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HanGawi
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
HanGawi
8.5
HanGawi is a long-running, shoes-off vegetarian Korean restaurant in Koreatown where prix fixe and Emperor's Tasting menus turn vegetables, grains, and tofu into multi-course rituals. Low tables, soft lighting, and tea service create a calm room that feels worlds removed from the Midtown streets outside. It is a destination for plant-based diners who still want the structure and pacing of a tasting menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Matsutake mushroom soup, Holiday appetizer platter with plant based bulgogi and bossam, Stone bowl rice with crispy lotus and vegetables
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Shoes-off vegetarian Korean tasting menus in a meditative space.
Who should go: Plant-based diners seeking calm, ritual-style Korean dining
When to visit: Early evening seatings for the quietest, most serene room
What to order: Emperors tasting menu, stone bowl rice, seasonal soup
Insider tip: Wear socks you like; shoes come off at the door for everyone.
HanGawi
8.7
HanGawi is a shoes-off vegetarian Korean restaurant in Koreatown, awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its calm space and multi-course menus. Low tables, tea service, and vegetable-forward cooking make it ideal for quiet, longer business lunches or early-evening meetings where conversation matters as much as the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Emperor's Tasting Menu, Organic stone bowl bibimbap, Tofu and vegetable dumplings
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Shoes-off vegetarian Korean in a serene, tea-forward dining room with Bib Gourmand recognition.
Who should go: Health-conscious teams needing a quiet, screen-free meeting spot
When to visit: Early seatings when the room is at its calmest
What to order: Emperor's tasting, stone bowl bibimbap, dumplings
Insider tip: Remind guests about the shoes-off policy so everyone dresses accordingly and meetings stay comfortable.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited metered street parking nearby; multiple paid parking garages within 1–2 blocks on 32nd and 33rd Streets.
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual. Shoes will be removed, so wear clean socks and avoid anything too restrictive.
Noise level: Low to moderate — intentionally quiet, ideal for focused conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak early evening
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait if arriving before 12:30pm; 15–25 minutes during peak lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — fully vegetarian menu with extensive multi-course options
Vegan options: Yes — many dishes are naturally vegan or easily modified
Gluten-free options: Limited — some rice-based and vegetable dishes work, but soy sauce and marinades limit full GF coverage
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for conversation-focused dates — the quiet, ritual-like service creates an intimate, relaxed pace without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? At weekday lunch, usually yes if you arrive early. For dinner and weekends, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older children who can sit quietly and remove shoes comfortably; not ideal for very young kids or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Calm, screen-free business lunches, plant-based fine dining, and long-form conversations without Midtown noise distractions.
Skip if: You need fast turnover, casual walk-in dining, meat-focused menus, or a high-energy social vibe.
HanGawi
8.8
HanGawi is a Koreatown landmark where shoes come off at the door and plant-based Korean plates arrive in a candlelit, temple-like dining room. The menu focuses on stone-bowl rice, hot pots, and carefully composed vegetable dishes that feel closer to fine dining than to casual Korean comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom Stone Bowl Rice with Black Truffle Paste, Spicy Mongolian Hot Pot, Tofu Stone Bowl Rice with Perilla Leaves
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Shoes-off, temple-style Korean dining room serving refined, plant-based tasting plates and stone-bowl specialties.
Who should go: Veg-forward diners seeking a special-occasion Korean experience.
When to visit: Evenings with a reservation, especially weekends and peak dates.
What to order: Mushroom Stone Bowl Rice, Spicy Mongolian Hot Pot, tofu stone bowl rice.
Insider tip: Opt for floor seating if available—it amplifies the sanctuary feel and makes the meal more memorable.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited metered street parking on 31st Street and nearby avenues; nearby paid garages typically $18–$25 for evening parking.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jeans are fine, but many guests dress up for dates and special occasions.
Noise level: Low to moderate — quiet, candlelit room where conversation is easy and intimate.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is vegetarian.
Vegan options: Yes — nearly the entire menu is fully vegan by default.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some rice and vegetable dishes can be made gluten-free, but soy-based sauces are common; staff will guide you.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the tranquil, candlelit atmosphere and shared shoes-off tradition create instant intimacy and a memorable first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or early evenings, but weekends and peak dinner hours almost always require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older, quiet kids; the serene setting and floor seating are not ideal for toddlers or noisy groups.
Best For
Better for: Refined vegan Korean fine dining, romantic ambience, and a truly unique shoes-off, temple-style experience.
Skip if: You want quick service, large portions at lower prices, or casual Korean comfort food like tofu stews and BBQ-style plates.
HanGawi
8.9
HanGawi is a shoes-off Korean vegetarian restaurant in Koreatown where stone-bowl bibimbap, hot pots, and temple-inspired plates arrive in a candlelit, wood-paneled room. Since the mid-1990s it has been one of Manhattan’s defining special-occasion destinations for plant-based dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean pancakes platter, Zen stone bowl rice, Tofu kimchi hot pot
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Shoes-off, temple-style Korean room serving refined vegetarian tasting plates.
Who should go: Plant-based diners planning a memorable, slow-paced dinner.
When to visit: Prime-time evenings with a reservation, especially weekends.
What to order: Korean pancakes platter, Zen stone bowl rice, tofu kimchi hot pot.
Insider tip: Reserve the tasting menu for the full temple-style experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited in Koreatown, especially after 6pm. Nearby paid garages run $18–$30 for the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine, but most diners opt for polished evening attire.
Noise level: Low to moderate — hushed, candlelit room where you can easily hold a quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 60–90 minutes without a reservation; often fully booked Friday and Saturday nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — 100% vegetarian menu with extensive traditional Korean plant-based dishes.
Vegan options: Yes — many dishes are fully vegan or can be made vegan upon request; staff is very knowledgeable.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — several naturally gluten-free rice, tofu, and hot pot dishes, but soy-based sauces are common.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent for a calm, intimate first date if you want a quiet, memorable experience — but it’s better for someone who appreciates slow dining and nuanced flavors rather than loud energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekday lunches and early weekday dinners, but weekend evenings almost always require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for younger children — the shoes-off policy, low lighting, and serene atmosphere are better suited for teens and adults.
Best For
Better for: Atmosphere, romance, and refined Korean vegetarian cuisine at a true fine-dining level — few plant-based restaurants in Midtown match its ambiance or execution.
Skip if: You want fast service, casual energy, or budget pricing — this is a slow, premium dining experience by design.
HanGawi
8.9
HanGawi is a Koreatown landmark where shoes come off at the door and plant-based Korean dishes, including a dedicated gluten-free menu, arrive in a tranquil, temple-like room. It’s one of Midtown’s most reliable options for celiac-friendly special-occasion dining with stone-bowl rice, hot pots, and tea service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gluten-free avocado stone bowl rice, Gluten-free vegetable stone bowl rice, Broccoli and tofu in spicy garlic sauce
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Shoes-off, temple-style Korean dining with a full gluten-free menu.
Who should go: Gluten-free diners planning a memorable Korean dinner.
When to visit: Evenings with a reservation, especially weekends and holidays.
What to order: Gluten-free avocado stone bowl rice, tofu hot pot, royal green tea.
Insider tip: Request the separate gluten-free menu and confirm tamari-based sauces.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; limited metered street parking nearby and several paid garages within 1–2 blocks. Rely on garages after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy; jeans are fine but many guests dress up for date night.
Noise level: Low to moderate — quiet, serene room where conversation is easy.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; often fully booked.
Weekday lunch: 10–25 minutes; occasional short waits during peak noon hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — fully vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Yes — many dishes are naturally vegan or easily adapted.
Gluten-free options: Yes — dedicated gluten-free menu with clear staff guidance and tamari-based sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the candlelit, shoes-off setting creates an intimate, calm atmosphere that feels special without being overwhelming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays before 6pm, but weekend dinners and holidays almost always require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children — the quiet, upscale environment is better suited to adults and older teens.
Best For
Better for: Reliable gluten-free fine dining, serene ambiance, and a true special-occasion vegetarian Korean experience.
Skip if: You want fast casual Korean food, loud social energy, or budget-friendly pricing.