ZipPicks Awards
Best BBQ in Midtown East
Best Korean in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Best BBQ in Murray Hill & Kips Bay
Master Critic Review
Nubiani
8.4
Nubiani’s Midtown East outpost brings polished, modern Korean BBQ to a sleek dining room, with USDA Prime cuts and well-composed BBQ sets cooked over tabletop grills. It’s priced for special dinners and corporate cards, but strong meat quality, banchan, and a lively room make it a go-to upscale KBBQ choice in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Marinated Short Ribs (갈비), Beef Tartare Bibimbap (육회비빔밥), Kimchi Stew (김치찌개)
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Modern Korean BBQ with Prime meats and a polished Midtown setting.
Who should go: Small groups, dates, and corporate cards.
When to visit: Prime-time dinner; book ahead for weekends.
What to order: Prime marinated short ribs, Beef Tartare Bibimbap, Kimchi Stew.
Insider tip: Opt for a BBQ set menu to sample more cuts and banchan.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; nearby paid garages on 2nd & 3rd Ave are the most reliable.
Dress code: Smart casual—polished but not formal. Dark jeans, neat tops, and business-casual attire fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is doable at two-tops, but group tables get energetic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait or short 5–10 minute delays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some banchan, salads, and stews, but the menu is heavily meat-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited—only a few vegetable sides qualify; not ideal for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: Moderate options—most raw cuts are naturally GF, but marinades and sauces may contain soy; request guidance from staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—sleek interiors, attentive service, and interactive BBQ grilling create an engaging experience without feeling overwhelming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not guaranteed. Walk-ins are occasionally seated early on weekdays, but weekends and prime dinner hours usually require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens comfortable around tabletop grills; no dedicated kids’ menu and the room leans adult-focused.
Best For
Better for: High-quality Prime cuts, polished service, and a refined setting compared to more casual KBBQ spots in the area.
Skip if: You want budget-friendly Korean BBQ, prefer ultra-traditional charcoal grills, or need extensive vegetarian/vegan options.