Dining in New York might be a multicultural experience, but a media art lounge and restaurant inspired by Seoul’s nightlife has never been done before. Introducing NOFLEX, where the menu puts a creative spin on Korean food, and you can immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere representative of modern Seoul. We had our own introduction to the concept, and it was unlike anything else we ever experienced before (if you don’t count my dining partner who lived in Seoul.)
The spacious restaurant and lounge, designed by Jay Jang of ODD33, showcases digital artwork on walls and screens, using a mix of live events and bespoke messages. Then there is the colorful floor-to-ceiling Korean pop art. To make the experience even more authentic, the furniture has been custom-made in Korea, which includes their black leather banquets and white illuminated plexiglass tables. The atmosphere here is pleasant and relaxing. We can easily see ourselves throwing an event here, and lucky for us there is a mezzanine level with a private bar that can help you do just that.
The restaurant’s newly appointed executive chef, Victor Hahn, takes you on a culinary journey with shareable dishes, emphasizing Korean food and fusing it with Japanese and Western flavors. We were offered a feast and sampled quite a few dishes. The Coconut Shrimp Skewers, Perilla Mushroom Pasta and Pork Katsu Sandos were all around favorites. The Perilla Mushroom Pasta in particular had that perfect balance between creaminess and earthiness. Other popular dishes to try are the Spicy Korean Fried Chicken Skewers and Hand Rolled Cigar Rolls. For our drink we tried their Tiramisu Martini, and if you have a sweet tooth this indulgent drink will certainly wow you. It is a mix of espresso, soju, and cacao, topped with a light cream cheese frosting and two biscuits. The drink menu options blend Seoul’s hipster vibe with New York City’s iconic flair. There is something for every type of mood, try their soju and sake-based cocktails or have yourself a celebration with champagne. The staff here is friendly and more than willing to discuss the menu with you.
Come to NOFLEX if you are looking to experience something out of the ordinary. Bring a date, friends who share your love of exploring different cultures or throw yourself a birthday party here. The atmosphere is fun and young.
NOFLEX, 286 5th Ave (betw 30th/31st St), Koreatown
