Kāwi — New York, USA

Kāwi restaurant dining room, New York, USA
(Image credit: Bob Gundu)

The newest addition to Momofuku’s ever-expanding Asian-centric network of restaurants, is Kāwi, a Korean-inflected dining room that’s headed up by executive chef and Korean native Eunjo Park, who was formerly at Momofuku Ko.

Located in the behemoth that is Hudson Yards, Kāwi reflects Park’s experience in fine dining and cooking with Momofuku don David Chang both in its design and offering. Conceived by the Canadian firm Design Agency, which has recurrently collaborated with the group, Kāwi's dynamic interior muddles materials like dark stained oak, textured glass, glazed green tiles and satin brass finishes. In the bar and restaurant, geometric millwork and a wood trellis ceiling, arranged in a triangular pattern, creates a memorable atmosphere. The mood relaxes somewhat in the 69-seat main dining room, where red leather banquettes, floral wallpaper and an open plan kitchen set a more convivial tone.

In such a spacious, non-traditional setting, diners can enjoy equally refreshing riffs on Korean staples, with several lesser-known additions as well. Expect small plates like white pepper wings and madai snapper tartare on toast, alongside wagyu ragu rice cakes and spicy Cornish hen stew.

Another nod to Asian tradition comes in the form of the restaurant’s private dining room which will open this summer. Fitted with karaoke capabilities, it comes armed with a 14-seat capacity to suit all myriad of occasions. An infinity mirror running the length of the room gives a feeling of spaciousness while a vibrant mural from the artist Alex Proba and a discreet carousel window allows for uninterrupted service. 

Kāwi restaurant dining room

(Image credit: Bob Gundu)

restaurant dining room

(Image credit: Bob Gundu)

Kāwi restaurant bar

(Image credit: Bob Gundu)

Kāwi restaurant dining room

(Image credit: Bob Gundu)

Kāwi restaurant booth

(Image credit: Bob Gundu)

INFORMATION

Website

ADDRESS

20 Hudson Yards
Fifth Floor

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Bob Gundu

Pei-Ru Keh is a former US Editor at Wallpaper*. Born and raised in Singapore, she has been a New Yorker since 2013. Pei-Ru held various titles at Wallpaper* between 2007 and 2023. She reports on design, tech, art, architecture, fashion, beauty and lifestyle happenings in the United States, both in print and digitally. Pei-Ru took a key role in championing diversity and representation within Wallpaper's content pillars, actively seeking out stories that reflect a wide range of perspectives. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children, and is currently learning how to drive.