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Haenyeo
Master Critic Review
Haenyeo
8.9
Haenyeo is chef Jenny Kwak’s Korean seafood restaurant where rice cake fundido, grilled oysters with seaweed butter, and a spicy seafood bouillabaisse anchor a menu that’s earned Michelin Bib Gourmand status and James Beard attention. Locals treat it as Park Slope’s go-to for inventive, seafood-leaning Korean plates, cocktails, and polished but relaxed service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Saucy and Spicy Rice Cake Fundido, Grilled oysters with seaweed butter, Haenyeo’s Spicy Winter Bouillabaisse
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Modern Korean seafood cooking with signature rice cake fundido and bouillabaisse.
Who should go: Diners seeking inventive Korean seafood and strong cocktails.
When to visit: Prime-time dinner reservations, especially weekends and special occasions.
What to order: Rice cake fundido, grilled oysters, spicy seafood bouillabaisse.
Insider tip: Start with small plates at the bar before moving to a full seafood-heavy spread.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on 5th Avenue; expect difficulty after 6pm. No valet or private lot nearby.
Dress code: Smart casual; diners often lean polished—jeans are fine when paired with a nice top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate to lively indoors, especially during peak hours; bar area can get loud but table conversation is still manageable.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is typically quieter with minimal to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several vegetarian-friendly small plates available, though the menu is seafood-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited; some vegetable sides may qualify but vegan diners will have few full dishes.
Gluten-free options: Multiple dishes can be prepared gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable about adjustments and cross-contamination risks.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its warm lighting, polished service, and shareable Korean seafood dishes make it ideal for a stylish but relaxed first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but challenging during dinner hours; walk-ins may find bar seating, but expect a wait on weekends. Early arrivals (before 6pm) improve odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids or teens who enjoy adventurous flavors; the room skews adult and there are no dedicated kids’ menu items or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Inventive Korean seafood, standout signature dishes like the rice cake fundido, and a more trend-forward dining room than other neighborhood seafood spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional seafood restaurant or require extensive vegan options—both are limited here.