With New York being one of the best cultural centers in the world, there’s no lack of good food and good times to be had. From Little Italy to Chinatown to virtually anywhere, there’s always a new restaurant to be discovered. For anyone craving a taste of Seoul in the Big Apple, or just craving some Korean soul food, New York has plenty of perfect places. Check out some of the best Korean restaurants in NYC that we believe are worth at least once, ranging from Korean BBQ to tasty ramen.
1. Jungsik, Tribeca
This two star Michelin restaurant might just be one of the best, thanks to their modern and unique understanding of contemporary Korean cuisine. It’s helmed by their Executive Chef Daeik Kim, and their menu is full of innovative and artfully plated dishes that are deemed “New Korean.”
For $295 per person, you can have a go at their “signature menu” which features all of their stunning dishes like the Octopus, Sea Urchin Bibimbap, and Galbi. Check out their full menu and plan your visit here.
Where: 2 Harrison St
2. Little Dobeki, Greenpoint
Little Dokebi is a cute little Korean cafe located next to Greenpoint’s historic McGolrick Park in Brooklyn! Using locally-sourced ingredients from the Hudson Valley and ethically-raised meat, their cuisine never disappoints, especially our favorites like the bibimbap options and mouthwatering bokkeum entrees. There’s also even Korean Fried Chicken, Korean Tacos & Burritos, appetizers, and a whole lot more! Check out their menu and plan a visit here.
Where: 85 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn
3. ATOMIX, NoMad
We may have expensive taste, but ATOMIX is also 2x Michelin-starred, and is one of the most sought after reservations in the Korean cuisine scene! It’s tucked away in a Murray Hill brownstone and features a menu created by Chef Junghyun and manager Ellia Park. It’s the follow-up to another beloved Korean spot Atoboy, so you know their tasting menu consisting of Kristal caviar and A5 wagyu (amongst more) is totally worth it. See full menu and plan your visit here.
Where: 104 E 30th St
4. Take31, Midtown
This casual Korean joint is from the same team behind Her Name Is Han (see below), and features super affordable prices and delicious cuisine. It’s a coffee shop by day, but at night it pumps out Korean deliciousness, that ranges from Braised Pork Belly to Cod Roe Seafood Udon to even various hot pot dishes. Don’t forget to try their signature Makgulli either, which is their sparkling rice wine they make in-house. See full menu and plan a visit here.
Where: 15 E 31st St
5. Jua, Flatiron
Led by head chef Hoyoung Kim, Jua specializes in wood-fire techniques used to create an original 7-course tasting menu. Once you step into their sleek interior lined with washed brick walls, you’ll be delighted to a prix-fix feast that includes the likes of Caviar Kim, Spot Prawn, Goguma Juak, and more. Each dish is prepared with love and plated with finesse. Check out the full menu and plan a visit here.
Where: 36 E 22nd St
6. Cho Dang Gol, Midtown West
If you’re looking for the best of the best tofu-based dishes, Cho Dang Gol is an absolute must-hit. Since 1997, Cho Dang Gol has specialized in homemade tofu, which they proudly make fresh every morning. As soon as you step in, you’ll be greeted with a smile and a complimentary tofu starter, before you move onto the main meals.
Menu highlights include the Dumpling Jeongol (spicy hot pot with kimchi, homemade dumplings and tofu, squid, pork and assorted vegetables), Dubu Duruchigi (spicy stir-fried pork with homemade tofu), and Soybean Paste Stew (traditional stew with assorted vegetables). See full menu and plan a visit here.
Where: 55 W 35th St
7. Nowon, East Village
Nowon is the first Korean American Pocha (Gastropub) birthed in East Village and has been serving food since 2019. Their ambiance is unique, consisting of a dimly lit space with blasting hip-hop music. While you knock back soju, local beers, and craft cocktails, turn your attention to the talks of the town: the Legendary Burger (Double Stack, Kimchi Special Sauce, Roasted Kimchi, American Cheese, Pickles, Onion) and Honey Butter Extraordinary Tots as a starter. Check out their full menu and plan a visit here.
Where: 507 E 6th St
8. Woorijip, Koreatown
This quintessential Korean restaurant in NYC serves classic comfort food just like you’d get in Seoul. Their name literally means “Our home” in Korean, so you won’t get any cozier than this. Woorijip specializes in offering the most delicious dishes at the most affordable prices, serving both classic and contemporary Korean favorites in neatly packaged servings. Browse their selection of kimbap, fried chicken, bulgogi, and seemingly infinite other options to help fulfill whatever craving you may have. Check out what’s on the menu here.
Where: 12 W 32nd St
9. Her Name Is Han, Midtown East
Her Name Is Han is one of our most precious picks for good reason, and it’s because they proudly specialize in homestyle “Korean soul food.” With a flavor profile rooted in the simplicity and warmth of a Korean mother’s traditional cooking, this spot strives to be the most comfortable home away from home.
Menu highlights include the Slow-cooked Pork Belly, Spicy Grilled Pork Japchae (Sweet potato noodles with marinated grilled pork, pickled radish, mixed greens & Thai chili pepper with Korean soybean sauce), and Yuzu Chicken Noodle Soup (Noodles with homemade chicken broth, boiled chicken, yuzu oil, chives, and black sesame). See full menu and plan a visit here.
Where: 17 E 31st St
10. ARIARI, East Village
ARIARI is one of the hardest tables to snag right now, and it’s because they’ve mastered the art of Korean seafood. The restaurant’s name means “Pave your own way” in Korean and is inspired by the port city of Busan, known for its fresh seafood and comforting Korean dishes.
Menu highlights you must try include the Scallop DIY Gimbap (Scallops, Squid Jeotgal, Scallion Mayo, Apple Kimchi, Gim), the Mackerel Jorim (Steamed Mackerel, Braised Radish, Lotus Root, Reduced Spicy Fish Broth), and the Dolsot Al-Bap (Hot Stone Bibimbap with Medley of Fish Roe, Sea Urchin Cream), which they make tableside. Check out the full menu and plan a visit here!
Where: 119 1st Ave
11. Baekjeong NYC, Koreatown
Baekjeong is one of the best places in NYC for Korean BBQ. Guests are invited to choose from their menu of prime quality beef and pork cuts which are prepared on signature tabletop grills right in front of you! Don’t forget about topping it with their famous steamed egg custard and cheesy corn! Check out all of the meats on their menu, and plan a visit here.
Where: 1 E 32nd St
12. Insa, Gowanus
This upscale Korean BBQ joint will have you and your group satisfied all night long. They too specialize in meats like Samgyupsal and Galbi, that come served with their fresh banchan. The best part about this place though? It doubles as a karaoke spot too! Once you’re done scarfing down their delicious cuisine, you can rent out one of their rooms and sing your heart out all night long. Learn more and plan a visit here.
Where: 328 Douglass St, Brooklyn
13. Kochi, Hell’s Kitchen
Kochi aims to mesh the “accessibility of street food with the depth of traditional Korean flavors.” The one-star Michelin spot offers a chef’s tasting menu for $145 consisting of Chef Shim’s favorites. You can find street food classics like the Corn (street corn fritter, gochujang pico de gallo, taro tuile, caviar) or more traditional Korean dishes like the King Salmon Bibimbap (soy marinated King Salmon, seasonal sprouts, candied anchovy, seaweed rice). It’s a beautiful blend of the two styles! Full menu and plan a visit here.
Where: 652 10th Ave
14. Thursday Kitchen, East Village
Thursday Kitchen will keep you satisfied all week long! Bring all your favorite people here and take your time sampling Chef Kyungmin Kay Hyun’s international-fusion style cuisine. Combining South Korean, French, and even the surprising element of Spanish influences, the dishes here are truly one-of-a-kind. We recommend ordering one of their Capri-Sun-style soju cocktails in a pouch, before you indulge in their meals like the Korean Popcorn Chicken or Soft Shell Crab. Check out the menu and plan a visit here.
Where: 424 E 9th St
15. BCD Tofu House, Koreatown
If you’re craving another spot specializing in tofu dishes, BCD Tofu House is another of the countless Korean restaurants in NYC worth a visit. This mini-chain that started in LA proudly calls K-town it’s home, and it’s chalk full of options that will satisfy your hunger. Their Soon Tofu options are their house speciality, but they also have their share of bibimbap, seafood, and dumplings too. Check out their whole menu and plan a visit here.
Where: 5 W 32nd St
16. Barn Joo 35, Midtown
For anyone craving a Korean cocktail bar/restaurant experience, Barn Joo 35 lives up to its name! Meaning “drinks accompanied with your meal,” Barn Joo specializes in Korean spirits and cocktails as well as delicious tapas to snack on. We’re talking everything from house made dumplings to spicy charred chicken to fried chili shrimp! Of course, they have larger meals too like traditional hot pot and hotstone bowls if you’re feeling extra hungry. Check out the menu and plan a visit here.
Where: 34 W 35th St
17. JeJu Noodle Bar, West Village
If you’re hungry to try an affordable Michelin-starred restaurant, JeJu Noodle Bar is a fresh pick found just for you. Founded only a few years ago in 2017, the namesake theme of Jeju’s “skill, talent, ability” can be felt in every bite. With three signature styles of Korean ramyun to choose from, you’ll never grow bored of the flavor combinations here. Check out their menu and plan a visit here!
Where: 679 Greenwich St
18. Kisa, LES
From the team behind C as in Charlie, Kisa is their second adventure likened to a Korean diner that pays homages to KisaSikdang’기사식당’, a concept shop that surfaced in Korea in the 1980s to serve taxi drivers nutritious meals while on the road. The transformative atmosphere welcomes diners with vintage TVs, Korean calendars and even a coin slot coffee machine that provides customers with complimentary coffee on their way out (another play on refueling those who would come to a traditional “driver’s restaurant”).
Where: 205 Allen St.