Love at First Bite at Gui Steakhouse in the Theater District

Photos: Cititour.com

The Theater District is fast-becoming a destination, thanks to restaurants like Gui Steakhouse, a bi-level space with an attractive bar on the ground level, called Bar 92, and a stunning jewel-toned space on the floor above. It is the latest offering from Korean-American chef Sungchul Shim, formerly of Le Bernadin, Per Se and Aureole, who also operates popular spots like Kochi and Mari, also in Midtown.

The flavors emerging from the kitchen are just as stunning from the melt-in-your-mouth prime rib to shrimp toast topped with caviar and a comforting Clamchowder Pie served on a potato corn cake that had us yearning for more. There are also dishes to share like the Kimchi Wagyu Fried Rice topped with a fried egg, and elevated Dan Dan Noodle with Sichuan chili pork and roasted peanuts.

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But more importantly are the meats which are showcased in a giant floor-to-ceiling fridge as you enter. The Prime Rib, as mentioned, is superb with a shio kombu and koji crust served with a horseradish cream and hwayo au jus. Other cuts include a Bone-In Ribeye, 34oz Porterhouse, 42oz Tomahawk and a Thick Cut Galbi. Four types of Japanese A5 Wagyu are offered starting at $23 an ounce. Other options inclue Grilled Chicken with Diane Sauce, Olive Jeju Flounder with pine nut almondine and an Eggplant Katsu. For dessert, there's Baked Alaska.

Cocktails include the Bola, a smoky concoction made with grilled purple cabbage infused mezcal, rye and abisnthe, and The Biltmore with Mizu Green Tea Shochu. Gin, Lillet Blanc and Sakura bitters. But our favorite was the Paradise, a mix of Toki Whisky, cacacha, bourbon, jackfruit, banana, coconut water and purple yam with a condensed and evaporated milk float. It reminded us of creamsicle. Simply fantastic.

So, if you are looking for place before or after a show, or for A night on the town, Gui Steakhouse (776 8th Ave) is the place to be!