About Us
Welcome to WANGBI, a fine dining Korean Chef’s Counter concept located within the Mezzanine level of Antoya BBQ in the heart of Koreatown, New York City. When guests enter the space, they will be transported to a refreshing oasis of calm and tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of Antoya’s fast-casual environment.
Operating under QB Hospitality, WANGBI, derived from the Korean word for "Queen" (왕비), pays homage to owner Tony Park's wife, Katherine Wang. This tradition of familial dedication continues from Antoya BBQ, which was named after Mr. Park's son, Antonio.
At the helm of the Chef's Counter is Executive Chef Taewoo Kim. A founding chef of Jua, a Michelin-starred restaurant in NYC for two consecutive years, Chef Taewoo brings over a decade of culinary expertise spanning kitchens in South Korea, Australia, and the U.S. His experience encompasses executive leadership roles, recipe development, and menu planning, ensuring a world-class dining experience for all guests.
The Wine List is curated by Corporate Wine Director, Joo Lee. Following his tenure at Eleven Madison Park (***, Wine Spectator Grand Award) of New York City, and Saison (**, Wine Spectator Grand Award) of San Francisco, Mr Lee will be putting together an opening wine list that complements the intricate Korean flavors of WANGBI’s tasting menu, with wine from regions such as grower Champagne, Rhône Valley, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Italy, and California.
The Beverage Program is curated in collaboration with Master Sommelier Kyungmoon Kim. In 2009, Kyungmoon helped the opening of JUNGSIK in Seoul, South Korea, spearheading the much-lauded wine and beverage program before traveling back to New York to open the second JUNGSIK. After 4 years of running the beverage program at JUNGSIK and two Michelin stars later, Kyungmoon joined The Modern in 2015, helping the restaurant to also earn two Michelin stars and the Wine Spectator Grand Award. In 2016, he joined the Court of Master Sommeliers – currently there are only 273 Master Sommeliers worldwide. Mr Kim will be helping to put together an opening beverage list, including traditional, high quality Korean Sool, for WANGBI to complement the tasting menu.
Designed by DESFA GROUP INC, the intimate, enchanting space draws inspiration from the opulence of the Gyeongbokgung, the principal royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. A small replica of a temple within the Gyeongbokgung, where the court performers entertained the King, floats mid-air beside an exquisite Wangbi Hanbok silk dress (, adorned in vibrant hues of red, gold, and blue–colors often reserved for royalty. Above the Chef’s Counter, an elegant wooden structure echoing traditional Korean architectural design extends from the ceiling. Integrated in the structure is ALTO lighting with anti-glare technology, perfectly suited for capturing the beauty of the interior decor and culinary creations. A Casambi lighting control system delicately replicates natural light, lending the space to a gentle, warm illumination. Other natural elements in the space include stone accents tracing the sides of the Chef's Counter and lush, verdant greenery peeking through the wooden wall paneling.
WANGBI was created to be a sanctuary within a busy, crowded place. From the alluring interior design to the food & beverage program, WANGBI is a place of respite where guests are given the opportunity to travel back in time and dine like a 15th century Joseon Dynasty royal.