Octo Restaurant: A Culinary Fusion of Korean and Chinese Flavors in NYC

Octo Restaurant Introduce

In the vibrant and ever-evolving culinary scene of New York City, a restaurant that successfully merges two distinct cuisines is a rare and exciting find. Octo Restaurant is one such place, a celebrated Korean-Chinese fusion spot that offers a truly unique and refined dining experience. Located in the heart of Midtown's Koreatown, Octo is not just another restaurant; it's a testament to the seamless blend of two rich culinary traditions. Established by the same team behind New Wonjo, Manhattan's oldest Korean BBQ spot, Octo brings a new level of sophistication and creativity to the fusion concept. From the moment you step inside, you are transported to a space that is both trendy and cozy, a perfect backdrop for a meal that promises to be both familiar and surprising. This is a destination for those who appreciate innovative flavors, high-quality ingredients, and a dining experience that feels special and intentional.

The menu at Octo is a journey through the best of both worlds, offering signature dishes that highlight the harmonious blend of Korean and Chinese flavors. The **OCTO Peking Duck**, available in half or full portions, is a major highlight, praised for its juicy and tender meat. For fans of classic Korean-Chinese fare, the **Jajangmyeon** is a must-try, noted for its generous portions and balanced seasoning. Beyond these classics, the menu features a wide array of options, including the crispy and flavorful **Soy Crispy Chicken**, the tender **Black Pepper Prime Beef Sirloin**, and the unique **Avocado Cream King Prawns**. Octo also offers a variety of lunch sets, such as the Peking Duck Set and the Seoul Set, providing a great value for those looking for a midday meal. The creativity extends to the beverage menu, which includes a selection of inventive cocktails like the “Spicy Szechuan” and the “Lichi-Tini,” perfectly crafted to complement the bold flavors of the food. This extensive and diverse menu ensures that every visit to Octo is a new culinary adventure.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere and service at Octo are key components of its appeal. The two-level dining area is designed with a functional yet elegant aesthetic, featuring colorful murals that add a touch of artistic flair. The space includes a small bar, comfortable booths, and ample seating, making it suitable for everything from an intimate dinner to a large group gathering. The restaurant is celebrated for its attentive service, with staff ensuring a pleasant and efficient dining experience. The kitchen is known for its fast service, which is a major plus in the fast-paced environment of New York City. Octo is also a welcoming and inclusive space, identifying as both Asian-owned and a transgender safe space, as well as being LGBTQ+ friendly. This commitment to creating a comfortable and accepting environment, combined with its delicious food and trendy ambiance, makes Octo a truly special place to dine. It's a spot where you can bring friends, family, or even go for a solo meal and feel completely at ease.

Location and Accessibility

Octo Restaurant is conveniently situated at 1 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016, in the vibrant heart of Manhattan's Koreatown. Its central location makes it easily accessible for anyone in the city, whether they are a local, a tourist, or a business professional. The restaurant is a short walk from major subway lines and bus routes, and it’s surrounded by a variety of shops and attractions, making it a great destination for a planned meal or a spontaneous visit. For those with mobility needs, Octo is well-equipped with a **wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating**, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the dining experience. Paid parking lots are also available nearby, providing a convenient option for those who drive. The prime location and commitment to accessibility are key factors that make Octo a top choice for a wide range of diners.

Services Offered

Dine-in Service: Enjoy a full-service dining experience in Octo's trendy and cozy two-level restaurant. It's perfect for both lunch and dinner, with seating available for various group sizes.
Curbside Pickup & Takeout: For maximum convenience, Octo provides both traditional takeout and curbside pickup options, allowing you to enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your home or office.
Catering: Octo offers catering services, making it a great option for office events, private parties, or other special occasions.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is recommended, especially for groups, to ensure a seamless dining experience during peak hours.
Private Dining Room: For special gatherings or events, Octo has a private dining room, providing an exclusive and intimate setting.
Full Bar Service: Enjoy a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, hard liquor, and a variety of unique signature cocktails.

Features / Highlights

Authentic Korean-Chinese Fusion: Octo stands out by expertly blending the best of both Korean and Chinese cuisines, offering a truly unique and refined menu.
Signature Peking Duck: A major highlight, the **OCTO Peking Duck** is a fan favorite, praised for its juicy, tender, and flavorful preparation.
Creative Cocktails: The bar offers a selection of inventive and delicious cocktails, adding to the overall dining experience.
Fast and Attentive Service: Customers consistently praise the restaurant for its quick service and the friendly, attentive staff who ensure a pleasant meal.
Welcoming and Inclusive Atmosphere: The restaurant identifies as an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space, creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for all.
Family-Friendly Amenities: With high chairs and changing tables, Octo is well-equipped to accommodate families with children.

Contact Information

Address: 1 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016

Phone: (646) 833-7864

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Octo Restaurant is a decision to embark on a unique culinary journey that is both exciting and satisfying. The most compelling reason to choose this spot is its masterful execution of Korean-Chinese fusion cuisine. Unlike other places that might simply offer a mix of dishes, Octo's menu is thoughtfully curated to showcase how these two cuisines can beautifully complement each other. The **OCTO Peking Duck** is a perfect example, as is the **Jajangmyeon**, both of which are prepared with a level of quality that has earned them high praise. The sheer variety of the menu, from signature dishes to small plates and lunch sets, ensures that there is always something new to explore, making it a great place for repeat visits.

Beyond the food, the overall experience at Octo is what makes it truly worth choosing. The atmosphere is a perfect blend of trendy and cozy, making it an ideal setting for any occasion, from a solo lunch to a large group celebration. The restaurant's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, as well as its family-friendly amenities, ensures that it is a comfortable and welcoming space for everyone. The fast and attentive service is a major highlight, as is the availability of a **private dining room**, which adds a layer of exclusivity for special events. For anyone in New York looking for a dining experience that is a step above the ordinary—one that combines creative cuisine, a stylish yet comfortable ambiance, and excellent service—Octo Restaurant is an exceptional and highly recommended choice.

Octo Restaurant Menu

Beverages
Sprite $4.00
The cold, refreshing flavors of lemon and lime, perfectly blended.
Ginger Ale $4.00
Coke $4.00
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
Diet Coke $4.00
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.

Small Plates
Cucumber Radish Salad $10.95
Garlic sauce, red pepper oil
Five-Spice Cold Beef Shank $24.95
Braised shank, cucumber, leek,sour & spicy jelly
Chili Garlic Sliced Pork $19.95
Cherry tomato, cucumber, peanut, chili oil
Crispy Shrimp Mini Sandwich $22.95
Plain bread, red sorrel, lemon oil, spicy sauce
Vegetable Spring Roll $11.95
Carrot, mushroom, leek
Spicy Poached Dumpling $16.95
Pork, chive, celery, peanut, black vinegar & spicy sauce
Steamed Mushroom Dumpling $16.95
Mushroom, cucumber, pine nut
Peking Duck Spring Roll $11.95
Duck, carrot, mushroom, leek
Pan-Fried Dumpling $16.95
Pork, shrimp, cabbage, chive
Jellyfish Head Salad $13.95
Woodear mushroom, cucumber, black vinegar sauce

Signature Dishes
Chili Eggplant $19.95
Minced pork, braised eggplant, chili
Butter Cereal Soft Shell Crab $33.95
Cereal, mint leaves, lime, butter
OCTO Peking Duck (Half) $55.95
OCTO ducks are roasted using 48-day-old raised with no hormones or chemicals, in humane conditions, on a family-owned small farm in Pennsylvania. Half Duck is served for 2-3 people.
String Beans $17.95
Chili, oyster sauce
Yu San Seul $32.95
Pork, shrimp, sea cucumber, bamboo shoot, shiitake mushroom, ginko nut, chive, chicken broth
Cumin Pork Back Ribs $29.95
Hot pepper crisp, shallot, garlic
Shaoxing Chili King Prawns $33.95
Collard green, shaoxing wine, crispy garlic, sesame
OCTO Peking Duck (Whole) $110.95
Five house-crafted sauces & Five-side vegetables, pancake (15pcs)
Prime Beef Sirloin Tangsuyuk $43.95
Onion, mushroom, red cabbage, pineapple, sweet & sour sauce
Mala Beef Soup $25.95
Prime beef brisket, tofu skin, bean sprout, cabbage, choy sum, cilantro, mushroom, glass noodle
Pork Tangsuyuk $29.95
Onion, mushroom, red cabbage, pineapple, sweet & sour soup
Avocado Cream King Prawns $33.95
Walnut, corn, frisee, avocado cream sauce
BBQ Pork Neck & Ssam $33.95
Green vegetable wrap, honey soy sauce
Braised Pork Belly $33.95
Bok choy, leek, cilantro, lotus root, bun
Chili Pepper Duck $29.95
Duck meat, green pepper, red pepper, onion, bamboo shoot, shiitake mushroom, chive
Yang Jang Pi $43.95
Pork, five-spice meat, jellyfish, starch sheet, mushroom, cucumber, bell pepper, shrimp, egg, chive, onion, mustard sauce
Hot Garlic Chicken $27.95
Deep-fried chicken, leek, lettuce, pepper
Black Pepper King Prawn $33.95
Mushroom, scallion, asparagus, black pepper
Ma-Po Tofu $19.95
Miced pork, silky tofu, chili oil
Choy Sum $17.95
Oyster sauce, garlic, shallot
Steamed Caribbeans Red Snapper $49.95
Cilantro, leek, ginger, vermicelli, mushroom, home-made soy sauce
Black Pepper Prime Beef Sirloin $43.95
Mushroom, scallion, asparagus, black pepper
Soy Crispy Chicken $27.95
Long hot pepper, lettuce, soy vinegar dressing

Noodles & Rice
Extra Rice $3.00
Beef Jjamppong $25.95
Beef brisket, cabbage, onion, mushroom, red pepper powder, bean sprout
Jajangmyeon $15.95
Pork, onion, bean paste sauce, noodle
Fried Rice $21.95
Egg, shrimp, and assorted vegetable.
Teppan Seafood Jajangmyeon $40.95
Octopus, shrimp, sea scallop, pork, onion, bean paste sauce, noodle
OCTO Cold Noodle $25.95
Chinese-style Cold Noodles Octopus, shrimp, squid, beef, jellyfish, egg, cucumber, red radish *Peanut sauce on the side
White Jjamppong $23.95
Sea scallop, shrimp, squid, webfoot octopus, mussel, cabbage, onion, mushroom
Truffle Steak Jajangmyeon $37.95
Prime beef tenderloin, truffle, egg, pork, onion, bean paste sauce, noodle
Whole Squid Jjamppong $36.95
Whole squid, shrimp, mussel, cabbage, onion, mushroom, red pepper powder, bean sprout
Jjamppong $19.95
Sea scallops, shrimp, squid, webfoot octopus, cabbage, chive

Signature Dishes
Pork Tangsuyuk $29.95
Onion, mushroom, red cabbage, pineapple, sweet & sour soup
Choy Sum $17.95
Oyster sauce, garlic, shallot
Avocado Cream King Prawns $33.95
Walnut, corn, frisee, avocado cream sauce
Soy Crispy Chicken $27.95
Long hot pepper, lettuce, soy vinegar dressing
Shaoxing Chili King Prawns $33.95
Collard green, shaoxing wine, crispy garlic, sesame
Chili Eggplant $19.95
Minced pork, braised eggplant, chili
Black Pepper Prime Beef Sirloin $43.95
Mushroom, scallion, asparagus, black pepper
Hot Garlic Chicken $27.95
Deep-fried chicken, leek, lettuce, pepper
Chili Pepper Duck $29.95
Duck meat, green pepper, red pepper, onion, bamboo shoot, shiitake mushroom, chive
OCTO Peking Duck (Whole) $110.95
Five house-crafted sauces & Five-side vegetables, pancake (15pcs)
Ma-Po Tofu $19.95
Minced pork, silky tofu, chili oil
OCTO Peking Duck (Half) $55.95
OCTO ducks are roasted using 48-day-old raised with no hormones or chemicals, in humane conditions, on a family-owned small farm in Pennsylvania. Half Duck is served for 2-3 people.
Mala Beef Soup $25.95
Prime beef brisket, tofu skin, bean sprout, vegetable, glass noodle

Lunch Set
New York Set $33.95
New York Set includes Black Pepper Prime Beef Tenderloin, Vegetable Fried Rice, OCTO Truffle Siu Mai, Pan-Fried Dumpling, Soup Dumpling, and Kimchi Soup Dumpling.
Imperial Set $27.95
Imperial Set includes Scorched Seafood Rice Hot Pot, Soy Crispy Chicken, and Pan-Fried Dumpling.
Szechuan Set $22.95
Szechuan Set includes Ma-po Tofu, Vegetable Fried Rice, and Crispy Shrimp Mini Sandwich.
Gunsan Set $24.95
Gunsan Set includes Jjamppong, Tangsuyuk, and Spicy Poached Dumpling.
Seoul Set $40.95
Seoul Set includes Jajangmyeon, Tangsuyuk, and Spicy Poached Dumpling. *Upgrade into Steak Jajangmyeon for +18
Peking Duck Set $33.95
Peking Duck Set includes Peking Duck, Spicy Poached Dumpling, and choice of Jajang Myeon or Jjamppong.

Small Plates
Vegetable Spring Roll $11.95
Carrot, mushroom, leek
Pan-Fried Dumpling $16.95
Pork, shrimp, cabbage, chive
Spicy Poached Dumpling $16.95
Pork, chive, celery, peanut, black vinegar & spicy sauce
Cucumber Radish Salad $10.95
Garlic sauce, red pepper oil
Steamed Mushroom Dumpling $16.95
Mushroom, cucumber, pine nut
Crispy Shrimp Mini Sandwich $22.95
Plain bread, red sorrel, lemon oil, spicy sauce
Jellyfish Head Salad $13.95
Woodear mushroom, cucumber, black vinegar sauce
Peking Duck Spring Roll $11.95
Duck, carrot, mushroom, leek

Noodles & Rice
Jajangmyeon-L $12.95
Pork, onion, bean paste sauce, noodle
Teppan Seafood Jajangmyeon $40.95
Octopus, shrimp, sea scallop, pork, onion, bean paste sauce, noodle
Jjamppong-L $15.95
Shrimp, squid, webfoot octopus, cabbage, chive, noodle
Fried Rice $21.95
Egg, shrimp, and assorted vegetable.
White Jjamppong $23.95
Sea scallop, shrimp, squid, webfoot octopus, mussel, cabbage, onion, mushroom
Truffle Steak Jajangmyeon $37.95
Prime beef tenderloin, truffle, egg, pork, onion, bean paste sauce, noodle
Extra Rice $3.00
Beef Jjamppong $25.95
Beef brisket, cabbage, onion, mushroom, red pepper powder, bean sprout
OCTO Cold Noodle $25.95
Chinese-style Cold Noodles Octopus, shrimp, squid, beef, jellyfish, egg, cucumber, red radish *Peanut sauce on the side
Whole Squid Jjamppong $36.95
Whole squid, shrimp, mussel, cabbage, onion, mushroom, red pepper powder, bean sprout

Octo Restaurant Details

From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned

Service options
Curbside pickup
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Hard liquor
Private dining room
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Locals
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
High chairs

Parking
Paid parking lot

Octo Restaurant Photos

Octo Restaurant Location

Octo Restaurant

New York New York County New York East 33rd Street

1 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016, USA

Octo Restaurant Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 349 user reviews.

jajangmyeonkorean chinese cuisinepeking duckjjamppongtangsuyukshrimp toasttrufflekimchi souphot garlic chickenjellyfish salad

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Decent Korean-Chinese food restaurant. I got the tasting menu and it was definitely a lot of bang for your buck. The shrimp toast was excellent and so were the scallops. Everything else was kinda mid. The cucumber salad was my least favorite, I don't think the other mushrooms complemented the crispness of the cucumber. The duck was kinda mid -- not the best but not the worst I've had either.
August 02 · Laci kim
Octo is a Korean-Chinese fusion restaurant located at 1 E 33rd St in Manhattan’s Koreatown. Established by the team behind New Wonjo, the oldest Korean BBQ spot in Manhattan, Octo brings a unique blend of Korean and Chinese culinary traditions to New York City. Cuisine & HighlightsOcto’s menu offers a variety of dishes that showcase the fusion of Korean and Chinese flavors. Signature items include:• Peking Duck: Available in half or full portions, this dish is noted for its juicy and tender meat. • Jajangmyeon: A Korean-Chinese noodle dish with black bean sauce, praised for its generous portions and balanced seasoning. • Glazed Orange King Prawns: Large, succulent prawns with a crispy coating, highlighted for their flavor. • Hot Garlic Chicken: Deep-fried chicken served with leeks, lettuce, and pepper, offering a satisfying combination of textures. The restaurant also offers a selection of creative cocktails, such as the “Spicy Szechuan,” made with chili-infused tequila and Szechuan bitters, and the “Lichi-Tini,” featuring lychee puree. Ambiance & ServiceOcto features a two-level dining area with a functional yet elegant design, including a small bar, booths, and tables in a well-lit space adorned with colorful murals. The service is described as attentive, with dishes arriving promptly and staff ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Octo has received positive reviews from various sources:• Eater NY: Described Octo as “the best Korean Chinese restaurant in Koreatown,” highlighting its refined flavors and top-notch preparation. • The Infatuation: Noted that while some dishes like the black truffle duck may not be essential, the restaurant is a great spot for group meals, especially for those working in Midtown. • Reddit Users: Opinions vary, with some praising the Peking duck and unique offerings like Hot Chili Oil ice cream, while others found certain dishes like tangsuyuk to be less impressive. Practical Information• Location: 1 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016 • Cuisine: Korean-Chinese fusion • Price Range: Moderate to high, depending on selections• Ideal For: Group dining, lunch specials, and exploring fusion cuisine
April 13 · Ada Kiugo
The restaurant is a beautiful space and not too busy on a week night. It’s a bit expensive and the food is just decent and comes in small quantities. We enjoyed the peking duck. My friend had just been in China recently, so she wasn’t terribly impressed. Still, was worth the try!
August 19 · jennifghjkl
Octo has been one of my favourite Korean(-Chinese) restaurants since it opened, and I wish I remembered to come by more often! Food is always delicious, portion sizes really big, prices very reasonable, and even just the restaurant itself is just comfortably spacious and nicely decorated.Some of my favourite dishes:- tang su yuk: I get this every single time I come, it's amazing. The meat is so tender and flavourful and the fried batter outside is always crispy without being too oily/heavy. I think the sauce is nothing too special. The portion size is really big for the price, we've never been able to finish one plate of this before haha.- jjajangmyeon: another huge bowl that's always too much to finish. The noodles are deliciously chewy and the sauce was very rich without weighing down the noodles. I think the proportions of pork/sauce/noodles is always a bit weird (you end up with too much sauce left over). They recently added a "brunch" special for this (available on weekends) that's only $12 (!!)- Mala beef soup: I really like the variety of ingredients in this soup -- the beef brisket and glass noodles are super yummy. Veggies tended to be a bit bland.Definitely a lot of food every time I go -- enough for at least 1 meal's worth of food to take home (!). Price point is really good for the quality and quantity (esp compared to other Korean restaurants in the area).Will try to come back soon!
June 23 · Matthew Ho
Really cute Chinese fusion restaraunt. Comfy, warm and nice atmosphere.Went here for a business dinner in their back room. It’s a nice private room for parties and events. Two long tables. We had a lot of courses of food. My favorites were the duck, shrimp sandwich, jellyfish salad, scallop, and truffle sui mai.The duck was good, a bit too thick and chewy for me but I liked the sauce and toppings. I had Peking duck in China and you just can’t beat that. The shrimp cake was large and perfectly fried. I loved the sweetness of the jellyfish salad and the mushroom that was in it. I had jellyfish salad before that was more stringy and mushy, this was crunchy. Either they put a lot of cabbage in it instead of jellyfish or this was just different than what I have had before. The kimchi soup dumpling was too spicy for me, wish we got the normal flavor. My entree at the end was a noodle dish that was very wet and soggy in a really dark and sweet sauce with way too many pieces of onion (Jajanmyeon). That was not my favorite. Also they ran out of the lemongrass soda I really wanted to try. The scallop was one giant scallop on a shell, it was perfectly cooked and flavorful. We also got a meat dish, not sure what it was but the meat was tender. I liked the veggies with it but the sauce was too thick and sweet for me. The truffle sui mai was also very good, the quail egg inside was a nice surprise and delicious.Overall great experience and the service was excellent.
August 15 · Marisa