Recently, a Korean TV show has captivated global attention. In this show, 100 chefs participate, divided into two teams: the "White Spoon" team, consisting of chefs who are already well-known through various media channels, and the "Black Spoon" team, made up of chefs who may be less recognized but are highly skilled. The contestants present a variety of unique and creative Korean dishes in a bid to crown one winner. This survival show has ignited a growing interest in K-food, which has become one of the key attractions for travelers visiting Korea.

Viewers are drawn to the unique and mouth-watering dishes featured in each episode, and they’ve started showing interest in the restaurants run by the contestants. These chefs, located throughout Korea and offering diverse cuisines, have made their restaurants accessible through the CATCHTABLE platform, where reservations and waitlist options are readily available.
* CATCHTABLE is a restaurant reservation and waitlist app in Korea, offering a global version that allows foreign visitors to make restaurant reservations easily without needing a Korean phone number.

CATCHTABLE’s Recommended Restaurants
Due to the sudden surge in popularity of this TV show, many of these restaurants are currently fully booked. However, if you’re planning a trip to Korea in the future, the situation might be different when you arrive. Here, we present some of the key chefs’ restaurants that you can book through CATCHTABLE.

The restaurants listed below can all be reserved via CATCHTABLE Global. Since many restaurants are already fully booked and often don’t accept walk-ins, it is highly recommended to check availability through CATCHTABLE before visiting.

Let’s first look at the White Spoon team, made up of star chefs.

1. Restaurant EVETT

Restaurant EVETT is operated by Joseph Lidgerwood, who was unfortunately eliminated in the second round of the popular cooking survival show. Located in Apgujeong, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a unique experience where guests can taste ants personally foraged by the Australian-born chef. As part of the course meal, freeze-dried ants are served atop a sikhye sorbet during the palate cleanser phase for those who wish to try them. However, since the availability of ants depends on successful foraging, even those eager to taste them may miss the opportunity, so it's recommended to try them if given the chance.

2. Yun Seoul

Yun Seoul is operated by Chef Kim Do-yun, who became widely recognized for cooking with a headset during the competition. This Michelin-starred restaurant is renowned for its use of fermentation, aging, and drying techniques, as seen on the TV show. Most of the dishes served at Yun Seoul are experimental and creative, offering a unique dining experience that can only be found there. If you want a glimpse into the distinct culinary world of Chef Kim Do-yun, who runs Yun Seoul with his own unique style and taste, a visit is highly recommended.

3. CHOI. (Choi Dot)

This restaurant is run by Choi Hyun-seok, a celebrity chef who has long been known in Korea for his appearances on various TV shows. In the cooking survival show, he gained further popularity by presenting creative dishes. Signature dishes such as flatfish seaweed soup and garlic vongole pasta, which he made on the show, are also on the menu, allowing diners to feel like real judges.

4. Dahlia Dining

Dahlia Dining is another restaurant run by Chef Choi Hyun-seok, but this one is entirely vegan. This restaurant is a collaboration with the vegan beauty brand Dear Dahlia, and you can also browse their beauty products on the first floor via an internal staircase. All menu items are 100% vegan and egg-free, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a special vegan dining experience.

5. NEGI Dining Lounge

NEGI Dining Lounge is a restaurant where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine, one of Chef Jang Ho-joon’s specialties. In addition to course meals, the restaurant offers a wide variety of à la carte options, allowing diners to choose according to their preferences. The restaurant also has an extensive drink menu, making it perfect for evening dining.

Next, let’s explore the Black Spoon team, composed of hidden culinary talents.

1. VIA TOLEDO Pasta Bar

VIA TOLEDO Pasta Bar is run by Chef Kwon Seong-jun, who appeared as "Napoli Matfia" on the show and is currently one of the most famous Black Spoon chefs. The pasta menu changes with the seasons, and the airline ticket-themed menu design adds a unique touch. The exotic interior, tableware, and accessories make diners feel as though they’ve traveled to Italy.

2. trid

Another popular Black Spoon chef, Kang Seung-won, who appeared on the show as "Triple Star," operates trid, a fine dining restaurant already featured in the Michelin Guide. Thanks to his experience working at a Michelin 3-star restaurant, the presentation and harmony of every dish are at the highest level, providing an enjoyable experience for both the eyes and the palate. One of the details that stands out is the truffle choux pastry, where the back is carefully filled so that the cream is not visible, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail Chef Kang puts into every element of his dishes.

3. Deepin

Deepin is the restaurant of Yoon Nam-no, who appeared on the show as the eccentric "Cooking Maniac" with a tough exterior but a soft heart. The main branch of Deepin is in Sindang, with another branch in Oksu, giving you flexibility depending on your location. As a natural wine bar, Deepin offers a variety of seafood and meat dishes that pair excellently with wine.

In addition to these, many other restaurants run by chefs who may not have made a major impact on TV but are highly regarded for their culinary skills can also be reserved through CATCHTABLE.

* This article was written by CATCHTABLE and provided to VISITKOREA.

* This column was last updated in October 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check details before visiting.