Published on February 06, 2025
For New Yorkers craving a slice of Los Angeles' upscale Korean barbecue scene, there's a new player in town. Jeong Yuk Jeom, renowned for its high-end cuts and dry-aged beef, officially fired up its grills today at 44 West 32nd Street, Unit 2, in Manhattan's Koreatown. As reported by Eater, the LA-based eatery comes stacked with prime beef options for DIY grilling, an impressive array of banchan, and contemporary extended offerings like vegan meats from Unlimeat and a hefty drink list. It's a restaurant meant to corner a market that's described as "always room for high-quality, authentic, and premium options."
Today’s diners wander into an LED-ceilinged staircase that leads to a sprawling 4,000 square feet dining mecca upstairs, housing 143 seats and a semi-private room, meant for those looking to indulge privately in their carnivorous rituals. Born out of the successful Los Angeles original, which opened in 2018, Jeong Yuk Jeom's expansion to NYC makes for their second outpost, seemingly capturing the appetite of meat aficionados in another major food capital.
While Jeong Yuk Jeom sets its sights on a premium market niche, other culinary talents have been busy stirring the pot across the city. The New York Times recently highlighted a slew of openings, including Patricia Howard and Ed Szymanski's seafood-centric excursion, Crevette, and Cafe Zaffri, brought to life by the team behind the Musket Room with a menu sprinkled with personal takes on Lebanese culinary classics. Also, for those with a penchant for sweetness, Sweet Graffiti is whipping up globe-trotting confections, proving the city's culinary scene thrives on diversity and innovation.
As if not to be outdone by the carnivorous splendor of Jeong Yuk Jeom, Bar Kabawa, unveiled by Momofuku Seiobo's alum Paul Carmichael, promises a Caribbean flavor affair. For the steak-lovers who can't be swayed, Vinile Chophouse is gearing up to offer Italian-inspired sustenance with a side of seared beef, running off the smoky cues of its crosstown Korean counterpart. Meanwhile, Lulla's steps away from traditional bakery offerings with a Venezuelan twist, featuring items such as mandocas and golfeados which, like the cuts of meat roasting on Jeong Yuk Jeom's tabletop grills, add depth to New York's ever-evolving food landscape.
Amid these gastronomical developments, Stephen Starr’s takeover of Babbo and Lupa rings in a new era for these Italian staples, as well as Jean-Georges Vongerichten's move into Bryant Park Grill, further cementing New York City as a crucible of culinary innovation and variety. With such a vibrant restaurant scene, the city's palate has never looked more promiscuous for tastes—whether your crave lies in perfectly pink steak centers or exotic sweetness from Sweet Graffiti.