Ambrosia
“The kimchi chigae, the bibimbap, the tofu stew, all were so comforting on a cold winter day.”
“I had their Seafood soondubo jigae and budae jigae before.”
“Good deal, I think $12 for dolsot (hot stone) bulgogi bibimbap!”
Ambrosia
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Price range.
$ Price range Under $10
8 reviews
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Disclaimer: I've only had Korean food here.
Probably one of the better Korean spots this side of 42nd (north). Problem here is, it's not saying much. The food is decent but overpriced. Yes, they provide several banchan dishes but as a deli, that does not justify sit down restaurant prices. Speaking of the banchans, it's really only convenient for customers that eat in their dining area.
Think about it. I get lunch here and come back to work to have a spread much like a traditional Korean family, across my entire desk. Not a good look. Korean food already has a strong smell which engulfs the entire office.
The only thing rising is their prices…
"Best Korean food in the city!" The sign outside Ambrosia is a little suspicious and if you look at it at face value, it looks like your average Midtown deli. However, if you venture back, you'll discover a whole Korean restaurant, complete with your favorite soups and rice dishes. I've been a few times and sampled their bimbibap and chicken ramen.
For the area, it's a pretty nice selection, but the prices keep getting raised. I've only been three times, but it's already gone up an average of $1.50 per entree. My coworker that originally introduced it mentioned most dishes were under $10 at one point.
I think the bimbibap is the best choice and value. It's still served in a hot stone bowl which wouldn't be expected from a deli-like setting. The portion is more than filling and the accompanying banchan makes for a complete meal. It's nothing to write home about, strictly a decent, hearty Korean lunch option in the 40's.
Best Korean food in NYC? I don't think so.
Best in Midtown and within a stone's throw of my work? They might be right.
The deli is typical of the korean delis with a vast variety of hot foods and different cuisines in steam trays.
The real gem to me is the korean food kitchen in the back. I actually got the dolsot bibimbap in a sizzling stone bowl with soup, ban chan and kim chi for about $12.
The veggies were good, and the rice and meat was topped with a raw egg.
Good deal, I think $12 for dolsot (hot stone) bulgogi bibimbap! It came out super hot and sizzling, and was very filling indeed! They give you some side dishes as well.
This is all the way in the back of the deli btw, and they were super busy yet quick during the lunch rush! It's cafeteria style so you order, grab it to eat and then return the dishes back to them.
Definitely recommend the Udon section by the salads. Ask for extra spicy and the broth becomes really Delicious. They also REALLY pack on the mix-ins and fill the container to the brim compared to any other place nearby. The prices are pretty much the same as everywhere else, $7.75 before tax. Definitely great bang for your buck and tons of flavor.
The Korean section in the back is also good but i swear the prices have gone up like crazy there since I came here last year. Some of the dishes are $15 now!
Either way, the Bulgogi/Pork Bibimbap is super delicious, and even for ~$14 its a pretty good deal. After taking everything and throwing it together into one bowl and eating it with a spoon (American Style), it comes close to about 2 lbs of food. The sweet and spicy paste they give you really adds a ton of flavor
If you want the "stone bowl" style everyone talks about, you specifically have to order the Dolsot Bibimbap. Honestly after trying it, it seems a bit gimmicky. The rice is supposed to crisp up on the bottom of the bowl but I didn't notice a difference at all. Flavor wise, I didn't think it was as good as the regular Bulgogi/Pork Bibimbap dishes that come in the metal bowl, and the thickness of the bowl means less food overall.
Good Korean food in the middle of midtown? YES! It might not be the best, but it is definitely very authentic and comforting. The kimchi chigae, the bibimbap, the tofu stew, all were so comforting on a cold winter day. They even include mini ban chan with meal. Very reasonable prices.
They also have udon on premise and it's actually a good deal. They load lots of ingredients for only $7. My go to is Chicken udon with everything except carrots =P.
Salads were okay – you can get the same quality elsewhere.
I never tried the Mexican station or the pizza station, but if I am ever craving, I will definitely be back again.
I like how quick they are with the service and the variety of food options offered (wraps, sandwiches/burgers, udon, pizza, Korean food) but the food quality itself is mediocre. I'd say there are better quality foods at similar prices on the same block. I also don't like how dark it is in there; no windows and the fluorescent lights make it seem like it's a gloomy cafeteria hall. I work around the corner so occasionally I'll go to Ambrosia, but only if I've depleted the options elsewhere already that given week.
Your typical New York city deli with a surprise in the back. They have Korean food that was pretty good (and this is coming from a Korean) and a good selection of pizzas, sandwiches and salads to choose from. The last time I went, I ordered the Yu Gay Jjang which is a spicy beef stew. I was surprised how good it was for a restaurant that doesn't focus on korean food. If I'm ever craving korean food during ym lunch break, this will be my go to spot