COTE Korean Steakhouse

WHAT’S GOOD, MICHELIN?! The new generation is here. Guys…welcome to my first Michelin star restaurant review. 

I grew up eating all you can eat KBBQ in K Town NYC- you know, the meal that happens because the restaurant ordered too much meat and they have to get rid of it before it goes bad? It always hit the spot. I mean it’s sweet grilled marinated meat, what could elevate that?

Boy was I ignorant…and poor lol (chill it’s a joke but not rly haha). COTE’s inspiring and flavorful marinades elegantly complimented the marbled wagyu beef. Wow what a sentence. Every piece was cooked to perfection (probably because we weren’t the ones manning the grill). The dripping and glistening pieces of beef didn’t need the company of the perfectly fluffy white mound of rice - but with it, the delightfully overwhelming marinade is muffled on your taste buds (which is helpful considering how many other flavors there are in the meal). The egg soufflé was just brilliant - yet another dish that has enhanced my belief that simple in just better. The beautiful cloud of egg jiggled as it was set on our table. The edge of my spoon delicately sunk into the soufflé, naturally carving the perfect bite. You know that one Ratatouille scene? Where Ego takes a bite of the ratatouille and has a flashback of his childhood? That happened with this egg soufflé. A tear almost came from my eye as I remembered the egg drop soup my Taiwanese great aunt served me the first time I met them. COTE took a rather comforting, homey, and calming food and elevated it to the heavens. The smokeless grills give you the option to wear your evenings finest too :))

While the food is thoughtful, carefully presented and delicious, the ambiance is quite the opposite. This is not a restaurant for a romantic and quiet evening out - “it’s giving New York City Nightclub.” Be ready to speak from your diaphragm and mouth your words carefully across the table.

16 W 22nd St, New York, NY 10010