Best Upscale Korean Restaurants in Little Italy | Upscale Korean Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Korean Restaurants in Little Italy | Upscale Korean Food

• Noona's — Korean · rated 5/5: Noona’s transforms the simple joy of a frozen treat into a sophisticated exploration of heritage and whimsy, where the air is sweet with the scent of toasted grains and warm spices. Silky scoops of earthy matcha and vibrant ube latte mingle with playful, texture-rich creations like crunchy honeycomb and chewy banana pudding mochi. It is a modern creamery that celebrates cross-cultural flavors, inviting guests to rediscover nostalgic comforts through a bold, artisanal lens.
• C as in Charlie — Korean · rated 4.8/5: This spirited NoHo haunt pulses with an infectious energy, where the soulful comfort of the American South seamlessly intertwines with the bold, fermented depths of Korean tradition. Small plates arrive in a flurry of steam and spice, reimagining familiar staples through a playful lens—from silky, marrow-rich creams to crispy, heat-dusted poultry that crackles with every bite. The intimate, communal atmosphere invites lingering conversations over creative cocktails, making each visit feel like a vibrant, cross-cultural celebration shared among friends.
• YUBU SoHo — Korean · rated 4.8/5: Nestled in the heart of SoHo, YUBU SoHo serves up delightful Korean comfort food, including yubu-wrapped sushi, quick bites, and coffee. With a menu brimming with healthy, vegetarian, and vegan options, this casual eatery is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Fans rave about the spicy chicken, salmon, and crabmeat yubu. With friendly staff and a cozy ambiance, it's a charming spot where most meals cost between $10-$20.
• Tofu Tofu — Korean · rated 4.7/5: Steam rises from bubbling stone pots in this vibrant enclave of Korean comfort, where the air is thick with the savory-sweet scent of toasted sesame and fiery gochugaru. Silken tofu melts into rich, simmering broths while the rhythmic sizzle of stone-bowl rice creates a sensory soundtrack for a meal defined by bold textures and communal warmth. Every spoonful offers a soothing embrace, inviting diners to linger over a colorful spread of banchan in a space that feels both modern and deeply rooted in tradition.
• Anytime Street St.Marks — Korean · rated 4.6/5: Located in the heart of New York at 34 St Marks Pl, Anytime Street St.Marks is a casual Korean eatery with a menu of delectable choices like bulgogi, chicken bowls, and popcorn chicken. Known for its speed and affordability, this spot offers both dine-in and takeout options. It's perfect for those seeking a quick, satisfying meal in the bustling city. Don't miss out on their unique drinks and desserts!
• Mando — Korean · rated 4.6/5: Mando, located at 30-30 Thomson Avenue in Long Island City, is highly rated with a 4.6-star average from 81 reviews. Known for its delicious and affordable halal dishes, this family-friendly spot offers generous portions of chicken or lamb over rice, complete with a drink for just $6. Operating weekdays from 10 AM to 5 PM, Mando provides a convenient and tasty lunch option with a welcoming atmosphere.
• Rice Kitchen — Chinese · rated 4.6/5: Located in the heart of Soho, Rice Kitchen offers a delightful array of fast-serve Korean dishes, from hearty rice bowls to flavorful kimbap. Popular for its fresh ingredients and generous portions, this compact eatery ensures a quick and satisfying meal with fast service. Ideal for families and solo diners, outdoor seating and takeout options are available. Swing by for a taste of comfort food that won’t disappoint!
• Kisa — Korean · rated 4.5/5: Kisa captures the nostalgic pulse of a traditional Seoul driver’s diner, where the air is rich with the savory aroma of sizzling meats and the rhythmic clatter of a busy kitchen. Each guest receives a meticulously curated tray—a vibrant mosaic of seasonal banchan and hearty mains—that transforms a simple meal into a soulful, home-style feast rooted in Korean tradition.
• Bulbap Grill — Korean · rated 4.5/5: Bulbap Grill, located at 646 Manhattan Ave in Brooklyn, offers a casual yet vibrant dining experience, specializing in classic Korean dishes like bibimbap, wings, burgers, and tacos. With a 4.5-star rating and over 200 reviews, it's clear that the warm staff and flavorful dishes leave a lasting impression. The restaurant is perfect for families, accepts various payment methods, and even offers free street parking. For a delightful Korean culinary journey, Bulbap Grill should be on your list.
• Jisu — Korean · rated 4.5/5: Nestled in the heart of Chinatown, Jisu offers a relaxed dining experience with a modern Asian vibe. Specializing in vegan Chinese cuisine, the menu features a variety of rice and noodle dishes, including popular choices like steamed dumplings and BBQ sliced rib noodles. With dine-in, takeout, and delivery options, Jisu is perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner. Prices range from $10-20. For reservations or more information, call +1 212-470-1064.
• Two Hands — Korean · rated 4.5/5: Nestled in the heart of New York, Two Hands delights patrons with its Australian-inspired cafe experience. With cozy indoor and inviting sidewalk seating, the atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing brunch or casual meetup. The family-friendly menu offers healthy, tasty dishes that satisfy every palate, complemented by excellent coffee, wine, and cocktails. Open daily, Two Hands welcomes you for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.
• Blue Smoke — American · rated 4.4/5: Located at 255 Vesey St, New York, Blue Smoke offers a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for any occasion. With a rating of 4.4 from 1,955 reviews, this establishment serves up delectable BBQ, scrumptious desserts, and a diverse selection of wines and cocktails. Whether enjoying happy hour, brunch, or family-friendly dining, Blue Smoke ensures a memorable culinary experience. Family-friendly, good for groups, and a great spot to watch sports, it’s a must-visit in the financial district. Reservation and takeout options are available.
• Oh K-Dog NYC — Korean · rated 4.4/5: Oh K-Dog NYC, located at 159 Ludlow St in New York, serves up delicious Korean-style snacks like rice hot dogs and egg toast in a casual, quick-service atmosphere. Rated 4.4 stars from 768 reviews, it’s a family-friendly spot that also offers a variety of other options such as ramen and slushy drinks. Open till 3 AM on weekends, it's perfect for late-night cravings. Credit and debit cards are accepted.
• LaoJie Hotpot Manhattan | 老街火锅 | 曼哈顿火锅 — Chinese · rated 4.4/5: Nestled in Chinatown, Laojie Hotpot Manhattan offers an exciting all-you-can-eat hot pot and BBQ experience. With a diverse menu including a variety of meats, vegetables, skewers, and famous desserts like mango pudding, there's something for everyone. The comfortable, modern decor and friendly, attentive staff create a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for group gatherings and celebrations. Enjoy both lunch and dinner at this trendy spot.
• Cho-Ko — Korean · rated 4.4/5: Nestled on 1st Ave in New York, Cho-Ko is a contemporary Japanese restaurant that masterfully balances traditional and modern dishes. With a stellar 4.4 rating and over 120 reviews, it’s clear why it’s cherished by locals. Offering dine-in and takeout options, Cho-Ko caters to both families and casual diners alike. Open until late, it’s perfect for those craving hearty ramen, gyoza, and more. Don’t miss out!
• The Woo — Korean · rated 4.4/5: The Woo is a contemporary Korean barbecue restaurant located in the vibrant neighborhood of SoHo, New York. Offering authentic flavors with a modern twist, this restaurant is perfect for a memorable dining experience. Guests can enjoy a variety of wines, desserts, and vegetarian options, with the Korean fried chicken and short ribs being highly recommended. The Woo provides both indoor and outdoor seating, making it an ideal spot for lunch, brunch, dinner, or a festive gathering.
• Bonchon — Korean · rated 4.4/5: Nestled in Downtown Brooklyn, Bonchon offers a family-friendly dining experience with its vibrant Asian fusion fare. Enjoy dishes like Korean fried chicken, japchae, and bulgogi in a cozy, laid-back atmosphere. Popular among locals for its delicious lunch specials and juicy chicken, the restaurant also serves beer and wine. With friendly service and a welcoming vibe, it's perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
• Moko — Korean · rated 4.3/5: Moko captures the electric energy of Seoul, where the intoxicating aroma of toasted sesame and fermented chili drifts through a sleek, contemporary space. Diners gather over bubbling stone pots and platters of caramelized bulgogi, sharing a vibrant tapestry of banchan that balances fiery heat with cool, crisp textures. It is a sensory journey that honors deep-rooted traditions while embracing a modern spirit, turning every communal meal into a soulful celebration of Korean hospitality.
• Bulbap Grill — Korean · rated 4.3/5: Situated in Brooklyn, Bulbap Grill offers a delightful mix of traditional Korean rice bowls, barbecue, fusion dishes, and fresh smoothies. With free street parking and outdoor seating, it's perfect for family outings. Rated 4.3 stars by 234 reviewers, it’s praised for its flavorful, well-prepared dishes and friendly service. Open daily from 11:30 AM, the restaurant accepts multiple payment options, including credit and debit cards.
• Funny BBQ 98 — Chinese · rated 4.3/5: Located at 98 Bowery in New York, Funny BBQ 98 is a vibrant Chinese barbecue restaurant specializing in all-you-can-eat hot pot and grilled meats. The casual atmosphere is complemented by friendly, attentive service and features a karaoke option to enhance your dining experience. Offering a diverse menu with meat, seafood, and vegetarian options, it's a great spot for groups and families. Join the fun and indulge in delicious hot pot and skewers, all while enjoying top-notch service.
• Two Hands — Korean · rated 4.3/5: Welcome to Two Hands, a relaxed Australian restaurant in South Williamsburg. Enjoy an all-day menu brimming with healthy choices, vegetarian and vegan options, and delicious favorites like the breakfast burrito and avocado toast. Perfect for families, Two Hands offers a kids' menu and high chairs, creating a cozy and community-focused atmosphere. With brunch, coffee, cocktails, and wine, this is a delightful spot to unwind and savor great food.
• Doma — Korean · rated 4.3/5: Nestled in the heart of Sunnyside, Queens, Doma invites you to savor the flavors of classic Korean cuisine in a cozy, welcoming setting. Enjoy favorites like bibimbap, bulgogi, and cheese teokbokki, available for dine-in, outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery. With a 4.3-star rating from 285 reviews, friendly service, and a variety of menu options, Doma is the perfect spot for a delicious and comforting meal.
• Two Hands — Korean · rated 4.3/5: Nestled in the heart of New York, Two Hands offers a delightful Australian-inspired experience with its eclectic menu of breakfast, brunch, burgers, and cocktails. Ideal for families, this welcoming spot boasts cozy outdoor seating and efficient service. With a 4.3-star rating and over 900 reviews, the café is known for its generous açaí bowls, tasty desserts, and refillable coffee. Reservations are accepted, and the establishment is open daily for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
• Monomono — Korean · rated 4.2/5: Monomono pulses with a vibrant, urban energy, where the rhythmic crackle of double-fried Korean chicken harmonizes with the warm glow of a sleek, music-centric space. Diners dive into a sensory feast of shatteringly crisp glazes and the deep, fermented heat of gochujang, all while the air hums with the savory steam of bubbling stone pots and the soulful crackle of spinning vinyl.
• Gyu-Ichiro Japanese BBQ — Japanese · rated 4.2/5: Nestled in the Bowery neighborhood, Gyu-Ichiro Japanese BBQ offers an all-you-can-eat experience featuring premium wagyu, short ribs, fresh sushi, and more. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for group gatherings, and the service is quick and attentive. Guests order seamlessly via iPad, enhancing their dining experience. With a menu that caters to lunch, dinner, and weekend diners, this spot is sure to impress.
• Grand Master 95 — Korean · rated 4/5: Neon-drenched and buzzing with urban energy, this vibrant destination captures the electric spirit of a Vietnamese street market within a sleek, modern frame. The air hums with the sound of sizzling woks and lively conversation as fragrant herbs and charred, smoky aromas drift from the open kitchen to communal tables. It is a sensory-rich escape where bold, punchy flavors and a high-octane atmosphere transform a simple meal into a spirited social celebration.
• Monomono — Korean · rated 4/5: Bathed in the warm glow of neon and the rhythmic crackle of vintage vinyl, this stylish haunt pairs an industrial-chic aesthetic with a soulful soundtrack of jazz and funk. The kitchen turns out signature double-fried Korean chicken glazed to a glass-like crunch, offering a sensory collision of bold, savory flavors and high-fidelity sound that feels both nostalgic and vibrantly modern.
• Xing Wong BBQ — Chinese · rated 3.8/5: Nestled in the vibrant heart of Chinatown, Xing Wong BBQ offers a delightful array of Cantonese comfort food at wallet-friendly prices. From succulent roast duck to flavorful soy sauce chicken and roast pork, there's something to satisfy every palate. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere is perfect for both lunch and dinner. Advance reservations and takeout are available. Visit us at 89 E Broadway, New York, or call +1 212-779-8899.
• Kisa — Korean: Bathed in natural light and the hum of lively conversation, this vibrant Middle Eastern sanctuary centers around the primal glow of a wood-fired oven and charcoal grill. Blistered flatbreads emerge hot and pillowy to be dipped into a kaleidoscope of spice-laden mezze, while the air carries the fragrant trail of charred meats and zesty sumac. It is a place of communal celebration, where the bold, sun-drenched flavors of the Levant are served with a contemporary spirit that lingers long after the final bite.
• Pepe Rosso — Italian: Pepe Rosso captures the essence of a spirited neighborhood haunt, where the air is thick with the aroma of bubbling cheese and rich, simmering sauces. The kitchen masterfully bridges the gap between classic comfort and modern flair, offering everything from silk-smooth Tortellini Gorgonzola to inventive pizzas layered with smoky BBQ chicken and earthy mushrooms. It is a place where wholesome ingredients like roasted butternut squash and whole-grain pastas are transformed into soulful, satisfying meals that linger long after the final bite.