Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » GoldinBlack – Seattle
GoldinBlack - Seattle
Photo from GoldinBlack
GoldinBlack at a glance
Seattle Uptown
- 🥢 Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 86 of the guests
#684 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#8 Korean Restaurant out of 9 in Seattle
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
461
Reviews
60.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Cozy ambiance
- Flavorful food
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Food inconsistency
- Slow service
The restaurant GoldinBlack invites you to experience authentic Korean flavors right in the heart of Seattle’s vibrant Uptown neighborhood. This cozy and casual Korean restaurant offers a delightful escape, whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
You’ll find a menu rich with healthy options, alongside an impressive selection of happy hour drinks, wine, beer, and expertly crafted cocktails. It’s a perfect spot for a memorable dining experience.
Overview: Introducting GoldinBlack
GoldinBlack offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often highlighted by its friendly owners and attentive staff. Many appreciate the cozy ambiance that makes for a relaxing meal.
However, some patrons have noted concerns regarding the overall value for money and occasional inconsistencies in the culinary offerings, suggesting a mixed experience for certain dishes.
Good
6.5
out of 10
461
Reviews
60.3%
Satisfaction
155
negative
28
neutral
278
positive
GoldinBlack holds a 6.5 Restaurant Score, indicating a generally positive experience, though customer satisfaction sits at a 60.3%, suggesting some mixed feelings among its 461 patrons. The Service (7.7) and Ambience (7.0) are clearly strong points, often praised for their welcoming nature.
However, the Food (6.4), while often enjoyed, shows room for improvement, with some recent concerns about consistency. The Value (3.4) is where the restaurant struggles most, frequently cited as a drawback by many, with 155 negative remarks contrasting with 278 positive ones.
What people like
- Attentive, friendly service
- Cozy, welcoming ambiance
- Flavorful Korean dishes
What people don't like
- High prices
- Inconsistent food quality
- Slow service
GoldinBlack offers a pleasant dining experience, particularly if you prioritize a warm atmosphere and attentive service. The Recommendation Score of 6.4 suggests it’s worth considering, especially for those seeking a casual spot with good vibes.
However, be mindful of the pricing and potential for varied food experiences. If you’re looking for consistent value and traditional Korean authenticity, you might find it a mixed bag.
It’s a place to try if the atmosphere and service are your main draw.
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Verdict: Our expert take on GoldinBlack
Food (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners have found delightful experiences, with 183 positive remarks out of 315 total comments. Guests often praise the fresh ingredients, flavorful dishes, and generous portion sizes, especially highlighting the vegetarian options and specific items like Bibimbap and Tteokbokki. The overall food score sits at an average 6.4, suggesting a generally pleasant culinary journey.
However, the culinary experience can be a mixed bag, with 109 negative comments contributing to a mixed 58.1% customer satisfaction. Some patrons reported inconsistent food quality, dishes that often lack flavor, or were bland, and occasionally skimpy portions. Concerns about cheap quality noodles and microwave food also surfaced, indicating areas for improvement.
Food
315
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
109
negative
23
neutral
183
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful ingredients
- Many vegetarian options
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Often lacks flavor
- Not authentic Korean
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. I really liked the food and appreciated the many veg options they offer. However, I'm giving it 4 stars because the price was a significant drawback.
- FoodFood is still delicious
- bibimbapI don’t think I’ve ever had better bibimbap, it was perfectly seasoned
- BibimbapTheir vegetable delight of Jajang, Kimchee Fried Rice, Bibimbap and Tteokbokki are all yummy!!
- Korean foodbest Korean food I've ever had, hands down
- brothThe broth is so flavorful yet light
- kimchiIt's a quaint little restaurant with very friendly people. The most amazing kimchi I've ever had! Do not skip this gem!
- menuvery nice menu that covers a wide range of Korea foods
- portionsthe portions were perfect
- ramenThe ramen is spicy for this white lady, but we enjoyed it a lot
Frequently criticized
- foodI ordered the Bibimbap and was quite disappointed, as I don't expect fresh raw spinach and purple cabbage in my bibimbap. Overall, I am disappointed with the food. Additionally, they no longer serve alcohol (soju and makgeolli).
- Korean foodThey used to have so many great dishes. Sadly, this is far from Korean food anymore; it's fusion now. As for a restaurant now, it's still a place to eat for the atmosphere.
- food qualityMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. While older reviews were good, the food quality has become terrible, possibly due to a change in ownership or kitchen staff. The dishes are barely recognizable as Korean cuisine.
- Avocado rollsThe Avocado rolls were awful. ... tasted like nothing.
- bibimbapdishes filled with bahn mi veggies rather than the traditional sides you’d see in a bibimbap
- qualityI used to go to this restaurant on a monthly basis for years. The food is phenomenal, but the quality has really gone down in the last year or so. The Kimchi Bulgogi Tacos used to be loaded with food, but now it’s really sad, and skimping on portions.
- BibimbapI’d the Bibimbap and was quite disappointed. I don’t expect fresh raw spinach and purple cabbage in my bibimbap.
- KimchiNo Kimchi came with our food just a little bit of spicy kimchi cabbage.
- menuThe menu looked so odd!!!! Mentioning ramen and Korean something with Chinese style?
- sauceHowever, the Bibimbap I had today was a crushing travesty in comparison. It was bland, tinny-tasting, with skimped vegetables and hardly any sauce. The rice was overcooked, and the tofu was undercooked.
If you're seeking fresh ingredients and potentially generous portions with good vegetarian choices, it might be worth a try. However, be prepared for an inconsistent experience, as the authenticity and flavor can vary, potentially leading to disappointment.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
The service here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.7 and a solid 77% customer satisfaction. Many of the 57 positive remarks out of 74 total praise the staff for being incredibly attentive, super kind, and offering friendly, quick service. Guests often highlight the wonderful owners and dedicated staff who make dining a pleasant experience.
However, it's not always smooth sailing. About 16 comments point to significant waiting times and slow service, with some even mentioning anti-social servers. There are also concerns about unreliable hours, which can be frustrating.
It seems consistency could be improved, especially during busy periods or with new management.
Service
74
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
16
negative
1
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Attentive service
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Slow service
- Unreliable hours
Often praised
- serviceThe food, atmosphere, and service were all fantastic!
- staffAnd their staff are absolutely the best!
- ServiceService:5
- ownerI've been to this place 4 more times and it's always SO GOOD! You gotta get the tteoboki, the Korean tacos, or the Ramen ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ The owner is so nice! She remembers me every time I walk in 😋
- peoplevery friendly people
- serverDuring the Bite of Seattle event, our experience at this restaurant was excellent. Both the host and server were very attentive, and our to-go order was ready in under 15 minutes. The food was delicious and served in very good portion sizes.
- attentivewas very attentive
- customer servicethe customer service is fantastic
- familyNice family but just can’t cook Korean food.
- friendly ownersfriendly owners
Frequently criticized
- serviceIt felt a bit expensive for what it is, and the portion size was a bit small. Additionally, the service was extremely slow, which I attribute to them only having one person working in the front and one in the back. It took an hour to get our food.
- waiting timewait forever to order and get the food
- 14 year old Korean boy took overa 14 year old Korean boy took over
- Google Mapsclosed despite supposedly being open on Google Maps
- Korean serviceThe courteous Korean service was also long gone.
- hoursthe hours are extremely unreliable
- managementhard realization that the management has changed
- order pick-upMy main request to the new owners is to please try not to let customers know who ordered from Ubereats, etc. That their order is ready for pick-up, only for them to arrive and have to wait 10-15 more minutes to grab their order. Now for the food review: I ordered my favorite, Sundubu Jigae.
- patientbe patient since it doesn't seem like they have many workers
- serverServer was anti-social
If you catch them on a good day, youll likely enjoy friendly, attentive, and quick service from a super kind staff. But be prepared for potential waiting times and slower service, especially if theyre short-staffed or during peak hours. Its worth a try if youre not in a rush!
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! The ambience here generally gets a thumbs up, with a solid score of 7, indicating a good overall experience. Many folks loved the cozy atmosphere and chill vibes, often calling it a hidden gem with a welcoming ambiance.
Out of 51 comments, 35 were positive, showing a strong appreciation for the restaurants feel. However, its a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at 68.6%. Some felt the place lost its charm or noted plain tables, while others mentioned issues like a lack of A/C or disliked recent decor changes.
These 14 negative comments suggest theres still room for improvement in certain areas.
Ambience
51
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
35
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, welcoming ambiance
- Chill, positive vibes
- Hidden gem spot
What people don't like
- Lost charm or soul
- Plain, simple decor
- No A/C, too warm
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food, atmosphere, and service were all fantastic!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance is welcoming
- ambiencethe ambience is cozy
- casual spotDefinitely a casual spot
- chill vibesvery chill vibes. Perfect for a relaxing meal.
- experiencemade the whole experience a cozy, delicious, special experience
- family run businesslooks like a family run business
- hidden gemAbsolute hidden gem of Seattle
- interior renovationsrecent interior renovations are modern, minimalist & clean
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereeerily quiet in the restaurant
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- A/CNo A/C
- European decorreplaced it with european decor. Not so good :(
- Italian grandmother abandonedfeels like an Italian grandmother abandoned this place
- Korean decorremoved all korean decor
- Ode to Joynever before have i heard Ode to Joy so many times in one sitting
- charmit seems to have lost its charm
- fancy decorationsThe fish ball soup also really hit the spot. The tables are simple and plain with bar-style chair-stools, so if you're into fancy decorations, this isn't the place for your sketchy Tinder dates. But if you want soulful homestyle Korean food?
- room temperatureThe room is also too warm
So, if youre seeking a spot with generally good vibes and a cozy feel, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that some recent changes or minor comfort issues might not hit everyones sweet spot, leading to that mixed satisfaction.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
Despite a low overall score of 3.4 for value, a small handful of diners (3 out of 21 opinions) found some positives. They noted that the prices were decent or definitely okay, even feeling that they were on par with similar restaurants. However, the overwhelming majority of feedback (16 out of 21 opinions) points to significant concerns.
Many felt the experience was not worth the money, with dishes being quite expensive and often overpriced. This contributes to a very low customer satisfaction of just 14.3%.
Value
21
Reviews
14%
Satisfaction
16
negative
2
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Overpriced dishes
- Poor value
- Soju expensive
Often praised
- pricesprices are on par with similar restaurants
- PricePrice is definitely okay
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was a bit disappointing due to the cost and service. It felt a bit expensive for what it is, and the portion size was a bit small. Additionally, the service was extremely slow, which I attribute to them only having one person working in the front and one in the back.
- SojuThe Soju here is expensive though
- amount chargeddidn’t notice the amount we were charged till later
- expensiveis quite expensive
- menu pricingamount they charged me is different than what is on the menu
- moneynot worth the money
- overpricedIt's a little overpriced
- pricesthe prices $$$$ did not match the quality.
- pricing on the menuall different than the pricing on the menu
- sauce costscheap out on sauce costs
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially pricey experience where the value might not quite match up. The general consensus suggests you might feel youre spending too much for what you get, so manage your expectations accordingly.
How are the prices at GoldinBlack?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 86 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Korean Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what folks usually spend, most prices cluster nicely around this average, with the majority falling between 11 – 30 $, showing a pretty consistent mid-range experience.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 86 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Korean Restaurant in this range. It offers a good balance without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about GoldinBlack
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Bibimbap and Basic Tea
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The tables were like desks, and the tea served was Lipton, which felt very basic. The bibimbap was not traditional, as it lacked gochujang and was filled with banh mi vegetables instead of the expected sides.
The overall food quality and presentation were not up to par.
- tables2
- tea2
- bibimbap1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Lost Charm, Food Not as Good
My recent experience at this restaurant was not bad, but it was nothing special. I visited a couple of years ago, and the food was much better then. Recently, I went again, and it seems the restaurant has lost its charm.
The atmosphere was rated a 2, and the service also received a 2. The food quality was rated a 3. The noise level was very quiet, and I was dining alone.
- food4
- charm3
- atmosphere2
- service2
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Korean Food, Chill Vibes
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the delicious Korean food, which was both super fresh and very flavorful. The chill vibes created a perfect atmosphere for a relaxing meal.
The service and atmosphere were both rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a perfect score.
- Korean food10
- chill vibes9
- fresh food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
3
Quiet Atmosphere, Disappointing Bulgogi Rolls
My experience at the restaurant was marked by an eerily quiet atmosphere. The bulgogi avocado rolls were a letdown, as they contained way too much rice and not enough bulgogi, which prevented the flavors from coming through. The food received a 3 out of 5, service a 4, and atmosphere a 2.
- bulgogi avocado rolls3
- much rice2
- atmosphere2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Authenticity Lost, Food Disappointing
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I suspect there might be new ownership, as the food is definitely not what it used to be. I'm unsure if the new ownership is even Korean, because the cuisine no longer feels like authentic Korean.
The food quality has significantly declined.
- new ownership2
- food1
- authentic Korean1
What GoldinBlack offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is GoldinBlack accessible and suitable for families with children?
Yes, GoldinBlack is designed to be welcoming for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring ease of access. For families, the restaurant is good for kids and provides high chairs, making it a comfortable dining spot for your little ones.
What kind of dining experience and service options can you expect at GoldinBlack?
At GoldinBlack, you can enjoy a versatile dining experience with table service for lunch, dinner, and dessert. For your convenience, takeout and delivery services are also available. The menu features small plates, healthy options, and a full bar with wine, beer, and cocktails.
What is the overall sentiment for GoldinBlack?
GoldinBlack generally receives a **6.5** Restaurant Score, with **Service** (7.7) and **Ambience** (7.0) being highly regarded. However, **Food** (6.4) is average, and **Value** (3.4) is a notable concern.
What do customers appreciate most about GoldinBlack?
Patrons frequently praise the **attentive staff** and **friendly owners**, contributing to a **cozy ambiance** and a generally positive dining **experience**. Many also enjoy specific dishes like the **bibimbap** and **kimchi**.
What are the main areas for improvement at GoldinBlack?
The primary concerns revolve around **pricing**, with many finding it **expensive** or not matching the perceived **value**. There are also mentions of **inconsistent food quality** and occasional **slow service**.