Osamil

Osamil, in Korean it means 531! A Modern Korean Dining Bar in NYC’s K-Town

Located right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan’s Koreatown, Osamil is a trendy Korean dining bar that’s been generating a lot of buzz lately. Nestled among karaoke bars, 24-hour Korean BBQ joints, and old-school eateries, this modern restaurant stands out as a spot that brings contemporary Korean cuisine to a broader, upscale audience.

From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with sleek lighting, dark wood interiors, and a stylish atmosphere that sets the tone for a more sophisticated Korean dining experience-not your average K-BBQ joint or street food spot. Osamil is the kind of place that feels perfect for date night, drinks with friends, or even an adventurous food crawl through K-Town.

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Reservations Are Essential at Osamil NYC

Getting a table here isn’t easy -reservations are a must, especially if you’re planning to visit on a weekend or during peak dinner hours. Walk-ins are frequently turned away, a testament to the restaurant’s popularity. If you’re visiting New York and hoping to dine at one of the city’s best modern Korean restaurants, booking ahead is strongly recommended.

I’d heard that a well-known Korean chef helped develop the menu, so my expectations were already high before even stepping through the door. And I have to say, from the service to the creative yet comforting dishes, Osamil delivered a fresh take on Korean fusion cuisine in NYC.

They also have separate bar upstairs called "Osamil Upstairs ", more high-end private vibe with great bartenders and drinks. You can check out our article we wrote!

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Menu

Osamil boasts a well-rounded and diverse menu that perfectly complements its vibrant atmosphere. Their drink selection is particularly noteworthy, offering a solid lineup of creative cocktails, Korean drinks, wine, and more. The expertly crafted drinks here are no surprise, given Osamil’s connection to the popular Osamil Upstairs speakeasy, where skilled bartenders and mixologists work their magic.

Food-wise, Osamil’s menu covers a wide range of flavors and styles, from Korean fusion dishes to hearty comfort food. You’ll find everything from sizzling skewers and rich soups to crispy whole fried chicken—ideal for sharing with friends. Be sure to ask about the daily specials, as they often feature fresh and exciting additions to the already impressive offerings.

What We Ordered at Osamil

Like many visitors, we came in with the intention of trying some of the restaurant’s signature dishes, and these are the two we focused on:

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Korean Fried Chicken

At first, I was excited - “Fried chicken, Korean-style, in the middle of NYC? Yes please!”

The dish arrived piping hot, with a generous coating of crispy batter and a light glistening sauce that gave off just the right amount of sheen. Texturally, it was spot on - crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, which is exactly what you want from Korean-style fried chicken.

But truthfully, the flavor didn’t quite live up to the hype. It was good, but not mind-blowing. If you’ve had really great fried chicken in Seoul or even at some of the more classic Korean chicken chains in the U.S., you might find this version solid but not revolutionary.

Server wanted to cut the chicken for us, but we wanted to give it a try for ourselves. and as you can see, we messed up! Server came right away and helped us haha. I really liked their services.

That said, the sauce was a pleasant surprise - a perfectly balanced blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that paired really well with the chicken. It added just enough interest to elevate the overall dish. While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend coming here just for the fried chicken, it’s a solid starter and definitely shareable.

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Uni Bibimbap

This was the standout dish of the night.

Think of it like an elevated version of al-bap (fish roe rice) - but with a luxurious twist. The base of the dish was perfectly cooked rice that had a slightly chewy and nutty texture, possibly thanks to a blend of multigrain or sesame oil-seasoned white rice. Layered over the top was a generous portion of uni (sea urchin), which gave the entire bowl a delicate, creamy ocean flavor.

Server recommended us to mix the bibimbap (bibimbap supposed to be mixed well), so we followed their instruction!

What made it special was that the uni wasn’t overwhelming. It wasn’t fishy or briny - it simply added an elegant, slightly buttery touch that transformed the dish into something memorable. The contrast of rich uni, warm rice, crisp seaweed flakes, and subtle roe bursts made each bite feel complex and deeply satisfying.

Between the two, we definitely preferred the uni bibimbap. It felt unique, indulgent, but still comforting - a perfect example of modern Korean comfort food.

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How Was the Atmosphere at Osamil?

The space was buzzing - not chaotic, but definitely lively and energetic. A diverse mix of families, couples on dates, and groups of friends filled the room. It felt like one of those rare places that managed to attract locals, Korean expats, and curious foodies alike.

Surprisingly, there were far more non-Korean diners than I expected, which made the experience feel even more globally appreciated. That’s the beauty of a place like Osamil - it doesn’t just cater to those who grew up with Korean flavors, but invites everyone to enjoy and explore them.

The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, which really helped make the experience smoother. They took the time to walk us through the menu, explain the ingredients, and even offered pairing suggestions. It’s always a plus when the service matches the quality of the food and ambiance

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Fusion Without Compromising Identity

What stood out to me most about Osamil is its ability to straddle the line between traditional and modern. The dishes are familiar enough to feel rooted in Korean culinary tradition, yet inventive enough to keep even seasoned diners interested.

In a city like New York, where Korean cuisine continues to gain mainstream recognition, it’s refreshing to see a restaurant that doesn’t just rely on nostalgia or authenticity, but instead uses it as a foundation for innovation.

You’ll still see Korean staples like bibimbap, fried chicken, and kimchi—but don’t expect them to taste exactly like home-cooked meals from your halmoni’s kitchen. Instead, Osamil leans into the Korean-American identity, incorporating high-quality ingredients, bold flavors, and refined plating that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

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Should You Go to Osamil?

There’s something really exciting about seeing Korean cuisine reimagined in a place like New York City, and Osamil does it well. It’s not just about authenticity, but about innovation, creativity, and style - and, most importantly, about bringing Korean flavors to a broader audience.

If you’re in NYC and looking to try Korean food with a modern twist, Osamil is worth it. Whether you’re a longtime lover of Korean cuisine or someone who’s just discovering it for the first time, the menu offers something approachable, refined, and enjoyable.

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Osamil Is a Great Intro to Modern Korean Dining in NYC

Osamil isn’t trying to be a traditional Korean restaurant, and that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s bold, modern, and clearly designed for a New York audience. With its creative menu, stylish setting, and consistent buzz, it’s no surprise Osamil has earned its spot among the top Korean restaurants in NYC.

Next time I go back, I’d love to try some of their grilled skewers, their seafood hot pot, or even cocktails from their bar, which looked well-curated and craft-forward.

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Whether you’re a local or a visitor with a hunger for bold Korean flavors in a cool setting, Osamil is one to add to your list.