The Best Restaurants in Daegu, South Korea

Non-Korean Restaurants in Daegu

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When hunger strikes, consider dining at one of these best restaurants in Daegu that became staples in my life as an English teacher in South Korea.

As an expat teaching English in Korea, I’ve learned that some of the best things to do in Daegu involve eating. But if you don’t know where to look, decent restaurants in Daegu can be difficult to find! Whether you’re craving traditional Korean, comfort food from home, or something else entirely, this list shares some fo the best restaurants in Daegu ranging from Korean to non-Korean, so you no longer have to wonder – what to eat in Daegu? Bon appetite!

Hungry for more? I gotchu with my best bars in Daegu and my best cafes in Daegu guides!

The Best Korean Restaurants in Daegu

Let’s start with the classic Korean joints that serve up my favorite local dishes. Here are some yummy Korean restaurants you should try for traditional dishes.

현풍닭칼국수 동성로점 (Hyeonpoong chicken soup) – Korean Chicken Noodle Soup (닭칼국수)

2508 Bongsan-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu
대구광역시 중구 봉산동 25-8
Map. Korean Blog. 

Hyeonpoong chicken noodle soup is not only a favorite amongst Koreans, but also amongst many expats! The chicken soup at this place is huge, affordable and insanely good.

Come hungry and prepare to fill up on one of the best soups in the city. If you still have room for more, the mandu (Korean dumplings) are also very delicious and Hyeonpoong is famous for it’s super spicy kimchi.

Korean food in Korea
Close up view of the awesome chicken stew – photo by Ivan Zarezkij

태산만두 (Taesanmandu) – Korean Dumplings (만두)

2109-32 Dalgubeol-daero, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea
대구광역시 중구 달구벌대로 2109-32
Map. Korean Blog

For those obsessed with Korean dumplings, Taesanmandu is the place for you. Their entire menu is a variety of dumplings of all sizes, fillings, tastes, textures…you get the picture. It’s a great place for those on a budget or looking for a chill dinner out with friends.

Image from Instagram

대박양념오뎅 (Daebak Yangnyeom Odeng) – Street Food Tent

15 Dongseong-ro 16 gil, Jung-gu, Daegu
대구광역시 중구 동성로6길 15
Map. Korean Blog

Near the stage in downtown Daegu, lies 대박양념오뎅, a snack bar where folks fill up on the most common Korean street foods. Stop by to enjoy sticks of fish cakes, tteokbokki, dumplings and hotteok. It’s cheap, it’s easy, it’s open late and people love it for a reason. When winter falls, they also serve my favorite Korean treat: Hotteok (sweet, fried pancakes).

머꼬 What? (Meokko What?) – Korean BBQ in Daegu’s BBQ Alley

28-12, Samdukdong 1-ga, Jung-gu, Daegu
대구광역시 중구 삼덕동1가 28-12
Map.

It’s hard to choose the best place for Korean BBQ on Daegu’s one and only BBQ Alley, but when pressed to choose one, What? comes recommended by many people. Make your way down the alley and stop by for some delicious pork belly, side dishes, soju and more. While down there, check out the other awesome K BBQ joints for next time!

things to do in Daegu KQQ

개정 동성로점 (Gaejeung) – Traditional Korean + Bibimbap (비빔밥)

대구대구광역시 중구 개정식당 2층
Map. Korean Blog.

In our group of friends, we lovingly call this restaurant the ‘amazing bibimbap place’. Although they serve up more than just bibimbap, they’re well known for their raw beef bibimbap along with other traditional Korean dishes. I personally can recommend the dolsot bibimbap/돌솥 비빔밥 (mixed rice and veggies in a hot stone bowl). It’s SO GOOD.

green tea bibimbap
Yummy bibimbap

중앙떡볶이 (Jungang Tteokbokki) – Famous Tteokbokki (떡볶이)

81 Dongseong-ro 2-gil, Dongseong-ro 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Daegu
대구광역시 중구 동성로2가 동성로2길
Map. Korean blog.

I’m a bad Daegu Saram (Daegu person) and have not actually tried this famous tteokbokki myself, but this place is always busy and I’ve never seen it without a long line of people hungrily waiting to get their hands on some tteokbokki.

The rice cakes here are HUGE and rumored to be delish. They also serve the traditional Daegu dumplings that are flat. Be a good Daegu-ite and try Jungang Tteokbokki – one of the best restaurants in Daegu.

안지랑 곱창 골목 (Anjirang Gopchang Alley) – Small Intestines Alley

Daemyeong-ro 36-gil, Daemyeong 9(gu)-dong, Nam-gu, Daegu
안지랑 곱창 골목 대구광역시 남구 대명동
Map

Gopchang (곱창) is a very popular dish in Daegu. Cooked KBBQ style, it’s a great place to go with a group of friends for dinner and beer. If you’re not a picky eater, every expat should try gopchang (small intestines) at least once while living in Korea. It’s not too terrible – just a little chewy. This is one of many places on Daegu’s famed Gopchang Alley.

Wasn’t a fan, but I’m usually down to try anything once

북성로돼지불고기골목 – Bulgogi Tents Bulgogi, Udon + Soju

84 Gyesandong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Daegu
대구시 중구 북성로2가 일대
Map. English Blog

The bulgogi tents in Daegu are a great place to kick off a night on the town. Located in the alleyways behind the large Daegu Bank, there are numerous tents scattered throughout the neighborhood. As the name implies, folks come for bulgogi (marinated pork) as well as udon (thick noodle soup) and copious amounts of soju and beer. You don’t want to miss this fun spot!

things to do in daegu bulgogi tents
Bulgogi tent with friends

걸리버 막창 (Gulliver Abomasum) Makchang (막창)

53 Oksalro, Nowon-dong, Buk-gu, Daegu
대구광역시 북구 노원동 옥산로 53
Map. Korean blog

Makchang (pig rectum) is a Daegu specialty that often intimidates foreigners living or visiting Daegu. However, the locals go crazy for the stuff and this restaurant comes personally recommended by my Korean co-teachers.

While I must admit I’m not the biggest fan of the stuff myself, I’m a big advocate for trying (nearly) anything once! And I couldn’t not include the local famous dish on this list. So for those looking to try a true Daegu classic dish, I recommend Gulliver Abomasum.

춘천닭갈비1985 – Dakgalbi (닭갈비)

98-1 Namil-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu
대구광역시 중구 남일동 98-1
Map. Korean Blog.

Dakgalbi is a spicy stir-fry dish typically cooked with a mix of marinated chicken, cabbage, sweet potatoes, onions, tteok (rice cakes) and sometimes cheese.

It’s cooked in a large skillet in the center of the table and eaten straight from the pan or in lettuce wraps. I loooove dakgalbi – it’s filling, and usually pretty cheap. It can be pretty spicy, so a word of caution for those who don’t like spice. There are many dakgalbi restaurants in Daegu, but this one is one of our faves.

닭똥집 골목 – Chimak street Chicken + Beer

597-1 Sinam-dong, Dong-gu, Daegu
대구광역시 동구 아양로9길 10 (신암동, 평화시장 – Pyeonghwa market)
Map. English Blog.

Chimak is a beloved Korean tradition of chicken and beer. This famous alley is home to numerous chicken restaurants serving up every variation of Korean fried chicken. Stop by to check out the cool surrounding area of Pyeonghwa Market and take your pick of restaurants for dinner.

picnic in Druyu park daegu
Chicken and drinks in Druyu Park is another option

The Best Non-Korean Restaurants in Daegu

Black Taco – Mexican and cocktails

대구광역시 중구 공평로 31
31 Daeseong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea

Sadly authentic Mexican is essentially non-existent in Daegu. Although not like the Mexican at home, Black Taco offers some of the best in the area as well as some killer cocktails. Just beware the burrito is cold…that seems to be a thing here.

Image from Instagram

Oily Burger – Diner style burgers

1-1 Gongpyeong-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu
Map.

Oily Burger is another popular burger joint in Daegu. With two locations near Kyungpook University and the downtown area, come to Oily Burger for a greasy dinner experience – you won’t regret it.

Tara – Indian

125-12 Deoksan-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu
Map.

An Indian restaurant downtown, Tara is an affordable option to enjoy delicious curry dishes, samosas and naan. They also offer an affordable set menu that includes naan, two curries and rice – more than enough to feed two people.

Hi Thai – Thai

70-3 Gongpyeong-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu
Map.

This cute little gem is a local favorite. With seating for only about 16 people, there’s almost always a line out the door of folks waiting to enjoy the tom yum, Penang curry, and more.

Image from Instagram

New Saladdin – Indian

79, Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu
Map.

For those in the mood for Indian, check out New Saladdin right outside the Kyungpook National University north gate. They have sets on the menu to share with more than one person. Their curry and lassis are definitely yum!

Ronnie’s Dough – Pizza and craft beer

10-10 Munhwa-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu
Map.

Ronnie’s Dough is a hip diner located near 2.28 Memorial Park. Their pizza is doughy and flavorful, and they have craft beer on tap for a chill evening out.

Non-Korean Restaurants in Daegu
Fluffy savory Hawaiian pizza done right at Ronnie’s!

Adela – Italian

4th floor of Esia City Shopping Center 1539-3 Bongmu-dong Donggu, Daegu
Map.

Located near Palgongsan in the Bongmu neighborhood, Adela is a rooftop Italian restaurant that whips up great pasta, flat breads and rice dishes. Be sure to order a glass of their tasty and affordable sangria with dinner. In warmer weather, enjoy your meal outside on the terrace. 

Feelin’ fancy at this cute establishment

Tomatillo – Tex Mex

South Korea, Daegu, Buk-gu, Hoam-ro, 51 B동1층1호 파크몰
Map.

A tex mex chain in most major cities in Korea, Tomatillo’s kitchen prepares standard Mexican style dishes, burgers and more. Their frozen margarita towers high above the glass and are a great compliment to dinner.

나빌레라 (Nabilera)  – Pasta, pizza, rice and cocktails

Samdeokdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Daegu
Map.

Nabilera is one of my favorite places in Daegu to grab a cocktail and a bite to eat. The atmosphere is lovely with mood lighting, candles burning, colorful lanterns and cushion seating. Nabilera is perfect for a date night or girl’s night out.

Non-Korean Restaurants in Daegu
The entrance to Nabilera is located right across from the Tomato shopping store.

Tokyo Dining – Japanese fusion

4-5, Dongseong-ro 2-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu
Map.

Located down a small side alley, Tokyo Dining is a Japanese fusion restaurant serving a variety of hamburger, steak, bibimbap, udon and tonkatsu. Come early to avoid the long lines and avoid coming on Thursday, the one day of the week the restaurant is closed.

Farm table – Home-cooked meals

대구광역시 중구 동성로4길 109
109 Dongseong-ro 4-gil, Gongpyeong-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu

An excellent choice for a fresh home-cooked meal, Farm Table serves brunch, lunch and dinner. They’re probably best known for their soufflé pancakes and dutch baby dishes (pictured below). This cute restaurant is located near Kim Kwang Seok music street in Daegu.

farm table cafe dutch baby

Snow Pea Sushi – Japanese Sushi

Jongno 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Daegu
Map.

Another wonderful sushi restaurant to try, Snow Pea has the reputation for fresh and delicious sushi.

Patty’s Factory Burgers – Burgers

73 Samjeong-gil, Nam-gu, Daegu
Map.

Another expat favorite, Patty’s is a fabulous burger joint similar to Oily Burger. Expats in Korea know a good burger can be few and far between in Korea, so you can never have enough killer burger recommendations! The restaurant is down the road from the entrance to the American military base Camp Walker, not far from Apsan.

Zione – Italian

26-3 Samdeokdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Daegu
Map.

To quote a dear friend of mine, Zione is “hands down the BEST authentic Italian food in Daegu”. The owner even imported the restaurant’s brick oven from Italy. It’s located down a small side alley, but there are signs to point you in the right direction.

Zione Daegu
Celebrating a friend’s birthday with steaks at Zione

Godam 2015 – Cafe

26-11 Samdeokdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea
Map.

This place comes highly recommended from a foodie friend of mine and servers up various rice, steak, and pasta dishes. It’s right next door to Zione (listed above) and they share the same front courtyard area. They serve a wide variety of items and their salmon flatbread is to die for and a must try!

Menya Sandaime – Japanese ramen

86 Namil-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea
Map.

Authentic ramen has come to be one of my favorite dishes since moving to Asia! The rich and flavorful broth and tasty pork is just something that cannot be adequately described with words. Check out Menya Sandaime, a chain with locations in Seoul and Busan as well, for your next ramen fix.

Image from Instagram

7pm Pub – Brunch cafe and pub

948-3 Manchon-dong, Suseong-gu, Daegu
Map.

A beautifully decorated cafe, as most are in Korea, 7pm serves up dishes that are as impressive as their interior design. Their pizza comes highly recommended as well as the rest of their menu.

Non-Korean Restaurants in Daegu
7pm not only serves delicious food, but also a cozy atmosphere! Photo by my dear friend Liz Hirschauer (thanks girl!)

For more awesome restaurant recommendations in Daegu, check out the Good Eats in Daegu Facebook page. You must request to join the group, but it’s a community where expats share delicious food finds in and around Daegu!

What are your favorite non-Korean restaurants in Daegu? Share below!

Non-Korean Restaurants in Daegu

4 thoughts on “The Best Restaurants in Daegu, South Korea

    • Brittany says:

      Thanks Rachel!! Sometimes you just need something other than Korean from time to time ???? I thought maybe others felt the same way ????

    • Brit says:

      This is a great question! I never looked much into Daegu’s fine dining scene while i was there…I do know the top of E83 tower is supposed to have a nice restaurant though! Have you heard of the Facebook group “GOOD EATS IN DAEGU”?. I recommend checking out their recs. I did a quick search and unfortunately it doesn’t seem like there are too many options but some! I hope this helps!!

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