While your kimchi ferments for the third time this week, rest assured Astoria’s vibrant Korean scene is thriving with exceptional takeout and delivery options. For those craving authentic bibimbap or sizzling bulgogi, here are the neighborhood’s standout spots to explore.
OKDONGSIK New York
$$ | (929) 237-8164 | WEBSITE
OKDONGSIK New York used to be known as a cozy neighborhood spot (they only have 13 seats), perfect for grabbing comforting Korean food without much fuss. Now they’re reservation-only, offering a streamlined dining experience. That said, it can still be perfectly good comfort food, you just need to plan ahead a little more these days. But, we all need to adapt.
Witch Topokki | All You Can Eat Korean Restaurant in Manhattan, Topokki Buffet, Korean Street Food
$$ | (646) 449-0388 | WEBSITE
It probably won’t surprise you to find out that getting the all-you-can-eat deal at Witch Topokki is a good idea. But while you’re at it, make sure to try the fried dishes. Or better yet, create your own unique spicy rice cakes at the spice bar. Available for dine-in and takeout.
C as in Charlie
$$ | WEBSITE
This has been one of our favorite Korean fusion spots for a long time, so we’re glad they’re staying open, and offering those lovely outdoor sunset seats. Get the steak with its unique umami, the baby back ribs, and the green tomato hot pocket.
Gunbae
$$ | (212) 321-2500 | WEBSITE
Gunbae serves up Korean specialties, and there’s plenty to enjoy here. You can choose dishes like japchae or flavorful wings, or go for the prix fixe option – one of the better dining deals in the neighborhood. Available for dinner with standout grilled wa gyu.
Olle
$$ | (646) 368-9922 | WEBSITE
This Korean restaurant in Astoria has an impressively varied menu. Honestly, if there’s a Korean dish you’re craving, you’ll likely spot it here. But whatever you pick, be sure to try the sweet-spicy crunchy lotus roots – they’re a fantastic mix of sweet, spicy, and crunchy.
Nōksu
$$$$ | (626) 657-8420 | WEBSITE
Nōksu is an Astoria spot famous for its fine dining tasting menu. Now we have to make reservations weeks in advance to secure a table, but at least you get that exclusive password texted on your reservation day for the fascinating parlour-style entrance. The marble counter seating gives you a front-row view of Chef DAE’s open kitchen, where dishes like steam fish with silkie chicken sauce and squab are plated with artistic precision.
The vibe stays lively with 80s music playing, making the multi-course experience feel festive rather than stuffy. That savory beignet alone justifies the $185 per person price—it’s truly superlative. While the Private Dining Room accommodates larger groups, the main counter delivers that intimate, chef-driven energy that makes every bite memorable.
Moono
$$$ | (646) 429-8309 | WEBSITE
Moono used to have a few locations, but now only has one in Astoria – which is currently offering dine-in. The menu is varied, but everything is well-executed, with dishes like melon naengchae, kimchi geotjeori, Pyongyang naengmyeon, and a whole bunch of modern Korean specialties.
Cho Dang Gol
$$ | (212) 695-8222 | WEBSITE
You can order Cho Dang Gal’s entire hearty-and-authentic Korean menu for takeout – from galbi-jjim to kongbiji to homemade tofu that has a perfectly fresh taste. And normally, you’d be waiting patiently for 30 minutes for one of the popular tables to open up, but since it’s takeout, you won’t mind. Even if it did help build anticipation.
Wooga NYC
$$ | (917) 639-3228 | WEBSITE
This Manhattan restaurant is another spot that’s well known for its all-you-can-eat lunch. But thankfully, the food at Wooga NYC travels well. They have a few standout dishes – like Korean marinated beef, sweet & spicy fried chicken thighs, and the army stew. Do a Zoom at-home Korean feast with your friends.
ARIARI
$$$ | (646) 422-7466 | WEBSITE
ARIARI is a cozy Korean restaurant and right now they offer a compact menu that makes choosing delicious dishes easy. You’ll find seafood options like the scallop DIY gimbap and fried soft-shell crab, along with entrees like dolsot al-bop with uni flavor. And while sometimes we wish the service here was a little less rushed, everything is always really flavorful. Plus, the sweet corn crème brûlée with white chocolate makes for a memorable dessert.
ATOBOY
$$$$ | (646) 476-7217 | WEBSITE
We’re big fans of Korean cuisine, so we’re really glad that ATOBOY is open right now for dinner. What makes this place special is its prix fixe menu, which takes up a lot of the experience. You’ll find spectacular bites like the amazing egg with uni, standout fried chicken, and porc that falls off the bone, served with rice, pickled greens, and the best kimchi since Seoul six years ago. Get an order of cod or squash while you’re at it.
