Situated in Manhattan's West Village, at the lively intersection of Greenwich Avenue and Christopher Street, Jeju Noodle Bar has been a consistent crowd-puller since its inception in 2017. A neon sign in the restaurant’s window, boldly stating “Coffee No, Noodles Yes,” sets the stage for the unique dining experience that awaits inside. Stepping through a grand curtain, guests are warmly welcomed and seated by a host stationed at a podium. The 40-seat dining area, with its modern design, also has ample bar seating, immersing diners in the heart of the culinary action. Dishes are served on custom-made ceramics from a Korean company, which adds an authentic touch to the sensory experience.
The Korean version of Japan’s ramen, known as ‘ramyun,’ forms the cornerstone of the menu. There is an ample choice of handmade noodles, from wagyu to lobster, set in rich broths with big and bold flavors. Depending on the time of year, dishes might also feature seasonal or high-end raw materials like heirloom tomatoes or white truffles.
The menu is also punctuated with plenty of non-noodle dishes, like the exceptionally crispy JeJu ChiKin Platter (the phonetic spelling of how Koreans say the word) and Kim’s spin on Korean fried chicken. The influence of Jeju, an island off the southern coast of Korea known for its fresh seafood and unusual produce, which lends its name to the restaurant, can be felt in dishes like the evergreen appetizer favorite, elegant Toro Ssam Bap, a kind of gourmet rice bowl mixture with luxurious fatty tuna tartare, scrambled eggs, and tobiko, served with toasted seaweed.
Before opening his restaurant on Greenwich Street, Kim honed his skills on a cruise ship, visiting over 60 countries. He refined his culinary acumen at fine-dining restaurants like Bouley, Gordon Ramsay, Per Se, Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare, Zuma, and Morimoto.
At Jeju, Kim combines his culinary experience with his Korean heritage to elevate Korea’s traditional instant dish through a fine-dining lens. Kim, who had never cooked a noodle before the restaurant’s opening, was inspired to open Jeju while eating a bowl of noodles. His vision and tenacity paid off, and the restaurant has consistently been recognized on the fine-dining circuit.
Jeju Noodle Bar's culinary excellence was acknowledged with a prestigious Michelin star in 2019, a recognition it has maintained ever since. It remains the first and only noodle restaurant in the US to achieve and retain this honor. In 2024, the restaurant was ranked 16th in Pete Wells’ 100 Best Restaurants in New York City, further endorsing its position as a top culinary destination.
