Welcome to New Wonjo Restaurant
New Wonjo Restaurant, located in the heart of New York City, is a beloved Korean BBQ spot offering farm-to-table meats cooked over charcoal. Established in 1992, this family-owned establishment prides itself on its quality and variety of dishes, from KBBQ to Samgyetang. Customers rave about the banchan, galbi lunch specials, and budae jigae, all served in a casual and lively atmosphere. With friendly staff, efficient service, and a range of vegan and vegetarian options, New Wonjo Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Korean cuisine in a vibrant setting.
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23 W 32nd St New York, NY 1000123 W 32nd St New York, NY 10001 Hotline: (212) 695-5815
Welcome to New Wonjo Restaurant, a beloved gem nestled in the heart of Koreatown, NYC. Established in 1992, this family-owned establishment has carved a niche for itself as one of the oldest Korean BBQ spots in the city. Known for its dedication to quality and authenticity, New Wonjo combines traditional Korean flavors with a modern dining experience.
As you step into the restaurant, the inviting aroma of charcoal-grilled meats envelops you, promises of succulent dishes lingering in the air. The menu boasts a vibrant array of BBQ options, featuring everything from the tender non-marinated Sang Gal Bi (Black Angus Short Rib) to the flavorful Doiji Gal Bi (Marinated Pork Rib). Each dish is expertly prepared, showcasing the perfect balance of seasoning and grilling techniques that highlight the natural flavors of the high-quality meats.
A standout among the offerings is the Premium Galbi, which has garnered rave reviews for its juiciness and tenderness. Customers like Molly Z. have described it as a must-try, perfectly cooked on the charcoal grill, leading to that signature smoky flavor that evokes the essence of Korean BBQ. Not to be overlooked, the Je Yook Gui (Spicy Sliced Pork) and Saewoo Gui (Marinated Shrimp) are also popular, promising a delightful culinary journey with every order.
The experience at New Wonjo doesn't end with BBQ. Diners can explore an extensive array of a la carte offerings that include comforting dishes like Galbi Jjim (Boiled Marinated Prime Short Rib) and Nakji Bulgoki Bokum (Spicy Pan-Fried Baby Octopus & Beef). The variety ensures every guest can indulge in something they love, even those less familiar with Korean cuisine.
Passion for good food is evident in every aspect of New Wonjo. Guest reviews often highlight the generous portions and the assortment of sides, or banchan, that accompany each meal. These small dishes, including pickled radish and kimchi, add layers of complex flavors that enhance the dining experience. Regulars appreciate the lively atmosphere and the attentive service, with many mentioning how the staff takes care of cooking the BBQ at the table, allowing diners to relax and enjoy their meals.
Be prepared to embrace the essence of Korean dining; a visit here will leave you with the satisfying aroma of grilled goodies clinging to your clothes. The restaurant operates efficiently, making it essential to secure a reservation, particularly during peak hours. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned fan of Korean cuisine, New Wonjo offers a memorable feast that hits all the right notes.
In summary, New Wonjo Restaurant stands as a testament to Korean culinary tradition, expertly marrying farm-to-table quality with a robust menu in a warm, inviting setting. It’s never just a meal; it’s an experience that resonates long after the last bite.
Had a great experience dining at the oldest KBBQ restaurant in NYC , established in 1992! New Wonjo is a family-owned and operated establishment, known for their quality farm-to-table meats and for using charcoal in their grilling process. I loved the variety of items available on their menu, ranging from KBBQ to Samgyetang, and my friend and I had fun ordering a bunch of items to share. We ordered: - Premium Galbi - Sliced Pork Jowl - Samgyetang - Cold Noodles Everything was solid, but my favorite was the Premium Galbi, which was juicy and tender, cooked nicely on the charcoal grill. The restaurant was busy on a Thursday night, so definitely grab a reservation to visit with friends.
We came as a big group of 8 with reservation ahead of time. We sat upstairs and it was an overall good experience. We ordered a large beef combo and a large wonjo combo + appetizers - this was perfect for 8 ppl. The fried dumplings and teokboki were okay - not bad but also not great. You can probably skip this. The meat was amazing and staff cooks for you which is nice. I'm from LA so I'm mostly used to cooking myself. We got a few of the cocktails and it was refreshing! Be prepared to smell like smoke and meat afterwards. Don't shower beforehand!!!
My fave place in ktown because of the banchan! I love the variety and quantity. I got these 6 dishes for myself! The galbi lunch special was also delicious and came with a side of seafood tofu soup I don't love the Korean bbq here bc they use a coal grill and the meat tastes like charcoal. If you like that, then go for it!
A consistent 3.5 to 4 stars. Casual Korean vibes. Service is fine; efficient but nothing special. Tables turn over quickly. First floor is ordering a la carte. Second floor is for kbbq. I love their budae jigae here. Food WILL satisfy your cravings here and hits the right spot. They do accept reservations, but if you walk in here on a weekend night, expect to wait 25-30 minutes during peak hour.
While the wait to acquire a table was longer than it should have been given that we had made a reservation, the service and food thereafter made up for it. Our booking was for the barbecue table, so we were escorted upstairs. The upstairs definitely looked a lot more enticing than the dining room on the ground floor. Once seated, we ordered: Kimchi Jeon (Pancake) (5/5) The "large" serving was generous and plenty to share amongst the three of us. The jeon itself was well filled, well flavored and the dipping sauces with it were fabulous. Barbecue item - Je Yook (Spicy Pork) (5/5) This came with a side of rice, lettuce wraps, rice cake sheets. The barbecued pork itself had great taste, char, and considerate preparation by our server. Repeat worthy dish! Korean Fried Chicken (3/5) Not crispy as I typically like KFC to be, but the flavors on it were classic. It was on the sweet, sticky, sauce-y side. Vegetarian Japchae (5/5) Nothing to fault. Was well prepared and a generous serving size even though we opted for the "small" serving. At the start of our meal, we received multiple banchan - fish cake, cabbage kimchi, scallion kimchi, pickled radish, seasoned sprouts, seasoned onions, and I'm sure a few others. They were all very enjoyable. They also perfectly wrapped up our meal with a couple of slices of orange. Again, this was thoughtful and ended our overall experience on a positive note.