Momofuku Ko

David Chang's Ko is a site of wonderful duality, as it is effectively two restaurants under one roof. Gastronomes flock to the front counter for chef Sean Gray's 17-course tasting menus, which are difficult to book. Diners can drop in at any time and chart their own course, with a burger and a beer, or a glass of grower champagne and Gray's famed duck and foie gras pithivier, for example (meat pie). Everything has the recognizable Momofuku DNA: American food with a strong Asian (particularly Japanese) flavor and a dash of rebellious personality.

At Ko, the employees are inspired by the Japanese kaiseki tradition as well as seasonality, their mentors' and peers' inventiveness, food memories, and the diversity of cuisine accessible in New York City's melting pot.

• Website: ko.momofuku.com
• Location: 8 Extra PlaceNew York, NY 10003
• Phone number: +1 212 288 0033