Once you step into Hortus NYC, the delightful aroma of spices, marinated Korean galbi steak and flavors of Asian cuisine immediately hits you—making you instantly hungry. The enjoyable smells are just a preview of what’s to come for diners at Hortus NYC, a Michelin-recognized restaurant serving irresistible Korean-inspired cuisine with an American twist located in New York City’s NoMad neighborhood.
Located at 271 5th Ave, Hortus NYC raises the bar with their incredible Asian fusion dishes that are inventive, balanced and delicious by using traditional Korean-style flavors, the finest ingredients and unique cooking methods. The modern and elegant eatery has debuted a new dining concept and menu to combine a more relaxed vibe with striking new dishes. The menu offers fresh seafood, tender steak and even pasta with a Korean spin.
The updated menu includes a wide variety of sumptuous main dishes such as a ribeye steak with Asian Caesar salad, steak frites consisting of marinated beef Korean galbi and served with smashed peewee potatoes. For fish lovers, there’s fresh cod that is poached and cold-smoked. It is served with potato, fried leek and a yuzu ikura velouté. There’s also duck breast with sweet potato purée served alongside an arugula and fennel salad. Another option is the abalone from Wando-Korea served in a stone bowl with Korean radish. Lastly, there’s the truffle donabe that consists of wild mushrooms, cured egg yolk, black truffle and the option to have it served with steak.
The à la carte menu at Hortus NYC has been updated and includes small plates of salmon crudo, tempura (calamari, soft shell crab and cod croquette), fusilli pasta with Korean smoked pork sausage and Wagyu Gui, an A5 Wagyu beef seared tableside served with a mixed combination of hot chili oils and fried crispy onions.
For those seeking a curated dining experience, a three-course prix fixe menu is available. Priced at $63, guests can choose their first two courses from the small plate selections, followed by any main dish for their third course. To enhance the meal, wine pairing options are available with each course for an additional $37. The Knockturnal tried out the prix fixe menu and we highly recommend this option. It’s a great value and you will be highly satisfied and full. A highlight of our meal was the 13 oz. grilled prime ribeye steak, which was juicy, tender, rich in flavor and high-quality marbling. The premium A5 Wagyu Gui was another standout. It was hearty and not leathery. It literally melted in your mouth. We also recommend the truffle donabe that comes with wild mushrooms, cured egg yolk, black truffle and galbi marinated steak. The entire dish was decadent, tasty and very memorable.
We also tasted the Hortus Royal Platter, which consisted of abalone ceviche, Korean gochujang vinaigrette, salmon crudo, shrimp cocktail, Kumamoto oysters (West Coast) and Island Creek oysters (East Coast). The entire platter was mouthwatering, fresh and heavenly. The oysters were sweet, had a fruity flavor and light brininess, making it a standout.
Not only is the food at Hortus NYC top-notch, but also the restaurant’s scene is modern, sophisticated and relaxing. Hortus, meaning “garden” in Latin, embraces a theme of freshness that flows throughout the interior. Guests can expect innovative dishes served in a refined yet intimate and welcoming setting. The dimly lit space offers a romantic ambiance and a luxurious vibe. The multi-level restaurant also offers a heated indoor terrace, which is cozy and perfect for date night, and free live jazz performances are held every Wednesday through Friday from 7-10 pm in the lounge area.
For an amazing experience and sublime food, make a reservation at Hortus NYC now. You won’t regret it.
