TLDR
Upscale Korean comfort food w/ creative dishes & a comeback story [1]. Must-try bossam pork belly & crispy tofu [1]. Perfect for weeknight or pre-theater dining [1].
Will Hartman reviews Danji, a Korean American spot in Hell's Kitchen that offers consistent comfort food perfect for a weeknight meal or pre-theater dining.
Details
Danji, a Korean American restaurant in Hell's Kitchen, offers a comforting and upscale take on traditional Korean cuisine, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or pre-theater meals [1]. After a fire, the restaurant has reopened, maintaining its reputation for consistent and flavorful dishes that are both warming and cozy. Highlights include their recommended banchan, particularly the kimchi, and standout small plates like the crispy and soft tofu [1].
Food Overview
Danji offers a creative and upscale take on Korean American food, described as comforting and cozy [1]. Recommended starters include banchan, especially the kimchi, along with dried squid and pickled cucumbers [1]. Standout dishes are the crispy and soft tofu with its gooey interior and crunchy topping, and the must-try bossam pork belly served with pickled mu radish [1]. While the KP spicy fried chicken wings are decent, they could be spicier and less sweet [1]. Bulgogi beef sliders are noted as a solid side dish [1]. A past negative experience with makgeolli was noted [9].
Caveats
One diner reported a very negative experience with the makgeolli at Danji [9].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About DANJI
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: What Is The Best Dish Youve Had In 2026 And Where
"This user listed the Soy poached cod at Danji as a runner-up favorite dish."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For A Truly Great Hells Kitchen Dinner
"The original poster followed up, stating Danji is probably the best answer for them in the neighborhood. They revisited it and found it excellent as always."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For A Truly Great Hells Kitchen Dinner
"Danji is suggested as a restaurant option in Hell's Kitchen."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For A Truly Great Hells Kitchen Dinner
"The user asks if Danji is a good option, also mentioning enjoying Mari and Kochi."
NeutralFrom post: Hojokban Or Take31 Or Nowon East
"Danji is mentioned as a restaurant by Chef Hooni Kim, positioned as an 'in-between' option regarding price and style, situated between the fine dining of Meju and the casual style of Little Banchan Shop."
PositiveFrom post: Best Restos For Firsttime Visitor To America
"Danji is recommended for modern Korean American food."
PositiveFrom post: What Are Some Of Your Favorite Appetizers In The
"The bulgogi sliders at Danji are highlighted as a great NYC take on a popular dish, with Chef Hooni Kim's bulgogi complemented by kimchi mayo and slaw. The crispy tofu was also noted as exceptionally delicious."
PositiveFrom post: Have A Conference In Times Square
"Danji is listed as a restaurant in Hell's Kitchen."
NeutralFrom post: Seeking Preconcert Dinner Recommendations Prefer
"This is a very popular neighborhood Korean restaurant that offers very creative dishes."
PositiveFrom post: My Favorite Spots In Hells Kitchen
"Danji is noted as a former Michelin Korean restaurant that has made a comeback after a fire."
PositiveFrom post: Which Restaurants Have The Best Housemade
"The original poster mentioned having makgeolli at Danji in the past and did not like it."
NegativeFrom post: Looking For Recommended Stores To Find Imported
"In contrast to a positive experience at Cho Dang Gol, this commenter found the makgeolli they tried at Danji to be very bad."
NegativeFrom post: Best Food In Chelseahells Kitchen
"This user recommended Danji in Hell's Kitchen."
PositiveFrom post: 40 Year Nyc Resident Here Are My Manhattan
"This former Michelin-starred Korean restaurant is praised for its comeback story after a significant fire."
PositiveFrom post: Jeju Noodle Bar Notice Need Alternative
"This commenter suggested Danji as a more affordable and casual alternative to Jeju Noodle Bar, noting that reservations are relatively easy to obtain."
PositiveFrom post: Mari Or Kochi
"Characterized Danji as a more casual and cheaper Korean restaurant, in contrast to the tasting menu formats of Kochi and Mari."
NeutralFrom post: Mari Or Kochi
"Described Danji as being in a slightly different tier, offering delicious food that is a more upscale version of a typical Korean restaurant. Specifically recommended the cod and Bossam dishes."
PositiveFrom post: Mari Or Kochi
"User booked Kochi but plans to try Mari and add Danji to their list, thanking for the suggestions."
NeutralFrom post: Mari Or Kochi
"Recommended Danji as another excellent option in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood."
Positive