Michelin-starred Korean noodle bar w/ divine appetizers like Toro Ssam Bap & Ja Jang Ribs. Upscale vibe, often hard to get into, but worth the hype.
Jeju Noodle Bar is a celebrated Korean noodle spot that has earned a Michelin star, making it a unique destination for discerning diners. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in its standout dishes, such as the Toro Ssam Bap and the Ja Jang Style Ribs, which have garnered significant praise. While the ramen offerings are a core part of the menu, many patrons find the appetizers to be the true stars, offering an elevated take on Korean cuisine. Despite the high demand and occasional challenges with reservations, the overall consensus points to a consistently divine and memorable dining experience.
Jeju Noodle Bar offers a Korean-inspired menu with a focus on elevated noodle dishes and exceptional appetizers. Standout dishes include the Toro Ssam Bap, praised for its luxurious ingredients like tuna and caviar, and the Ja Jang Style Ribs, noted for their unique, sweet and savory flavor. While some find the ramen to be slightly salty or average, others rave about specific ramyun varieties like the Gochu Ramyun. The appetizers are frequently highlighted as the true stars of the menu, with many recommending them over the ramen.
"The Toro Ssam Bap is frequently recommended and described as a standout dish, often considered one of the best bites in the city. The Ja Jang Style Ribs are also highly praised for their unique flavor profile. For ramen lovers, the Gochu Ramyun and Family Style Ramyun have received positive mentions."
Customers overwhelmingly praise Jeju Noodle Bar, often describing the experience as divine and their best meal in NYC. While reservations can be challenging, the food, especially the appetizers, is frequently cited as exceptional and worth the effort.
Important Note
Reservations are notoriously difficult to secure, often requiring booking far in advance or employing strategies like joining waitlists or attempting walk-ins. Some diners have found certain dishes, like the Wagyu ramen, to be slightly salty, and there are mixed opinions on whether the restaurant lives up to its Michelin-starred hype for all patrons.
"Jeju is listed as a recommended restaurant."
Positive"Jeju Noodles is mentioned as a restaurant that has been difficult to get reservations for over several months."
Neutral"This user ranks Semma as superior to Casa Mono, which is significantly better than Jeju."
Negative"This commenter believes the toro saam bap at Jeju is a common dish using premium ingredients without being unique or mind-blowing. They suggest choosing a restaurant based on personal preferences rather than just Michelin stars and recommend Jua for refined Korean cuisine."
Negative"One user felt Casa Mono was too pricey for its offerings and that a better meal could be had for the same or less cost, despite excellent service and vibes."
Negative"This user ranks Semma higher than Casa Mono, and both significantly higher than Jeju, suggesting that if the user wants Asian noodles, Los Angeles would be a closer option."
Negative"The food at Jeju is considered good but not mind-blowing by this user. They advise that one might leave hungry if only ordering the Ssam Bap and a couple of other dishes, suggesting avoiding alcohol to stay within budget. They also mention that grabbing pizza nearby afterwards is an option."
Neutral"A user stated that Jeju was one of their most disappointing Michelin experiences about two years ago."
Negative"One user found Jeju to be a very disappointing Michelin-star meal experience and would recommend skipping it in favor of other options."
Negative"This user agreed that the truffle scallop and fried chicken dishes at Jeju were better than the toro ssam bap."
Positive"The Toro Saam Bap dish at Jeju might not be worth it for those who dislike seafood or nori, despite its appealing appearance. The reviewer suggests choosing a restaurant that aligns with personal taste preferences, noting that Korean or ramen enthusiasts might enjoy Jeju more."
Neutral"One person was not impressed with Casa Mono, finding the food to be bad and leaving hungry, questioning its Michelin star status."
Negative"A commenter found Jeju to be unimpressive and not on par with other Michelin 1-star restaurants, though it is noted as the cheapest option. They mention that with dishes like ramyeon entrees at $25, a meal for two with several dishes could be around $200."
Negative"This commenter loves Jeju and finds it totally worth it, also stating that Semma is equally good but offers different flavors."
Positive"The toro ssam bap at Jeju was good, but a truffle dish was preferred even more by this commenter."
Positive"This user briefly mentioned Jeju Noodle Bar as a possible suggestion."
Neutral"Jeju Noodle and Ramen Spot NYC is suggested as a place with ramen bowls around $30-40."
Neutral"Jeju is mentioned as a place that might have Korean ramen bowls over $20."
Neutral"This user confirmed that it is possible to walk in solo to Jeju Noodle Bar, especially during opening hours. They noted that the restaurant now reserves fewer tables for walk-ins."
Neutral"The user had a very enjoyable experience at Atoboy and confirmed that they do accommodate solo diners."
Positive
