Modern Korean small plates, $75 tasting menu. Creative dishes, stand-out fried chicken. Accessible fine dining.
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.
Atoboy offers a modern, creative take on Korean cuisine through an accessible four-course prix-fixe menu, often lauded for its value. Diners can expect inventive small plates, with standouts like the double-fried chicken add-on and unique desserts. While the dining environment has received mixed reviews, the food itself is frequently praised for its surprising and delightful flavors, making it a popular choice for those seeking an elevated yet approachable Korean dining experience.
This restaurant offers a modern, creative interpretation of Korean cuisine, primarily through a four-course prix-fixe tasting menu. Standout dishes frequently mentioned include the double-fried chicken (often as an add-on) and various seafood preparations like fish crudo. While many find the flavors inventive and the value exceptional, a few reviews suggest some dishes may lack direction or a clear identity, with a specific mention of it not being ideal for very picky eaters.
"The double-fried chicken with gochujang and peanut sauce is a frequently recommended add-on. Other highlighted dishes include various seafood preparations like fish crudo (yellowtail and fluke), sea urchin, squid, and oxtail. The unique Granita dessert is also noted."
Overall, customer sentiment leans positive, with many praising the creative and delicious Korean tasting menu and its excellent value. However, some diners have expressed mixed feelings about the restaurant's ambiance.
Important Note
Some diners have noted that the restaurant's ambiance and decor are not ideal, describing it as a 'concrete hallway' with poor lighting. Additionally, there's a sentiment from some Korean individuals that the restaurant's modern, fusion approach may not appeal to those seeking traditional Korean flavors, and that better traditional options might be found in Queens or New Jersey.
"Recommends Atoboy in Murray Hill."
Positive"Atoboy is identified as a Korean restaurant, distinct from Attaboy which is a bar."
Neutral"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
