ABOUT

Operating under QB Hospitality and taking over the landmark space previously occupied by the iconic Italian restaurant Felidia, Anto Korean Steakhouse is the creation of a new dynamic dining experience that will expand the successful offerings of the Antoya family of brands. This exciting new venue will tie together a Korean steakhouse, a cocktail bar, and a Chef's Counter concept all in one landmark location.

Designed by DESFA GROUP INC, Anto transcends the limitations of traditional New York City architecture by utilizing the space wisely for its purposes, holding in balance respect for cultural tradition while applying a minimalistic approach to bring the vision to life, with use of materials such as rustic metal tile, solid wood, and bronze mirrors. As guests walk through the restaurant, they will be greeted by infinity art installations, a vaulted atrium-style ceiling lit by twin 8-feet skylights, silk patchwork decorations and more.

The creative force behind the kitchen is Executive Chef Imsub Lee. A native of Seoul with fifteen years in New York, Chef Lee has crafted a progressive menu that takes the Anto guest through a series of preparation styles and presentations of the traditional Korean table. A set of additional ‘Siksa’, or sharable kitchen-courses, and a diverse selection of raw and chilled seafood leads us to the butcher block with a selection of American and Japanese Wagyu beef, and Mangalitsa and Iberico Pork as a rotating menu of seasonal specialties.

The Beverage Program is curated by Corporate Wine Director, Joo Lee. Returning to New York from his tenure at the Two-Michelin Star and Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning program of Saison in San Francisco, Mr. Lee has put together an opening wine list of roughly 1100 labels alongside a world class spirits and cocktail program, including traditional Korean Sool, fine and rare Scotch, Japanese whiskies, as well as craft and classic beloved cocktails.

Day to day operations of the restaurant, including culinary experience, wine and spirits curation, and service is helmed by industry veteran, General Manager Joshua Copeland.

From the building structure, to the interior space and decor, and finally to the robust food and beverage program, the experience at Anto is meant to translate appreciation and bring ode to Korea’s rich culture and history, bringing its slow, thoughtful and time-intensive culture to the fast paced environment of New York City.

OUR CULTURE

한지 (HANJI)

Hanji is traditional handmade paper made from the inner bark of paper mulberry, a tree native to Korea that grows extremely well on the rocky mountainsides. It is famous across Asia and holds great cultural value for its stunning white color, ventilation and insulation properties, waterproof properties, and long-lasting, extreme durability.

거북선 (GEOBUKSEON)

The geobukseon, or turtle ship, was one of the most instrumental pieces of military technology in Korea during the Joseon era. With its name derived from its protective shell-like covering made up of iron plates, the ship was used by the Korean Royal Navy to defend Korea from foreign attack and invasion for 400 years.

안동제비원 (ANDONG JEBIWON)

Andong Jebiwon has a 100-year old tradition of making artisanal Korean sauces and pastes, using the most traditional method involving careful selection of soybeans, boiling, fermenting, and maturing over 2 years to produce naturally rich flavors and nutrition. Anto is the exclusive importer of Andong Jebiwon in the United States.

무궁화 (MUGUNGHWA)

Mugunghwa is the national flower of Korea. It bears trumpet-shaped flowers typically in pink and white, and sees prolific flowering over long summer blooming periods. It is highly tolerant of air pollution, heat, humidity, poor soil, and drought. Its significance as the national flower stems from the Korean word mugung (eternity or abundance).

보자기 (BOJAGI)

Bojagi is a traditional Korean wrapping cloth, made most commonly from silk, and is used for wrapping gifts, food, and other items for transportation. The silk patchwork at Anto was custom-made by Chief Textile Designer Mi Hyeon Yoo. Her work has been featured at numerous solo exhibitions in Paris, Vancouver, and in Korea.