On the heels of opening Gui Steakhouse and its corresponding bar and lounge concept Bar92 in February, Michelin-starred chef Sungchul Shim is introducing an intimate chef’s counter concept later this year. Hwaro is slated to open this fall within Gui Steakhouse at 776 Eighth Avenue, according to a release.
A nod to the name of the traditional Korean brazier, Hwaro will feature a 22-seat circular chef’s counter that will highlight innovation and Shim’s heritage in its dishes. It will serve a multi-course tasting menu centered around Korean fine-dining cuisine.
It will fall in line with Gui’s goal to deliver an innovative New York steakhouse experience. Gui focuses on mixing premium dry-aged steaks and classic American steakhouse options with Korean flavors. Gui’s signature steak cuts include USDA Prime steaks and Japanese A5 Wagyu, and the menu also features a caviar service and raw bar towers.
Just as Hwaro will be found within Gui this fall, Bar92 is also found at the same address. Bar92 serves creative cocktails alongside bar bites.
Like its name and menu, Gui’s design is inspired by Korean elements, blending Korean and New York design concepts. Key elements include Shoji-inspired screens, Mother of Pearl inlays, walnut wood tables, brass accents, and natural elements and greenery.
Like Gui Steakhouse and Bar92, Hwaro is expected to reflect this elegant approach to design with Korean influences.
Shim has become known for his Korean-American cuisine. He debuted his first restaurant, Kochi, in 2019, and opened another restaurant, Mari, in 2021. Both earned a Michelin star. He is also behind Mari.ne and DonDon Korean BBQ, which he opened in 2023.
