Tucked away in the penthouse of an unassuming Koreatown building, Joo Ok is a refreshing addition to the New York dining scene. Last year, this two-Michelin-star modern restaurant boldly moved from its original Seoul location to New York City. Chef Shin Chang-ho offers a meticulously curated tasting menu that showcases the innovation and finesse of a veteran professional.
Upon arrival, guests can immediately feel that this is not your typical Koreatown eatery. After checking in on the ground floor, the host then accompanies you up a somewhat clandestine freight elevator to the penthouse level. The space is sleek and distinctly Korean, and once out of the elevator, guests are invited to take a seat in the waiting area to enjoy a welcome cup of tea and a savory snack. The dining room is an intimate setting with lovely views of midtown Manhattan.
The prix fixe menu reflects the chef’s formal training, elevating traditional Korean flavors using avant-garde techniques. Each course quietly shows off Shin’s expertise and creative vision, bringing together the best of Korea’s culinary heritage and the dynamic trends of contemporary cuisine. The dishes are each a surprise, with elements that are both familiar and novel.
One standout dish is a delicate preparation of langoustine prepared four ways (pictured above). While another course elevates the humble mandu with a multi-color “saekdong” dumpling in a delicious pheasant and beef soup.
The beverage pairing, an optional but highly recommended addition, complements each course with fine wine selections in combination with a modern soju. Also available are innovative cocktails infused with ingredients like perilla, yuja and wooeong.
The service at Joo Ok is seamless, with staff displaying a deep knowledge of the menu and discreet attentiveness. They guide diners through the culinary journey with insights into the ingredients and stories behind each dish, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The dessert is quite special, with traditional Korean sweet treats made fresh daily by the pastry chef who also is the chef’s wife. The traditional Korean sweets are presented with a modern flair that is light yet indulgent.
The tasting menu is set at $180, which is somewhere between the truly high-end establishments like Atomix ($395) and Jungsik ($295), and the more moderately priced modern Korean favorites in town, such as Jua ($140) and Oiji Mi ($150).
Joo Ok is a fun destination, promising a memorable experience in the heart of New York’s Koreatown. It offers a genteel immersive experience where every dish tells a story. A place of culinary exploration, Joo Ok respects its roots while pushing boundaries in daring but comfortable ways.
