Ariari brings the coastal flavors of Busan, South Korea’s vibrant port city, to New York with a fresh, inventive approach. The name itself carries meaning – “Ariari is a native Korean word that means ‘Pave your own way,'” which perfectly captures the restaurant’s innovative take on Korean cuisine.

From the team behind acclaimed eateries Atoboy and LittleMad, this relatively new addition to the city’s dining scene has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination.

The interior sets a distinctive mood with “a cool, vintage vibe that comes complete with wood paneling and banquette seating” and maritime-themed artwork that reflects the restaurant’s coastal inspiration. What truly distinguishes Ariari, however, is its seafood-forward menu that The Infatuation describes as “like that one birthday when you got every present you wanted—including things you didn’t know you needed.”

Standout dishes include the scallop DIY gimbap, featuring thinly sliced raw scallops served with various accompaniments for assembling your own creations, the universally praised seafood pancake, and the innovative dolsot al-bap (a rice dish with uni cream).

For dessert, don’t miss the unique corn crème brûlée with white chocolate – “a creative take on the classic, with a savory-meets-sweet appeal.” The restaurant’s popularity means reservations are essential, but the reward is a dining experience that continually surprises and delights. As one Tripadvisor reviewer succinctly puts it, Ariari is “an inviting, busy place, well served with terrific drinks and great food standouts.”

For diners seeking Korean cuisine that ventures beyond the familiar offerings of K-Town, Ariari delivers an exciting and memorable exploration of flavors that truly charts its own distinctive path.