Ariari in the East Village is always packed, and reservations can we tough - though walking in is doable. This is all to say that things are going well. But. Ariari is probably the most under-covered, while exceptional, Korean restaurants in NYC. The flavors hit hard - deeply Korean cooking with the inventiveness you will find in the best modern bistro-style restaurants in Seoul and Busan (where this restaurant takes its inspiration). No, not all restaurants in Korea are kalbi grills with jiggae and nameul 😄 I’m emphatic in my appreciation for both Ariari and Her Name Is Han. Always among my first two recs for NYC Korean dining.