Tucked into a lively stretch of the Lower East Side, 8282 stands out among its many neighbors with its modern take on Korean cuisine, earning itself a well-deserved spot on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list. The staff greeted us with genuine enthusiasm and took the time to guide us through the family-style format of the menu. It’s the kind of dining I always gravitate toward. Generous, shared, and convivial.

The littleneck soojebi, a hand-pulled dough soup, proved to be a standout dish. Michelin already recommended it, but it still exceeded expectations. The chewy, imperfect noodles were deeply satisfying, swimming in a briny, comforting broth full of littleneck clams, a clear 9/10 for fans of texture and soul-warming bowls. Equally impressive was the iberico pork galbi. Rich, savory, and marinated to perfection, it delivered bold flavor with each bite. That said, it’s a salt-forward dish so keep your water glass handy. The cocktail selection was also delightful, with some Asian forward ingredients.

The only caveat to note is the dining room’s layout. The space is cozy to begin with, and while we appreciate the need for efficiency in NYC real estate, the tables are packed tightly together, making the flow feel slightly congested. Still, if you're in the neighborhood and looking for a quick yet flavorful Korean bite, 8282 is worth a stop.