Please note that this meal was complimentary. However, I was not obliged to post and the opinion expressed in my blog are 100% my own!

When I got an invite to go for dinner at Antoya a Korean BBQ located in Korea Town, I was quite excited as I love Korean BBQ, that I discovered many years ago when going to Seoul for work. Meaning “My dear Antonio”, Antoya is the construct between “Anto” part of the name “Antonio”, the son’s owner and “Ya”, a common Korean suffix added to the end of a child's name when you call them. Opened in 2018, it was on Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list in both 2021 and 2022, proposing an extensive menu of Korean dishes, from stews to BBQ, and an array of cocktails showcasing soju, Korea’s national spirit. For instance, you can get a white sangria ($18) with soju in it. And if you prefer a mocktail, they have a few like the pear gimlet ($11), made with Korean pear, grapefruit and lime, both drinks being nice and refreshing.

The meal started with Banchan, these small dishes that are traditionally served in Korean restaurants at the beginning of a meal. It is always interesting to see what they will serve as every restaurant is different, besides serving kimchi, that is always a favorite of mine. Then, for appetizers, we tried the egg souffle ($6.99) that was light and pillowy, as well as the scallion pancakes ($17.99) that were delightfully crispy (know that you can add seafood to them for an additional $4). The stir-fried glass noodles with mushroom ($17.99) are also a nice way to start, the dish being served cold.

But what I was really looking forward to try was the BBQ. I tried the marinated short-rib ($54.99) and the lamb chops ($51.99). The marinated short rib is one of their signature BBQ and I understood why at first bite: the meat was tender and juicy, simply amazing. The lamb chops were delicious as well, and I admit that I never noticed lamb chops on Korean BBQ menu. They were good, but I have to say that, if I had to choose, I would definitely pick the short-ribs, that I highly recommend.

Overall, it was a great meal: the food was delicious and it is always a nice and exciting when you watch them cook the meat for you on the grill. Antoya is definitely a place to know and if you go, I highly recommend the short ribs!

Enjoy (I did)!

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Antoya Korean BBQ - 37 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

Antoya Korean BBQ in NYC, NY

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