By recommendation we boarded our bus to head to the new Clock Tower Restaurant down in the Pyonghattan Hwasong district of Pyongyang. The reason? Because we were told it was the best restaurant in Pyongyang.
They did not let us down at all. Not only was this the most deluxe and exclusive restaurant that I have ever seen in the capital, but it also served some great god damn food. The best in Pyongyang? I think so.
Table of Contents
What the Hwasong?
Hwasong is one of the newest large-scale urban developments in Pyongyang, built as part of a wider push to modernise the capital’s housing and commercial infrastructure. It is closely linked to the emergence of the “donju” (new wealthy class), who have gained influence through semi-private enterprise, construction, trade, and services. As disposable income has increased, so too has demand for higher-end dining, bars, and leisure spaces.
The district reflects this shift, with wide roads, new apartment blocks, entertainment venues, and a growing number of restaurants and cafes aimed at domestic consumers rather than foreign tourists. This is the hip and happening part of the capital.
The Clock Tower Restaurant
As stated, it is located in the Hwasong district of Pyongyang, which means about a 30–45 minute drive from the downtown Koryo Hotel-type area. This is the great new area sometimes called Pyonghattan, a play on Manhattan. This is a fascinating area, with there even being a car lot just below.
The restaurant itself cannot be missed as it covers two sides of the road, both linked by a walkway with views of the city, which as you might imagine has a clock tower in the middle. This is how it got this nickname. I actually do not know the proper name of the restaurant.
Ambience wise it is like nothing else I have seen in Pyongyang or North Korea. This is high-brow stuff with excellent glassware (champagne glasses out by default), plates and the like. There is also a glass-bottomed walkway (which I hate), as well as fabulous views of the Hwasong district of the city. This is plush.
Click to read about Moronbong Chicken Restaurant.
The Best food in Pyongyang?
In my experience this is by far the most expensive restaurant in Pyongyang, but of course being expensive does not always mean good. Here though they more than pull it off. Famously it is mostly about Western cuisine, with many genres being covered in the menu. We had some great soups, and even a cheese and potato dish. We did not go down the pizza route, but what was on offer looked quite artisan.
What the Clock Tower Restaurant is most famous for, and indeed I firmly feel it shines, is with sushi and spaghetti. The sushi and sashimi here is fresh and uses high-quality cuts of fish. North Korea generally has great sashimi, but this was honestly on another level. The same can be said about the spaghetti. Spaghetti bolognese has long been a favourite with the ladies of the DPRK in places like the Yanggakdo. Here they do it better than I have seen anywhere else in the country. Do not expect Italy here, this is Asian style.
Click to see my must try restaurants of Pyongyang.
The Drinks at the Clock Tower Restaurant
This is the only place in Pyongyang where I have not just seen champagne glasses as the default for the table, but also a decent range of drinks. This is accompanied by a wine list that, while relatively expensive, is broader than anywhere else in the capital city.
There is also a huge range of foreign beers here, most imported from China, but also including Angkor Beer from Cambodia. This is one of the few places where Taedonggang is not the default, with you technically having to order foreign and more expensive drinks. We though managed to do some Noko soju.
Soft drinks were also an interesting thing. I went for expensive Perrier, but also their version of Coke. When I tried to order a cola I was told they do not have it, but rather make their own soda. This was served slightly off colour and a bit vanilla-like, but fresh and truly good.
The overall Clock Tower Restaurant Vibe
Quite simply this is far from your average DPRK restaurant. This is situated in the new area specifically for the “donju” – new wealthy class. This is the new Pyongyang, not just a state-owned thing. And there is some exclusivity to the place, with photos for all intents and purposes being banned (hence my lack).
I though do not see negatives in this, in fact I thought the place was not just great, but realistically the best restaurant in Pyongyang.
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