Sura: The King’s Meal (CLOSED)

This East Village Korean spot is a far cry from the barbecues in Koreatown, starting with the ultrasuede banquettes and slick green tableware. Diners can choose from tasting menus such as the five-course King’s meal ($42.95) or five-course Vegetarian Table ($30), or they can build their own, starting with a small bowl of slightly sweet pumpkin congee followed by shiitake mushrooms with lightly fried tofu pancakes. Oven-browned eel topped with cream cheese makes a great main course for the adventurous; others can settle for the usual bibimbap.