Where Korean street food transcends tradition, Kochi New York City transforms the humble skewer into Michelin-starred artistry through Chef Sungchul Shim's masterful eight-course tasting menu in Hell's Kitchen. This intimate fine dining destination redefines Korean cuisine with each precisely grilled bite.

Chef Sungchul Shim's culinary journey from his acclaimed Mari to Kochi represents the evolution of Korean gastronomy in New York City. Since earning its Michelin star in 2021 and Time Out's Best of the City recognition, Kochi has established itself as the pinnacle of Korean fine dining. Shim's philosophy marries royal Korean culinary heritage with contemporary techniques, elevating street food traditions into sophisticated gastronomy. His fine-dining pedigree shines through every meticulously crafted course, honoring the restaurant's namesake—'kochi' meaning skewer in Korean.

The cuisine centers on an innovative tasting menu where premium ingredients meet Korean flavors through expert grilling techniques. Signature dishes include finely diced raw steelhead trout crowned with pickled cherry tomatoes and tomato-basil foam, and Iberico pork presented three ways—char siu, ssamjang, and skewered with pickled apple. The textured corn fritters with yuba crumble and rich corn soup showcase Shim's creativity, while A5 Wagyu beef skewers represent the menu's luxury positioning. Each course balances traditional Korean flavors with contemporary presentation, sourcing premium ingredients from Korea, Japan, and international suppliers. The daechu frozen yogurt with cranberry compote provides an elegant finale to this culinary journey.

Kochi's minimalist interior places the open kitchen as the dramatic centerpiece, visible from every seat in the intimate space. The chef's counter, featuring eleven seats along a beautiful marble slab, offers the ultimate immersive experience where guests witness Shim's team in action. Service reflects fine dining excellence with knowledgeable staff explaining each dish's origin and technique. The sophisticated beverage program includes Korean 'sool' pairings featuring traditional distilled spirits, complementing the cuisine perfectly. A covered outdoor patio with heaters provides additional seating, while the restaurant's small scale ensures exclusivity and personalized attention.

Reservations at this best fine dining restaurant in New York City require advance planning due to limited seating and high demand. The chef's counter seats offer the most engaging experience for witnessing Korean culinary artistry. Kochi represents the pinnacle of Michelin star restaurants New York City, where traditional Korean flavors meet contemporary fine dining excellence in an unforgettable tasting menu experience.