ZipPicks Awards
Best Korean in Long Island City
Best Seafood in Long Island City
Master Critic Review
Rice Thief
8.6
A Korean seafood specialist built around soy-marinated crab and other raw-and-cured platters that reward committing to the house format. It works best as a share-style meal where you balance briny marination with rice, banchan, and one hot dish to reset the palate.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soy-marinated raw crab (ganjang gejang), Spicy marinated crab (yangnyeom gejang), Seafood platter with banchan + rice
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Korean soy-marinated crab and seafood platters done with real precision.
Who should go: Seafood lovers and adventurous share-plate groups
When to visit: Early dinner to avoid peak crowds
What to order: Ganjang gejang, spicy gejang, one hot soup with rice
Insider tip: Order one marinated crab plus one warm dish to balance richness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in Dutch Kills; doable early, tougher after 6pm. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning trendy—jeans are fine, but people dress up for dates and group dinners.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy, but it gets buzzy during peak dinner.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—mostly banchan, rice, and a few vegetable sides
Vegan options: Very limited—not ideal for a full meal
Gluten-free options: Some dishes are naturally gluten-free, but soy-based marinades limit options—ask staff
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if both of you are open to sharing and hands-on eating. It’s intimate and memorable, but less ideal if one person is squeamish about raw seafood.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or early evenings, but weekends fill fast—reservations are strongly recommended for dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than younger kids. The menu is seafood-forward and raw-focused, with limited familiar options.
Best For
Better for: Soy-marinated crab and raw Korean seafood done with precision, plus a polished, share-plate dining experience.
Consider Alternatives If: You want grilled BBQ, lots of cooked options, or a vegetarian-friendly Korean meal.