€€€€ • Coreana • East Village
Nudibranch began as a 2021 pop-up by chefs Jeffrey Kim and Matthew Lee before opening a permanent East Village location in 2022. Since then, it has earned recognition from Esquire’s Best New Restaurants in America, The Infatuation’s Best New Restaurants in NYC, and the Michelin Guide.The restaurant takes its name from a scuba trip in Indonesia, where the chefs encountered nudibranchs—small, vividly colored sea slugs known for their striking appearance and diversity. That sense of boldness and individuality carries through in the food.At Nudibranch, Korean and Spanish influences come together in a style that emphasizes seasonality, creativity, and a distinct point of view, reflecting the energy and cultural diversity of New York City.