Atomix New York City (August 2025)

What/Impressions: I would say Atomix was good, but did not live up to the hype being 12th on the world 50Best or 1st on the North America 50Best (yes, I know the list is not reliable). I get the feeling the menu changes and seasonality could drive certain menus to certain subjective tastes.  The menu is on the lighter flavor intensity side, Korean, but more focused on letting ingredients shine through.  Both Mingles and Eatanic Garden in Seoul far exceeded Atomix for my tastes.  I’ve heard menu changes can be significant, so maybe another shot is needed.

Favorites/Standouts: 

• King crab, caviar, with the carrot curry was spectacular. Really good balance of curry and carrot sweetness with the crab.  Favorite course of the night without question.  The pine nut cream was a very clever addition and added a lot.   
• The lobster and lobster mandu were both excellent. The slight fermentation in the cherry and rich lobster stock foam with cream complemented each other well. 
• As quaint as it may sound, the squab fried rice with egg at the end of the meal was perfect and a really great end of the savory. 
• Hyssop and pear ice with coconut sorbet and honey was a perfect dessert opener with brightness, citrus, and savory-sweetness of the coconut. The rice ice cream to follow was also very good.

Least Favs

• The whiting was an OK course and I appreciated the hot sauce in the dish with ginger, but not special
• The tilefish dish was also not particularly strong for my tastes

Atmosphere/Staff: 

• Staff was all great.  Fun, engaged, and funny.  They explained things well and gave background into Korean cuisine and traditions.  Also special shoutout to the cards with descriptions and background.  Nice takeaway!
• Atmosphere was also quite nice.  Intimate setting without being too close to other parties. 

Revisit: 

• Yes, but I think I would wait quite a while before checking other NYC boxes and would probably try to scout the seasonal menu first. Would like to try Jungsik to compare to what I had in Seoul.