Raon managed to delight across a well paced tasting menu and drink pairing (both the non-alcoholic, which featured interesting and memorable entries and the mixed pairing). While billed as a Kimchi-led tasting menu, the named dishes take center stage in both portion size and flavor. All the Kimchi dishes are excellent, but never overshadow the course they are paired with (which might be a bit unexpected depending on how the menu was advertised to you).
All the staff were exceptionally friendly and there really wasn't a miss anywhere in the progression.
I would definitely recommend stopping in to try some individual courses on the bar snacks menu (the uni gimbap was a particular favorite of mine) if you aren't prepared to do the full tasting menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tyler Ernst
Third visit - went at 7:10p and asked for a table for 4 for 7:30. Was told OK. Came back at the appointed time and we were told the kitchen couldn’t accommodate us and were turned away. Incredibly disappointing treatment.
Original review from first visits: Fantastic, creative meal. Perhaps my favorite amuse bouche and many other hits. Well portioned. They do offer à la carte now as well.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
Dianne Namgung
I saved the set menu course at chef's counter as my final dinner in New York, my 마지막 finale. I was absolutely blown away. Raon is a beautiful love letter to South Korea and it's history and culture deeply rooted in cuisine. Each dish was so lovely both in visual presentation and brilliant flavors. I cannot even attempt to pick a favorite dish. I thought about my mom throughout the entire meal and even texted her that I will bring her to New York so we can share this meal together. The tomato martini was so playful and well balanced. They carry excellent wine that compliments the food. The space is beautifully designed with minimalist aesthetic with small details and color schemes that remind me of a traditional Hanok. The entire Raon team that night truly made it an unforgettable experience. A true standout to my week long stay in New York City. Highly recommend to put this on your food map.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Yun H
The tasting menu was thoughtful, and the chef’s background and personal touch really came through. Love that they had a kimchi pairing with each dish. The experience felt intimate in contrast to some of tasting experiences I’ve had which were more generic and bland. Also, great selection of interesting non-alcoholic drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christine
This is hands down the best restaurant we have been to in New York. Every single dish was incredible, to the point where it was impossible to choose a favorite one. We loved how refreshing, unique, and balanced each bite was. I was amazed by how each course was able to integrate a different Korean flavor so perfectly. Not only were the dishes delicious (like out of this world) they also kept a distinct Korean profile. For example, the uni, egg, and gamtae bite tasted like a kimbap despite the unique combination. The foi gras dumpling tasted like a tteokmandu we would have for New Years and the scallop ceviche reminded me of dongchimi. I loved getting to experience these childhood flavors being expressed in fine dining. Truly a heavenly experience. Service and vibes were also top notch, very attentive care and thoughtful explanation of each dish and pairing throughout the whole night with immaculate pacing. 100/10 on every level. I truly have no complaints and will be recommending this place to everyone. In our opinion the food here is more creative and delicious than at Jungsik, our now previous favorite Korean restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dave Maher
Raon lives up to its joyful name, both in the quality, attentive service and the feeling you have when you experience the menu. One of my top 3 favorite restaurants in the world. The staff and chef are amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tian Xu
Every dish was highly creative while still delivering excellent flavor. The experience offered a deep introduction to the many varieties of Korean kimchi, which was both interesting and memorable. I would very highly recommend this place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Samatha Van Brood
Incredible!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christine Jinmin Eum
Top tier modern Korean food! Great atmosphere too. Would absolutely come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chocolate Cake
.
I was captivated by the innovation approach to kimchi, which was a key element in every dish we sampled. Each course presented a delightful fusion of flavors, turning our meal into an exciting culinary journey. The decor completed our experience beautifully, featuring a minimalist aesthetic that offered a refreshing contrast to the city’s vibrancy. I was initially concerned after reading Josephine Lee’s review but after reading some of her other restaurant reviews, it seems as though her preferences are simply less sophisticated. She tends to give high ratings to places that are casual, so it seems she has different expectations and palates. Korean cuisine can be acquired taste and it often requires extensive preparation, high-quality ingredients flew in from overseas, and specialized techniques-factors that naturally influence pricing. Complaints about cost sometimes overlook the craftsmanship behind the dishes. I find it very tacky that someone would complain about the price. It’s like comparing canned mushrooms to truffle. Raon is in my view a place for diners who appreciate thoughtful refined cuisine and are interested in experiencing something unique. It’s spot where the artistry of the food can truly be enjoyed by those who value that kind of culinary experience.
Not only the food but the staff’s knowledge of Korean food and culture is incredible.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
J Won
Raon NYC offers one of the most thoughtful Korean tasting experiences in the city. Kimchi is the heart of the menu, not the soloist but a quiet star that adds depth, balance, and beautiful acidity to each course. The aged soy and doenjang from Jeong Kwan bring a deep, earthy flavor that makes every bite memorable. My favorite dishes were the foie gras mandu with duck broth and the uni and caviar with tofu and winter gamtae. Raon feels like a calm, confident celebration of Korean flavors and tradition.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Courtne Orona
Chef Soogil Lim and his wife Sasook Young have created something special at Raon. I found myself smiling so hard as I was eating my cheeks hurt by the end of the mind blowing 10 course meal. I cannot begin to describe the complex flavors, stunning dishes, incredible staff, or the warmest ambiance of a fine dining experience we have ever had... So I guess you better just go and find out for yourself!
감사합니다 !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jay Kim
One line review: Warm Korean “Jeong” (정) presented with French mastery.
Food: Each dish was cooked and presented with meticulous culinary skills rooted in French fine dining, but when I took a bite, I was thrown back to the familiar taste, smell and texture of Korea. We don’t usually like Korean fine dining restaurants that have diverted too far away from the Korean taste palate or tastes too exotic for the Western audience. Each dish at Raon achieved the perfect balance. Kimchi pairing was unique (and would be very easy for any non-Koreans not used to kimchi).
Service: Everyone (including the Chef himself) was incredibly warm, attentive and professional. I was pleasantly surprised by the near-perfect Korean pronunciation of the (non-Korean) servers. Also credit to great photos we got from the staff members.
Atmosphere: Quiet, calm and welcoming. The interior is tastefully decorated with various artwork by Korean artists.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dahee Chung
We had an incredible dining experience at Raon for my birthday. The service was attentive and warm from start to finish, and every dish was beautiful - both visually and in flavor. The atmosphere struck the perfect balance of refined and welcoming. A special highlight was the kimchi pairing, such a unique, creative touch that elevated the meal and made it truly memorable. Every course felt thoughtful and harmonious, and we left already excited to return.
Raon managed to delight across a well paced tasting menu and drink pairing (both the non-alcoholic, which featured interesting and memorable entries and the mixed pairing). While billed as a Kimchi-led tasting menu, the named dishes take center stage in both portion size and flavor. All the Kimchi dishes are excellent, but never overshadow the course they are paired with (which might be a bit unexpected depending on how the menu was advertised to you).
All the staff were exceptionally friendly and there really wasn't a miss anywhere in the progression.
I would definitely recommend stopping in to try some individual courses on the bar snacks menu (the uni gimbap was a particular favorite of mine) if you aren't prepared to do the full tasting menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Third visit - went at 7:10p and asked for a table for 4 for 7:30. Was told OK. Came back at the appointed time and we were told the kitchen couldn’t accommodate us and were turned away. Incredibly disappointing treatment.
Original review from first visits:
Fantastic, creative meal. Perhaps my favorite amuse bouche and many other hits. Well portioned. They do offer à la carte now as well.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
I saved the set menu course at chef's counter as my final dinner in New York, my 마지막 finale.
I was absolutely blown away. Raon is a beautiful love letter to South Korea and it's history and culture deeply rooted in cuisine. Each dish was so lovely both in visual presentation and brilliant flavors. I cannot even attempt to pick a favorite dish. I thought about my mom throughout the entire meal and even texted her that I will bring her to New York so we can share this meal together.
The tomato martini was so playful and well balanced. They carry excellent wine that compliments the food.
The space is beautifully designed with minimalist aesthetic with small details and color schemes that remind me of a traditional Hanok.
The entire Raon team that night truly made it an unforgettable experience. A true standout to my week long stay in New York City.
Highly recommend to put this on your food map.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The tasting menu was thoughtful, and the chef’s background and personal touch really came through. Love that they had a kimchi pairing with each dish. The experience felt intimate in contrast to some of tasting experiences I’ve had which were more generic and bland. Also, great selection of interesting non-alcoholic drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is hands down the best restaurant we have been to in New York. Every single dish was incredible, to the point where it was impossible to choose a favorite one. We loved how refreshing, unique, and balanced each bite was. I was amazed by how each course was able to integrate a different Korean flavor so perfectly. Not only were the dishes delicious (like out of this world) they also kept a distinct Korean profile. For example, the uni, egg, and gamtae bite tasted like a kimbap despite the unique combination. The foi gras dumpling tasted like a tteokmandu we would have for New Years and the scallop ceviche reminded me of dongchimi. I loved getting to experience these childhood flavors being expressed in fine dining. Truly a heavenly experience. Service and vibes were also top notch, very attentive care and thoughtful explanation of each dish and pairing throughout the whole night with immaculate pacing. 100/10 on every level. I truly have no complaints and will be recommending this place to everyone. In our opinion the food here is more creative and delicious than at Jungsik, our now previous favorite Korean restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Raon lives up to its joyful name, both in the quality, attentive service and the feeling you have when you experience the menu. One of my top 3 favorite restaurants in the world. The staff and chef are amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Every dish was highly creative while still delivering excellent flavor. The experience offered a deep introduction to the many varieties of Korean kimchi, which was both interesting and memorable. I would very highly recommend this place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Incredible!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Top tier modern Korean food! Great atmosphere too. Would absolutely come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chocolate Cake
I was captivated by the innovation approach to kimchi, which was a key element in every dish we sampled. Each course presented a delightful fusion of flavors, turning our meal into an exciting culinary journey. The decor completed our experience beautifully, featuring a minimalist aesthetic that offered a refreshing contrast to the city’s vibrancy.
I was initially concerned after reading Josephine Lee’s review but after reading some of her other restaurant reviews, it seems as though her preferences are simply less sophisticated. She tends to give high ratings to places that are casual, so it seems she has different expectations and palates. Korean cuisine can be acquired taste and it often requires extensive preparation, high-quality ingredients flew in from overseas, and specialized techniques-factors that naturally influence pricing. Complaints about cost sometimes overlook the craftsmanship behind the dishes. I find it very tacky that someone would complain about the price. It’s like comparing canned mushrooms to truffle.
Raon is in my view a place for diners who appreciate thoughtful refined cuisine and are interested in experiencing something unique. It’s spot where the artistry of the food can truly be enjoyed by those who value that kind of culinary experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Not only the food but the staff’s knowledge of Korean food and culture is incredible.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Raon NYC offers one of the most thoughtful Korean tasting experiences in the city. Kimchi is the heart of the menu, not the soloist but a quiet star that adds depth, balance, and beautiful acidity to each course. The aged soy and doenjang from Jeong Kwan bring a deep, earthy flavor that makes every bite memorable.
My favorite dishes were the foie gras mandu with duck broth and the uni and caviar with tofu and winter gamtae. Raon feels like a calm, confident celebration of Korean flavors and tradition.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chef Soogil Lim and his wife Sasook Young have created something special at Raon. I found myself smiling so hard as I was eating my cheeks hurt by the end of the mind blowing 10 course meal. I cannot begin to describe the complex flavors, stunning dishes, incredible staff, or the warmest ambiance of a fine dining experience we have ever had... So I guess you better just go and find out for yourself!
감사합니다 !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One line review: Warm Korean “Jeong” (정) presented with French mastery.
Food: Each dish was cooked and presented with meticulous culinary skills rooted in French fine dining, but when I took a bite, I was thrown back to the familiar taste, smell and texture of Korea. We don’t usually like Korean fine dining restaurants that have diverted too far away from the Korean taste palate or tastes too exotic for the Western audience. Each dish at Raon achieved the perfect balance. Kimchi pairing was unique (and would be very easy for any non-Koreans not used to kimchi).
Service: Everyone (including the Chef himself) was incredibly warm, attentive and professional. I was pleasantly surprised by the near-perfect Korean pronunciation of the (non-Korean) servers. Also credit to great photos we got from the staff members.
Atmosphere: Quiet, calm and welcoming. The interior is tastefully decorated with various artwork by Korean artists.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had an incredible dining experience at Raon for my birthday. The service was attentive and warm from start to finish, and every dish was beautiful - both visually and in flavor. The atmosphere struck the perfect balance of refined and welcoming. A special highlight was the kimchi pairing, such a unique, creative touch that elevated the meal and made it truly memorable. Every course felt thoughtful and harmonious, and we left already excited to return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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