Taking its name from an Island in the Southern coast of Korean and also meaning skills, talent and ability, Jeju Noodle Bar was awarded this year a coveted Michelin Star. So I had to visit it. We went on a Tuesday and that place was packed, so I was glad that we got a reservation otherwise we would have waited a while.

Dining room at Jeju Noodle Bar in Greenwich Village

This place is specialized in Ramyun that are Korean noodle soups, but do not expect to see your classic ramen there: no, it is a gourmet ramen and they have successfully elevated that dish, keeping it comforting. Ever dreamt of ramen with truffle? They have it with the Truffle Bibim Myun that they made vegetarian for Jodi and was made with a tofu mousse, soy truffle duxelle, grana padano and an egg. It was like a vegetarian version of a carbonara but clearly elevated by the truffle they generously shave in front of you. Love wagyu beef? Well the day we went, they had a ramen called the Wagyu Ramyun made with raw Miyazaki wagyu, brisket, kikurage, enoki mushroom and white kimchi. When it comes to the table, you nose is rapidly filled with the smell of the meat that will cook in the delicious broth. They also have a bunch of appetizers and I could not not have their fried chicken that was served with a superb umami salt and Jeju dip that had a nice hint of garlic. Quite good but I admit that I had much better Korean fried chicken. Still, I would reorder it.

So overall, Jeju Noodle Bar delivered its promise and the only thing missing was the fact that they do not have dessert (why? I need something sweet at the end of each meal!). Was also surprised that they did not have that many kinds of soju and instead had several wines. Anyway, I tried their Makku that is an unfiltered rice wine produced in the US. Quite good, it definitely had a nice grainy finish. And Jodi got their blood orange juice that was delicious.

So finally, would I go back to Jeju Noodle Bar? If I want some fancy ramen, yes: it is a gourmet ramen place so, it is not cheap at all; especially if like us you took their top ramen...

Enjoy (I did)!

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Jeju Noodle Bar - 679 Greenwich Street New York, NY 10014

Jean-Philippe Gerbi