Tucked away on Second Avenue in the East Village, Sinsa delivers a modern Korean dining experience that manages to feel both trendy and authentic. This sleek, intimate space has quickly become a neighborhood favorite for those in the know who want Korean flavors beyond the typical barbecue spots.

The menu at Sinsa showcases Chef William Lee’s brilliant talent for balancing traditional Korean techniques with contemporary creativity. The dolsot bibimbap arrives in a sizzling stone bowl with a perfectly crispy rice crust, while the seafood soon dubu jjigae brings comforting spice that’s especially welcome on chilly New York evenings. Don’t miss the fried chicken – twice-fried to achieve that impossibly crunchy exterior while keeping the meat juicy, and glazed with a gochujang sauce that strikes the perfect sweet-spicy balance.

What truly elevates Sinsa is the thoughtful beverage program featuring Korean spirits like soju and makgeolli alongside creative cocktails incorporating ingredients like yuzu and perilla. The staff genuinely wants you to enjoy yourself, offering guidance through unfamiliar ingredients with enthusiasm rather than pretension.

Despite its growing popularity, Sinsa still feels like a neighborhood secret – the kind of place where you can drop in on a Tuesday for a casual dinner that ends up being the highlight of your week. Go before everyone discovers it.