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Soogil, New York, NY

Soogil

4.6
4.6
50 Reviews
$31 to $50
Korean
Born and raised in South Korea, Chef Soogil Lim was originally majoring in Biology. His interest in the culinary world was sparked when he went into a restaurant and saw a sign that said “Make People Happy.” It prompted him to research culinary education and enter the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Upon graduation, he began his training in French cuisine at Daniel, one of New York’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants. Through his hard work and great talent, he was able to move up the ranks and become the first Korean Sous Chef in the restaurant’s history. After working for 7 years under Chef Daniel Boulud (three as Sous Chef) and honing his French technique, he became Executive Chef at Hanjan, where he ran the kitchen for 4 years. With the opening of his own restaurant, Chef Soogil Lim offers a menu that blends the two backgrounds he knows best: French and Korean.

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Korean, French, Contemporary Korean
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
  • Phone number
    (646) 838-5524
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Soogil Lim
  • Catering
    We cater corporate lunches, parties, family gatherings, birthdays, weddings, or any special event you may have. Inquire about Corporate or Private Party Catering Options from SOOGIL at 646-838-5524 or email: info.soogil@gmail.com
  • Private party facilities
    For Larger Parties, SOOGIL is happy to offer a full restaurant BUYOUT, which would give your group exclusive access to both the main dinning room for any 4 hours of your choosing. BUYOUT of SOOGIL are available for both seated dinners and standing cocktail receptions of up to 32 guests or 57 standing. Food and Beverage minimums very based on day of week and time of year. Please inquirie for pricing to email : info.soogil@gmail.com
  • Private party contact
    info.soogil@gmail.com: (646) 838-5524
  • Neighborhood
    East Village
  • Cross street
    4Th Street and 1st and 2nd Ave
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    F train near 3 mins, 6 or NQ train 7 mins
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 50 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6
4.6 based on all time ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

50 Reviews
  1. SFCF

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 13, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chefs tasting menu is incredible, and a tremendous value to boot at $75. If you opt for the Uni bowl supplement (recommended!) its a seven course meal (six, but I'm counting the fried wontons with Korean style tzatziki) that includes shrimp, foie gras, short rib, uni, and a mini glass of sake. For under $100. Rarely does every item on a chefs tasting hit the mark, but it did here.

    1 person found this helpful

  2. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible food and great service diamond in the rough

    Is this helpful?

  3. Elise

    Sydney

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was incredible, thank you! The staff are so lovely and knowledgeable. We really enjoyed our experience.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2020

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    One waitress serving multiple tables. She was great but service was a bit slow at times.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Lisa

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 24, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I came here for my anniversary celebration with my boyfriend. It was so lovely. Service was thoughtful and friendly. We had a corner area at the tent. This is such an underrated restaurant! We ordered a few dishes, and each were on point. Definitely want to come back at some point.

    1 person found this helpful

  6. ptfxn2

    New York Area

    21 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2020

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    The five course tasting menu is not only delicious and exquisitely executed but at $75 it’s a good value ( just be sure to order at least one of the supplemental uni rice bowls fir your party- it’s fantastic!).

    1 person found this helpful

  7. CathyK

    New York Area

    125 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    125 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Creative, beautifully presented, affordable luxury: the Chef's $75 5-course tasting menu is terrific value, and the "bar food" suits other pockets. This is a place to support as restaurants are challenged in the Covid era; go often.

    1 person found this helpful

  8. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Top-notch service, food, and ambiance as usual! The chef’s tasting menu is a very good value for a ton of well-made, interesting dishes that meld French and Korean influences. Also, the restaurant boasts a covered, comfortable patio for dining which was an additional plus in these odd times.

    1 person found this helpful

  9. Nytitan

    New York Area

    144 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    144 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tasting menu was strong from start to finish!

    1 person found this helpful

  10. VICTORIAC

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This Korean restaurant is absolutely fantastic. The food is very tasty and uncommon. For $48 you get 3 courses which is a very good value for money. The service is very kind too. Highly recommended !

    1 person found this helpful

  11. NYDiner

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent experience from start to finish. The best of the neo Korean restaurants in NYC.

    1 person found this helpful

  12. DianaL

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 28, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Chef's Tasting Menu was excellent. The restaurant deserves its accolades. Service was gracious and efficient. I brought a party of six the first time and a party of seven last weekend. My guests and I would definitely return.

    1 person found this helpful

  13. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Loved the bend of traditional and inventive Korean cooking. The staff were attentive and endearing. We sat at the bar and had a great experience.

    1 person found this helpful

  14. Victor

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2020

    overall3food1service5ambience2
    Unfortunately, there was only a set menu instead of the normal menu. There was no notice given for this in advance, we didn’t know the menu had changed. Unfortunately, the food was very boring, the meat dry and bland. The servers were very nice though. Definitely won’t be coming back and won’t recommend this to anyone. It was one of the worst higher-class meals we’ve had in a while

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  15. AlexanderL

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Good food, lovely service, but over all can't say I'd ever go back. I get that fine dining in NYC is its own level of pricey, but $95 a person for maybe 450 calories worth of food seems a bit much

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  16. BrianG

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 10, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really great meal!

    1 person found this helpful

  17. Manz

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 7, 2020

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    We went during restaurant week and would definitely come back. The food was delicious! The service was a little scattered but it didn't even matter because the food was so delicious!

    1 person found this helpful

  18. inch12

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on January 30, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    the traditional korean dishes were much better than the non korean. altho the HIramasa and the black sesame jenga cake were to die for! curious if there will be newer items on the menu?

    1 person found this helpful

  19. summerlawn

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on January 30, 2020

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Came with a party of six, two of us ordering the vegetarian tasting menu, the rest the regular tasting menu. The food here is really extraordinary - every dish beautifully plated, the flavors well orchestrated, a great variety of textures and tastes. We had a wonderful time. My only complaint is that a couple of us wanted to order the 3 course restaurant week special, while everyone else wanted one of the chef's tasting menus, but we were told it had to be all restaurant week special, or all chef's tasting menu, which seemed an odd restriction. The restaurant was less than two thirds full so it didn't seem to be a matter of an overburdened wait staff. That said, we all enjoyed our meal - which was so generous in portions that a couple of us took part of the meal home.

    1 person found this helpful

  20. SunmiK

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 26, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Tried on a whim for restaurant week. Very cozy with friendly staff. Food was delicious!

    1 person found this helpful

  21. tamestheyna

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    2.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on January 26, 2020

    overall2food2service1ambience2
    Food was very ordinary, service was glacial. Don't see what the fuss is about

    Is this helpful?

  22. Carlos

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 12, 2020

    overall3food5service3ambience5
    The service was super slow as the servers were more focused on the big party table.

    Is this helpful?

  23. summerlawn

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on January 9, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The night our friends and I were there, to celebrate my husband's birthday, I'm sorry to say it was almost empty (therefore very quiet indeed). I hope that this is just the early January dead season, because this is a restaurant that deserves to succeed - and on the performance front, does succeed on every level, as it has each of the several times I've been there. The variety within the chef's tasting is extraordinary, the aesthetics of the presentation very refined, and the service is gentle and considerate. Our wines were well priced, and all four of us were delighted to be there - and hoping that when we return it will be as crowded as it was the other times we've gone.

    1 person found this helpful

  24. cdiamand

    Austin

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We sat at the bar table and were treated like VIPs. Tasting menu was inventive, delicious, perfectly paced - and more than we could finish. Atmosphere is warm and lovely and perfect for a special occasion. Loved getting to know Chef Soogil and his wife, who made it a point to spend personal time with us, despite the constant flow of people moving through the restaurant. Highlight of our trip to NYC, and highly recommend!!

    Is this helpful?

  25. PaddyM

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 11, 2019

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Great ambience and super food. Highly recommended. Bartender was very knowledgeable.

    1 person found this helpful

  26. Oliver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 27, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Truly excellent dinner!! Loved the food and service, with a good selection of wines to complement the menu. Would highly recommend!

    1 person found this helpful

  27. Marais

    France

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food at Soogil is stunning without being flashy: impeccable ingredients and execution with subtle and precise flavors. The service is warm and attentive, neither fawning nor pretentious, and the wine list is well-chosen and not extortionately priced (for New York). After only two dinners there, it already has become a favorite!

    1 person found this helpful

  28. JomurB

    New York Area

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Food is good, interesting, but not spectacular. The Yellowfin appetizer was tasty the glass noodle dish was interesting; the Mung-Bean pancake waa crispy but bland. The spare rib was tender & the sauce combined with the rice was very good! The duck was a bit overcooked, but tasty & paired well with the wild rice. The Jenga Tower was both crispy & chewy dough sticks with tasty gelato & the Passion Fruit tart half was ok. The staff were attentive & helpful. Great place to try during Restaurant Week!

    1 person found this helpful

  29. Mel5

    New York Area

    26 reviews

    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The restaurant is small but nicely laid out and comfortable. The food is very good, but the portions are small, so that a filling meal would be rather expensive The tartare, hamachi sashimi and glass noodles were all good. I liked the BBQ rib (singular), my friend enjoyed the eel, but another friend found the monkfish only fair. The duck was a bit bland. The passion fruit tart was excellent. The service was attentive and informative. Our waitress followed us outside to say goodbye and thank us for dining.

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  30. Spike

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2019

    overall2food5service3ambience2
    NO AIRCONDITIONING!!!

    Is this helpful?

  31. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 31, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    The food great, but we were sat so close to another group even though the resturant wasn't full. I completely get that in a full resturant, but since they had the space I would have liked some.

    Is this helpful?

  32. annie

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 28, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved our experience! We had walked by the previous weekend and happened to see the menu... then read about the chef/owner and couldn’t wait to try it! Everything was delicious and beautiful! The lighting was perfect... which is sooooo important! We sat at the bar which was great! We will be back with friends!

    1 person found this helpful

  33. Rflixy

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We had a great time. The chef’s tasting menu was delicious, and good value for the price. I absolutely loved the uni dish and my mom’s favorite was the harimasa. The two beef dishes are too sweet for my mom and me but my dad loved that sweetness. Next time I will try the a la cart.

    Is this helpful?

  34. Alexwinelover

    New York Area

    17 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2019

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    We came for Restaurant week menu, we ordered also off the a la carte menu. Food is creative, tasty and very well presented on a set of beautiful flatware. A nice gem for the neighborood! Congratulations Chef Soogil! My favorite dishes were Hiramasa & Nurungji Gras but the Passion Fruit Tart stealed the show (even thought it was cut in half...)

    Is this helpful?

  35. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 19, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every dish and drink was fantastic. Can’t go wrong.

    Is this helpful?

  36. Nytitan

    New York Area

    144 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    144 reviews

    Dined on July 3, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We did the tasting menu and it was delicious. The Hamachi was the best dish with the short rib a close second but honestly it was all good.

    Is this helpful?

  37. RichardL

    Orange County

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Soogil has added new dishes to their menu. We especially like a kobe beef with bone marrow in both the rice and an accompanying soup. Their white asparagus appetizer was excellent. This is one of the most innovative and accomplished Korean restaurants in NYC.

    1 person found this helpful

  38. Apoc

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Took my girlfriend here for her birthday. We loved the open exterior and decor of the interior. Staff were friendly and attentive as I'd expect. We started with the popular sweet potato beignets, which were good and paired nicely with the kimchi soup, but probably a bit misleading to call them "beignets" (they are a bit too dense whereas I'd expect beignets to be fluffier). Gf had the Wagyu & Bone Marrow, which were delicious and comforting, respectively. I had the Organic Chicken which had a nice, crispy skin and overall just tasted great and paired well with the rest of the dish. We tried both desserts: the Jenga tower had a very interesting flavor and texture, but probably not something I'd order again. I probably preferred the Passion Fruit Tart which was very well done and tasted great, but not as much of a standout as compared to the entrees. The drinks were also quite good ("The Korean Kiss" and "Yuzu Spice") Overall, Soogil pulls off some fairly creative things blending Korean and French food without being the usual gimmicky "fusion". The entrees were designed very thoughtfully and we were impressed with how well the elements of the appetizer and entrees paired. Drinks were worth it, and if we came again, I'd probably just skip the desserts. Would definitely recommend coming here, as I could see this place earning a Michelin star someday!

    1 person found this helpful

  39. Dennis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 14, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food at Soogil is fantastic. This is one of the best places to eat in nyc. If you love food and want a memorable dinning experience, Soogil is a great place to eat. Dinning at Soogil offers customers a beautiful dinning room and location. An expertise in French and Korean culinary arts that delivers amazing dishes well executed by the chef. This fusion of food offers customers innovative dishes as well as classic dishes.

    1 person found this helpful

  40. ArdmoFoodi

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated a friend's birthday here and the staff was really wonderful. The restaurant is beautiful and the food options, plating, quality and taste exceeded expectations. Would highly recommend.

    1 person found this helpful

FAQs

Soogil does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Soogil also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (646) 838-5524.

Soogil is rated 4.6 stars by 50 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Soogil

108 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003

Additional information

  • Cross street
    4Th Street and 1st and 2nd Ave
  • Neighborhood
    East Village
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
  • Cuisines
    Korean, French, Contemporary Korean
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    F train near 3 mins, 6 or NQ train 7 mins
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Soogil Lim
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (646) 838-5524
  • Catering
    We cater corporate lunches, parties, family gatherings, birthdays, weddings, or any special event you may have. Inquire about Corporate or Private Party Catering Options from SOOGIL at 646-838-5524 or email: info.soogil@gmail.com
  • Private party facilities
    For Larger Parties, SOOGIL is happy to offer a full restaurant BUYOUT, which would give your group exclusive access to both the main dinning room for any 4 hours of your choosing. BUYOUT of SOOGIL are available for both seated dinners and standing cocktail receptions of up to 32 guests or 57 standing. Food and Beverage minimums very based on day of week and time of year. Please inquirie for pricing to email : info.soogil@gmail.com
  • Private party contact
    info.soogil@gmail.com: (646) 838-5524
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