New York Olle Review: Authentic Korean Food and Some of the Best Cold Noodles in NYC

If you are looking for authentic Korean food in New York City, chances are you have heard of Olle. Located at 11 E 30th St, New York, NY 10016, this spot has quickly become one of the most popular Korean restaurants in Manhattan.

I recently made my third visit, and once again the experience confirmed why this place is loved by both Koreans and non-Koreans alike. The restaurant is almost always packed, and while you do not need reservations, you should expect a 20 to 30 minute wait during peak hours.

What makes Olle special is not just the food, but also the mix of customers, the cultural story behind its name, and the sense that you are enjoying a real slice of Korean dining in the heart of New York.

The Meaning Behind the Name “Olle”

Before diving into the dishes, it is worth understanding where the name Olle comes from.

In Jeju Island, South Korea, an olle is an alley that connects traditional houses to the main road. Every traditional Jeju home had an olle, creating a sense of community and connection between families.

The restaurant’s name was inspired by this concept. By calling itself Olle, the restaurant pays homage to its Jeju roots and offers diners the same kind of warm connection through food. Whether you are Korean or new to Korean cuisine, Olle aims to welcome you like family.

Who Eats at Olle NYC?

One of the first things you notice when dining here is the diverse customer base. Roughly half the diners are Korean, and the other half are non-Korean.

This mix says a lot about the restaurant’s appeal. For Koreans, the food tastes authentic enough to remind them of home. For non-Koreans, the flavors are approachable, delicious, and reasonably priced compared to other Korean restaurants in the city.

This balance makes Olle a great option for groups with mixed tastes or for anyone curious about exploring more traditional Korean dishes.

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Complimentary Side Dishes and Barley Tea Olle NYC

Like many traditional Korean restaurants, New York Olle serves basic side dishes (banchan) with your meal. These usually include small plates of kimchi, pickled vegetables, and other rotating seasonal sides. The banchan not only add variety to the table but also balance the flavors of the main dishes.

You will also be served barley tea as a basic drink. Barley tea, or boricha, is a staple in Korean dining. It has a mild roasted flavor, is caffeine-free, and is believed to aid digestion. Sipping on warm barley tea alongside the meal gives the whole experience an even more authentic feel.

What We Ordered at New York Olle

On this visit, my boyfriend and I ordered four items: mul naengmyeon, braised pollack, jokbal salad, and Jeju beer. Each dish offered something unique, and together they gave us a good sense of what Olle does best.

1. Mul Naengmyeon (Cold Buckwheat Noodles)

Naengmyeon is a classic Korean summer dish made with thin, chewy noodles served in an icy, refreshing broth. It is one of my go-to orders whenever I visit Olle, and in my opinion, it is one of the best cold noodles you can find in New York for the price.

On this visit, the broth was cool, light, and delicious, making it perfect for a hot day. However, I did notice that the noodles were not as chewy as before. In the past, they had a springy texture that made the dish especially satisfying. Even so, the overall flavor was still excellent, and it is a dish I will continue to recommend to anyone visiting for the first time.

For those who have never had naengmyeon before, it is a dish that can surprise you. The cold, slightly tangy broth may seem unusual at first, but once you get used to it, the balance of flavors is incredibly refreshing.

2. Spicy braised Pomfret with radish

The second dish we ordered was Spicy braised Pomfret with radish, which immediately reminded me of home cooking. The flavors were light, savory, and comforting, just like something a Korean mom would prepare in her kitchen.

The Pomfret was soft and tender, absorbing the braising sauce beautifully. It paired well with the side of rice, and I appreciated that they gave a choice between plain rice and purple rice. We went with the purple rice, which added a nice chewy texture and a bit of nuttiness.

This dish is not flashy, but that is what makes it so good. It is the kind of meal that feels nourishing and satisfying without being overwhelming.

3. Jokbal Salad (Pig’s Feet with Spicy Sauce)

Next up was the jokbal salad. Jokbal is a traditional Korean dish made from pig’s feet, usually braised in soy sauce and spices until tender. It is a popular food in Korea, especially as a drinking dish.

This was actually my first time trying jokbal in salad form, and it was a pleasant surprise. The dish came with slices of pig’s feet topped with a spicy and sour sauce, which balanced out the richness of the meat. The tanginess made it feel lighter than traditional jokbal, and the fresh vegetables added crunch.

It may sound intimidating for some first-time diners, but if you are open to trying something new. The unique sauce gives it a flavor profile that is different from anything else on the table.

4. Jeju Island Beer

To wash everything down, we ordered Jeju beer. It is a craft beer from Jeju Island, and while it was interesting to try, it was not really to our taste. It had a slightly different flavor profile compared to standard lagers, and I think it might appeal more to those who enjoy lighter, fruitier beers.

That said, I appreciated that Olle offers it on the menu. It is a nice nod to Jeju culture and adds to the authenticity of the experience, even if it is not for everyone.

Service and Atmosphere Olle NYC

Despite being packed almost every time I visit, the service at Olle is efficient and friendly. The staff move quickly to get tables seated, orders taken, and dishes out of the kitchen.

The atmosphere is lively, with a mix of Korean conversation and English, creating a sense that you are in a truly multicultural dining space. The seating is casual, not too cramped, and the overall vibe makes it a comfortable place to spend an evening with friends or family.

Be prepared for some noise during peak hours, but that is part of the charm. It feels like a bustling restaurant in Seoul, transported to New York City.

Prices and Value

One of the main reasons I keep coming back to Olle is the value for money. Korean food in New York can sometimes be expensive, but here, the prices are reasonable given the quality and portion sizes.

The naengmyeon, for example, is a standout because it delivers the same refreshing flavor you would expect in Korea without the high price tag. Other dishes, like the braised pollack and jokbal, are also well worth it for the portion size.

Why You Should Try New York Olle

If you are in Manhattan and craving Korean food, New York Olle is one of the best options available. Here’s why:

• Authenticity: The dishes taste like real Korean home cooking.
• Variety: From cold noodles to braised fish to unique salads, the menu has something for everyone.
• Crowd Appeal: Both Koreans and non-Koreans enjoy the food.
• Cultural Touch: The Jeju Island inspiration gives it an added layer of meaning.
• Value: Prices are fair, and the flavors are consistently good.

Whether you are Korean and looking for a taste of home or someone new to Korean food and eager to explore, Olle delivers an experience that satisfies both groups.

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Final Thoughts

While the naengmyeon noodles were not as chewy as before, the broth was still refreshing. The braised pollack tasted like comforting homemade food, the jokbal salad was a fun discovery, and the Jeju beer gave us a little taste of Jeju Island, even if it wasn’t quite our style.

The restaurant’s popularity speaks for itself. The 20 to 30 minute wait is worth it, and once you are inside, the food and atmosphere make the experience worthwhile.

For anyone searching for authentic Korean food in New York, New York Olle is an excellent choice. It is not just about the dishes, but also about the connection to Korean culture that the restaurant brings to Manhattan.