ZipPicks Awards
Best Korean in Lower East Side
Best Chef's Table Restaurants in Lower East Side
Best Tasting Menus in Lower East Side
Master Critic Review
Sunn's
8.6
Sunn's is a tiny Korean wine bar where chef Sunny Lee builds a constantly changing table of banchan and seasonal dishes to match a tightly curated natural wine list. The room feels intimate and quietly polished, turning a night of small plates, soju, and wine into a slow, lingering experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal banchan selection, Daily hot dishes (like dumplings or scallops), Sesame mochi cake
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A banchan-driven Korean menu built around natural wine in an intimate, design-forward space.
Who should go: Wine-loving diners who savor slow, shareable Korean small plates
When to visit: Arrive shortly before opening to secure bar seats without a long wait
What to order: Banchan spread, a couple of hot specials, sesame mochi cake
Insider tip: Sit at the bar to watch the tiny kitchen work and use your server to build a wine flight around the food.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in this part of Chinatown; expect to circle or use nearby paid garages on Allen or Bowery.
Dress code: Smart casual; elevated but relaxed. Most diners lean stylish due to the wine-bar vibe.
Noise level: Moderate; soft music and a compact room mean you can hold a date-night conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes if you arrive after peak opening; the space is tiny and fills immediately.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; Sunn's opens for dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid representation — several banchan and seasonal vegetable dishes are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — some banchan qualify, but most mains include butter, fish sauce, or eggs.
Gluten-free options: Moderate options; many banchan are gluten-free, but ask about soy sauce usage in marinades and dressings.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate space, natural wines, and slow, shareable pacing make it ideal for conversation and creating a relaxed, refined mood.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly. Arrive 10–15 minutes before opening for the best chance at bar seats; walk-ins later in the night often face long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the room is small, the menu leans adult (wine-focused), and there are no kid-oriented dishes or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Intimate, wine-driven Korean dining with elevated banchan and a chef-driven seasonal menu; perfect for slower, curated evenings.
Skip if: You want large entrées, lively group energy, or budget-friendly Korean classics — other spots in the area will better fit those needs.