Hello, luxury food seekers! Welcome back to Hidden Gem Seoul, your ultimate guide to the most extraordinary dining experiences in the city. 💎
If you have done your research on Korean food, you know that Hanwoo (premium native Korean beef) is an absolute must-try. But what if you want to experience the literal peak of Hanwoo? Today, we are taking you to the historic Majang Meat Market to visit Born & Bred (본앤브레드).
Consistently ranked on "Asia's 50 Best Restaurants," Born & Bred is not just a steakhouse; it is a full-blown beef sanctuary. It is famously known for offering a "meat coma" experience that celebrities (like David Beckham) and hardcore foodies travel across the globe for. Let’s dive into the ultimate Hanwoo omakase journey! 🕵️♂️
📍 Born & Bred: Basic Information
- Location: 1 Majang-ro 42-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Located near the Majang Meat Market)
- Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 12:00 PM ~ 10:15 PM (Break time: 3:00 PM ~ 6:00 PM) / Closed on Mondays
- Phone Number: 02-2294-5005
- Google Maps Link: Click here to view Born & Bred on Google Maps
📝 Reservation Tips: Preparing for the Ultimate Splurge
Born & Bred is a highly exclusive dining experience, and walking in for their tasting courses is nearly impossible.
- How to Book: All reservations are handled through the 'CatchTable' app or their official website.
- The Floor Concept: You must choose your floor when booking!
- 2F Casual Dining: Great for ordering individual cuts à la carte.
- 3F Private Dining: Private rooms offering a luxurious, guided course menu.
- B1 Speakeasy: The legendary, exclusive omakase counter (Adults only, and extremely difficult to book!).
🏛️ The Vibe: A Luxurious Meat Sanctuary
Despite being located right next to the traditional, bustling Majang Meat Market, stepping into the Born & Bred building feels like entering a luxury hotel. The first floor serves as a high-end butcher lounge showcasing massive cuts of aging beef. As you move up (or down to the basement), the atmosphere transforms into a dark, sleek, and highly sophisticated fine-dining space complete with copper accents and a mesmerizing wood-fire grill.
🥩 Signature Menus & Prices (Subject to change)
- B1 Speakeasy Hanwoo Omakase (Dinner): ~ 450,000 KRW per person
- 3F Private Room Lunch/Dinner Course: ~ 200,000 KRW / 250,000 KRW per person
- 2F Casual Dining: A la carte cuts available (approx. 20,000 ~ 27,000 KRW per 100g depending on the cut)
🍽️ The Honest Taste Review!
1. The Highest Grade of Hanwoo Born & Bred’s owner literally grew up in the Majang Meat Market, meaning they get the absolute first pick of the highest-grade Hanwoo (BMS No.9) in the entire country. The marbling on these cuts looks like a delicate snowfall. Because they control the aging process perfectly, the meat possesses a nutty, deeply rich, and sweet flavor that melts in your mouth without feeling overly greasy.
2. The B1 Speakeasy "Meat Coma" If you manage to book the basement Speakeasy, prepare for a marathon. You are seated at a sleek counter where a private chef guides you through an unbelievable amount of beef. From the ultra-tender Chateaubriand (Tenderloin) to the massively flavorful Ribeye and juicy Skirt Steak, they grill every piece flawlessly over charcoal. They pace it beautifully, intermezzoed with palate-cleansing raw dishes like Hanwoo tartare (Yukhoe) topped with caviar or truffles.
3. The Legendary Closers: Phở & The Burger Just when you think you cannot possibly eat another bite, Born & Bred brings out their famous finishers. Their beef broth Phở (rice noodles) is simmered for days using premium Hanwoo bones and meat, creating a broth so deep and comforting it instantly cures any meat fatigue. Finally, they hit you with a massive, dripping Hanwoo Burger or Katsu Sando. It is an overwhelming, glorious finale to the ultimate beef journey.
4. Incredible Corkage Policy If you are a wine lover, take note! While the B1 Speakeasy charges a corkage fee, the 2nd and 3rd floors have historically offered a fantastic "1 bottle free per person" corkage policy, making it a brilliant spot to bring that special bottle of red wine you've been saving. (Always double-check their CatchTable page for the latest corkage updates!)
💎 Hidden Gem Seoul’s Final Verdict
- Taste: ★★★★★ (The undeniable king of Korean beef)
- Atmosphere: ★★★★★ (Sleek, exclusive, and flawlessly serviced)
- Booking Difficulty: Extreme 🔥 (Especially for the basement Speakeasy)
One-Line Summary: "An eye-wateringly expensive but genuinely life-changing marathon of the world's finest beef."
If you have the budget and want to experience a meal that you will be talking about for the rest of your life, Born & Bred is the ultimate destination in Seoul.