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Somaek
Korean
The name is a cocktail: soju dropped into beer, the classic Korean bar move. Downtown Crossing's Somaek is a minimalist Korean restaurant where the chef drew inspiration from his mother-in-law's cooking, and it shows in a menu that skips fusion theatrics for the real stuff. A James Beard semifinalist for Best New Restaurant, it landed on the New York Times Restaurant List too. Go for the stews, order the namesake drink, and don't rush out.
The awards strongest first
- The New York Times 2024 · The Restaurant List
- Michelin Guide Selected Restaurant
- The New York Times The 25 Best Restaurants in Boston Right Now
- Boston Magazine #14 · Top 50 Restaurants in Boston
- Boston Magazine 2025 · Best Empire Builder · Best of Boston
- James Beard Awards 2025 · Semifinalist · Best New Restaurant
One number, weighted & current 83
How we scoreThe dishes from the writeups
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Kkaennip-jeon
“homestyle dishes like kkaennip-jeon, beef-and-tofu-stuffed sesame leaves you’re unlikely to see elsewhere”
Boston Magazine, 2025 -
Jogae jeon
“Standout dishes include jogae jeon, or pan-fried, clam-studded pancakes topped with chive salad and served with a soy sauce and rice wine vinegar dipping sauce.”
Michelin Guide -
Doenjang jjigae
“For a subtly flavored but wholly satisfying stew, order the doenjang jjigae with a soybean paste broth studded with diced pork belly, clams, diced soft tofu and potatoes.”
Michelin Guide -
Chilled pork belly
“Alongside robust classics like chilled pork belly, seared beef and stir-fried squid with rice cakes”
The New York Times, 2024
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