Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair is a go-to destination for all things shopping and dining. Along this bustling street, The Montclair Girl team discovered a hidden restaurant tucked just below street level. Hidden in plain sight at 537 Bloomfield Avenue, Seoul Bistro is a new Korean eatery serving authentic cuisine in a sleek, semi-underground space. Read on to learn more about Seoul Bistro in Montclair, New Jersey, and the story behind it.

About Seoul Bistro

Owner and restaurateur Manjong Han immigrated to the United States from South Korea in 2010. After studying business and finance in NYC, he and his wife launched Hanvia Studio, a marketing + design company specializing in branding services for small businesses and influencers.

The majority of Hanvia Studio’s clients were locally owned eateries. Working closely with these businesses and gaining firsthand insight into the culinary industry inspired Mahjong’s next business venture: a restaurant that paid homage to his culture and home, while also providing the Montclair area with authentic, non-Westernized Korean food.

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Seoul Bistro first announced its arrival in Montclair via social media in March 2025. Just a month later, the spot opened underneath Almost Ready Records in the former CM Chicken space, all in an effort to bring traditional Korean flavors to the local foodie scene.

The Menu

The restaurant aims to transport diners to the city of Seoul from the minute they sit down at the table. Inspired by the cuisine of South Korea’s capital, the menu features noodle dishes, rice dishes, soup, and more.

Diners can expect both traditional dishes and elevated street food options, such as the Shin Ramyun Fried Rice, a fusion dish of fried rice seasoned with the spicy and savory flavors of Shin Ramyun. Also on the menu are dishes like the Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles tossed with vegetables, beef, soy sauce, and sesame oil), Soy Garlic Chicken (Korean fried chicken glazed with a rich and flavorful soy garlic sauce), and Spicy Stir-Fried Pork, (marinated in a spicy and sweet gochujang-based sauce).

While the menu is packed with standout appetizers, entrées, and desserts, the true star at Seoul Bistro, and the item the MG team can’t recommend enough, is the Bibimbap, a colorful mixed rice dish featuring a variety of vegetables, ground beef, spicy gochujang sauce, and topped with a fried egg.

No meal is complete without a beverage, and Seoul Bistro has a wide selection on its menu. MG recommends the Green Plum Ade and Yuzu Ade.

The Space

Seoul Bistro strives to provide an authentic dining experience that encompasses not only the food but also the ambiance of the space itself.

The interior of the restaurant, adorned with greenery and complemented by soft colors and contemporary decor, was designed to be a calming space for guests. As a spot that requires a bit of effort to find, it can serve as a hidden escape for those who discover it, which was precisely what Mahjong was striving for.

“We really want our customers to feel good when they come here,” Mahjong said, “just as if they were really in Korea.”

In the future, Manjong hopes to bring the flavors of Seoul Bistro to communities throughout Northern New Jersey. Mahjong even tossed around the idea of opening more restaurants in the Hoboken and Jersey City area (hint, hint, @TheHobokenGirl).

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Montclair locals can visit Seoul Bistro Tuesday through Friday from 11:30AM to 3PM and again from 5PM to 9PM, on Saturdays from 11:30AM to 10PM, and Sundays from 11:30AM to 9PM.