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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Midtown East

Korean food

A craving for the specific heat and depth of Korean cuisine demands a place that knows how to balance those flavors.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
OBAO Midtown Thai & Vietnamese restaurant image 1
OBAO Midtown Thai & Vietnamese restaurant image 2
OBAO Midtown Thai & Vietnamese restaurant image 3
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Spacious Thai restaurant with outdoor seating and a full bar featuring large drinks and a variety of cocktails. The atmosphere combines pretty decor and great music, creating a lively and enjoyable vibe. Indoor seating is tight, but the back area offers more space and a cozy garden spot.

Bold, vibrant flavors define the Thai and Vietnamese dishes here. Food pairs well with attentive service and a well-rounded drink selection.

Kimchi fries stand out as a signature dish, often paired with crab fried rice and eggplant tofu. Udon basil noodles also add a unique twist to the Korean food offerings.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The drunken noodles here are amazing and packed with flavor."

"You have to try the kimchi fries; they're amazing Korean food."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour features $3 Sapporo beers from 11 AM to 6 PM.

2

The restaurant offers a lunch special with a free appetizer on weekdays from 11:30 AM to 4 PM.

3

There is a $20 all-you-can-drink beer special available.

02
Boongs Korean Fried Chicken image 1

Small space with a pop art interior featuring a wall of packaged instant ramen creates a cozy, convenience store vibe. A ramen bar invites guests to cook their own noodles, adding an interactive element. The atmosphere suits those seeking crispy, flavorful Korean fried chicken with bold sauce options.

Food offers authentic Korean flavors that taste just like back home. Korean fried chicken has less pepper, making it good for kids who avoid spicy food.

Korean fried chicken stands out with its crispy texture and bold flavor. The ramen station offers a unique twist, serving noodles with free kimchi and scallions. Spicy, chewy tteokbokki delivers the right amount of heat.

People are saying

"The fried chicken here is super crispy and flavorful."

"The Korean fried chicken here is so crispy and flavorful."

"The Korean food here is super crispy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The combo costs $20 for 4 chicken wings.

2

The menu offers a wide selection, including a ramen station.

3

There are many types of ramen available.

03
Bar Orai image 1

Apartment-style bar with live jazz and vinyl records creates a moody, soulful vibe. Cozy, upscale decor features Japanese whiskey and creative cocktails. Space feels intimate and relaxed, ideal for quiet listening or dates.

Amazing food pairs with vinyl jazz playing in the dining room, creating a unique dining atmosphere. The menu complements the cocktails and decor well.

Tuna and tamago kimbap stands out with fresh flavors. Yuzu tomatoes add a bright twist, and mac and cheese offers a creamy side option.

People are saying

"The Japanese whiskey here pairs perfectly with the chill vinyl jazz."

"The food here is amazing, especially the kimbap and mac and cheese."

"The Korean food, especially the kimbap, is amazing and thoughtfully prepared."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is recommended because the bar gets packed on weekends.

2

The bar has a wait time of 2 hours during peak hours.

3

Bar Orai does not accept cash; credit cards only.

04
KOBA Korean BBQ image 1
Korean restaurant

Open kitchen and glass walls create a clean, bright space with a mix of traditional and modern decor. The atmosphere is often crowded and lively, with a technology-driven ordering system enhancing the experience. Small seating capacity emphasizes takeout and packaging over dine-in.

Food features freshest ingredients and a healthy, filling style. Dishes offer authentic Korean flavors with a modern twist, all at a reasonable midday price.

Offers traditional bibimbap and ssam with well-seasoned flavors. Includes generous sides like kimchi fried rice and dumplings, plus unlimited toppings and egg at no extra cost.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's Korean food is absolutely delicious."

"I found the Korean food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I found the Korean food here to be absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour deal is available with expanded menu options.

2

This restaurant offers authentic Korean lettuce wrap entrees not found north of 32nd St.

3

To avoid long waits during weekday lunch, order ahead online.

05
JoJu image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small space focuses on utility over aesthetics with several tables in the back. Atmosphere is clean and efficient, supported by a giant iPad ordering system. Lunch hours bring a crowded, fast-paced vibe with mostly to-go orders and some dine-in seating.

Modern Vietnamese food offers large portions at reasonable prices. Bowls and sandwiches taste delicious and filling, maintaining quality even during busy lunch hours.

Beef bulgogi stands out with its savory flavor and balanced saltiness. The bulgogi bahn mi sandwich offers a fulfilling, flavorful experience, often paired with a quick-to-serve cabbage salad.

People are saying

"The Banh Mi here has amazing, flavorful ingredients and a perfect crusty bread."

"The Vietnamese iced coffee is perfectly balanced and not too sweet."

"The lemongrass chicken bรกnh mรฌ food is so tasty."

Good to know

1

This place gets insanely busy during the lunch rush.

2

You should order ahead online to avoid the crowd during lunch.

3

They will call you near Barnes and Noble when your order is ready.

06
Yakiniku TORAJI image 1
Japanese restaurant

Sleek interior with horigotatsu seating creates a relaxed, intimate vibe. Atmosphere stays quiet and smoke-free, even during busy times. Staff often grill meat for diners, enhancing the authentic yakiniku experience.

Authentic Japanese grilled food stands out with incredible flavor that makes plates get wiped clean. The dishes deliver excellent taste consistently.

Kalbi comes super well seasoned with sweet soy and lemon sauces. Bibimbap and beef cheek stand out alongside warm house sake and diamond-cut meat.

People are saying

"The Japanese BBQ here has divine Wagyu beef."

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and delicious."

"I thought the Korean food here was delicious."

Good to know

1

The premium course costs $198 per person.

2

The restaurant requires customers to cook their own food.

3

The restaurant has a time limit for dining despite being a premium course experience.

07
Nubiani - Midtown East image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Spacious Korean barbecue restaurant with two levels and large, wide tables offers an upscale, chic atmosphere that feels like stepping into a Korean drama. The interior combines black and wood tones for a modern, luxurious vibe. Comfortable seating and an effective exhaust system keep the space pleasant despite open flame grills.

Every dish bursts with authentic flavors and stays true to Korean tradition. The banchans keep coming, and the staff stays attentive, making the meal feel fresh and satisfying without any gimmicks.

Upscale Korean BBQ features premium meats and a variety of refined banchan that keep coming. The menu includes beef tartare and a wide selection of soju, wines, and whiskey, with attentive staff enhancing the experience.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the tender, perfectly cooked meat."

"The Korean Bbq meat here is outstanding and melts in your mouth."

"I thought the Korean barbecue here was the best I've been to."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required, especially on Fridays and weekends.

2

Dining time is limited to 90 minutes for 2-4 guests and 120 minutes for 6 or more.

3

The restaurant charges premium prices for Korean BBQ.

08
Yakiniku Gen image 1
Yakiniku restaurant

Dark interior with open grill tables creates an interactive dining experience. Atmosphere feels authentic and lively, often attracting groups of young men. Booth seating offers a quieter option amid the noisy, energetic vibe.

Food features fantastic beef tongue and consistently amazing dishes with minimal wait times even when crowded.

Premium Wagyu kalbi and diamond-cut skirt steak stand out as the main meat options. Stone pot bibimbap and a normal tang add variety and fill up the meal.

People are saying

"The wagyu steak here just melts in your mouth."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The Korean food, especially the beef tongue, is delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available, but prices are considered high.

2

Expect to pay around $70 per person for a meal.

3

The restaurant has a reputation for high-quality Japanese BBQ.

09
Mokbar image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant offers crispy fried chicken and fresh vegan tofu bibimbap with colorful purple grain rice. The atmosphere is neat and clean but lacks warmth. Food is served quickly with reasonable prices despite small portions.

Food features chicken katsu with purple rice and dishes served over special rice. Meals come at reasonable prices and offer very good, tasty flavors.

Vegan tofu bibimbap stands out as a fresh and delicious option. The menu also features Korean fried chicken soy garlic wings, bulgogi bao, and a chicken katsu bowl. Pineapple kimchi and strawberry yuzu add unique flavors to the experience.

People are saying

"My takeout order sat there for 15 minutes without anyone calling my name."

"The fried chicken here is crispy and flavorful."

"The Korean food here is unworldly and very good."

Good to know

1

Wings are made to order and take about 5 minutes to prepare.

2

MealPal customers cannot return reusable containers at Mokbar.

3

Portions are small and may not match the price.

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Midtown East, New York

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