Chef Kwon Sung-jun, known as Napoli Matfia on the Netflix show “Culinary Class Wars,” is seen in his restaurant Via Toledo in Seoul. Captured from Kwon's Instagram
Netflix's hit cooking competition show, "Culinary Class Wars," has garnered tremendous love not only from Korean viewers but also from the global audience, sparking immense interest in the participating chefs and where to taste their dishes.
The show pitted 20 established chefs, categorized as "white spoon" chefs, against 80 highly skilled but lesser-known "black spoon" chefs, who were referred to only by nicknames until the final round. Throughout 12 episodes, their individual culinary philosophies, passion for cooking and mouthwatering dishes captivated many viewers.
For those interested in dining at restaurants operated by the participating chefs, reservations can be made through Korean restaurant reservation app Catch Table or Naver, a portal site offering all-in-one services from map search to reservations. However, due to the chefs' newfound popularity, securing reservations has become quite difficult.
Catch Table now offers a global version of its app, making it easier for English, Japanese and Chinese-speaking users to access information about these restaurants and make reservations.
Here is a list of must-visit establishments run by the top "Culinary Class Wars" chefs in Seoul.
Bisque risotto with northern shrimp tartare served at Via Toledo / Captured from Via Toledo's Instagram
Via Toledo
Chef Kwon Sung-jun, dubbed "Napoli Matfia" in Netflix's show "Culinary Class Wars" / Courtesy of Netflix
Run by Kwon Sung-jun, nicknamed "Napoli Matfia"
■ Address: 7-2 Wonhyo-ro 83-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul
■ Hours: 5-10 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday
■ Website: Instagram @viatoledo_official
Via Toledo by Kwon Sung-jun, known as "Napoli Mafia" in "Culinary Class Wars," has become one of the most-sought-after dining spots in Seoul following his epic win on the cooking survival show.
The chef, who studied at Italy's culinary school ALMA and worked at the three-Michelin-starred Le Calandre in northern Italy and two-Michelin-starred Dani Maison in southern Italy, won the finals against Korean American chef Edward Lee in the show.
His restaurant offers an intimate dining experience, serving authentic Italian cusine. Diners can watch the chef prepare dishes in an open kitchen, engaging in conversation with him and listening to detailed explanations about the dishes.
Currently, Via Toledo accepts reservations only through Catch Table on the 10th and 25th of each month. Only two-person reservations are available and walk-ins are not accepted.
Whole wheat noodles with soy sauce-marinated crab and horse mackerel served at chef Kang Seung-won's restaurant Trid in Seoul. Captured from Trid's Instagram
Trid
Chef Kang Seung-won, nicknamed "Triple Star" in Netflix's show "Culinary Class Wars" / Courtesy of Netflix
Run by Kang Seung-won, nicknamed "Triple Star"
■ Address: 2F, 16 Seolleung-ro 162-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul
■ Hours: 12-3 p.m. for lunch, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. for dinner, Tuesday to Saturday
■ Website: Instagram @tridseoul
Kang Seung-won, nicknamed "Triple Star" in "Culinary Class Wars," worked as sous chef for three years at restaurant Mosu under Anh Sung-jae, Korea's only Michelin three-star chef and one of the show's two judges.
During the show, Kang continued to impress judges and viewers alike with his impeccable cooking techniques and leadership in team challenges, creating diverse dishes that made him a strong contender of the competition.
Located in southern Seoul's posh neighborhood of Cheongdam-dong, his Michelin Guide-listed restaurant is famous for offering creative course meals that reinterpret various cultures and traditions.
Deepin
Chef Yoon Nam-no, also called "Cooking Maniac" in Netflix show "Culinary Class Wars" / Courtesy of Netflix
Run by Yoon Nam-no, nicknamed "Cooking Maniac"
■ Address: 411 Toegye-ro, Jung District, Seoul
■ Hours: 6 p.m.-midnight, Tuesday to Friday, 5:30 p.m.-midnight on weekends
■ Website:Instagram @deepin_seoul
Yoon Nam-no, also called "Cooking Maniac" in the show, specializes in Japanese-style French dishes at his restaurant Deepin after studying Japanese cuisine and falling in love with French cooking.
Calling himself a dork, Yoon injected an element of entertainment into the show with his foul-mouthed antics. Of course, he also impressed viewers with his culinary skills and creative dishes.
At Deepin, he serves wine-friendly dishes ranging from scallop tartlets to lamb chops.
NEGI Dining Lounge offers Japanese course meals or various a la carte Japanese dishes. Courtesy of NEGI
NEGI Dinning Lounge
Chef Jang Ho-joon / Yonhap
Run by Jang Ho-joon
■ Address: 4F, 18 Dosan-daero 15-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul
■ Hours: 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m., Monday to Saturday
■ Website:Instagram @negi_lounge
Chef Jang Ho-joon is a Japanese cuisine chef who operates various Japanese restaurants under his franchise brand NEGI.
In "Culinary Class Wars," this white spoon chef showcased his talent by presenting various Japanese-style tofu dishes during the semifinals, in which seven chefs competed for survival.
At NEGI Dining Lounge, visitors can order Japanese course meals or various a la carte Japanese dishes.
Andongjip Sonkalguksi
Chef Kim Mi-ryeong, dubbed "Auntie Omakase #1" in "Culinary Class Wars" / Courtesy of Netflix
Run by Kim Mi-ryeong, nicknamed "Auntie Omakase #1"
■ Address: B1, 3 Gosanja-ro 36-gil, Dongdaemun District, Seoul
■ Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday to Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday
Kim Mi-ryeong, who participated in the show wearing traditional Korean clothing "hanbok," serves "kalguksu" (knife-cut noodle soup) at Seoul's famous Gyeongdong Market.
As she showcased various Korean dishes during the cooking competition, her restaurant offers everyday Korean favorites such as "suyuk" (boiled pork slices) and "baechujeon" (cabbage pancake) that ordinary Koreans enjoy. Her restaurant doesn't accept online reservations, so visitors must get there early and wait in line.
She also operates Cheerful Drinking Table near Chang-dong Station, where she crafts a variety of dishes for patrons to enjoy with their drinks, using fresh ingredients of the day.
Tian Mi Mi's Mala Dim Sum / Captured from Tian Mi Mi's Instagram
Tian Mi Mi
Chef Jung Ji-sun / Courtesy of Netflix
Run by Jung Ji-sun
■ Address: 143 Saimdang-ro, Seocho District, Seoul
■ Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (break time 3 p.m.-5 p.m.), every day
■ Website: Instagram @tianmimi_gangnam
Chef Jung Ji-sun appeared in the show as a member of the white spoon class, showcasing her Chinese culinary skills and making it all the way to the semifinals.
Dubbed the “Queen of Dim Sum,” even before appearing on the show, Jung's restaurant Tian Mi Mi offers a variety of unique dim sum creations, from truffle shaomai to mala dim sum, as well as signature Chinese delicacies such as stir-fried seafood with meatballs and deep-fried eggplant with Yuxiang sauce.
Choi Hyun-seok's establishment Choi Dot added Flounder Seaweed Soup, served during a match of "Culinary Class Wars," to its course menu. Captured from Choi Dot's Instagram
Choi Dot
Chef Choi Hyun-seok / Courtesy of Netflix
Run by Choi Hyun-seok
■ Address: 3F, 457 Dosan-daero, Gangnam District, Seoul
■ Hours: noon-10 p.m. (break time 3 p.m.-6 p.m.), every day
■ Website: Instagram @choidot_official
Choi Hyun-seok, one of the most famous chefs in Korea, operates Choi Dot, an Italian-based fine dining restaurant.
Nestled in the luxury shopping district of Cheongdam-dong in southern Seoul, Choi Dot has long served customers the star chef's signature course meals featuring his unique, creative style.
His restaurant was recently included in Taste of Seoul 2024, a list of 100 restaurants and bars recommended by 45 domestic food experts.
More notable restaurants
Runner-up Edward Lee, whose Korean name is Lee Kyun, is at the helm of 610 Magnolia in Louisville, Kentucky, where he brings a contemporary flair to Southern American cuisine. Lee also gained recognition for his role as a guest chef at a White House state dinner, hosted for Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in April 2023.
Comic Book Chef, whose real name is Cho Kwang-hyo, is a self-taught cook who drew inspiration from culinary-themed comic books. He operates Chokwang 101 and Chokwang 201 in Songpa District, southeastern Seoul, famous for their Dongpo pork dish.
Self-Made Chef, also known as Lim Tae-hoon, is another Chinese cuisine cook featured on "Culinary Class Wars." He started his career as a delivery worker for a Chinese restaurant and gradually worked his way up to the kitchen. Today, he runs Doryang in Jongno District, a spot featured on singer Sung Si-kyung's YouTube channel.
Song Haseulram, who appeared on the show as Side Dish Chef, operates Mamalee Market & Pub. This unique venue combines a selection of Korean everyday side dishes with a pub atmosphere on the second floor, offering customers the chance to enjoy bread and side dishes paired with drinks.