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JeJu Noodle Bar
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
JeJu Noodle Bar
9.0
Refined Korean‑style noodles and inventive small plates in a stylish West Village space — a Michelin‑starred reimagining of Korean comfort food. The toro ssam bap and handmade ramyun attract a loyal following for their bold technique and flavor. Perfect for a date night or special dinner out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro Ssam Bap, Gochu Ramyun, JeJu Fried Chicken
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Michelin‑starred Korean noodle‑bar fusing tradition and high‑end technique
Who should go: Couples or food lovers seeking upscale Korean fare
When to visit: Dinner, especially Friday–Saturday evenings
What to order: Toro Ssam Bap, Gochu Ramyun, JeJu Fried Chicken
Insider tip: Book early — reservations often open a month in advance and fill quickly
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited, especially after 6pm. Valet service is available for $12.
Dress code: Smart casual – jeans are acceptable, but aim for a slightly dressy look.
Noise level: Moderate – you can hear your date, but expect a lively atmosphere.
Weekend wait: Expect a 45-60 minute wait without a reservation, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, but it’s best to check in advance.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetarian-friendly dishes are available, including options like tofu-based ramyun.
Vegan options: Limited – 2-3 vegan options are available, such as the Gochu Ramyun without the egg.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free options are available, with a dedicated prep area for safe preparation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely. The ambiance is romantic and intimate, perfect for a special evening. The refined dishes and Michelin-star quality make it a memorable experience, ideal for impressing a date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s unlikely, especially on weekends. Reservations often fill up a month in advance. If you want to chance it, try walking in early or during off-peak times, but having a reservation is highly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? While the restaurant has a sophisticated vibe, it’s not particularly geared toward families with young children. It’s better suited for adults or older children who can enjoy upscale dining.
Best For
Better for: JeJu Noodle Bar excels in offering a refined, high-end reimagining of traditional Korean comfort food. The fusion of luxury dining with Korean noodles and small plates sets it apart from other Korean restaurants in the area.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a casual, family-friendly dining experience or budget-friendly meal, this may not be the best option.
JeJu Noodle Bar
8.5
A Michelin-starred Korean noodle bar where comforting ramyun, shareable plates, and clever technique meet in a cool, compact West Village room. It’s one of the city’s more accessible fine-dining experiences price-wise, but still feels destination-worthy thanks to signature dishes and hard-to-get reservations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gochu Ramyun, Toro Ssam Bap, Jeju Fried Chicken with Caviar
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A Michelin-star noodle bar marrying Korean comfort flavors with composed, shareable plates.
Who should go: Diners chasing buzzy, modern Korean with serious technique
When to visit: Early evening or late slots to dodge peak walk-in crush
What to order: Toro ssam bap, gochu ramyun, Jeju fried chicken
Insider tip: Order a mix of small plates before noodles—the kitchen’s creativity shows most in the starters.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the West Village; expect difficulty after 6pm. No valet. Nearby garages on Washington St. and West 12th typically run $25–$35.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests lean polished — dark jeans, sleek tops, and elevated casualwear fit the room’s fine-dining edge.
Noise level: Moderate. The space is lively and buzzy but still workable for date-night conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; walk-ins are hit or miss due to high demand.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — the restaurant is dinner-only; early evening walk-ins have the best odds.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but thoughtful options — several starters can be made vegetarian, though the core noodle dishes skew meat-based.
Vegan options: Very limited. A small handful of sides may work, but this is not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be made gluten-free, but most noodles contain wheat. Best to alert the server early for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s stylish, intimate, and impressive without feeling overly formal. The shareable plates help break the ice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly. Arrive right at opening or check for late-night walk-in availability. Peak hours are usually fully booked.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to tight seating and a sophisticated menu. Teens who enjoy adventurous flavors may appreciate it.
Best For
Better for: Korean-inspired noodles with fine-dining technique, signature dishes like toro ssam bap, and a trend-driven atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, broad vegan options, or a spacious dining room — nearby Korean spots or more casual ramen shops may suit better.
JeJu Noodle Bar
8.7
A Michelin-starred Korean noodle bar where ramyun, small plates, and polished technique meet in a compact, concrete-and-wood space. The room feels casual and social, but dishes like toro ssam bap and elevated ramyun bowls make it a destination beyond its relatively modest format.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro ssam bap, Gochu ramyun, Jeju fried chicken
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Korean comfort flavors are reworked into inventive ramyun and share plates with fine-dining level finesse.
Who should go: Diners craving modern Korean and destination-worthy noodles
When to visit: Right at opening or late evening to minimize the wait
What to order: Toro ssam bap, gochu ramyun, fried chicken
Insider tip: Smaller groups at the counter often get seated faster than larger parties waiting on tables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on weekend evenings; rely on nearby paid garages along West Street or Washington Street.
Dress code: Smart casual — polished but relaxed; jeans and stylish tops are common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can hold a conversation, but the small room carries energy during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Often minimal to no wait, though it can fill quickly on nice-weather days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options exist, especially among small plates, but the menu leans heavily toward seafood and meat.
Vegan options: Very limited — most dishes use animal-based broths or proteins.
Gluten-free options: A few options may be adapted, but ramyun noodles contain gluten and broths often include gluten-based components.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the energetic but intimate room, counter seating, and high-impact dishes make for a fun, low-pressure first date that still feels special.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes if you arrive at opening or join the waitlist early; counter seats turn over fastest and offer the best chance for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — older kids who enjoy noodles or Korean flavors will be fine, but the tight space and lively noise level aren’t ideal for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: High-end Korean noodles and share plates that feel elevated without the formality or cost of a tasting menu.
Skip if: You want a quiet room, fully vegan or gluten-free meals, or a long, lingering dinner — the pace here is brisk and space is limited.
JeJu Noodle Bar
8.9
A one-Michelin-star Korean noodle bar where ramyun, toro ssam bap, and rich small plates are served in a compact, concrete-and-wood room. Locals line up for boldly seasoned bowls and shareable dishes that feel elevated without losing their comforting, casual core.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro ssam bap, Gochu ramyun, Fried chicken with caviar
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Michelin-starred Korean ramyun and small plates in a casual, high-energy room.
Who should go: Noodle lovers chasing creative, high-impact Korean flavors
When to visit: Right at opening or late evening to dodge long waits
What to order: Toro ssam bap, gochu ramyun, fried chicken with caviar
Insider tip: Bar seats often flip a bit faster than tables—watch Resy and walk in early.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Hudson Street; metered spots open up slightly more after 7pm, but expect competition. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests wear elevated casual (jeans + nice top); no need for formalwear.
Noise level: Moderate–lively. You can converse without shouting, but peak dinner hours bring energetic chatter.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes as a walk-in, especially in the first two hours of service.
Weekday lunch: Not served (dinner-only service), but early weekday evenings often see minimal to moderate waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but viable—expect 2–3 small plates and sides; ramyun options skew meat-based.
Vegan options: Very limited—menu is heavily anchored in broths, seafood, and meat. Not ideal for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: Select dishes can be made gluten-free, but ramyun noodles mostly cannot; cross-contact is possible due to the compact kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want high-energy casual dining with standout food. The room is intimate but lively—ideal for a relaxed, fun date rather than a quiet, romantic one.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes. Arriving before opening or after 9pm gives you the best shot. The bar tends to turn over faster than tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The space is compact, the menu leans bold and spicy, and the energy skews adult. Teens may enjoy it; young children may not.
Best For
Better for: One of the best spots in the city for refined yet comforting Korean ramyun, polished small plates, and a Michelin-level take on casual dining.
Skip if: You want a quiet, lingering meal, need extensive vegan/gluten-free options, or prefer spacious dining rooms with lots of seating.
Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday3pm - 10pm
Saturday3pm - 10pm
Sunday3pm - 10pm