Nami Modern Korean Steakhouse
A modern Korean steakhouse by Chef Edward Lee, blending Korean heritage with Southern influences for a unique dining experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Nami Modern Korean Steakhouse
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern Korean steakhouse by Chef Edward Lee, blending Korean heritage with Southern influences for a unique dining experience.
"My meal here was transcendental. The steak was the best I've ever had."
Weekend Brunch Delight
Visit on weekends for a Dim Sum style brunch with unique items like crispy chicken potstickers.
Consider Traditional Options
For traditional Korean food, other local spots like 'Kum's Cafe & Arirang' might be a better fit.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Modern Korean Steakhouse
Price
$$$
Phone
(502) 690-2067
Address
835 E Main St Ste. 106, Louisville, KY 40206, USA
Website
nami-restaurant.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Transcendental Steak Experience
Indulge in the best steak ever, with delicious sides that make the meal transcendental. A must-try for steak enthusiasts.
Divine Brunch & Dim Sum
Enjoy a unique Dim Sum style brunch on weekends featuring creative items like crispy chicken potstickers.
Modern Korean Flavors
Experience authentic Korean flavors with American twists in this modern take on Korean cuisine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Weekend Brunch Delight
Visit on weekends for a Dim Sum style brunch with unique items like crispy chicken potstickers.
Consider Traditional Options
For traditional Korean food, other local spots like 'Kum's Cafe & Arirang' might be a better fit.
Ramen Recommendation
Try the ramen noodles; they are an excellent dish recommended by staff.
Tips
from all over the internet
Weekend Brunch Delight
Visit on weekends for a Dim Sum style brunch with unique items like crispy chicken potstickers.
Consider Traditional Options
For traditional Korean food, other local spots like 'Kum's Cafe & Arirang' might be a better fit.
Ramen Recommendation
Try the ramen noodles; they are an excellent dish recommended by staff.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nami Modern Korean Steakhouse receives praise for its innovative approach to Korean cuisine, with many diners highlighting the steak as the best they've ever had and enjoying the unique brunch offerings. While the service is generally noted as excellent and friendly, some guests feel the restaurant leans more towards an American steakhouse with Korean-inspired flavors rather than authentic Korean cuisine, and a few have found certain dishes to be underwhelming or overpriced.
"This was a really interesting restaurant to visit–at first I thought I was in the wrong place because the area was so quiet and it didn’t seem like a fit with all the new builds in the area, but there it was. I had heard about it on a Korean cooking competition show, and I have to say, after trying it out, it is deservedly famous. The waiter’s recommendation of the ramen noodles was excellent, and I was particularly impressed with the cleanliness of the bathroom–it was noticeably immaculate.
Photos captured on the Vivo x200 Ultra"
Samuel
"I saw some reviews mentioning that the waitstaff were rude, but my experience was actually very positive. Our waitress was polite and friendly. The service was definitely 10/10.
The banchan was fairly typical for a Korean restaurant. We received four small side dishes, which were just okay. I was expecting crunchy kimchi, but it was a bit too watery. The salad was actually the best part of the set.
The ribeye was flavorful, though slightly overcooked. It came out almost well done, and no one asked how I’d like it prepared. I’m guessing well done is their default.
I know the owner is Korean, but in my opinion, this place doesn’t quite feel like a Korean steakhouse. It’s more like an American steakhouse with few Korean-inspired flavors.
To be honest, I had high expectations because of the Netflix show. It was good, but not amazing. I’d give it a solid 7 out of 10."
Yi Huang
"I don't mean to use superlatives, and it may be the effect of the soju, but my meal here was transcendental. The sides were delicious and my steak was the best I've ever had. Our server was also wonderful. We drove from 5 hours away to eat here and at Chef Lee's other restaurant on Magnolia over Easter weekend, and I'm so glad we did. We even came back to Nami for brunch before driving back and that was divine as well. If you live in the area, you need to go here for food."
Zachary Wright
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Nami is known for its modern take on Korean cuisine, particularly its steaks, which are often described as transcendental. They also offer a popular weekend brunch with dim sum style items.
Nami offers a modern interpretation of Korean cuisine, blending Korean heritage with American influences. Some guests feel it leans more towards an American steakhouse with Korean flavors.
Nami features Dim Sum style brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, with a menu that changes weekly.
While reservations may be easier to secure than at some other celebrity chef restaurants, it's always advisable to book in advance, especially for weekend brunch or peak dining times.
The menu features creative dishes that may accommodate dietary preferences. It's best to check with the restaurant directly for specific vegan and vegetarian options.
Nami features a sleek, minimalist design with comfortable seating, including plush velvet booths, creating a trendy and upscale atmosphere.
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A post shared by Nami Modern Korean Steakhouse (@namisteakhouse). Chef Edward Lee’s most recent venture is a modern Korean steakhouse in Butchertown. This spot offers both classic seating and grill tables for Korean BBQ. Highlights include kimbap, bibimbap and taiyaki, a fish-shaped pastry filled with chocolate pecan pie.
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Run my celebrity chef Edward Lee, this popular modern Korean steakhouse in NuLu was named to the USA TODAY Restaurants of the Year 2024 list. Lee is known for appearing on TV, winning a James Beard Award, and also running 610 Magnolia in Louisville, among other popular restaurants. In 2023, he was invited to the White House to cook a state dinner honoring South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee.
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In Butchertown, chef Edward Lee’s Nami is a modern Korean steakhouse that’s earned a spot on USA Today’s Best Restaurants list. The menu features dishes like galbi short ribs and Korean-style fried chicken in a sweet-tangy sauce, blending Lee’s Korean heritage with Southern influences. The sleek, minimalist design complements the innovative cuisine, making it a standout in Louisville’s dining scene.
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From the great mind of Chef Edward Lee we have his newest endeavor, Nami, which features Korean cuisine with a modern take. Saturdays and Sundays Nami features a Dim Sum style brunch. While the menu changes weekly, some of the past menu items have included crispy chicken potstickers, five spice duck spring rolls, Korean fried chicken, and a Kimchi bimbibap ball.
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NYC-based chef and author Edward Lee has had experience opening a few highly successful Louisville restaurants, including another local favorite, 610 Magnolia. Nami Modern Korean Steakhouse is one of his latest ventures, featuring fresh takes on traditional, savory Korean favorites.
Reddit - Dive into anything
I know there are a lot of Arab/middle eastern restaurants but I was wondering if there were other cuisines (Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Korean, etc.) that also offer halal options even if the whole restaurant is not halal.
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The brainchild of Chef Edward Lee, Nami is his first venture back into his heritage cuisine since his days in New York City. Nami dining is a different type of Korean dining. Think of it as an elevated Korean steakhouse.
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Nami Modern Korean Steakhouse: A modern take on traditional Korean cuisine, Nami Restaurant has been named one of the best restaurants in the US by Esquire and USA Today.
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