Worth A Try
TLDR: Nudibranch is a great option for a special occasion or “impress your date” night. While the restaurant space isn’t that notable, the food is excellent and has the power to turn a frown upside down. The combo of upscale American style with Asian flavors is perfectly done, so find an excuse to treat yourself and your tastebuds will thank you.
Walking into Nudibranch on a chilly Thursday evening, all I’d really wanted to eat was a yakitori or steaming bowl of bulgogi on St Marks – something informal and filling to warm me up. This is not what Nudibranch has to offer. With a minimalist but welcoming space and high prices, it isn’t exactly casual dining, though you can walk in quite easily at the bar, as I did. However, as skeptical as I was that I would enjoy my meal, I walked away more than satisfied, even happy. From meh to yeah, in just 1.5 hours! How did they do it you ask?
Damn good food.
Unlike similar restaurants where I usually find much to comment on (the vibe, the staff, the artistry of plating), the only thing worth talking about at Nudibranch is the food itself, which is stellar. The short menu is carefully considered and blends mostly Korean flavors with new American style.
We started off with the kimchi butter grilled oysters. Oysters + kimchi = a match made in heaven. I always love kimchi even on its own, but it pairs so perfectly with seafood. Nailed it.
Second, and my favorite, was the hamachi with Korean pear, jicama, and yuzu. This knocked my socks off, especially because I often feel like crudo at high end restaurants is expensive and disappointing – not that flavorful or special and they all kind of taste like mediocre sushi. But this crudo is not one of those. It was packed with bright flavors while still letting the fish be the star of the show. Truly, a must-eat.
Last but not least, we ordered the mushroom entree with nori rice. I am still wracking my brain as to how they managed to make the mushrooms so crispy. The textures packed into that dish are everything.
Needless to say, I was thoroughly impressed by everything that came out of the kitchen. Delicious as the food is, Nudibranch is better for a special occasion or date night than a weeknight walk in. It’s certainly expensive and I didn’t leave fully full, even though I paid as if I’d ordered for a third person. If you go, find a time where you want to impress someone and you don’t mind spending up a little. At least you’ll know you’ll fall in love with something that night, even if the date’s a bust.
P.S – Google “nudibranch”. Trust me.
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