzas come out of the wood-fired oven with crispy, charred edges, and the service feels personal—like you're being welcomed into someone's home.
The walls are decorated with family photos alongside idol signatures, blending everyday life with the surreal glow of fame. It's a place where comfort and celebrity share the same table, and somehow, it works beautifully.
The Heart of Celebrity Dining Culture in Korea
Korean celebrity dining culture is about more than chasing autographs or snapping selfies. It's about connection.
These restaurants offer something rare—a glimpse into how idols actually live. How they unwind. What they eat when they're exhausted. Where they go when they want to feel normal again.
Each place, whether it's a humble kimbap shop or a chic coastal café, reflects something deeper about Korean culture: the importance of shared meals, the value of sincerity, and the quiet joy of flavors that linger long after the spotlight fades.
For fans, eating at these spots is a way to feel close without being intrusive. It's a way to celebrate their favorite artists through something as universal as food.
And for travelers? It's the best kind of souvenir—a taste of the world that created the music you love.
"Discover more Korean dishes in my previous posts."