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Nubiani
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Nubiani
8.4
Nubiani’s Midtown East outpost brings polished, modern Korean BBQ to a sleek dining room, with USDA Prime cuts and well-composed BBQ sets cooked over tabletop grills. It’s priced for special dinners and corporate cards, but strong meat quality, banchan, and a lively room make it a go-to upscale KBBQ choice in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Marinated Short Ribs (갈비), Beef Tartare Bibimbap (육회비빔밥), Kimchi Stew (김치찌개)
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Modern Korean BBQ with Prime meats and a polished Midtown setting.
Who should go: Small groups, dates, and corporate cards.
When to visit: Prime-time dinner; book ahead for weekends.
What to order: Prime marinated short ribs, Beef Tartare Bibimbap, Kimchi Stew.
Insider tip: Opt for a BBQ set menu to sample more cuts and banchan.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; nearby paid garages on 2nd & 3rd Ave are the most reliable.
Dress code: Smart casual—polished but not formal. Dark jeans, neat tops, and business-casual attire fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is doable at two-tops, but group tables get energetic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait or short 5–10 minute delays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some banchan, salads, and stews, but the menu is heavily meat-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited—only a few vegetable sides qualify; not ideal for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: Moderate options—most raw cuts are naturally GF, but marinades and sauces may contain soy; request guidance from staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—sleek interiors, attentive service, and interactive BBQ grilling create an engaging experience without feeling overwhelming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not guaranteed. Walk-ins are occasionally seated early on weekdays, but weekends and prime dinner hours usually require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens comfortable around tabletop grills; no dedicated kids’ menu and the room leans adult-focused.
Best For
Better for: High-quality Prime cuts, polished service, and a refined setting compared to more casual KBBQ spots in the area.
Skip if: You want budget-friendly Korean BBQ, prefer ultra-traditional charcoal grills, or need extensive vegetarian/vegan options.
Nubiani
8.3
Nubiani is an upscale Korean BBQ restaurant upstairs on Fifth Avenue focused on grilled beef, pork jowl, and classic stews. Tables are built for lingering grills and big spreads, with staff guiding guests through cuts and cooking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Marinated galbi short rib, Pork jowl BBQ, Kimchi jjigae with rice
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Refined KBBQ with attentive grill service and a deep cut list.
Who should go: BBQ fans planning a proper sit-down, meat-focused dinner.
When to visit: Weekend evenings for full room energy and grill theater.
What to order: Galbi, pork jowl, kimchi stew to round out the table.
Insider tip: Mix classic cuts with at least one less-common option the staff recommends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; nearby garages typically run $25–$40 for the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but many guests lean dressy for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy at the start but gets louder as grills heat up.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait if open for lunch, but many days are dinner-only
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—banchan, vegetable pancakes, and tofu stews are the main options.
Vegan options: Very limited—confirm broth bases and marinades with staff.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many grilled meats can be prepared without marinades; confirm sauces and sides.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want an interactive, social experience, though it’s better for talkative dates than quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights before 7pm, but weekends are very difficult without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young kids—the grills, smoke, and longer meals suit older children more comfortably.
Best For
Better for: Guided grill service, cleaner smoke control, and a more polished dining room than most casual KBBQ spots.
Skip if: You are on a tight budget or want quick, no-frills Korean BBQ without the upscale pacing.
Nubiani
8.4
Nubiani takes a more polished, ingredient-focused approach to Korean barbecue, leaning on prime beef, pork, and carefully composed banchan in an upstairs dining room above Fifth Avenue. It reads quieter than some neighbors, drawing diners who care as much about side dishes and pacing as they do about marbled short ribs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Large Package grill set, Prime marinated short ribs, Seafood pancake with chives
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Upstairs Korean BBQ specializing in prime beef, thoughtful banchan, and careful grilling.
Who should go: KBBQ fans prioritizing meat quality over AYCE volume.
When to visit: Early evenings for calmer service and shorter waits.
What to order: Beef package, marinated short ribs, seafood pancake to share.
Insider tip: Ask about lunch specials if you want a more affordable intro.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for dinner dates and groups.
Noise level: Moderate — livelier than a quiet bistro but calm enough for full conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, shorter if arriving before 6pm
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few banchan, pancakes, tofu dishes, and rice bowls work as a meal with planning.
Vegan options: Very limited — possible with advance questions about broth, marinades, and banchan ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — many grilled meats are naturally gluten-free, but sauces and marinades should be confirmed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the quieter upstairs room, polished service, and focus on quality make it more refined than party-style KBBQ, which helps first dates feel relaxed instead of hectic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or early evenings, but weekend dinners are much smoother with a reservation due to limited upstairs seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than small children. The calm pacing and grill heat at the table make it more suited for older kids who enjoy interactive dining.
Best For
Better for: More controlled pacing, better side dishes, and a calmer dining environment than loud, all-you-can-eat BBQ spots nearby.
Skip if: If you want unlimited meat, late-night party energy, or a budget-driven feast, louder AYCE KBBQ houses will fit better.