vegetarianism is no longer a diet for the few, but an entire culinary culture. Beyond simple salads, vegetarian restaurants are exploring the endless possibilities of vegetables and putting them in the spotlight as the perfect star of the show. here are four vegan eateries and fine dining spots in Seoul that put the colorful faces of vegetables and the deep philosophies of their chefs on the plate.

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1. legum: Ecstasy in the name of veganism

led by Chef Sung Siu, formerly of Michelin-starred restaurant Swaniyeh, Legum sets a new standard for vegetarian dining with its 100% vegan cuisine. with a zero-waste philosophy, the flavors of familiar vegetables such as turnips, ferns, and carrots are interpreted with sophistication and elegance. courses are revamped each season to feature seasonal vegetables, such as orange-braised endive tartlets and coriander-seeded sweetcorn fritters, creating an ecstatic experience that even non-vegans will find satisfying.

ADD: Sinsa Square 2F,652 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | INSTAGRAM: @legume.seoul

2. localized: stories told by local vegetables

at Locale, we believe in farm-to-table, showcasing the potential of seasonal vegetables grown in our own backyard in European cuisine. their signature dish, the vegetable terrine, is a work of art in itself, piled high with the colors and flavors of the season, created through direct interaction with farmers. expect warm, healthy dishes that put vegetables at the center of the action, such as cannelloni stuffed with pumpkin and cheese and gnocchi in a spinach cream sauce.

ADD: 2F, 33 Hallimmal-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul | INSTAGRAM: @the_local_eater

3. vACANT: Vegetarian grammar written with traditional flavors

as the name suggests, Bium serves a clean, vegetable-centered Korean cuisine that is emptied of meat, seafood, and even sauerkraut. chef Kim Dae-chun reinterprets the aesthetic of “bium” from temple food with a modern twist. the course meal, which harmoniously combines hand-soaked traditional earthenware, seasonal wild-grown vegetables, rice cakes, and rice, is not about lack, but rather about completion. if you want to experience the essence of Korean vegetarian cuisine that delicately captures the passage of the seasons, this is the place to go.

ADD: 1F, 41, Hakdong-ro 97-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | INSTAGRAM: @biumseol

4. millennium Sikhyang: Green Gastronomy as a Canvas for Creativity

chef Ahn Baek-lin of Cheoncheol Sikhyang uses zero waste and the keyword “fermentation” to create vegan dishes as works of art. Whether it’s marinating intestines with carrots or lacto-fermenting mugwort to make pickles, his creative culinary world is beyond the limits of imagination. his signature dish, “Sex and Steak,” is a vegan steak made by fermenting beets with yeast to create a texture similar to tartare, and it can be grilled to perfection, giving even carnivores a new culinary experience.

ADD: 3F, 316-1, Hyoeryeong-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul | INSTAGRAM: @millennial_dining

frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. what makes a ‘fine dining’ vegetarian restaurant different?

A. Rather than simply removing meat, we use different methods (fermenting, braising, pureeing, etc.) to maximize the natural flavors, aromas, and textures of vegetables. we offer a formalized gastronomic experience, with course meals featuring the best ingredients available in each season, and wine or traditional spirit pairings to accompany the food.

Q. what is the difference between vegan and vegetarian?

A. Vegetarian is a general term for vegetarians who don’t eat meat and fish and shellfish, and can be categorized as lacto-ovo (no dairy, eggs), lacto (dairy), or ovo (eggs) depending on what they eat. vegan is the stricter end of the spectrum, and refers to vegans who don’t consume meat, fish, dairy, or eggs, as well as animal products of any kind, including honey and gelatin.

Q. do the restaurants featured require reservations?

A. Yes, most fine dining restaurants operate on a prix fixe basis and have limited seating, so advance reservations are required. we recommend contacting each restaurant before your visit via their Instagram or booking platform.