Gurume

Korean-Inspired Excellence at Gurume – A Hidden Gem in NYC

We visited Gurume, a modern Korean restaurant tucked away in the vibrant culinary landscape of New York City - Hell’s Kitchen. When we first entered the restaurant, the cozy vibe with its low ceiling instantly gave us a sense of privacy and intimacy—perfect for spending time with close friends or a partner. From the moment we walked through the doors to the final sip of makgeolli, the entire experience was elevated and memorable. Gurume offers more than just good food - it’s a thoughtfully designed homage to Korean tradition, reinterpreted through a modern lens.

With the current rise in popularity of Korean fusion restaurants in NYC, Gurume stands out by staying deeply rooted in authentic Korean ingredients and cultural nuance, while still being accessible to an international audience.

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Menu

As you can see from their menu description, most of the dishes at Gurume are Korean-style or fusion tapas, and this extends to the drinks as well. However, the fusion with Western influences is done so seamlessly that everyone—regardless of whether they’re familiar with Korean cuisine—can easily find something to enjoy.

What We Ordered

Our dinner at Gurume was nothing short of delightful. Every item - from cocktails to small plates - felt curated and intentional. Here’s a breakdown of what we tried:

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Cocktails

We started our evening with two of Gurume’s signature cocktails:

• Gurume Fashioned
• Namu

Both drinks were pretty sweet, but balanced. It’s clear that their mixologist knows what they’re doing. These weren’t your typical trendy cocktails with gimmicky flavors - each sip felt like a bridge between classic cocktail-making and Korean ingredient storytelling.

If you are the type of person who loves the classic cocktail, you can order it.

The Gurume Fashioned was a play on the traditional Old Fashioned but infused with a Korean twist that added both depth and cultural flair. The Namu, meaning “tree” in Korean, had herbal and earthy notes that grounded it beautifully.

You could tell the mixology was intentional - rooted in familiar cocktail structures, but interpreted through a Korean lens.

It was refreshing to see fusion done right - nothing felt forced or trendy for trend’s sake. Just thoughtful, creative beverages that celebrated Korea in a sophisticated way.

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Red Monkey Makgeolli

As a Korean myself, I was shocked (in the best way) to encounter something truly new: Red Monkey Makgeolli.

If you’re unfamiliar, makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine, often cloudy, lightly carbonated, and a bit tangy. But this version? It’s crafted using hongguk, a red rice fermented with red yeast, which gives the drink a vibrant reddish-pink hue and a richer flavor profile.

It’s texture is much thicker than other usual makgeollis, which make this drink more interesting. You can clearly see the thick texture even in the picture.

The result was nutty, slightly tangy, and visually stunning - like a rustic wine but with the heart of a home-fermented brew.

A truly memorable and positive surprise.

This kind of detail is what sets Gurume apart in the sea of Korean restaurants in NYC. They’re not just rehashing traditional dishes - they’re innovating within the framework of Korean culinary tradition.

For fans of natural wine, fermentation, or Asian spirits, this is a must-try. I’d even go so far as to say this makgeolli could be a gateway drink for those unfamiliar with Korean alcohol.

Can Sake

Luckily, the chef was in a generous mood that day and treated us to a complimentary can of sake. We didn’t catch the English name of this particular sake, but we were pleasantly surprised by its quality—it was wonderfully crisp and dry, making for a perfect addition to our meal.

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Foods

Let’s talk about the food. Gurume’s menu features a curated selection of small and large plates, each one embodying a sense of harmony, balance, and subtle innovation. Most of the dishes are small tapas-style plates that pair beautifully with drinks, encouraging a relaxed and social dining experience. While the prices aren’t exactly cheap, they’re definitely worth it if you’re looking to enjoy a memorable meal with good company and perfectly matched drinks.

Here’s what we ordered:

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Mushroom Harvest Bowl

This dish was light, clean, and comforting. The kind of thing you crave when you want flavor without heaviness. Think earthy mushrooms, gently seasoned rice, and an umami-rich broth that ties everything together.

It’s a vegetarian-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Great for those seeking healthy Korean-inspired meals in NYC.

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Berkshire Kimchi Fried Rice

Ah, a classic. But not just any kimchi fried rice - this one featured Berkshire pork, adding richness and texture to the dish. The portion was just right, and the flavors hit all the nostalgic notes while still feeling upscale.

Solid and satisfying. The kind of dish you can enjoy without thinking too hard - in a good way.

This would be a great introduction to someone new to Korean cuisine. It’s familiar, filling, and delicious.

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Jjambong Gambas

Now this was the wildcard. Inspired by jjambbong, a Korean-Chinese spicy seafood noodle soup, and gambas al ajillo, a Spanish garlic shrimp dish, this fusion plate was certainly bold.

Not exactly what I expected flavor-wise, but the shrimp? Always a win.

While the broth wasn’t quite as spicy or deep as traditional jjambbong, the shrimp were perfectly cooked and flavorful. If you enjoy culinary experimentation, it’s worth a try—just don’t expect traditional jjambbong flavors.

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👀 What Everyone Else Was Eating

Also worth noting - a lot of tables around us were ordering the Bossam, a traditional Korean dish consisting of slow-cooked pork belly served with fresh greens and dipping sauces. The fact that so many groups ordered it tells me it’s likely the house favorite.

I’ll be back to try it next time!

If you’re looking for authentic Korean pork dishes in NYC, this is probably one to add to your list.

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Service at Gurume was attentive, kind, and warm. One of those small but heartwarming moments was when the staff greeted us with a cheerful “어서오세요!” (“Welcome!”) in Korean.

That greeting alone set the tone for the entire evening. It wasn’t just hospitality - it felt like a welcome into a modern Korean cultural experience, even in the heart of New York.

The space itself had a sleek and minimalist interior, with soft lighting and warm tones. It was full the night we went, buzzing with conversations in multiple languages.

The place was packed with international guests, and it honestly felt good to see Korean cuisine appreciated so widely.

It was a reminder that Korean food has arrived on the global stage - and places like Gurume are leading the way in showing what modern Korean dining can look and feel like.

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Should You Go?

In a city saturated with dining options, Gurume is worth your attention. Whether you’re Korean and craving a taste of home, or you’re simply curious about the evolving world of Korean fusion cuisine, you’ll leave impressed.

The space is welcoming without being overwhelming, the menu is curated but not restrictive, and the flavors - while subtle - speak volumes.

Taking Korean flavors and traditions and translating them in a way that feels modern, thoughtful, and approachable.

It’s not just about fusion for novelty’s sake. At Gurume, fusion means connection - between cultures, between ingredients, and between generations.

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Must-Tries

✔ Gurume Fashioned
✔ Red Monkey Makgeolli
✔ Bossam (next time!)

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If you’re on the hunt for a modern Korean dining spot in New York City that offers beautifully presented dishes, inventive cocktails, and a touch of tradition, Gurume should absolutely be on your list.