Bicena

Seoul, South Korea

As restaurant settings go, this one’s pretty epic: the 81st floor of the Lotte World Tower, Korea's tallest building. It would be easy to just coast on the views from its double-height dining room, but chef Jeon Kwang-Sik and his team have far too much talent and ambition. Their nuanced, creative tasting menus start with a glass of pine-needle gamju (rice wine), followed by a series of precision-crafted plates, rooted in the seasons. There could be a snow-crab salad, laced with sesame and tangerine, rich, autumnal dry-aged duck jeok, or a fermented rice cake, layered with striploin and shiitake. Nuruk – fermented rice salt – adds another level of umami, whether it’s used to season dishes or as part of the slow-curing process. Come in the evening, when the city glimmers with light, or book in for lunch, when prices are lower but the standard’s just as high.

Key Information

• Tasting menu from $186
• Lunch and dinner: Mon – Sun
• 82 2 3213 1261
• Visit Bicena's Website

Location

81F Lotte World Tower, 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa, Seoul, 5551