Flatiron has welcomed a compelling new addition to its dining scene with the opening of GIUK.
GIUK is the newest Korean-American restaurant whose focus is to bridge the gap between heritage and contemporary New York energy. Named for the Korean word Giuk (기억), which translates to memory, the concept is deeply personal. It was built by owner Matae Lee and Executive Chef Austin Changki Jo to reflect memories, and the flavors that evoke them. Stepping into the space, the room immediately creates an intimate, yet welcoming balance. The room is adorned with a custom wallpaper featuring sweeping deep blue brushstrokes and metallic gold accents that elevate the room without losing its warmth.
Behind the bar, Beverage Director Eunah Chloe Jeong creates Korean centered cocktails that leverage traditional ingredients with a familiar American lens. The Tomatotini offers a crisp, refreshing, and crystal-clear sip that layers bright tomato flavor with subtle umami notes that soothe and gently coat the back of the palate. The addition of sugar dipped tomatoes as the garnish adds a much needed sweet reprieve from the savory notes of the drink, which in turn has created a perfectly rounded cocktail. For a playful nod to childhood, the Dirty Bong Bong recreates a classic Korean grape soda experience. Shaken with white rum and coconut, it features suspended pieces of chewy lychee jelly that give the cocktail a fun, textural pop in every sip.
The dinner menu is built for sharing and it is recommended to order 3-5 dishes for a party of two. The Korn Ribs depart from traditional whole cobs by slicing the corn vertically into ribs and charring them over an open flame with precision. The result is a rustic, smoky char that stays light, letting the natural sweetness of the corn shine through, all enhanced by a bright citrus kick and a sharp, creamy wasabi perilla mayo. The Charred Octopus is another standout, featuring tender tentacles finished with a delicious char. This is all served alongside a bold romesco sauce spiked with fermented gochujang heat.
Photo courtesy of Giuk
The noodle and main courses lean heavily into deep umami and comforting textures. The Rosé Shrimp Cream Pasta tosses perfectly cooked pasta with succulent shrimp in a rich, velvety sauce infused with Korean chili flakes. The Slow-Braised Galbijim and Burdock Risotto is a dish you can feel was cooked with love and patience. The rice was perfectly cooked and very starchy, which created a congee-like texture which was able to soak up all the rich braising liquid from the short rib. And the Korean beef short ribs were the perfect pairing where it was braised until it melted effortlessly on the tongue.
Photo courtesy of Giuk
By grounding modern techniques in deeply personal nostalgia, GIUK has successfully carved out a unique space in Flatiron, offering a dining experience that feels both innovative and reassuringly familiar. GIUK is the kind of neighborhood spot that easily warrants a return visit.
