Somaek Korean

Somaek Korean Restaurant in Boston

Somaek is a celebrated Korean restaurant located at 11 Temple Place in Boston’s Downtown Crossing. Opened in March 2024, it has quickly attracted acclaim for its authentic, home-style Korean cuisine, robust bar program, and intimate setting.

Ownership and Culinary Team

Somaek is operated by the BCB3 Hospitality group, founded by three veterans of Boston’s restaurant scene:

• Chef Jamie Bissonnette (Chef/Partner): A James Beard Award winner, Bissonnette is well-known for his previous collaborations at Toro, Coppa, and Little Donkey. With Somaek, he draws inspiration directly from his family: the restaurant’s menu pays homage to the traditional Korean cooking of his mother-in-law, Soon Han, who serves as consulting chef. Han, originally from Anyang, South Korea, is a respected home cook and former school principal. Her recipes and guidance are central to the restaurant’s vision.
• Babak Bina (Partner): A lauded Boston restaurateur with a portfolio that includes JM Curley, Bogie’s Place, and The Wig Shop. Bina is recognized for his enduring commitment to Boston’s hospitality industry and Downtown Crossing.
• Andrew Cartin (Partner): A longtime collaborator with Bina, Cartin also contributes to the sister venues adjacent to Somaek.

The core kitchen team also includes:

• Tong Lee (Sous-Chef)
• Lisa Farmer (General Manager)
• Dennis Dobbins (Assistant General Manager)[9][5].

Menu and Concept

Somaek’s menu is firmly rooted in Korean tradition, eschewing fusion for faithful renditions of classic dishes. Highlights include:

• Plump mandu dumplings
• Steaming doenjang jjigae (fermented soybean stew)
• Haemul pajeon (seafood and green onion pancake)
• Bossam (steamed pork belly with accompaniments)
• Japchae (sweet potato noodles with mushrooms and vegetables)
• A diverse banchan (side dish) selection, featuring several types of kimchi, seasoned cucumbers, stewed potatoes, and more

Chef Bissonnette and Soon Han crafted the menu to reflect genuine Korean flavors, with dishes written in both Hangul and English. The restaurant’s beverage program is notable for its focus on Korean spirits, especially soju and makgeolli, and the namesake cocktail “somaek” (a mix of soju and beer)[1][8][7].

Atmosphere

Somaek offers an intimate dining experience, with seating for just 16 at tables and high-tops, plus a 13-seat bar. The decor is minimalist and modern, featuring earth tones and Korean art, designed to feel inviting and relaxed—ideal for both casual gatherings and special nights out[5][7].

Critical Acclaim and Awards

Since opening, Somaek has earned significant recognition:

• James Beard Award Semifinalist (2025) for Best New Restaurant[6][9]
• The New York Times: Only Boston restaurant named to its 2024 list of America’s Best 50 Restaurants[10][9]
• Boston Magazine: Ranked #2 among the city’s Top 50 Restaurants for 2024[6]
• Boston Globe: BCB3 Hospitality named Restaurant Group of the Year[6]

Sister Establishments

Somaek opened alongside two sister concepts:

• Temple Records: A Japanese-style “listening bar” cocktail lounge next door
• Sushi @ Temple Records: A sushi speakeasy downstairs

All three are part of the BCB3 Hospitality group’s vision for revitalizing Downtown Crossing’s dining scene[6][10].

References

• Somaek Official Website
• BostonChefs.com: Somaek
• Resy Blog: Somaek and Jamie Bissonnette
• Boston Sun: Somaek James Beard Nomination
• Time Out Boston: Somaek Review
• Tripadvisor: Somaek Korean
• The Boston Sun: Somaek NYT Restaurant List