Best Korean Restaurants in East Village (10003)
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Soogil
A true chef-driven Korean–French tasting in a tiny East Village room.
Notable Picks
#1
Soogil
8.8
A snug tasting-menu counter that fuses French precision with Korean soul. Courses layer delicate sauces, charcoal notes, and careful fermentation, delivering a high-impact meal in a low-key room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bulgogi glass noodles, Chef’s seasonal tasting menu, Kimchi-accented seafood course
What makes it special: A true chef-driven Korean–French tasting in a tiny East Village room.
#2
ARIARI
8.6
A Busan-inspired East Village spot that leans into pristine seafood and modern Korean comfort. The menu is built for sharing, balancing briny, spicy, and deeply fermented flavors with a polished gastropub vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Scallop DIY gimbap, Uni cream bibimbap, Kimchi jjigae
What makes it special: Busan-style seafood-driven Korean plates rarely done this well downtown.
8.4
A lively Korean-fusion tapas room where the win is ordering a tight mix of crisp, saucy, and carby small plates that feel built for sharing. Expect a loud, dimly lit vibe and a menu that’s more playful than traditional—great for groups who want to try a lot without committing to a single main.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kimchi paella, Bulgogi-style small plates, Truffle mac-and-cheese bites
What makes it special: Korean-leaning tapas that rewards smart, shareable ordering.
#4
Nudibranch
8.1
A Michelin-recognized East Village spot where chefs Matthew Lee and Jeff Kim fold subtle Spanish technique into a Korean-leaning seasonal menu. Expect meticulous small plates with bright acids, smoke, and spice, plus a thoughtful wine pairing program in a cozy, understated room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom course with egg yolk, Raw scallops with seaweed crackers, Frog legs in ginger-lemongrass batter
What makes it special: Korean-Spanish crosscurrent cooking with Michelin-level finesse.
8.0
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Trendy Table Hotspots
A lively, modern Korean tavern pairing crowd-pleasing classics with a polished bar program. The upstairs BBQ room and downstairs small plates make it easy to tailor the night from quick bites to full feast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Stone bowl bibimbap, Spicy pork ssam, Braised octopus with gochujang
What makes it special: A two-level Korean tavern with optional tabletop BBQ.
Worthy Picks
#6
MONO+MONO
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
A casual East Village hangout with Korean fried chicken at the center, backed by soju cocktails and a music-forward room. It’s a reliable stop for crispy wings, saucy bites, and an easygoing late dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soy garlic wings, Spicy yangnyeom wings, Bulgogi fries
What makes it special: Korean fried chicken and soju in a music-packed bar setting.