Best Upscale Korean Restaurants in Herald Square | Upscale Korean Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Korean Restaurants in Herald Square | Upscale Korean Food

• Cho Dang Gol — Korean · rated 5/5: This soulful sanctuary invites diners into a world of artisanal Korean comfort, where the air is thick with the savory steam of royal oxtail soup and the delicate, earthy aroma of house-made tofu. The table transforms into a vibrant tapestry of textures, balancing the silky heat of spicy seafood rice cakes and cod roe omelets with the irresistible crunch of golden fried cod and savory, handmade mandu. It is a communal celebration of culinary heritage where every sizzling platter of dubu duruchigi and colorful ssam wrap offers a taste of home-cooked warmth in an inviting, bustling setting.
• Food Gallery 32 — Korean · rated 5/5: This vibrant, multi-level culinary sanctuary pulses with the energy of a Seoul night market, drawing guests into a neon-lit maze of enticing aromas and sizzling sounds. Diners navigate the bustling stalls to discover a kaleidoscope of flavors, where the comforting steam of spicy noodle bowls and savory street snacks meets the whimsical sweetness of golden, custard-filled taiyaki.
• Osamil — Korean · rated 5/5: Osamil pulses with a sleek, urban energy, where the rhythmic clatter of the bar and the glow of the open kitchen set the stage for a sophisticated take on communal dining. The air carries the intoxicating scent of charred galbi chicken and spicy gochujang-glazed pork belly, complemented by the crunch of golden squid fries and the earthy depth of roasted shiitakes. It is a place where bold, smoky flavors meet refined technique, inviting guests to linger over plates of succulent short rib and tender seared scallops in an atmosphere that feels both electric and intimate.
• Hee Korean BBQ Grill — Korean · rated 4.9/5: The air at Hee Korean BBQ Grill hums with the intoxicating aroma of caramelizing soy and sesame as premium marbled meats sizzle over tabletop flames. This lively culinary theater invites guests to become the chef, pairing charred, tender cuts with a vibrant tapestry of fermented banchan that offer a refreshing crunch and a spicy kick to every communal bite.
• Loopy's Eatery — American · rated 4.9/5: Nestled in the heart of Chelsea, Loopy's Eatery offers a vibrant fusion of traditional Korean cuisine with modern flair. Known for their generous portions of bibimbap, burritos, and tacos, this casual spot caters to vegan, halal, and vegetarian diets. Featuring dine-in and takeout options, patrons enjoy fast service, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere. A perfect spot to savor unique flavors and spend $10-$20.
• Joa Kitchen — Korean · rated 4.9/5: Located at 46 W 36th St., New York, Joa Kitchen is a welcoming deli and coffee shop in Midtown South that thrives on serving Korean comfort food and quick bites. With offerings of sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and popular dishes like bibimbap, the place is celebrated for its tasty meals, generous portions, and friendly staff. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Joa Kitchen also provides takeout and delivery services, ensuring quality and convenience.
• UFC Chicken — Korean · rated 4.8/5: A high-energy sanctuary where the rhythmic sizzle of the fryer and the intoxicating aroma of toasted sesame and garlic signal a masterclass in Korean comfort food. Each piece of chicken boasts a signature, glass-shattering crunch that yields to succulent meat lacquered in vibrant glazes, balancing honeyed sweetness with the bold, fermented heat of gochujang. This lively haunt brings together addictive textures and traditional
• EJ BBQ & Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.8/5: Nestled in Chelsea, EJ BBQ & Sushi is a newly opened gem offering a delightful blend of Japanese and Korean comfort food. With a menu featuring fresh sushi, sashimi, bulgogi, and kimchi, the restaurant caters to both casual diners and families alike. Praised for its friendly service and welcoming ambiance, EJ BBQ & Sushi offers a range of healthy options and small plates at an affordable price point.
• missKOREA BBQ — Korean · rated 4.7/5: missKOREA BBQ captures the vibrant spirit of Seoul within a sophisticated, multi-level space where the rhythmic sizzle of marbled beef on tabletop grills provides a savory soundtrack to the evening. Guests are immersed in a sensory celebration of Korean tradition, from the intoxicating aroma of caramelized soy-garlic marinades to the bright, fermented crunch of artfully prepared banchan that rounds out every communal meal.
• ONGI — Korean · rated 4.7/5: Stepping into ONGI feels like a warm embrace, where the gentle steam from bubbling jjigae and the savory scent of charred bulgogi mingle in an atmosphere of refined comfort. The table transforms into a vibrant mosaic of banchan, showcasing the deep, fermented complexity of traditional earthenware cooking alongside the satisfying sizzle of rice crisping in a hot stone bowl. It is a soulful sanctuary that honors the heritage of Korean flavors, inviting guests to linger over communal feasts that nourish both the palate and the spirit.
• Sam Sunny — Korean · rated 4.7/5: Sam Sunny welcomes guests into a bright, bustling sanctuary where the rhythmic sizzle of tabletop grills and the enticing aroma of toasted sesame oil fill the air. A vibrant array of seasonal banchan anchors the experience, leading the way to a communal feast of charred, marinated meats and bubbling stews that celebrate the bold, soul-warming depths of traditional Korean flavors.
• Mista Oh — Korean · rated 4.7/5: Nestled in the heart of the Flatiron District, Mista Oh is a family-owned gem that delights with traditional Korean barbecue. Open for dine-in and takeout, this casual eatery offers a menu rich in healthy, organic, and vegetarian options. With cozy ambiance and fast, friendly service, popular dishes like bulgogi, kimchi fried rice, and bibimbap promise a memorable experience. Happy hour specials and large portions add to the charm, making Mista Oh a must-visit destination for delicious Korean cuisine.
• PLNT Burger — American · rated 4.7/5: Located at 11 W 42nd St, New York, PLNT Burger is a plant-based haven in Midtown West. Here, you'll find American classics like burgers, fries, and shakes made from plant-based ingredients. Popular choices include the chicken sandwich, mushroom BBQ bacon burger, and patty melt. Visitors appreciate the cozy ambiance, kid-friendly atmosphere, and excellent staff. Affordable at $10-$20, it’s perfect for a tasty lunch or dinner.
• 꽃 — Korean · rated 4.6/5: Named for the Korean word for flower, this elegant sanctuary transforms traditional flavors into a blooming sensory journey where the earthy aroma of fermented soy and the sizzle of marinated meats fill the air. Each plate arrives as a vibrant canvas of seasonal banchan and soul-warming stews, balancing the fiery heat of chili with the delicate, refined artistry of a modern Seoul kitchen.
• Cho Dang Gol — Korean · rated 4.6/5: This rustic Koreatown gem envelops guests in the comforting, nutty aroma of house-made tofu, crafted daily to achieve a signature silken texture that anchors every soulful meal. Steam rises from bubbling stone pots of spicy stews and savory braises, creating a vibrant dining experience where traditional flavors and warm, communal energy bring the essence of a Korean countryside kitchen to the heart of the city.
• Anytime NYC — Korean · rated 4.6/5: Anytime NYC pulses with the neon-lit energy of Koreatown, offering a sleek, industrial-chic retreat where the vibrant spirit of Seoul comes alive through bold, soulful flavors. Diners are swept into a sensory whirlwind of sizzling small plates and aromatic, bubbling stews, creating an atmosphere where the clink of soju glasses and the crunch of golden-fried chicken define the ultimate urban dining escape.
• Hangawi — Korean · rated 4.6/5: Stepping into this serene sanctuary feels like entering a hidden temple, where the gentle scent of incense and the ritual of removing one's shoes immediately transport diners away from the city's frantic pace. Guests settle into low wooden tables to discover a meditative celebration of Korean vegetarian cuisine, where vibrant mountain roots and earthy mushrooms are transformed into artful, soul-warming stone bowls that honor the harmony of nature.
• Franchia — Korean · rated 4.6/5: This serene, multi-level sanctuary transports diners into a Zen-like retreat where traditional Korean teahouse elegance meets a sophisticated, plant-based culinary vision. Fragrant clouds of premium tea steam mingle with the earthy, sizzling aromas of stone-pot bibimbap and delicate dumplings, reimagining ancient temple flavors through a vibrant, meat-free lens. It is a place of quiet beauty and mindful indulgence, where every dish celebrates the harmony of fresh mountain vegetables and bold, fermented spices in an atmosphere of pure tranquility.
• Handsome Rice — Korean · rated 4.6/5: This minimalist urban sanctuary elevates the traditional Korean lunchbox into a vibrant art form, where the nutty aroma of toasted sesame oil mingles with the savory sizzle of perfectly charred, soy-glazed proteins. Each thoughtfully composed bowl balances a kaleidoscope of crisp, seasonal banchan against the deep, fermented warmth of house-made sauces, offering a soulful and sophisticated reimagining of classic comfort food.
• Anytime Kitchen — Korean · rated 4.6/5: Located in the heart of K-Town, Anytime Kitchen offers a trendy and casual atmosphere where you can enjoy Korean-American small plates alongside creative cocktails. With a 4.6 rating based on over 1700 reviews, guests frequently praise its flavorful dishes and efficient service. Don't miss their happy hour specials, and for those with a sweet tooth, the dessert menu satisfies. A great spot for groups, Anytime Kitchen is your go-to for delicious food and drinks.
• Jongro BBQ — Korean · rated 4.5/5: Step into a bustling, neon-lit tribute to old-school Seoul, where the rhythmic sizzle of premium meats on tabletop grills creates a high-energy soundtrack for communal feasting. The air hangs heavy with the intoxicating scent of caramelized galbi and charred pork belly, complemented by a kaleidoscope of vibrant banchan that offer bright, fermented pops of flavor. It is a sensory-rich sanctuary where the warmth of glowing coals and the clink of soju glasses invite guests to lose themselves in the interactive ritual of the Korean barbecue tradition.
• Woorijip — Korean · rated 4.5/5: Stepping into this vibrant Korean sanctuary, diners are greeted by the comforting steam of bubbling stews and the savory aroma of marinated bulgogi sizzling nearby. The space hums with the energy of a communal kitchen, where rows of colorful banchan and hand-rolled kimbap offer a kaleidoscope of traditional flavors that feel like a warm, home-cooked embrace in the heart of the city.
• Her Name is Han — Korean · rated 4.5/5: Bathed in the warm glow of amber lights and surrounded by rustic timber, this intimate space captures the nostalgic essence of a Korean soul food kitchen. Diners gather over steaming stone pots of savory stews and perfectly charred proteins, where every bite celebrates the balance of bold spice and the deep, fermented complexity of traditional home-style cooking.
• LOVE Korean BBQ — Korean · rated 4.5/5: At LOVE Korean BBQ, the air hums with the high-energy sizzle of tabletop grills and the intoxicating aroma of premium meats caramelizing over open flames. Guests gather around communal tables to craft the perfect bite, pairing succulent, charred cuts with a vibrant mosaic of traditional banchan and crisp lettuce wraps for a dining experience that is as interactive as it is flavorful.
• Atoboy — Korean · rated 4.5/5: Stepping into this minimalist NoMad enclave, diners are greeted by an industrial-chic atmosphere where the traditional Korean art of banchan is transformed into a sophisticated, multi-course journey. Vibrant small plates burst with the complexity of fermentation and the crunch of seasonal textures, creating a high-energy communal experience that feels both deeply rooted in heritage and daringly modern.
• Nubiani — Korean · rated 4.5/5: Nubiani invites guests into a sleek, dimly lit sanctuary where the intoxicating aroma of premium marbled beef searing over glowing charcoal fills the air. The ritual of Korean barbecue is elevated to an art form here, pairing the smoky depth of perfectly charred meats with a vibrant tapestry of fermented banchan and refined, modern touches that linger on the palate long after the final sizzle fades.
• Barn Joo Nomad — Korean · rated 4.5/5: Barn Joo Nomad pulses with a rustic-chic energy, where reclaimed wood and soft, amber lighting set the stage for a spirited exploration of modern Korean flavors. The kitchen transforms farm-fresh ingredients into bold, communal plates—from crackling soy-garlic wings to sizzling stone bowls—creating a sensory journey that pairs perfectly with craft cocktails and the lively hum of a sophisticated urban gastropub.
• Seoul Salon — Korean · rated 4.5/5: Seoul Salon captures the vibrant energy of a modern Korean social club, where the air is thick with the savory scent of sizzling meats and the lively hum of communal dining. Guests gather around tables laden with colorful banchan and innovative small plates that balance bold, fermented heat with delicate, refined textures. This stylish retreat blends traditional soul with contemporary flair, offering a sensory journey through the heart of Seoul’s dynamic culinary scene.
• Mari.ne Handroll — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Located in Midtown West's Theater District, Mari.ne Handroll offers a relaxed dining experience with a unique fusion of Korean and Japanese cuisine. Known for its healthy, home-cooked style handroll sushi and dumplings, it caters to vegetarians and vegans alike. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, you can expect friendly service and a cozy atmosphere. Reservations are accepted, making it easy to plan your visit.
• Wooga — Korean · rated 4.5/5: Wooga, a casual and trendy Korean barbecue restaurant in Fort Lee, NJ, offers a delectable selection of grilled meats and traditional dishes like kimchi stew and hot stone bibimbop. With a BYOB policy and a robust ventilation system, it ensures a pleasant dining atmosphere. Guests highlight the generous portions, fast service, and friendly staff. Perfect for an evening out, Wooga guarantees a satisfying Korean BBQ experience.