Musaek has officially launched in Koreatown, New York City, marking a significant addition to the area’s culinary landscape. This new seafood and cocktail bar opened its doors on July 8, 2023, beneath its sister establishments, HOWOO and DubuHaus. The restaurant occupies a spacious and atmospheric 12,000 square feet, drawing inspiration from the rich coastal cuisine of South Korea.
The menu at Musaek is seafood-driven, showcasing a blend of traditional Korean flavors with influences from Japanese, French, and Mediterranean cuisines. The establishment focuses on small shared plates, designed to foster an intimate dining experience. After 9 PM, a late-night menu featuring select dishes becomes available, making Musaek an appealing destination for both early diners and night owls.
Innovative Offerings and Unique Cocktails
Musaek is among the few venues in New York City offering a fully clarified cocktail menu. Each cocktail batch requires 8-10 hours of preparation, resulting in drinks that not only look striking with their smooth, translucent appearance but also deliver a refined flavor profile. Signature cocktails include the tropical Mango & Nurungji, a refreshing blend of rum, gin, lime juice, and coconut milk, as well as the umami-rich Yuaza & Seaweed, which features Korean pear, gin, milk, and lychee.
The food menu is equally enticing, with dishes that pay homage to Korean culinary traditions. Highlights include the Bugak Trio, featuring fried seaweed and shrimp crackers, as well as cold dishes like the Yeosu Shrimp, marinated for two days in a house soy sauce made from thirteen ingredients. The hot dishes present playful twists on classic fare, such as the reimagined Fish & Chips, which uses fried shishamo served with potato wedges and tangy white kimchi slaw. Another standout is the Uni Bibimbap, a vibrant mix of pickled red cabbage, tobiko, salmon roe, radish kimchi, seaweed, and quinoa.
A Vision of Culinary Harmony
The name Musaek translates to “colorless” in Korean, symbolizing the establishment’s vision of blending diverse flavors and culinary influences. This philosophy is reflected not only in the cocktail menu but also in the sourcing of premium ingredients from South Korea. Musaek imports items like Wando seaweed, abalone from Jeolla Province, and fluke from Jeju Island, ensuring that each dish embodies the essence of coastal Korean cuisine.
Musaek aims to bring a contemporary twist to traditional seafood offerings, creating a sensory dining experience that resonates with both local patrons and visitors. The seafood-centric concept, along with its all-clarified cocktail menu, positions Musaek as a bold new player in New York City’s dynamic food scene.
With its unique approach and commitment to quality, Musaek is set to become a go-to destination for those seeking an innovative dining experience in the heart of Koreatown.
