Golden Diner

Golden Diner, tucked beneath the Manhattan Bridge in New York City's Chinatown, is a vibrant reimagining of the classic American diner. Opened in 2019 by chef-owner Sam Yoo, a Momofuku Ko alum and native New Yorker, the restaurant blends nostalgic diner aesthetics - think cozy booths, counter seating, and warm lighting - with a modern, multicultural twist. The interior is compact and inviting, with a retro feel that’s elevated by thoughtful design touches and a bustling, communal energy that reflects the neighborhood’s diversity.

Chef Yoo’s menu is a love letter to both diner staples and Asian-American flavors. Signature dishes include green tea coffee cake, egg and cheese sandwiches on sesame scallion milk buns, and honey butter pancakes with soy sauce-infused syrup. This inventive approach earned Golden Diner a James Beard Award nomination for Best New Restaurant.

Yoo’s culinary philosophy is rooted in comfort and heritage, drawing from his Korean-American background and fine-dining experience to create food that’s both familiar and refreshingly original. Despite operational challenges in its historic building, Golden Diner has become one of NYC’s most beloved brunch spots, often with lines out the door and a loyal following that spans locals and tourists alike.