13 Best Korean Restaurants in New York City in 2024
Korean Cuisine in NYC
Korean cuisine in NYC has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, captivating locals and visitors alike with its bold flavors and diverse culinary offerings. From sizzling barbecue to comforting stews and vibrant street food, Korean restaurants in the city showcase the rich and varied tapestry of flavors that define this dynamic cuisine. With an ever-growing number of establishments serving up authentic dishes and innovative interpretations, the Korean dining scene in NYC continues to thrive, offering an exciting and delicious culinary journey for all who partake.
Exploring Korean Food Scene
Korean cuisine has firmly established itself as a culinary powerhouse in NYC, captivating diners with its bold flavors and diverse dishes. From traditional favorites to contemporary interpretations, Korean restaurants across the city offer a rich tapestry of flavors that cater to every palate.
Popular Korean Dishes in NYC
Korean cuisine boasts a rich array of popular dishes that showcase its vibrant flavors and textures. Bulgogi, thinly sliced marinated beef or pork, is a beloved classic known for its tender texture and sweet-savory marinade. Bibimbap, a colorful rice bowl topped with assorted vegetables, meat, and a fried egg, offers a hearty and satisfying meal. Galbi, beef or pork ribs that are typically marinated in a savory-sweet mixture and grilled to perfection, is a common favorite while Korean pancakes, or “jeon,” come in various forms, from seafood to kimchi, offering a crispy and savory treat.
Side dishes, known as “banchan,” are a staple accompaniment, ranging from pickled vegetables like cucumber kimchi, bean sprouts and anchovy to spicy tofu. Crispy fried chicken, often served with a choice of sauces, has also gained popularity, featuring different cuts of meat like wings, thighs, and drumsticks, each offering its own unique flavor profile. Some also offer the popular kimchi fried rice.
Best Korean Restaurants in NYC
With Korean food surging in popularity in the city that never sleeps, more restaurants offering authentic Korean menus have risen in Koreatown and the rest of these states. Here are the best spots to satisfy your cravings for these kinds of food, some of them offer the best Korean barbecue
1. Hahm Ji Bach (Murray Hill)
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Hahm Ji Bach is a vibrant Korean restaurant located in the heart of New York City, beloved for its authentic cuisine and lively atmosphere. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience centered around do-it-yourself barbecue, where patrons can grill their own meats to perfection right at their table.
Alongside staples like bulgogi and galbi, its menu features a colorful array of traditional Korean classics, including bibimbap, kimchi jjigae, and spicy stir-fried squid. What sets it apart is its generous selection of side dishes which accompany every meal and add a burst of flavor and variety to each bite. With its flavorful dishes, interactive dining experience, and welcoming ambiance, Hahm Ji Bach has become a staple destination for lovers of Korean cuisine in NYC.
2. Baekjeong (Koreatown)
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Baekjeong is known for its lively atmosphere and delicious grilled meats. The restaurant features sleek and modern decor, with spacious tables equipped with built-in grills for an interactive dining experience.
Patrons love Baekjeong for its high-quality cuts of beef and pork, including marinated beef bulgogi, spicy pork belly, and succulent short ribs, all of which are expertly grilled to perfection right at the table with a slab of cheese corn. The menu also offers a variety of traditional Korean sides, such as kimchi, pickled radishes, and lettuce wraps, providing the perfect accompaniments to the flavorful barbecue dishes.
3. Cote Korean Steakhouse: (Flatiron District)
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Cote Korean Steakhouse, located in the heart of New York City’s Flatiron District, has garnered widespread acclaim for its unique blend of traditional Korean flavors and classic steakhouse fare. Patrons rave about the interactive dining experience, where they can grill premium cuts of beef tableside while enjoying a vibrant atmosphere.
Signature dishes like the Butcher’s Feast, featuring an array of USDA Prime beef cuts, and the Wagyu Galbi, marinated short ribs, are beloved by diners seeking a fusion of Korean BBQ and upscale dining. They also have seafood offerings like scallops, clams, prawns, oysters, seashells and more. With its chic ambiance, attentive service, and mouthwatering menu, Cote continues to delight food enthusiasts and critics alike.
4. Cho Dang Gol (Koreatown)
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Cho Dang Gol is celebrated for its authentic Korean cuisine and cozy ambiance. Visitors are enamored by the restaurant’s commitment to traditional flavors and homestyle cooking, transporting diners to the heart of Seoul with each dish.
Patrons particularly rave about the restaurant’s array of comforting stews, such as the popular Kimchi jjigae and the hearty Sundubu jjigae, bursting with flavor and served bubbling hot. With its welcoming atmosphere and delectable menu, Cho Dang Gol has earned a loyal following among locals and tourists alike, seeking an unforgettable taste of Korea in the bustling metropolis.
5. Hyun (Koreatown)
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Hyun is revered for its impeccable blend of fine dining and traditional Korean flavors. Patrons flock to the restaurant for its renowned tasting menu, offering a curated journey through the rich tapestry of Korean cuisine. Diners delight in the restaurant’s commitment to excellence, with accolades for serving some of the city’s best Korean BBQ, featuring premium cuts of marinated meats grilled to perfection. Aside from the great selection of banchan and tabletop grilled meats, it also offers Japanese A5 wagyu.
From the elegant ambiance to the exquisite dishes like the iconic Bibimbap and succulent Galbi, Hyun Korean Restaurant continues to captivate discerning palates, earning its place as a must-visit destination for those seeking an elevated dining experience.
6. Jongro (Koreatown)
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This all-you-can-eat fantastic Korean restaurant is beloved for its authentic flavors and vibrant atmosphere. Diners flock to Jongro for its extensive menu of Korean BBQ options, including mouthwatering cuts of beef, pork, and chicken, all expertly grilled at the table. Visitors particularly praise the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity, with standout dishes like the flavorful Bulgogi and the savory Kimchi Jjigae. With its bustling ambiance and delectable offerings, Jongro Korean Restaurant remains a favorite among locals and tourists alike, capturing the essence of Korean cuisine in the bustling metropolis.
7. Atomix (NoMad and Rockefeller)
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Helmed by Chef Junghyun Park, Atomix is a high-end restaurant offering a 10-course tasting menu that seamlessly blends traditional Korean flavors with modern techniques for an exceptional fine-dining experience. With its innovative tasting menu showcasing seasonal ingredients and creative presentations, Atomix has earned a coveted one-Michelin star.
Diners praise Chef Park’s meticulous attention to detail and his ability to elevate Korean cuisine to new heights, with standout dishes like the delicate Hanwoo beef tartare and the exquisite abalone porridge. Atomix continues to captivate gastronomes seeking an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of the city.
8. Atoboy (Koreatown)
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Atoboy, nestled in the heart of New York City, is celebrated for its unique blend of fine-casual dining and innovative Korean cuisine. Founded by the dynamic duo JP and Ellia Park, the restaurant offers a prix fixe menu where diners can select three dishes from a tantalizing array of modern Korean small plates.
Patrons rave about the restaurant’s creative use of flavors and textures, with highlights including the spicy pork shoulder and the crispy tofu. With its relaxed yet refined ambiance and consistently outstanding dishes, Atoboy has become a favorite among locals and visitors seeking a memorable dining experience in the bustling city.
9. Wooga K-Bar & Steak Lounge (Koreatown)
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Tourists and New Yorkers flock to the place for its authentic Korean cuisine and unparalleled dining experience. Renowned as one of the best KBBQ spots in the city, it’s frequented by locals and tourists alike for its succulent meats and flavorful sides. Situated in the bustling Koreatown, its prime location adds to its allure. Guests rave about their premium offerings, serving USDA Prime and Miyazaki Wagyu, elevating the dining experience to new heights. Signature dishes include mouthwatering galbi, bibimbap, and an array of delectable banchan.
10. Let’s Meat (Koreatown)
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Let’s Meat is renowned for its enticing all-you-can-eat dining experience. Located in the bustling Koreatown district, it attracts food enthusiasts with its mouthwatering array of grilled meats and traditional Korean dishes. Guests revel in the interactive tabletop grilling experience, where they can cook their meats to perfection.
The menu boasts a variety of options, including bulgogi, pork belly, and spicy marinated chicken, accompanied by an assortment of flavorful banchan. With its generous portions and lively atmosphere, Let’s Meat captures the essence of Korean barbecue dining in the heart of the Big Apple.
11. Mapo Korean BBQ (Koreatown)
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Patrons adored this Korean chain for its authentic flavors and immersive dining experience. Visitors rave about the restaurant’s interactive tabletop grilling, where they can sizzle their choice of premium meats to perfection.
The menu boasts a tantalizing array of options, from classic bulgogi and spicy pork belly to marinated short ribs and savory seafood dishes. Complemented by an assortment of traditional banchan and refreshing soju cocktails, Mapo Korean BBQ captures the essence of Korean cuisine in the heart of the Big Apple.
12. Her Name is Han (Koreatown)
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If you are looking for a restaurant that offers a modern twist on traditional Korean cuisine, this is the place to dine. Diners flock to the restaurant for its inventive menu featuring Korean pots brimming with hearty stews and savory soups, alongside classic BBQ dishes prepared to perfection.
What sets this restaurant apart is its selection of house-infused soju cocktails, crafted with unique flavors that complement the bold and spicy flavors of the cuisine. From the sizzling BBQ platters to the refreshing cocktails and comforting Korean pots, Her Name is Han offers a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of Korean culinary tradition in the heart of NYC.
13. Sik Gaek (Flushing)
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Sik Gaek is a beloved Korean restaurant known for fresh seafood and lively atmosphere. Patrons flock the place for its unique dining experience, where they can order a la carte from a diverse menu featuring an array of seafood delicacies such as live octopus, crab, and shrimp.
What sets Sik Gaek apart is its commitment to authenticity and quality, evident in the freshness of its ingredients and the skillful preparation of each dish. With its vibrant ambiance and flavorful offerings, Sik Gaek has earned a dedicated following among locals and visitors alike, seeking an unforgettable taste of Korean cuisine in the heart of NYC.
Must-Try Korean Flavors
Korean cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors, with staples like gochujang and doenjang forming the backbone of many dishes. Gochujang, a spicy fermented chili paste, adds depth and heat to a variety of dishes, while doenjang, a savory fermented soybean paste, imparts a rich umami flavor. Many Korean restaurants take pride in crafting their own in-house versions of these essential condiments, ensuring authenticity and quality.
To complement these bold flavors, traditional Korean spirits like soju are often served, providing a smooth and versatile accompaniment to the meal. Additionally, establishments may offer a range of in-house drinks, from refreshing fruit-infused teas to innovative cocktails, further enhancing the dining experience with unique and harmonious flavors.
Enjoy Banchan and Kimchi
Korean restaurants like those mentioned above serve banchan and kimchi, which are staples of these restaurants.
Banchan consists of a variety of small dishes served alongside the main course. These side dishes typically include kimchi (fermented vegetables), pickled radishes, seasoned spinach, bean sprouts, and more. People love this for its diverse flavors, textures, and colors, which complement and enhance the main meal, providing a delightful contrast and balance to the palate.
Kimchi, a beloved Korean dish, is made from fermented vegetables, most commonly Napa cabbage and Korean radishes, seasoned with salt, garlic, ginger, scallions, and chili pepper flakes. People love kimchi for its bold and complex flavors, as well as its numerous health benefits attributed to the fermentation process, including improved digestion and a boost to the immune system. Its versatility as a side dish, condiment, or ingredient in various dishes makes kimchi a cherished component of Korean cuisine worldwide.
Wrap Up
Dining at a Korean restaurant offers an immersive culinary experience that tantalizes the senses with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and hearty dishes. Whether you’re craving sizzling BBQ, comforting Korean pots, or fresh seafood delicacies, the eateries aforementioned are the best restaurants to dine because they deliver an unforgettable taste of Korean cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in these authentic and mouthwatering offerings—visit these restaurants and embark on a flavorful journey through Korean culinary delights.
