Atomix

Tucked away in the basement of a Nomad townhouse, Atomix offers one of the most singular dining experiences in New York City. This intimate 14-seat counter delivers a meticulously crafted 10-course tasting menu that reimagines Korean cuisine through a deeply personal lens. Since opening in 2018, it has earned its place among the city’s most ambitious restaurants, though now at a price point that rivals the biggest names in fine dining.

What sets Atomix apart is the extraordinary precision and storytelling behind each dish. Before every course, guests receive a card with an essay explaining the inspiration and backstory—perhaps a childhood memory of a summer cooking class that inspired the subtly sweet zucchini preparation with king crab, or the tradition behind the concentrated soy-marinated quail egg. The food itself is abstract and layered: raw marinated crab transformed into a rich pie with seaweed rice and crab head sauce, or impossibly sweet tomatoes paired with crispy fried whiting over lacto-fermented plum gel.

The experience is unlike anything else in New York’s fine dining scene. While the setting may be more understated than some of the city’s grand dining rooms, the intellectual engagement with each course creates something genuinely memorable. Every bite reveals new depths, and the written narratives add context that elevates the meal beyond mere taste into something approaching art.

For those celebrating a milestone or seeking a truly exceptional evening, Atomix delivers an unforgettable journey through one chef’s personal culinary history. It demands both your full attention and a considerable investment, but for food lovers who want to experience Korean cuisine reimagined at its highest level, few restaurants anywhere come close.