Elevated Korean fine dining with a unique freight elevator entrance and stunning views. Praised for balanced flavors and innovative tasting menus, though some find it pricey.
Joo Ok offers a unique Korean fine dining experience, beginning with an adventurous ascent via freight elevator to its elegant, minimalist dining room with stunning Manhattan skyline views. This Michelin-starred establishment masterfully blends traditional Korean culinary roots with modern, inventive presentations. Guests are treated to a tasting menu that balances bold and subtle flavors, with standouts like the delicate 'jat jeup chae' and the signature 'deul gi reum' featuring perilla seed oil. While many rave about the exceptional quality and distinctiveness of the cuisine, a few diners have found the subtle flavors less impactful or the price point not fully justified compared to other high-end options. The restaurant is celebrated for its overall memorable dining journey, even down to its surprisingly beautiful bathrooms.
Joo Ok offers a Korean tasting menu that is praised for its perfect balance of pungent and subtle flavors, remaining distinctly Korean while incorporating innovative presentations. Dishes like 'langoustine four ways' and 'jat jeup chae' (lobster and Korean pear in salted cucumber) are highlighted as excellent. The deul gi reum, with geoduck, spotted shrimp, and perilla seed oil, is a signature standout. While most reviews are glowing, a few found the subtle flavors underwhelming or not worth the price. The dessert cart, featuring Asian snacks, received mixed reviews, with one commenter finding it the weakest part of the meal while another enjoyed it.
"The 'langoustine four ways' and 'deul gi reum' (with perilla seed oil) are highlighted as signature and standout dishes. The 'jat jeup chae' is also mentioned as excellent."
Overall, customers have a highly positive sentiment towards Joo Ok, with many praising it as an exceptional Korean fine dining experience. Some diners found the subtle flavors not to their liking or considered it not worth the price compared to other high-end establishments. The restaurant is generally recommended, with specific mentions of its beautiful bathroom and a unique entrance via freight elevator.
Important Note
One commenter noted a price increase after May 15th.
"The commenter confirmed that Joo Ok was good and mentioned it has a nice view if seated by the windows."
Positive"The commenter suggests Joo Ok as a good alternative to Jua, noting it is a little more expensive."
Positive"Contrary to OP, akmalhot had a disappointing experience at Joo ok, finding it "just, eh" and not worth the price point compared to other high-end restaurants, possibly due to the subtlety of flavors."
Negative"OP describes Joo ok as their new favorite Korean fine dining experience in NYC, praising its perfect balance of pungent and subtle flavors in a tasting menu that remains distinctly Korean, calling it an exceptional meal without a single miss."
Positive"The commenter (original poster of the thread) shared a specific detail about the "langoustine four ways" dish from their meal at Joo Ok. They mentioned that the restaurant staff advised them not to consume the head and tail of the langoustine."
Neutral"The commenter (original poster of the thread about Joo Ok) mentioned an upcoming price increase at the restaurant after May 15th. Regarding their own experience at Joo Ok, they stated they enjoyed the dessert cart, even though they were very full by that point in the meal."
Positive"The commenter described their visit to Joo Ok late last year as a "solid 1 star" Michelin experience. While positive overall, they noted the menu seemed less seasonal than expected and found the dessert cart, with its familiar Asian snacks, to be the weakest part of the meal."
Positive"When asked about their favorite dish at Joo Ok, the commenter (original poster of the thread) found it difficult to choose but identified "langoustine four ways" as a likely favorite. They emphasized that every dish served during their birthday dinner at Joo Ok was excellent."
Positive"Author recommends Joo Ok as a potential best value Japanese or Korean one-star Michelin restaurant."
Positive"Author replies to a recommendation of Joo Ok, stating it was amazing."
Positive"Author recommends Joo Ok in response to a request for the best value Japanese or Korean one-star Michelin restaurants."
Positive"Had a fantastic meal at Joo Ok right after they opened and highly recommends it."
Positive"Recommends Joo Ok among other restaurants."
Positive"When discussing price concerns about Musket Room, a user mentions their negative experience at Joo Ok, stating they didn't think it was worth it or very good, possibly due to subtle flavors they didn't fully appreciate."
Negative"Bathroom was beautiful."
Positive
