Cote is the Korean steakhouse in New York's Flatiron District that became the world's first Korean barbecue restaurant to earn a Michelin star — a title it's held every single year since opening in 2017, making it arguably the most influential proof point that Korean barbecue can operate at the very top tier of American fine dining. Founded by Seoul-born restaurateur Simon Kim, the restaurant built its entire identity around a deceptively simple idea: that a Korean barbecue room doesn't have to trade its energy and interactivity for Michelin-level polish.
The Concept
Cote fuses Korean barbecue's tableside grilling format with the structure of a classic American steakhouse — dry-aged USDA Prime beef and American wagyu, a live-fire smokeless grill built into the middle of every table, and a wine list running past 1,200 labels, all served alongside traditional banchan, kimchi, and ssamjang. Kim has described his goal for the restaurant plainly: to be the most fun one-star Michelin restaurant in New York, treating the format's inherent energy — guests cooking their own meat mid-conversation — as a feature of the fine-dining experience rather than something to tone down for the sake of formality.
From a Skeptical Pitch to a Michelin Star in Six Months
Kim, who moved to Long Island from Seoul at age 13, opened Cote on June 8, 2017, after closing his earlier Michelin-starred restaurant Piora amid financial difficulty. Convincing investors to back an upscale Korean barbecue concept in New York's competitive dining market wasn't easy — prior attempts at similar concepts in the city hadn't found lasting success, and Kim had to lean on relationships built during earlier stints working under chefs including Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Thomas Keller to get the project funded. The bet paid off quickly: Cote received a Michelin star within six months of opening, in the 2018 guide, with reviewers specifically calling out its wine list.
What to Order
First-time visitors are commonly directed toward the "Butcher's Feast," a set menu featuring a rotating selection of beef cuts, an egg soufflé, and a full spread of banchan. Meats arrive tableside raw for guests to see before a server oils the grill and cooks each cut, finishing with kimchi and ssamjang served alongside to round out the flavor. The restaurant also runs an "ersatz speakeasy" downstairs called Undercote, giving the Flatiron location a second, lower-key space beyond the main dining room.
Recognition and Expansion
Beyond its consecutive Michelin stars, Cote received a James Beard Award nomination, was named Best Steakhouse in North America by World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants in 2024, and in 2023 was designated a "Best Overseas Korean Restaurant" by South Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs. The concept has since expanded well beyond its original Flatiron location, with additional restaurants opened in Miami (2021), Singapore (2024), and Las Vegas, alongside a second New York location. Cote Miami also went on to earn its own Michelin star, extending the brand's distinction as the only Korean steakhouse concept with multiple starred locations.
Cote at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founder | Simon Kim |
| Original Location | Flatiron District, New York City |
| Opened | June 8, 2017 |
| Michelin Status | 1 star every year since 2018 (New York); also starred in Miami |
| Other Locations | Miami, Singapore, Las Vegas, additional New York location |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Cote considered significant?
It became the first Korean barbecue restaurant in the world to receive a Michelin star, and has held that recognition every year since opening in 2017.
Who founded Cote?
Seoul-born restaurateur Simon Kim founded Cote through his company Gracious Hospitality Management, with David Shim serving as executive chef.
What should first-time visitors order at Cote?
The "Butcher's Feast" is the most commonly recommended option, featuring a rotating selection of beef cuts, an egg soufflé, and a full banchan spread.
Does Cote have locations outside New York?
Yes, the concept has expanded to Miami, Singapore, and Las Vegas, alongside a second New York location, with Cote Miami also earning its own Michelin star.
How long has Cote held its Michelin star?
It earned its first Michelin star within six months of opening in the 2018 guide and has retained a star every year since.
Menu items, pricing, and reservation availability can change — check Cote's official website for current information.