4 Best Restaurants in Murray Hill, New York City

Meat lovers in particular will enjoy Korean barbecue, and Dons Bogam is a venerable, quality option with a variety of meats and seafood, cooked for you on a grill embedded in your table. Dishes are served with assorted condiments, sauces, embellishments. Don't ignore the appetizers; the dumplings and Korean pancakes are excellent, as are the noodle dishes and bulgogis if you aren't into barbecue.

A tiny, rustic-styled, indie coffee spot, Lucid serves excellent, boldly flavored coffee, an array of teas and chai, and Belgian hot chocolate, as well as tasty pastries. Savor the delicious aromas inside the homey space with its small wooden tables, and ask about special or seasonal coffee flavors. It's popular with both travelers and locals.

Worthy Korean barbecue will draw you in to this longtime favorite, but be sure to explore the full menu to find the other authentic Korean dishes that also draw crowds from morning through midnight, and later on weekends. This casual spot has tile floors and wooden chairs and tables, and the tables have charcoal-fueled grills for extra sizzle on meats and garnishes. Sushi, tempura, udon, and other Asian fare round out this hit K-town menu.

With an emphasis on presentation, the dishes at Zuma are authentically Japanese yet not bound by tradition, and designed to be shared at the table. You can choose sushi or items prepared on the robata grill, or, should you arrive on an empty stomach and with an adventurous spirit, go big—try the signature omakase ($135), with the chef's choice of multiple dishes such as grilled scallops with pickled plum and shiso (an herb). Sip on a raspberry and passion fruit martini, or try a Japanese beer. For dessert, the Zuma deluxe platter with molten lava cake and exotic fruit won’t disappoint. Expect bold, intense flavors, and exceptional service in a restaurant where the dress of your fellow diners may be as trendy as the food.