Raon

A beautiful minimalist dining room with counter for Chef Soogil's elevated Korean tasting menu! Each course is paired with a kimchi and the meal is almost an education on fermentation. Every dish was impeccably executed with precision, and each course was a work of art. Every course also tasted amazing, with familiar Korean flavors alongside French technique. This restaurant is star worthy and one of the best meals I've had this past year. Loved the play on traditional Korean dishes.

I have been waiting for RAON to be opened whenever I pass the place on the way back home from the work. The place has warm atmosphere. It was such an exciting dining experience to have the beautifully desiged 10 couses of tasting memu.  Plating, ingredients, design and tastes were absolutely magnificent. Each courses go with Korean authentic accent such as Kimchi and Jang although they appear to be elegant French plates. The service was also great that make me feel welcomed and comfortable enough during the dining. I don't usually eat that much for dinner, but this time I felt very comfortable and healthy after the dining. I would love to visit RAON again in near future.

Chef Soogil Lim and his wife, Sasook Youn, have put together a 10-course tasting menu where every dish is paired with a different type of kimchi, and honestly, it’s kind of mind-blowing. Think Bluefin tuna with baek (white) kimchi and caviar or a ridiculously good foie gras mandu with six-month-aged mukeunji jam ❤️ The flavors are bold but balanced, and it all feels both traditional and totally new at the same time. The space itself is minimalist but warm — think soft lighting and an intimate chef’s counter where you can watch everything come together. The drinks menu is just as thoughtful, with an excellent selection of soju, wine, beer, and cocktails. It’s definitely a splurge, but if you’re looking for a unique dining experience that’ll make you rethink everything you know about Korean food, Raon is absolutely worth it.

I celebrated my birthday at Raon this past Saturday evening, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, the ambiance exuded elegance with a touch of exclusivity, thanks to its limited seating—just 14 at the chef’s counter and a few at the bar . This intimate setting made the evening feel both special and relaxed. The 10-course tasting menu, priced at $255 per person, is a masterful journey through Korean culinary traditions, with each dish thoughtfully paired with various styles of kimchi . The kimchi pairings were not only innovative but also highlighted the depth and versatility of this staple ingredient. The wine and spirit pairings, curated by sommelier Hak Soo Kim, formerly of Per Se and Jungsik, added layers of complexity and surprise to the meal - Sherry with Korean? Loved it. Chef Soogil Lim and his wife, Sasook Youn, have created a space that reflects their deep appreciation for Korean cuisine and culture . Their attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the handcrafted tableware sourced from Korean artists to the impeccable service. While the price point is around $1,000 for two with full pairings, for those accustomed to and appreciative of high-end dining experiences, Raon delivers exceptional value. It’s a culinary adventure that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression. For anyone seeking a unique and refined dining experience in NYC, Raon is a must-visit.

I had such a great time at the new restaurant RAON NYC in the UES! It’s an innovative Korean dining experience featuring a 10-course chef’s tasting menu that reimagines the cultural legacy of kimchi through a refined and creative interpretation. I was able to experience a variety of kimchi beyond my expectations, presented in an incredibly inventive way by Chef Soogil. Every dish was not only delicious but also a joy to see, as Chef Soogil reimagines and pairs kimchi in such a unique way. And of course, the food portions were generous—just as Chef Soogil always does! I went with someone who isn’t of Korean background but has had some experience with Korean food. He was amazed by the diversity of flavors and the range of Korean cuisine. A leaflet with information about kimchi and jang (soy sauce and miso) helped him learn about the different types of kimchi they serve. It definitely expanded his horizons and inspired him to explore even more Korean food!

What a wonderful whimsical place. New restaurant by the same chef as Soogil but more refined and upscale. While there is kimchi and ferments in every dish, I wouldn’t say they are stars of the show like at Meju. Every little detail is thought about and techniques second to none. Flavors are light and clean but still full of umami. We really enjoyed all the Korean hand made ceramics that were made especially for the restaurant. Staff were all super friendly as well. Great addition to nyc dining scene. I’d be keen to try it again when the seasons change.

Truly magical – the journey of the meal, the quality of each course, the innovative use of deeply developed flavors and hard-to-find ingredients sourced from Korea. This place is what makes NYC great – talented chef, attentive staff, high quality food journey with each course a discovery that blossomed on our pallete. We will be back seasonally as the menu changes, as we trust this Chef will continue to amaze us! It is so rare to “discover” a restaurant in NYC – one that will have stars and lines to get a reservation in only a few months (of course with Chef Soogil Lim's impressive resume and mentorship from "Chef's Table" featured vegan chef, Jeong Kwan, we are far from the discoverers of his talent). We feel lucky to have stumbled on this place, thanks to Resy, before it’s featured on every influencer’s “must try” list and the star ratings start . . . it will happen with food, service, and quality of this measure. This year we’ve enjoyed meals all the way from the French Laundry (Napa) to Magic Noodle (Las Vegas) and this ten course tasting menu was truly near the top of our list. The Crab with Oi Kichi set the tone with nuanced and fresh flavors that continued through the well-timed meal. My partner found the Uni Gimbap (with Jang Kimchi) a favourite, while the Tuna & Caviar (Baek Kimchi) was my stand-out dish, if we had to choose one of course. The Foie Gras Mandu (broth made with Jeong Kwan’s legendary Mukeunji) was an umami bomb of joy. The service team led by Jackie has the right touch – casual in friendliness, sharply talented in service and knowledge of/love for the food and drink options – to shepherd diners through this innovative experience. Kudos for the entire team, we can’t wait to see this Korean fine dining thrive in our city!

I had an incredible dining experience at RAON, a delightful new gem in Midtown East, right next to Bloomingdale's. From the moment I sat down, I was blown away by the stunning food presentations and the amazing flavors that Chef Soogil has crafted. The dishes are inspired by traditional Korean kimchi, but what really sets them apart is the unique mix of Korean comfort and modern French flair. Each plate was not just delicious but a true work of art! I absolutely fell in love with the Foie Gras Mandu—it was gorgeous and tasted like pure heaven. I could have eaten a dozen more! RAON has an impressive wine selection and a dedicated bar section that makes some of the best cocktails in town. I had a Manhattan made by bartender Mario, and let me tell you, it was one of the finest I’ve ever had! If you’re in the mood for a dining experience that combines incredible flavors, beautiful presentation, and fantastic drinks, you absolutely have to visit RAON. I can’t wait to go back and try more of Chef Soogil's amazing creations!

Had an absolutely stunning and indulging dining experience here at Raon with the ambiance that of contemporary minimalism evaporating its sophisticated taste of its own. Probably the first and only 8 course Korean tasting menu featuring fine royal kimchi recipes within each course in NYC if not the States. Kimchi is delicately infused and blended in with the seasonal ingredients from sea and land reveals beyond its general identity as side dish. I remember kind of kimchi my grandmother and mom were making as first daughters-in-laws at Jong Ga Jip (heirs of family heritage) in Korea when I was little. Bossam Kimchi, one of luxury royal kimchi recipes with all fresh seafoods wrapped in cabbage leafs, is one example that's deconstructed as in to New York Bo Kimchi here at Raon. The subtle treatment of complex fermentation of kimchi extraordinarily well balanced with everything else on the plate and also in the air by Chef Soogil is truly remarkable. Instead of its beverage pairing which might be a great choice for first time diner here, I went with my usual choice of champagne which was wholesome completion of exquisite dinner at Raon. Extremely pleasant this amazing restaurant is a part of my best choices of dining out in NYC!

When we were in town, we were lucky to try out RAON, a kimchi-focused fine dining restaurant by Chef Lim. Their 10-course tasting menu was fun, tasty, and inventive, which included: +Crab - Oi Kimchi - a cute little tart that was a great one-bite start +Tuna & Caviar - Baek Kimchi - the tartare here was unbelievably delicious, and the tuna was just amazingly fresh +New York Bo Kimchi +Uni Gimbap - Jang Kimchi - the handmade gim that was wrapped around was a 'wow' +Scallop Doenjang - the doenjang broth was absolutely tasty +Halibut - one of my favorites of the night due to the amazing crust +Foie Gras Mandu - Mukeunji - the skin perfect, with a soothing broth +Galbi + Sotbap - Dongchimi - the galbi prepared cooked perfectly +Korean Pear & Makgeolli Sorbet - so refreshing! +and, finishing up with a Platter of Sweets - matcha cake, gaeseong juak, Hongsam Chocolate, and Espresso Yanggaeng - that matcha cake with fresh sliced strawberries was my favorite; not too sweet, creamy, and such a nice way to end the meal with a high note! Chef Lim was so kind, and the staff, Jackie and Jin, were both super attentive, had a great sense of humor, and made our evening such great fun! The restaurant itself is sophisticated with a minimalistic vibe - loved the featured artwork! They have two tastings in the evenings that they are open, with 14 counter seating; making reservations online was a breeze! A great place to celebrate any special occasion or for a fun date night! +kimchi-focused tasting +seamless online reservations

This restaurant opened in March and we went because we were intrigued by the concept of kimchi tasting. Although it was not what I expected, it was overall pretty good. My favorite dishes were the foie gras mandu, uni gimbap and the sorbet. I thought the Bo kimchi, however, was not too great texture wise. Not sure it was worth the price point, but the great service and their attention to detail made it better. They also have small bar in the front with an a la carte menu that I want to try in the future!

Stunningly good food! The uni kimbap and matcha cake really stood out to me. But honestly, every dish was unique and packed with flavor. The service was impeccable too, and the staff were very knowledgeable. Look forward to going back soon!

What a gem. Kimchi is such a staple in Korean food, but I never thought it could be such a star. Everything we tried was insanely delicious. Can't wait to go back.

Raon feels like a quiet revelation tucked away on East 59th Street -- a place where Korean cuisine isn't just served, but thoughtfully reimagined. Chef Soogil Lim and his wife, Sasook Youn, have put together a 10-course tasting menu where every dish is paired with a different type of kimchi, and honestly, it's kind of mind-blowing. Think Bluefin tuna with baek (white) kimchi and caviar or a ridiculously good foie gras mandu with six-month-aged mukeunji! Raon isn't just a meal. It's an experience that lingers, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the artistry of Korean cuisine.

What can I said the food is superbe the service is excellent the chef is so humble the testing menu each plate have a history and is prepare with so much delicacy you are transported to a another world thank you