Tastemaker Guide: Sohui Kim

Walk into Gage & Tollner and you’ll know its walls have stories to tell. The iconically Brooklyn establishment first came to the neighborhood 137 years ago, and has been in its current location, on and off, for the past 129 years. From Day One, it was notable for its exquisite selection of liquors, libations, and fresh food, but really hit its stride in the 50s, when it was named “one of the world’s best seafood restaurants.”  By 1975, it had garnered landmark status, granted by The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. It is the third-ever space in New York City to be designated an interior landmark (in the footsteps of New York Public Library and Grant’s Tomb) and the only standalone restaurant in the city’s history to hold both interior and individual landmark status. In a sad turn, the building was bought out in 2004 and its top floors converted to office space and ground floor cycled through various other restaurants and retailers. Finally, in 2021, Gage & Tollner makes a classy-as-ever comeback with restaurateurs Ben Schneider, St. John Fritzell, and Korean-born chef Sohui Kim partnering at the helm. Inspired by the flavors of its archives and reinvigorated with Executive Chef Sohui Kim’s inventive and meticulous approach, Gage & Tollner is back and better than ever. Eat up, Brooklyn.