TLDR
A resilient, former Michelin-starred favorite in Hell's Kitchen serving creative, comforting Korean American tapas.
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
A former Michelin-starred Hell's Kitchen staple, this Korean American spot has successfully returned to form following a major fire [1]. It serves as a consistent, cozy destination for comfort-focused Korean fare, perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a pre-theater meal [1]. The restaurant effectively bridges the gap between high-end tasting menus and casual quick bites, offering a widely appreciated value-driven experience [1], [2].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on creative Korean American small plates that are consistently praised for being rich and warming [1]. Must-order items include the bossam pork belly [1], crispy tofu [1], [3], and bulgogi sliders [3]. While the fried chicken is considered decent, some diners feel it lacks a spicy kick [1], and the makgeolli is frequently cited as a point of contention among regulars [2].
Caveats
Some diners have expressed dissatisfaction with the house-made makgeolli, suggesting it does not meet expectations compared to other local options [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About DANJI
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Restaurant Week Which Restaurants Are Actually
"The restaurant is highlighted for offering a high-value four-course meal for $60 with a good selection of dishes."
PositiveFrom post: Best Crispy Bouncy Nonoily Korean Seafood Pancake
"The reviewer praises the restaurant's seafood pancake for being crispy and not oily."
PositiveFrom post: Wheres The Good Food In Midtown Thats Not 50 And
"Mentioned as a recommended spot in Midtown."
PositiveFrom 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."
Positive