Joo Ok

Honestly expected more from Joo Ok - have to say the entrance to the restaurant is quite unique and unforgettable. Staff - well knowledge in the wine and dishes, but there didn’t seem to be synergy amongst the staff as compared to other fine dining restaurants in NY. Decor - Restaurant setting from table, chairs, plating seemed really normal. Nothing unique or eye catching. Food - Solid 7/10, it was great but nothing that blows my mind compared to other fine dining restaurants in NY. Drinks - My partner had wine which was good and I had the strawberry mocktail which was also good but pretty much was strawberry juice. Overall - Nothing mind blowing, was great to try but wouldn’t return

Of the Korean fine dining restaurants in NYC, this is one of my favorites. The dishes were distinctly Korean but elevated to a new level. It felt like I was visiting Korea again and tasting flavors that are difficult to find in the US. Each dish was elegant and well thought out. The main final course with the beef, rice and banchan were absolutely delicious. I chose the non-alcoholic pairing and don’t regret it. Simon was our sommelier and provided us such warm, attentive service throughout. My husband tried multiple cocktails and enjoyed them quite a bit. Between the wonderfully unique modern Korean dishes, the fresh ingredients, great service, and excellent drinks program, I look forward to seeing what Joo Ok has in store next!

I celebrated my birthday here. My takeaway is: “the dishes here range from things I will never be able to make at home to things I will never make in this lifetime”. Across the full range of complexity, Joo Ok delivered memorably on each and every one. Many dishes felt at a level of apparent simplicity that one could imagine doing them at home, but just executed to perfection. Then there were pairings and presentations that were at the fine dining level, with the perfect mix of textures and flavors. I never thought I would like a radish dish, but with the pine nut puree, it was suddenly the only texture and flavor that made sense! What a priceless experience Special thanks to our waiter Kyle who really made the experience come to life. His consistently engaged narration of the dishes, how to enjoy them, what shaped the decisions that went into them, and his own experiences were all a treat to listen to. It never felt like he was reciting a script (and he definitely reacted and responded to our questions throughout!), even though he surely had a dauntingly long list of ingredients to memorize. A talented server for sure, who made our night!