Momofuku Nishi.

By Franky March

A Korean take on Italian? Yes, please.

Momofuku Nishi
232 Eighth Avenue
New York
+1 646-518-1919

If the monstrous line out the door on opening night is anything to go by, Nishi — the latest by famed restaurateur David Chang of Momofuku Group — is set to be revolutionary. Departing from the fast food, fried chicken lovin’ noodle bars he’s known for, Chang’s latest restaurant is taking a leap into the unknown. Head chef Josh Pinsky takes hints from Italian cuisine but interestingly substitutes classic ingredients for more oriental choices, like swapping out Pecorino Romano in the famed ‘ceci e pepe’ (cheese and pepper pasta) for a miso alternative made from fermented chickpeas.