Atoboy

Atoboy occupies a unique space in New York’s dining scene—somewhere between casual neighborhood spot and refined tasting menu experience. Set in a narrow, minimalist concrete room in the Flatiron district, this Modern Korean restaurant offers a prix-fixe format that feels refreshingly accessible. For $75 including gratuity, you get four thoughtfully crafted courses without the stuffiness that often accompanies such formats. Think of it as a place where you can nerd out over exceptional food while wearing your favorite jeans.

The menu changes regularly, but each course invites you to choose from several options that showcase Korean flavors through a contemporary lens. You might start with silky yellowtail adorned with crispy potato chips, followed by tender octopus over velvety sweet potato puree. Mains could include glazed pork belly with whelk and diced vegetables. But the real star here is the optional fried chicken—and trust us, there’s nothing optional about it. For an additional charge, you’ll receive a small bucket of the most perfectly cooked poultry imaginable: impossibly juicy inside with an irresistibly crispy crust, served with gochujang and a peanut sauce you’ll want to drink straight.

The experience at Atoboy is decidedly laid-back despite the elevated cooking. Natural wines dominate the list, and you’ll notice plenty of swirling and sniffing at neighboring tables set to an electro-pop soundtrack. If cocktails are more your speed, there’s exactly one option: a negroni, because of course there is. The crowd skews toward food enthusiasts who appreciate craftsmanship without ceremony.

Save room for dessert, particularly the signature granita inspired by a traditional Korean punch. Layers of burrata, lychee yogurt, and walnut pieces create something simultaneously crunchy, creamy, and refreshing with a surprising hit of cinnamon. It’s a fitting end to a meal that consistently proves more can indeed be more—when it’s executed this thoughtfully.