Soogil offers a modern Korean dining experience infused with French culinary techniques, creating a unique fusion cuisine. It is a petite establishment, ideal for special occasions and fine dining, known for its meticulously crafted dishes and elegant presentation.
Related entitiesJouJouElminaRaonLazy BearSoogilOysters and fritesPommes dauphinesKing salmon with sauce AmericaineFufuSpiced plantainsJollof riceKimchiDoenjangGanjang
Customers consistently praise Soogil for its delicious and beautifully presented dishes, highlighting the balance of flavors and the chef's technique and creativity. The service is noted as welcoming and accommodating. Many consider it a top fine dining experience in NYC, perfect for anniversaries or memorable nights out, with particular acclaim for the Beef Wellington, duck, beef tartare, and Chilean Sea Bass.
Additional Details
Chef Soogil Lim also has a sister restaurant called Raon, which offers a different but equally special experience. Soogil aims to provide a refined dining experience that showcases a harmonious blend of Korean and French culinary traditions.
While no specific peak times are mentioned, one review noted the restaurant was 'surprisingly quiet for that weeknight,' suggesting weekdays might offer a more serene dining experience.
Awards & Recognition
NY Times Mention
5
From start to finish, I had a lovely meal at Soogil a few months ago.
All of the staff were very welcoming and kind. They even accommodated my last-minute request to be out in time to catch a broadway show and let me charge my phone while I ate.
The meal itself was fantastic – it made me wish I hadn’t had to rush off to a show so that I could appreciate the meal for longer. I could tell there was tremendous care put into each dish. The sauces were wonderful in texture and flavor. The proteins - meat, fish, seafood - were all prepared beautifully, and cooked to perfection.
While grounded in French techniques and preparations, there were subtle nods to Chef Lim’s Korean roots. The nurungji foie gras exemplified this and was a perfect blend of French-meets-Korean cuisine.
I was craving duck at the time, and that I was lovely – no gaminess, with a rich and deep sauce. Next time, I hope to get the Wellington.
I also tried their sister restaurant, Raon, which the night before coming here, and that was such a special (but different!) experience as well.
Very nice petite establishment serving polished and delicious French cuisine with Korean flair. Greatly enjoyed our experience. The steak tartare was a 11 out of 10, kudos, as was the foie gras. The beef Wellington and duck were exceptional as well. Look forward to returning.
I had an unforgettable dining experience at Sookil in Manhattan. Every dish was crafted with incredible precision. The balance of flavors was outstanding—bold yet clean, and beautifully layered. I could really taste the chef’s technique and creativity. The presentation was equally impressive; each plate looked like a piece of art.
Highly recommended, and I can’t wait to visit again!
The service was pleasant and the environment sleek and intimate. The dinner started with a complimentary sweet potato ball, which was a fun touch. Among the three appetizers we tried, the yellowtail crudo and scallop with tomato stood out for their clean, fresh flavors and elegant presentation. The beef tartare was well-seasoned and visually appealing.
For mains, we had the Wellington beef (tender, nicely seasoned), duck breast (solid, not mind-blowing), and the seared fish — which ended up being my favorite for its balanced flavor and crispy skin. However, the portions were shockingly small. We ended up adding the foie gras rice, which arrived in a single sushi-sized bite. Delicious, but definitely not enough.
Desserts were average and forgettable.
In total, we paid over $100 per person and still left feeling hungry. This spot might be great for dates or light eaters who prioritize plating over fullness, but if you’re looking for a satisfying meal — this may not be it.
Pros:
• Beautiful plating
• Calm atmosphere
• Creative flavor pairings
Cons:
• Very small portions
• Price-to-portion mismatch
• Dessert lacked a wow factor
Would I return? Maybe, but only with different expectations.
One of the best fine dining experiences I've had in NYC so far! We chose the 6-course chef's tasting menu for our anniversary dinner, and it was 100% worth it.
Every dish was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious—there wasn’t a single miss from start to finish. Loved the fusion of French and Korean cuisines. The clear standouts were the entrees of beef Wellington and the duck breast. If it’s your first visit, I’d highly recommend trying both. My husband and I agreed: it was hands-down the best duck we've ever had.
We each had a glass of wine to pair with the meal, and were really pleased with our selections. They were perfect complements to the meal.
Highly recommended for a special occasion—or simply a memorable night out. This restaurant deserves more recognition. The restaurant was surprisingly quiet for that weeknight.
