Name: Mari
Address: 679 Ninth Ave., New York, 10036, USA, New York, USA, 10036, US
Telephone: +16466493545
Price range: $$$$

The Experience

From Michelin Guide

Mari, which means “roll” in Korean, is Hell’s Kitchen’s latest destination from the talented Sungchul Shim, who made a name for himself at his tasting counter (Kochi) just down the street. Those familiar with casual Japanese handroll counters are in for a surprise as Chef Shim reimagines the genre as a tasting menu, primed with top-notch ingredients and Korean flavors.Glistening planks of Scottish salmon; tender strips of cured mackerel; and three types of mushrooms are placed on beds of rice cradled in seaweed. Chefs work swiftly, moving from one roll to the next with nowhere to hide in this kitchen, flanked by counter seats on all sides. A tray of banchan and seafood closes out the meal.

Unique Things

From Visitor Experiences

Innovative Korean Hand Rolls as Central Theme: Mari specializes in an imaginative tasting menu centered around Korean hand rolls, using unique preparation techniques such as rice seasoned with sesame seed and sesame oil, and delicately textured gim (seaweed). This focus on hand rolls as a gourmet tasting experience is unconventional compared to typical Korean dining.
U-Shaped Counter Seating with Solo Dining Friendly Setup: The restaurant features a distinctive u-shaped counter in the front, designed to accommodate solo diners comfortably, with hooks under the counter for personal items. This layout is unusual for Michelin-starred restaurants and caters well to individual guests, enhancing the dining experience.
Rapid Michelin Star Recognition for a New Concept: Opening only in late 2021, Mari earned its Michelin star within a year (2022), highlighting its swift rise in New York City's competitive culinary scene by presenting traditional Korean flavors through a modern, creative lens focused on hand rolls.

Ingredient Stars

From Visitor Experiences

The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Mari in New York include:

Scallops: Used in a signature dish featuring marinated scallops with a makgeolli vinaigrette and topped with stir-fried anchovies, offering a burst of flavors and textures that is highly praised by diners.
Tuna: Featured in a spicy tuna roll that has been on the menu since the restaurant opened, notable for its refined spice profile and crunchy topping of crispy potatoes.
Mushrooms (including morel and pine mushrooms): Used in various preparations, such as a mushroom dish with black truffle and a roll with a variety of mushrooms, providing umami and diverse textures.
Uni (sea urchin): Incorporated in marinated tuna and uni dishes, noted for its thick, full-bodied flavor without skimping on quality.
King salmon and sturgeon caviar: Combined in a hand roll that is described as heavenly, exceeding expectations with its delicate balance of flavors.

These ingredients are significant as they showcase Mari's focus on elevating traditional Korean flavors with premium seafood and umami-rich elements, often presented in refined hand rolls and tasting menu courses that highlight texture and flavor contrasts.

Menu & Pricing

Current Offerings & Prices

Mari, New York Menu

Set Menus

Handroll Tasting Menu: $145 per person. This menu explores the facets of Korean cuisine through small plates and inventive hand rolls.
Mari Mother's Day Special Tasting Menu - Chef's Counter: $165 per person.
Mari Tasting Menu: $185 per person.

A La Carte Options

No specific a la carte options are listed for Mari. The focus is on tasting menus.

Special Seasonal Menus

Mari offers an Imaginative Tasting Menu inspired by Korean hand rolls, which includes:

Hansang: An amuse-bouche course.
Seasonally Inspired Hand Rolls.
Two-Part Dessert.

No specific a la carte options or detailed descriptions of individual courses are available.

Mari