Jodi and I wanted to eat Korean food and ended up at Osamil in Koreatown. The name of this modern restaurant comes from their address, 5 west 31st street. 5- Oh, 3- Sam, 1-il. We went on a Friday evening and it was quite busy, its warm dining room being filled with hungry customers. I like the space: it is a mix between a modern and rustic decor, with an open kitchen in the back.

Dining room at Osamil in K-Town, NYC, NY

I started off with a cocktail rather than a beer or wine that was discounted during a happy hour that ended at 8pm. I chose one of their signature cocktails: The Old World, made with Hennessy, Calamansi Honey, Peychaud’s Bitters, HKB Baiju. I admit that I was a bit surprised when it came as the glass was not filled, giving the impression somebody already drank some. At least they could have put a slice of orange or an ice cube in it to give another dimension to the drink. But still, it was a solid cocktail that I recommend.

The Old World cocktail at Osamil in K-Town, NYC, NY

We started our meal with the roasted mushrooms, a vegetarian dish made of enoki, trumpet, cremini, hon-shimeji and maitake mushrooms, truffle oil and pine nuts coulis. That was a good start, this dish being succulent.

Roasted mushrooms at Osamil in K-Town, NYC, NY

Next was the spicy whole squid that was very spicy! I mean, my mouth was on fire, but it was so good that I kept going at it. It was served with the tentacles and was perfectly cooked, not rubbery at all.

Spicy whole squid at Osamil in K-Town, NYC, NY

It was followed by the chicken wings with their classic sauce that was slightly sweet and not spicy. These twice fried wings were fantastic: delightfully crispy, the chicken was perfectly cooked and moist.

Korean fried chicken wings at Osamil in K-Town, NYC, NY

Last was the kimchi fried rice with steak. It was composed of caramélisés house made kimchi, bacon for a bit of smokiness, a fried egg and some hanger steak cooked medium for Jodi. I simply loved that dish. The steak was not the best I had and was a bit tough, but the rice was so good! Jodi found it spicy, but I did not taste any spiciness at all, and I was wondering if it was because of the squid.

I wish they had desserts as I thought they would make something spectacular. But no, no desserts. In fact, there are not that many Korean restaurants that offer them. Anyway, Osamil is one of the best I had with Hanjan or Danji, serving an unusual menu. I definitely recommend this place.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Osamil

Korean dinner at Osamil in K-Town, NYC

I Just Want To Eat!