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Raon
Master Critic Review
Raon
8.8
Raon is a serene counter-style Korean fine-dining restaurant where each course in the tasting menu is built around a different kimchi. Chef Soogil Lim’s French-inflected technique, meticulous plating, and thoughtful pairings make it one of the city’s more distinctive modern Korean experiences.
Must-Try Dishes:
Foie gras mandu in duck broth, Uni and caviar tofu with gamtae, King crab with oi kimchi salad
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A kimchi-centered tasting menu that treats fermentation with wine-pairing seriousness.
Who should go: Fine-dining fans seeking modern Korean tasting menus.
When to visit: Later seatings for a quieter, more intimate counter experience.
What to order: Foie gras mandu, uni tofu course, king crab kimchi pairing.
Insider tip: Book counter seats to watch the kitchen and hear course-by-course explanations.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Lenox Hill is limited; rely on nearby paid garages within a 2–3 minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished—dark denim acceptable but most guests dress upscale.
Noise level: Low to moderate; counter seating allows easy conversation throughout the tasting.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Lunch is not offered; dinner-only format.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited; the tasting menu is seafood- and meat-forward with few substitutes.
Vegan options: Not suitable; fermentation-driven dishes rely heavily on animal-based broths and proteins.
Gluten-free options: Manageable; many courses can be adapted, but advance notice is strongly recommended.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its intimate counter, soft lighting, and curated pacing create a focused, elevated experience ideal for a meaningful first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. With a single tasting menu and limited counter seats, reservations are typically required days or weeks in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the long tasting format and quiet room make it better suited for adults or older teens.
Best For
Better for: Guests who want a serene, chef-driven Korean tasting menu where fermentation and technique are the focal point rather than broad fusion.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte flexibility, larger portions, or a more casual, high-energy Korean dining experience.