The story
On the southwest corner of King Street and Sixth Avenue in SoHo, King is a restaurant that manages to be both a neighborhood spot and a celebratory destination. The dining room, with its muted tones and white tablecloths, sets a tone that is relaxed, simple, and elegant. The kitchen’s daily-changing menu draws on the traditions of Southern France and Italy, focusing on seasonal ingredients and classic techniques. As Pete Wells noted in his 2018 New York Times review, “what you really notice is how many little moves they know that can raise a recipe from good to exceptional.”
King’s approach to Italian and Mediterranean cooking is evident in dishes like hand-cut tortellini with pesto genovese, or a golden chicken roasted in Volpaia red wine vinegar, served with wax beans, warm lentils, and a mustard vinaigrette. A Sunday lunch menu might feature a carta di musica with marinated heirloom tomatoes, fresh ricotta, and wild oregano, or a soft omelette with chives, zucchini, chèvre, and garden leaves. Desserts include a King chocolate cake and a frangipane and strawberry tart with crème anglaise. The menu changes daily, reflecting what is best at the market.
King offers dinner seven nights a week, weekend lunch, and a morning Café King service. The space includes a dining room, a bar room, and a terrace for open-air dining. Reservations open 30 days in advance, and walk-ins are welcome based on availability. The restaurant’s consistent quality and refined yet approachable style have earned it a place in the Michelin guide, a recognition that feels natural for a kitchen that focuses on elevating simple, well-sourced ingredients.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
Instagram