Modern Korean tasting menus w/ inventive dishes. A go-to for creative Korean flavors & delicious fried chicken.
Experience modern Korean small plates at Atoboy in Flatiron, offering a four-course prix-fixe menu that allows diners to sample a variety of creative dishes.
This modern Korean spot offers a unique prix-fixe tasting menu that provides an accessible yet creative culinary journey. Diners can expect inventive dishes that put a fresh spin on traditional Korean flavors, with standout options like the renowned fried chicken add-on and unique desserts. It's a great choice for those seeking an upscale dining experience without the traditional fine-dining stuffiness.
Atoboy offers a modern take on Korean cuisine through a prix-fixe tasting menu. While many find the dishes creative and delicious, particularly the highly recommended fried chicken add-on, some reviews mention a less-than-ideal ambiance. Some Korean diners have noted that it leans towards a 'new wave' or fusion style, which may not appeal to those seeking traditional Korean flavors.
"The fried chicken add-on is frequently mentioned as a must-try, described as 'amazingly delicious' and 'ridiculous' by many. Other dishes like sea urchin, squid, and oxtail have also received praise."
Customers generally have a positive view of the food, praising its deliciousness and creativity, though some find the ambiance lacking. The fried chicken add-on is frequently highlighted as a must-try.
Important Note
Some diners find the ambiance and decor to be lacking, describing it as a 'concrete hallway'. Some Korean diners also feel it leans too far into fusion and may not be representative of traditional Korean cuisine.
"This Korean individual found Atoboy to be 'mid', despite liking other restaurants by the same hospitality group. They recommend Hojokban and Seoul Salon as good alternatives with a similar vibe."
Negative"A short comment suggesting Moono as an alternative to Atoboy."
Neutral"This user recommends Take31 for its affordable and plentiful Korean drinking food (anju), similar to what they ate in Korea during college. They also suggest trying Aghassi Gopchang for its good beef intestine BBQ, noting that regular meats and banchan are also available."
Positive"A Korean individual found Jungsik to be a mixed experience, with some excellent dishes but also significant misses. They advise against it for Koreans who frequently dine in Korea."
Negative"A brief recommendation to go to Atomix instead of Atoboy."
Neutral"Responding to a previous comment, this user agrees that Atoboy's modern, NYC-inspired approach using Western techniques differs from traditional Korean restaurants in Queens or Seoul, making a direct comparison inaccurate."
Neutral"This comment advises against Atoboy, stating it's not worth the money as most dishes were underseasoned, except for the beef tartare. They also mention that the fried chicken add-on is necessary to feel full."
Negative"The commenter states that while they initially enjoyed Atoboy's modern Korean dishes years ago, a recent visit was disappointing. They felt the dishes lacked clear direction, with one even tasting Thai, and wished for a return to creative Korean twists."
Negative"The commenter was disappointed with Atoboy, finding the dishes unappetizing despite sounding creative on paper. They recommend Oiji Mi as a better alternative for modern Korean at a similar price point."
Negative"This commenter, who is half Korean, shares that their Korean friends found Atoboy 'mid'. They also note that many of their Korean friends and they themselves find most Manhattan Korean food to be 'mid', suggesting better options are available in Queens and New Jersey."
Negative"This commenter, who enjoys Korean food, found Atoboy thoroughly disappointing and overpriced, noting that some dishes did not work at all."
Negative"A Korean individual states they did not enjoy Atoboy, finding it lacked identity and tried to be too many things, which negatively impacted the taste. They recommend Jua, Moono, and Mokyo as better upscale Korean options."
Negative"The commenter notes that Atoboy is a modern interpretation of Korean food, using Western techniques and plating for a New York audience, rather than traditional Korean. They suggest enjoying it for the vibe, treating it like a wine bar where the food is a bonus."
Neutral"This commenter states that Atoboy was 'mid' and a 'one and done' experience, echoing the sentiment of their noona who has a broad experience with fancy restaurants."
Negative"The commenter suggests that while Atoboy is okay, much better Korean food can be found in Flushing."
Neutral"The commenter recalls their visit to Atoboy last year, mentioning that the only memorable item was the optional fried chicken add-on, which they described as exceptionally juicy."
Neutral"The commenter, who is Asian but not Korean, states they found Atoboy to be 'mid'."
Negative"Atoboy is listed as a restaurant recommendation for an elevated dining experience."
Positive"Atoboy is mentioned as a beloved Korean restaurant with tasting menus around $80, as part of a discussion on notable Korean dining options in NYC."
Positive"This commenter expressed a negative opinion of Atoboy, referring to it as a 'fake version of Attaboy'."
Negative