Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Kimchi House – Seattle
Kimchi House - Seattle
Photo from Kimchi House
Kimchi House at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- π₯’ Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21β$30
mentioned by 85 of the guests
#192 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#1 Korean Restaurant out of 9 in Seattle
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
481
Reviews
85.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality Food
- Fast Service
- Good Value
Frequently criticized
- Limited Seating
- Service Delays
- Flavor Inconsistency
The restaurant Kimchi House, a popular Korean Restaurant in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood, offers you a truly authentic dining experience. You’ll find a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious meals.
Whether you’re looking for healthy options, small plates, or a quick bite, this spot has you covered. It’s a welcoming place where you can relax and savor the flavors of Korea.
Overview: Introducting Kimchi House
Kimchi House offers a compelling experience, particularly for its well-regarded food and impressive service speed. Many appreciate the generous portions and overall value you receive, making it a place that often leaves a positive impression on diners seeking a quick and satisfying meal.
While the culinary offerings are a strong draw, some aspects of the dining environment, such as limited seating and occasional cold drafts, might be noted. However, the friendly atmosphere and efficient operations often outweigh these minor points for many patrons.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
481
Reviews
85.7%
Satisfaction
47
negative
22
neutral
412
positive
Kimchi House generally earns high marks, reflected in its solid restaurant score of 8.2. Customer satisfaction is also quite strong at 85.7%, indicating that most diners leave pleased with their experience.
This positive sentiment is drawn from a substantial number of reviews, with 412 positive remarks against only 47 negative ones. The Food (8.7) stands out as a particular highlight, frequently praised for its quality and generous portions.
Value (8.0) also scores well, with many finding the offerings economical. While Service (7.6) is generally efficient and friendly, the Ambience (6.7) receives a good score but is noted for some practical limitations like seating.
What people like
- Excellent Food Quality
- Efficient, Friendly Service
- Great Overall Value
What people don't like
- Limited Seating
- Occasional Service Delays
- Inconsistent Dish Flavor
Kimchi House, with a strong recommendation score of 8.5, is a solid choice for those seeking flavorful Korean cuisine with efficiency. It excels in delivering satisfying meals quickly and at a good price point, making it ideal for a casual and hearty dining experience.
If you prioritize excellent food and value over a spacious or formal dining setting, Kimchi House is certainly worth considering. Be mindful of potential wait times during peak hours and the cozy seating arrangements, but expect a generally positive and fulfilling visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Kimchi House
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an 8.7 score and an impressive 91.6% customer satisfaction, diners consistently rave about the delicious and authentic Korean food. Out of 310 remarks, a whopping 284 praise the generous portions, rich flavors, and standout dishes like kimchi fried rice, Bulgogi, and Japchae.
However, a small number of 14 comments did mention some minor hiccups. A few found certain dishes, like some soups or kimchi, to be under seasoned or lacking flavor. There were also isolated concerns about overall flavor being lackluster or seafood not being as fresh as desired.
Food
310
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
14
negative
12
neutral
284
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Korean food
- Delicious flavors
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Under seasoned food
- Flavorless kimchi
- Stale seafood
Often praised
- foodWe all absolutely love this place! It's small but incredibly cozy, and the food is so yummy with generous portions. What impressed us most was the speed of service; we received our food quickly, unlike some other restaurants where you wait an eternity.
- Korean foodThe food was amazing! I'd say this is the best and only Korean food in Ballard. I 10/10 recommend and will be back always.
- kimchiThe single cashier handling front-of-house was exceptionally nice and helpful, managing everything with impressive efficiency. The only minor drawback was the occasional gust of cold wind near the front tables when the door opened, but this was a small price to pay for the amazing sizzling short ribs and kimchi. I highly recommend the Kalbi and the Japchae; they are always the best decision of my week.
- kimchi fried riceOur favorites include the bibimbap, especially when ordered with the hot stone bowl which makes the rice perfectly crispy. The bulgogi and kimchi fried rice are also highly recommended. You'll find good value here with big portions.
- seafood pancakeseafood pancake for about $11.5 and it is so good!
- BulgogiIt's one of my guilty pleasures to get food delivered from here and it's always exactly what I'm looking for, hearty, well seasoned, and generous portions. I highly recommend the Japchae, Kimchi Fried Rice, and Bulgogi. You can eat what you can and enjoy the leftovers like a king.
- portionsThe bulgogi and kimchi fried rice are also highly recommended. You'll find good value here with big portions.
- bibimbapbibimbap (get the hot stone bowl, it makes the rice perfectly crispy)
- bulgogiOur favorites include the bibimbap, especially when ordered with the hot stone bowl which makes the rice perfectly crispy. The bulgogi and kimchi fried rice are also highly recommended. You'll find good value here with big portions.
- japchaeMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The flavors were so good, and I believe it's the best japchae in town. I also highly recommend not skipping the seafood pancake.
Frequently criticized
- soupran out of the soup I wanted to order
- Kimchi Jjigaeout of the Kimchi Jjigae which was the reason
- Korean seafood pancakeIt tasted a little sour
- extra eggstirred in both eggs.... Why? What's even the point of ordering eggs.
- kimchikimchi was flavorless and had zero funk or bite
- kimchi ramenNot a big fan of their kimchi ramen
- overall flavoroverall flavor being lackluster
- portion sizeSOOO tasty. Wish there was more
- rest of the foodrest of the food was pretty under seasoned
- seafoodseafood I ate at Kinchi House must have been stale
If you're craving excellent, authentic Korean food with generous portions, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few minor seasoning issues popped up, the overwhelming majority of diners leave satisfied, making it a solid choice for your next Korean meal.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.6 and customer satisfaction at a good 78.3%, many guests rave about the fast service, friendly staff, and efficient handling of orders. Out of 83 comments, a strong 65 were positive, highlighting quick food delivery, gracious and attentive staff, and convenient self-serve options, making for a satisfying experience.
However, it's not always smooth sailing. About 12 comments pointed to some bumps in the road, mainly concerning long wait times and issues with organization, especially during busy periods. Some folks experienced waiting almost an hour for their takeout or a table, suggesting that while the service can be excellent, there might be times when the timing and overall flow could use a little fine-tuning.
Service
83
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
12
negative
6
neutral
65
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast, friendly staff
- Efficient service speed
- Convenient self-serve
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Poor organization
- Slow dine-in service
Often praised
- serviceThis was my 4th or 5th time visiting, and everything is outstanding. The people are friendly, the food is great, and the service is so fast. The good vibes are all around.
- staffThe staff is also super attentive and accommodating
- take outtried take out from this restaurant
- nice staffvery nice staff
- service speedyou get your food served so quickly
- speed of serviceBoth take out and dine-in are fine. The speed of service is top notch. I would definitely recommend it for a quick economical meal and will definitely return.
- EliasElias was a one man crew (except the cooking) that took great care of everyone.
- attentive and accommodatingstaff is also super attentive and accommodating
- bring you your foodthey will bring you your food
- call-aheadcalled ahead and ran in to grab things
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by terrible service. We were left waiting for a table for 10 minutes, and the staff acted as if we didn't exist.
- closing timeadjust their closing time to 8 pm
- kitchen staffonly 3 ppl working in the kitchen
- organizationNo organization
- tableside servicedo not expect tableside service
- take out orderwaited for more than 50 mins to get my take out order
- timing of the servicethe timing of the service was an issue
- wait timeWaited over an hour to sit down
- waitingwaiting almost an hour after ordering
- waiting for a tableMy experience at this restaurant was marked by terrible service. We were left waiting for a table for 10 minutes, and the staff acted as if we didn't exist. If the restaurant is too busy, they should adjust their closing time to 8 pm.
Overall, you can expect good service here, especially if youre looking for a quick and friendly experience, or if youre opting for takeout. Just be mindful that during peak times, there might be a bit of a wait, so plan accordingly.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
Lets talk about the vibe! This place generally offers a good atmosphere, earning a score of 6.7. Many guests rave about the cozy interior, nice atmosphere, and homely vibes, often noting its a kid-friendly spot.
With 37 positive comments among 58 total, its clear that many find it a welcoming and comfortable environment, perfect for dining in and enjoying good vibes. However, customer satisfaction for the ambience is a bit more mixed at 63.8%. Some patrons have pointed out concerns like limited seating options, the occasional cold wind, and the shared restroom.
With 18 negative remarks, it seems that while the atmosphere can be relaxing, the restaurants size and decor sometimes make it feel more like a takeout spot than a dedicated dining experience.
Ambience
58
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
18
negative
3
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, homely vibes
- Kid-friendly environment
- Relaxing atmosphere
What people don't like
- Limited seating options
- Shared, small restroom
- More takeout focused
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was friendly and happy
- nice atmosphereIt's a self-serve setup, so you can grab your own barley tea, a carafe of water, and even take-out boxes. The restaurant has indoor seating and a nice atmosphere overall. Many people were coming in to pick up takeout orders, so it seems that is a popular option as well!
- placeThis place really hits the spot on a cold and wet day
- Mongolian musicΠΠΎΠ½Π³ΠΎΠ» Π΄ΡΡ ΡΠ³ΡΠΈΠ³Π»ΡΠΆ Π±Π°ΠΉΠ½Π°
- ambianceKimchi House is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Korean cuisine in Seattle. The ambiance, combined with the rich and varied menu, ensures a memorable dining experience.
- ambienceAmbience was good
- bathroomthe bathroom was spotless
- bathroomsthe bathrooms were nice though they needed more stalls.
- cleanlinessthe bathroom was spotless
- comfortablewhere I really feel comfortable
Frequently criticized
- seatingI enjoyed barley tea for the first time and absolutely loved the sides that came with our meals. There wasn't a lot of seating, but the overall atmosphere of the place was relaxing. Would definitely go again.
- atmospherethe atmosphere was not great because there wasnβt enough seats
- cold windtables closer to the front get gusts of cold wind
- decorThe restaurant offers incredible value for the portions served. It's important to note that to compensate for this value, you shouldn't expect tableside service or incredible decor; the focus is purely on delicious food.
- dining atmospheremore like a takeout place than a dining atmosphere
- health ratingplace also has a bad health rating
- insideinside is not very clean
- limited seatingThere is limited seating so we had to wait
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- restaurant sizeI also liked their self-serve station that offers free hot tea. The restaurant is a little bit small, and they only had a shared restroom, which is a minus point, but overall, it's still a place I would come back to for sure.
If youre looking for a cozy, unpretentious spot with good vibes for a casual meal, especially if you dont mind a potentially small space, this place could be a great fit. However, if ample seating, a spacious dining atmosphere, or private restrooms are high on your priority list, you might find it a bit disappointing.
Value (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to getting bang for your buck, this place truly shines! With a solid score of 8 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 86.7%, the value here is genuinely good. Out of 30 comments, a whopping 26 rave about the affordable Korean meal, incredible value, and reasonable priced food, often highlighting the generous portions for the cost.
However, a small handful of 3 comments did express some reservations. While most found the prices and price point excellent, a few felt it was expensive or pricey. It seems that for some, the pricing might be a bit high, though this sentiment is very much in the minority.
Value
30
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Incredible value
- Generous portions
- Affordable meals
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this awesome little restaurant was fantastic! While they don't have many seats, the food is wonderful, served super quickly, and the portions are huuuge for the price. I especially enjoyed the amazing authentic japchae.
- pricesThey offer the usual suspects like kimchi fried rice, bibimbap, and kalbi. The prices are no frills, and it's usually pretty busy at dinner. Both take out and dine-in are fine.
- valueExcellent value and quality food
- PricesPrices were reasonable
- affordableThey even called me proactively to inform me that an item I ordered was sold out and offered a replacement, which was very kind. Overall, it was a super kind, friendly, affordable, and delicious experience.
- affordable Korean mealThis is a hidden cozy spot for a quick and affordable Korean meal. While my previous to-go seafood pancake was a bit soggy, dining in this time was a revelation.
- affordable family meal planAffordable family meal plan!
- cardThey do accept card
- costThe cost was pretty reasonable
- cost littleCost little restaurant
Frequently criticized
- expensiveAlso expensive, as expensive as stone but worse.
- pricewish it wasnβt so pricey
- pricingThe fried rice and chicken dishes are prime, as expected. While the pricing is a bit high, it's standard for Ballard. I'd say it's probably a better place to pick up from than dine in.
If you're looking for a wallet-friendly meal with generous portions, this spot is a clear winner. The overwhelming consensus points to excellent value, making it a solid choice for an affordable and satisfying experience, despite a few finding it a tad pricey.
How are the prices at Kimchi House?
Youβre looking at roughly 22 per person β reported by 85 diners. That puts it in the $21β$30 category. For a Korean Restaurant, itβs comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 22, a good chunk of guests actually spend a bit less, with most prices clustering in the $11β$20 range. This suggests a great mix of budget-friendly and mid-range options available.
Hereβs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 85 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Korean Restaurant in Seattle. It seems to offer a good range of options, catering to different budgets while maintaining a mid-range average.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Kimchi House
Price per Person
- $21β$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Favorite Spot for Fresh and Delicious Food
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Ballard. The food is always fresh and delicious. This place really hits the spot on a cold and wet day.
I usually do take out because I live two blocks away, but they have seating inside as well.
- food9
- place8
Price per Person
- $41β$50
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16β30 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Delicious but Pricey - Worth It!
My experience at this restaurant was consistently positive due to its delicious food. While I found it to be a bit pricey, the overall quality keeps me coming back. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service received a 4.
It's a quiet place, making it easy to have a conversation.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- service8
- price4
Price per Person
- $11β$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Soondobu is Back to its Best!
My experience at this restaurant has been a long journey. I've been a fan since 2019, especially of their soondobu. There was a dip in quality in 2022, which led me to take a break.
However, after trying them multiple times again in 2025, I'm happy to report that the soondobu is back to how I like it. The food quality is excellent, and the atmosphere is great, both rated 5/5. The price per person is between $10β20.
- soondobu9
- food quality10
- atmosphere10
- soup4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Soup ruined by egg mishap
My experience at the restaurant involved ordering the tofu pork soup with extra egg. I specifically requested the extra egg because it's one of my favorite parts of the soup. Unfortunately, they stirred in both eggs, which completely defeated the purpose of ordering them.
I'm left wondering, "Why? What's even the point of ordering eggs. What monster does this?
" While the soup was otherwise fine, the best part was gone. The meal was also expensive, described as "as expensive as stone but worse. "
- tofu pork soup5
- extra egg2
- expensive2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Japchae and Seafood Pancake!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The flavors were so good, and I believe it's the best japchae in town. I also highly recommend not skipping the seafood pancake.
Their in-house gochujan was flavorful and paired perfectly with the stone bibimbap. The crunchy rice and sweet savory sauce were a delightful π€€ yum!
- flavors10
- japchae10
- seafood pancake9
What Kimchi House offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is Kimchi House accessible for everyone?
Yes, Kimchi House ensures a welcoming experience for all guests. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating available, making it easy for you to dine comfortably.
What dining and service options does Kimchi House offer?
At Kimchi House, you have several convenient options. You can enjoy dine-in service for lunch or dinner, or choose from takeout and delivery services. They also offer onsite services for your convenience.
How does Kimchi House generally perform according to diners?
Kimchi House holds a restaurant score of 8.2 and a customer satisfaction of 85.7%. Its Food (8.7) is highly praised, followed by Value (8.0), Service (7.6), and Ambience (6.7).
What are the main strengths of Kimchi House?
Diners frequently highlight the delicious and generous portions of food, particularly dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi. The quick service and affordable pricing are also consistently appreciated.
Are there any common drawbacks to consider before visiting Kimchi House?
Some patrons have noted limited seating, occasional cold drafts near the entrance, and potential wait times for both tables and takeout orders. There are also a few mentions of inconsistent flavor in certain dishes.