In addition to the copious amounts of Korean restaurants and Koreanised "Japanese" izakayas scattered all over town, some foreign restaurants, including some offering Italian cuisine, can be found around the two main downtown districts of Dunsan-dong (opposite Timeworld) and near Jungangno station. Some nicer restaurants also still exist up near the World Cup Stadium.
Oddball theme restaurants are scattered around town. For example, there are a couple of eateries in Dong-gu near the Intercity bus terminal subscribing to the "hobbit mushroom" school of architecture, a restaurant called literally Nameless (이름없음) in front of Woosong university whose decor could be be best described as "clusterbomb of ropes", and a full military themed chicken joint on the wrong side of the tracks in Shintanjin (follow the road/lane due south from the Loving Hut listed below).
Sit-down sushi roll restaurants (as opposed to sushi trains) are scattered about Jungangno and Dunsan and can be a good option as the generic copy-cat business model typically involves picture-menus and prices under 10,000 won a meal. Options go beyond sushi to salads, pastas, gratins, and Japanese style omu-rice. Korean-style sushi, not to be confused with kimbap is extremely flamboyant in appearance.
Finally, if just looking for a quick snack, don't be afraid to try the street food. In central Daejeon around Jungangno there are at least 1-2 of the standard Korean odeng stands. Standard etiquette is to literally just grab a stick, eat it, and pay after you finish, the most common price is 500 won. Topokki (떡볶이tteokbokki) is a spicy ricecake and eggs in red spicy sauce. Stalls plus a handful of vendors with pernament shop-fronts can also be found here. The funny looking "buns" you may see the owner frying up are in fact essentially an inside-out pancake with syrup and nuts.
The following are a few of the more outstanding or unusual eateries:
Indy, Dunsan-dong (Diagonally across from the E-Mart in Dunsan-dong, near the '''T.G.I.Fridays''' and a Hanbok store. Close to Government Complex subway station and buses the #185, #215, and #115 all drive by.). Indian restaurant on the north side of town. Service may be a little slow for some and their prices are in the higher range. Curry dishes come with free rice or naan. Vegetarian options are available. �
Loving Hut, Shintanjin (From Korail Shintanjin station, cross the tracks to the ''wrong side'' over the rickety bridge, head north about 10 m, and then 1 block west.), . Part of a chain of organic, 100% vegan, new pseudo-religious group-run restaurants. Menus in the chain vary between outlets: Shintanjin's mostly serves rice or noodle based fare, but has a Western-style fake-meat item. Prices typically under 5,000 won, owners are friendly and probably won't try to convert you. Fake-meat can also be purchased to take home. A second outlet may be opening near Expo Park. �
Sung Sim Dang, Eunhaeng-dong, Jung-gu. Established in 1956, this bakery has a wall full of past awards and credentials on display, the prices for baked goods are similar to elsewhere and they make their own macaroons. There is a food court upstairs serving typical continental fare. �
Flying Pan, Eunhaeng-dong, Jung-gu (Next door to Sung Sim Dang). Restaurant specialising in Italian style cooking and steaks, seemingly owned by the same folks as Sung Sim Dang next door. It's practically a local institution so cab drivers will know it. Has a seperate cafe upstairs. �
Little Tomo, Eunhaeng-dong, Jung-gu (under Flying Pan, in the underground shopping mall's southern spur). The latest entry into Sung Sim Dang's growing downtown empire, this is an informal cafe style Japanese restaurant. The food style is neither authentic Japanese style nor the Koreanised "izakaya" fare. Styled somewhat like a country kitchen and decorated with napkin cranes from past diners. Has the rare honor of food that looks much better in reality than on the menus out the front. Meals typicaly about 6,000 won. �
TGI Fridays. The obligatory local chapter of the international American bar/restaurant franchise. Has an outlet very conveniently located about 100 m from the Government Complex station (opposite E-mart), but more notable is the one in the Lotte Department store in Seo-gu as it takes up the entire west side of 9F, offering sunset views of the city and mountains.Course meals from 23,000 won.. �
Kraze Burger. A Korean dine-in burger chain with an outlet in Dunsan-dong, about one and a half blocks west from the main Timeworld intersection and on the north side of the road (backing on to the drinking precinct) and another near City Hall. Noteworthy because the chain has extensive mushroom/tofu options for those who don't eat meat. �
Taco-K, (Tell the cab driver, Nonghyup gung-dong. Across the NH store you'll see a pharmacy at the corner. Enter that alley and keep walking until you see Taco-K, it's less than a 10-minute walk. It's also the same alley that's right beside the apartment complex.). Tacos, burritos, fajitas, nachos, and enchiladas.Course meals from 8,000 won to 12,000 W.. �
Daejeon Cantina, Dunsan-dong, near Timeworld (Go to the intersection that has the convenience store,Gartien Bier/Yellow Taxi, etc. Walk in the direction towards the restaurants/bars from afar. (If you look carefully, you'll see a yellow sign that reads, Bonbon.) Walk in that direction until you see the Cantina sign; it'll be on your left.), . Open Tuesday-Thursday 6pm-2am; Friday/Saturday 5pm-5am; Sunday 6pm-12am; Closed Mondays. Mexican restaurant/bar.Course meals from 8,000 won. �
Takorea Mexican Grill, Eunhaedong/Old Downtown (2-3 min walking distance from subway station no. 105 (Jungang-no), exit 4 (immediate vicinity of Jung-gu Police station)when you exit the subway walk to the left and turn left on the second street (at the Heungkuk financial) then turn right on the first street.), . Mon - Thurs: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm Fri - Sat: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm 5:00 pm - 12:00 am. Classier than Cantina with more variety, but more expensive.Course meals from 5,000 won to 18,000 won. �
House Grill, (exit Yongmung Station through exit #4. Keep walking until you reach the bus stop and enter the plaza (there is a Paris Baguette and glasses store sandwiching the entrance). Keep walking straight until the end of the hallway, it'll be on your right), ☎ Brian: 042-528-6639 or 010-9165-5142. 7 days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Excellent burgers, arguably the best in Korea. Also offers chili fries, spaghetti, wraps, and huge donkatsu.Course meals from 5,000 won. �
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Daejeon
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Daejeon - updated May 2024
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