Quiet Your Mind & Fill Your Tummy: NYC’s Best Korean Restaurants

NYC’s best Korean restaurants nourish the mind, body, and soul.

Goggan
364 West 46th Street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 315-2969

Ambiance:
Outfitted with doors and windows handpicked from the Chungcheong Province in Korea, fine ceramic dinnerware imported from Seoul, and antiques sourced from the Midwest, Goggan tells a story through its decor. Every detail—from the impressive collection of old Shakespeare books to the French-bistro inspired wall sconces and white tiles—has been thoughtfully selected to reflect the expansive menu of Korean and French fused delicacies.

Scrumptious starter:
Tortilla Ssam—warm maison tortilla filled with avocado, tomato salsa, scallion salad and either spicy pork, bulgogi, or spicy chicken ($15)

Enticing entrée:
Galbijjim—chunky short ribs braised with maison soy broth and cooked with cipollini onions, carrots, butternut squash, chestnuts, and Korean dates

Stellar side:
Pickle duo—an assortment of vinegar pickled vegetables and soy sauce picked vegetables ($8)

Decadent dessert:
Organic Green Tea Pudding ($8)

HanGawi
12 East 32nd Street
New York, NY 10016
(212) 213-0077

Ambiance:
Located in the middle of lively Koreatown, this all-vegetarian restaurant is a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of NYC. Upon arrival, guests are instructed to remove their shoes (as is the custom in many Korean homes) before entering the main dining area outfitted with wooden pillars and colorful tapestries. Instead of chairs, guests sit on colorful pillows placed directly on the floorboards and eat from low-set rectangular tables adorned with bamboo placemats.

Scrumptious starter:
Organic wheat free kale pancakes ($16)

Enticing entrée:
Kimchi stone bowl rice with spicy preserved Korean cabbage and vegetables served in a hot stone bowl ($21)

Stellar side:
Silky tofu in clay pot ($11)

Decadent dessert:
Gluten free black forest cake ($7)

Jungsik
2 Harrison Street
New York, NY 10013
(212) 219-0900

Ambiance:
From the formal layout of the dining room to the crisp white tablecloths, Jungsik is the epitome of modern elegance. Chef Jung Sik Yim delivers contemporary dishes with roots to Korean home-style cooking. The plating of the food is so clean it will make you wonder as to whether there is a professional food stylist hiding in the kitchen.

Scrumptious starter:
Octopus with ssamjang aioli ($24)

Enticing entrée:
Tribeca Lobter in beurre-blanc and raspberry coulis ($42)

Stellar side:
Seasonal mushrooms in truffle sauce ($25)

Decadent dessert:
Jang Dok 68% chocolate with hazelnut cremeux ($16)

Takashi
456 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 414-2929

Ambiance:
What Takashi lacks in space—it only seats 34 diners comfortably—it makes up for in flavor. Featuring seven picnic-like wooden tables, each with a built-in grill, it’s the perfect pick for a low-key date night. For those who are nervous about preparing their own meat, rest assured. Staff members are always on-hand to offer cooking assistance and suggestions.

Scrumptious starter:
Niku-Uni—chuck flap topped with sea urchin and fresh wasabi ($26)

Enticing entrée:
Beef belly ($20)

Stellar side:
Bakudan—Rice-bomb served with Korean seaweed and pickled sesame leaf ($8)

Decadent dessert:
Homemade Madagascar vanilla ice cream with green tea syrup ($7)