Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Paju – Seattle
Paju - Seattle
Photo from Paju
Paju at a glance
Seattle South Lake Union
- 🥢 Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 112 of the guests
#547 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#6 Korean Restaurant out of 9 in Seattle
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
811
Reviews
65.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Creative cuisine
- Attentive staff
- Pleasant atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High price
- Service inconsistency
- New location issues
The restaurant Paju, a vibrant Korean restaurant in Seattle’s bustling South Lake Union neighborhood, invites you to an unforgettable dining experience. You’ll discover a trendy atmosphere perfect for a casual yet upscale evening.
Whether you’re seeking delicious small plates, refreshing happy hour drinks, or a full dinner, this spot offers a cozy and romantic setting. It’s a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Korean flavors in a stylish environment.
Overview: Introducting Paju
Paju presents a dining experience where culinary innovation often takes center stage, with many guests commending the creative `food` and attentive `service`. The restaurant aims to deliver a memorable meal, focusing on distinct flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.
However, some diners have noted challenges regarding the `price point` and portion sizes, which can impact the overall `value` perception. The `ambience` of the new location also draws varied opinions, suggesting a shift in its character.
Good
7.1
out of 10
811
Reviews
65.6%
Satisfaction
215
negative
64
neutral
532
positive
Paju achieves a good Restaurant Score of 7.1, indicating a generally positive dining experience. However, Customer Satisfaction stands at a mixed 65.6%.
This suggests that while many patrons enjoy their visit, a notable portion has reservations, creating a balanced but not universally acclaimed reception. The Food (8) is a clear strength, frequently praised across 96.1% of reviews and accounting for 63.9% of all opinions.
Service (5) garners significant attention, mentioned in 67.7% of reviews, though its score is average. The Ambience (7.2) is generally well-received, but Value (3.5) is a weaker point.
With 811 total opinions, including 532 positive and 215 negative, there’s substantial feedback to consider.
What people like
- Exceptional food creativity
- Attentive, friendly service
- Inviting, calm ambiance
What people don't like
- Small portions, high price
- Inconsistent service experience
- Mixed new location ambiance
Paju offers a culinary journey with its highly-rated food and generally pleasant atmosphere. With a 7.4 Recommendation Score, it’s certainly a place to consider for its unique dishes and attentive staff.
If you prioritize innovative flavors and a refined dining setting over generous portion sizes and a lower price point, Paju could be a delightful experience. However, be mindful of the potential for a mixed service encounter or a less intimate ambiance in its newer setting.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Paju
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, Paju truly shines with a good score of 8 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.8%. Diners frequently praise the creative food, bold flavors, and stunning presentation. With 403 positive remarks out of 518 total, many found dishes like the tender octopus and unique Korean fusion cuisine to be exceptional, showcasing impressive chef's talent and creativity.
However, there are some areas where the food could improve, as noted in 66 negative comments. Some found the fried rice to be bland, and concerns were raised about small portions and occasional saltiness. While the creativity is appreciated, a few experiences pointed to a lack of depth in flavor or an overly salty dish, suggesting some inconsistency.
Food
518
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
66
negative
49
neutral
403
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative Korean fusion
- Bold flavors
- Stunning presentation
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Inconsistent flavor
- Occasional saltiness
Often praised
- foodHonestly, given their system, they really shouldn't be asking for tips and insisting they won't take any. Despite these points, I still highly recommend the food.
- octopusSitting at the Chef's counter was a great experience. We started with the beef tartare and octopus, both of which were incredible, but the octopus was extraordinary. The mushrooms with white kimchi were something special.
- FoodFood:5
- yellowtailThe yellowtail was a light refreshing salad-esque starter, with a good sweet/spicy mix, and fresh fish.
- mushroomsMy wife and I had dinner here last night and ordered the gem salad, tartare, mushrooms, fried rice, and bulgogi. Outside of the mushrooms, we thought everything else was just OK. There wasn't much flavor overall, and we couldn't taste many of the ingredients listed on the menu for each dish.
- OctopusHowever, I expected there were more flavors in seasoning. * Octopus (5/5⭐️): MY FAVORITE 😍❤️ Super flavorful and delicious. Love how they combine everything together to make it the perfect bite of Octopus.
- beef tartareThe food was excellent, with the bugak being a unique and delicious standout. The crispy nori served with the bugak and beef tartare was the perfect vessel for both dishes. The squid ink fried rice was incredible, and the octopus was cooked perfectly.
- fried riceThe ambiance was amazing, and the food was delicious. We ordered octopus, mushrooms, and fried rice to share, and I loved every single bite. Their duck special was also good, though the portion was small.
- menuThe dishes were both creative and delicious. I'm already looking forward to coming back to try more of the menu.
- bingsubingsu which was really tasty. ... still incredible taste
Frequently criticized
- foodFrom taking our order to serving the food, the server was uninterested and unprofessional. The fried rice (볶음밥) was good, but everything else was disappointing. The octopus (문어요리) was undercooked, the Sujaebi (수제비) didn’t taste like Korean food at all, and the duck dish (스페셜메인 오리요리), which was supposed to be a special, was super gamey, tough, and barely edible.
- portionsthe portions are disrespectfully tiny
- fried ricefried rice was our least favorite. It didn’t have much flavor
- menuThe wine selection felt very old-school and classic, lacking variety. Overall, there's definitely room for improvement with the menu to make the dishes more exciting, colorful, and appetizing.
- cuisinemediocre cuisine for a high price
- dishesThe dishes came out rapidly, one at a time.
- pajeonput okonomiyaki sauce and katsuobushi on top of the pajeon, which hid any flavor
- platesI had high expectations given the hype from my friends and family, but this restaurant just seems overhyped. The plates are incredibly small and expensive - at least $20 for a "tapa" sized plate. I appreciate the chef's creativity in their dishes, but the execution was not there as the plates lacked flavor and depth.
- portion sizesportion sizes are small
- Jasmine SpritzJasmine Spritz being a bit too diluted
If you're looking for creative Korean fusion with bold flavors and beautiful presentation, Paju is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might have smaller portions or occasional flavor inconsistencies, so choose wisely!
Service (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
Service here seems to be a real mixed bag, with an average score of 5. Many diners have experienced truly stellar moments, raving about the excellent service from knowledgeable staff who are often described as attentive and helpful, making for smooth reservations and great recommendations. Based on 63 positive remarks, guests appreciate the genuine and professional interactions.
However, the customer satisfaction for service sits at a rather low 38.9%, reflecting the 92 negative comments out of 162 total. Many guests encountered slow service, long wait times, and felt rushed during their meal. Some even reported unfriendly staff or being ignored, leading to a less than ideal dining experience and highlighting significant areas for improvement.
Service
162
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
92
negative
7
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent service
- Knowledgeable staff
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Unfriendly staff
- Feeling rushed
Often praised
- serviceThe bulgogi had a crispy quinoa element that took the texture to the next level. The service was excellent and attentive. Definitely will be back.
- ServiceDespite several new faces in the kitchen and front of house, they are functioning well in their new space. Service was, as always, professional, attentive, and friendly. As a Paju fan since pre-pandemic, I have nothing but good wishes for this lovely restaurant.
- staffHelpful and friendly staff gave us a terrific experience.
- reservationAlso glad we made a reservation! It fills up FAST!
- serverWe had to hold onto our glasses to prevent them from being knocked over, and frankly, I don't want someone's posterior inches from my face while I'm trying to eat and they're standing in the tiny gap conversing. That said, our server was warm but appeared pressured, as if she'd had a long day. The hostess seemed unhappy to seat another party at 8 PM.
- waitressOur waitress was exactly our vibe - genuine, knowledgeable and present
- BillBill is also super friendly and welcoming
- ServersServers were also very professional and accommodating
- amazing servicedelivered amazing service
- attentivewere very attentive with things such as refilling waters and clearing plates
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was quite negative. The service was slow, and the food unfortunately hurt my stomach for the following week, likely due to their use of raw egg.
- staffThe food was good, but the service was a bit slow. I believe they need more staff on the floor. We were only checked on once and weren’t asked if we wanted another drink until we finished all our meals.
- hostessWe had high hopes for Paju after their move to SLU, having enjoyed their old location. Unfortunately, our recent dining experience was marred by an awkward encounter with the hostess. While the food was decent overall, some classics like the Paju Fried Rice were less impressive than remembered.
- serverserver wanted to take out branzino even though we had the banchan, head, and tail left
- waiterwaiter came by and said, “if you take that last bite off the plate, I can clear this for you.”
- hospitalitylearn a lesson in hospitality
- line of peopleSimilar to what another reviewer mentioned, we showed up early for our reservation, and there was already a line of 8 people in the very small waiting area. Nobody was greeted by a host; we were all ignored for about 10 minutes before anyone acknowledged the long line of people in the front of the restaurant. When we finally got seated, we were given menus, and that was the last time anyone acknowledged us for another 20 minutes.
- waitProceeded to wait for 10 minutes without a word
- accommodatingrestaurant was not accommodating
- allergiesshe didn't seem to really get it. There was a pear allergy
If you're considering a visit, be aware that service can be a bit of a gamble. You might experience fantastic, attentive care, but also be prepared for potential long waits or feeling rushed, especially during peak hours.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
The ambience here is generally well-received, scoring a good 7.2 with a solid 71.4% customer satisfaction. Many of the 60 positive opinions highlight the old restaurant charm, date night appeal, open kitchen concept, and moody lighting, creating a stylish and welcoming vibe. Yet, 20 negative comments out of 84 total point to some drawbacks.
Concerns include cold air drafts, a factory-like vibe, and it getting loud quickly. Some also mentioned gnats and a feeling of being rushed, particularly in the new location, which some feel lacks the warmth of the old.
Ambience
84
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
20
negative
4
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Date night spot
- Stylish interior
- Moody lighting
What people don't like
- Loud and crowded
- Factory-like vibe
- Cold air drafts
Often praised
- atmosphere” I mean, he could approach the problem in a friendlier way or make a joke about that. Otherwise, we enjoyed the vibes, atmosphere, and especially the food at Paju 🫶🏻
- AtmosphereAtmosphere and service was top notch
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. The ambiance was amazing, and the food was delicious. We ordered octopus, mushrooms, and fried rice to share, and I loved every single bite.
- decorloved the decor here
- locationBeyond the food, the location is convenient.
- vibeThe old location gave a different vibe - cozy and intimate.
- Chef’s counterWe sat at the Chef’s counter, and it was great
- ambiencePaju was amazing from food, presentation to the ambience.
- calm and quietambiance is calm and quiet
- date nightmade for a perfect date night
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was just okay, but the restroom was filthy
- new oneThe new one seems to be geared more towards corporate dinners
- ambiencethe service and ambience is a miss in the new location
- cold airDespite the restaurant being fairly empty, we were packed in with two other tables, inches apart. We were also seated next to the back door, with people constantly walking past to get outside, blasting us with cold air. I observed workers streaming out of the offices through the large glass windows – a classic SLU experience.
- environmenta mediocrely upscale environment
- factory-like vibea factory-like vibe
- gnatsnats were flying all around by the open windows.
- loudit gets loud quickly
- new locationI’m sad to say I’m not a fan of the new location
- parkingParking space:Difficult to find parking
Overall, if you're seeking a modern, stylish setting with intimate lighting for a special evening, the ambience here is often a hit. However, be mindful that some find the new location can feel rushed or get noisy, so consider your preferences.
Value (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
While some guests appreciated the competitive prices and a decent wine list without excessive markups, the standout positive for many was the availability of free parking. However, with a low customer satisfaction of just 12.8%, these few bright spots are often overshadowed, contributing to an overall poor score of 3.5. Unfortunately, the overwhelming sentiment, with 37 negative opinions compared to only 6 positive, points to significant issues.
Many found the experience pricey due to small portions, mandatory tips, and various surcharges. Concerns about reservation charges and hidden fees also frequently popped up, making the bill feel quite steep.
Value
47
Reviews
12%
Satisfaction
37
negative
4
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Free parking available
- Fair wine list
What people don't like
- Mandatory service fees
- Overpriced small portions
- Hidden surcharges
Often praised
- PricesPrices were reasonable for what they offered
- competitive pricesThey offer competitive prices
- free parkingthere’s free parking available after 4 PM, which is a big plus
- pricedecent price for the area
- pricesprices are right
- wine listwine list is good without obscene markups
Frequently criticized
- priceI do think paying this much for food that’s not going to fill you up does detract slightly from my score
- pricesThe prices are expensive even for Seattle
- price pointThe beef tartare with seaweed was also yummy. My only reservation is that the portions for dishes felt small given the price point, which prevents it from being a more frequent dining spot. However, it remains a great special treat.
- mandatory tip25% MANDATORY tip for party of 6
- overpricedpretty overpriced
- service charge25(!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)% mandatory service charge for groups
- 3% surchargeThe 3% surcharge written hidden somewhere in a corner isn’t it.
- PricePrice has increased significantly (x2) on top of that as well.
- better optionsWay better options around
- billI appreciate the chef's creativity in their dishes, but the execution was not there as the plates lacked flavor and depth. The bill came out to be $130 after tip and tax for 2, and we were still hungry. The ginger bingsu saved the night.
If youre highly sensitive to pricing and hidden fees, this place might disappoint. While there are a few perks, the overall value proposition is weak, suggesting its best reserved for a very special occasion where cost isn't a primary concern.
How are the prices at Paju?
You’re looking at roughly 66 per person – reported by 112 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Korean Restaurant in Seattle, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While many guests spend around this average, the pricing also shows a good spread towards more premium options, offering something for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 112 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant to similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, for a Korean restaurant in Seattle, we think the pricing feels fair, especially considering the range of experiences available. It seems like a great spot for both a solid mid-range meal and a more special occasion.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Paju
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Delicious Korean Fusion with a Price Tag
My experience at this restaurant was a culinary adventure with Korean fusion flavors. Every dish was outstanding, but the bugak and the octopus were truly special. I'd also recommend saving room for the bingsu for dessert.
However, be aware that the portions are pretty small, and the prices are high. There's also a mandatory 3% surcharge with no clear explanation. While it's not the most upscale restaurant, you should save it for a special occasion to save your wallet.
We spent $250 for 2 without any alcohol!
- bugak10
- octopus10
- bingsu9
- portions3
- prices3
- surcharge3
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Great Flavors, Small Portions
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, positioning it as one of the best mid-tier options in Seattle. The curated flavors in each dish were impressive. I particularly enjoyed the dry aged steak, finding its portion size surprisingly decent for the price.
My recommendations include the squid, the yellowtail for its unexpected refreshing taste, and the squid ink fried rice. The steaks are good for special occasions, though they lean towards the leaner side, but remain tender. The beef tartare with seaweed was also yummy.
My only reservation is that the portions for dishes felt small given the price point, which prevents it from being a more frequent dining spot. However, it remains a great special treat.
- curated flavors9
- dry aged steak8
- squid8
- portions for dishes4
- price point4
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Paju's New Direction: Mixed Feelings
Paju has been my favorite restaurant for years, and I've always been excited about their unique food, including their fried rice, bingsu, and appetizers. However, since their move, I'm sad to say I'm not a fan of the new location or its direction. The old location had a cozy and intimate vibe, perfect for taking friends and family.
The new location seems geared more towards corporate dinners, and the price reflects this change. The 3% surcharge, hidden away, is also a drawback. Prices have significantly increased, doubling from before.
- food10
- old location8
- vibe8
- new location3
- new one3
- price2
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Food, Amazing Ambiance, Worth the Price
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. The ambiance was amazing, and the food was delicious. We ordered octopus, mushrooms, and fried rice to share, and I loved every single bite.
Their duck special was also good, though the portion was small. While it's pricey, the food is definitely worth it. I would come back many more times.
The place was packed, so I definitely recommend making a reservation.
- food10
- ambiance10
- octopus10
- portion4
- price4
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious and Well-Prepared Food
I had a really good dinner at this restaurant. The food was tasty, creative, and very well prepared. I will definitely come back.
- food9
- food preparation9
What Paju offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What dining options and amenities does Paju offer?
At Paju, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert with comfortable seating and table service. The restaurant also features an onsite bar, perfect for enjoying cocktails, wine, or beer. You’ll find a restroom available for your convenience.
Is Paju accessible and what are the parking options?
Yes, Paju is fully wheelchair accessible, offering an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom to ensure comfort for all guests. For parking, you have convenient options including both paid parking garages and paid street parking available nearby when you visit.
How does Paju generally score with diners?
Paju holds a good Restaurant Score of 7.1, driven by its strong Food (8) and well-regarded Ambience (7.2). However, Service (5) is average, and Value (3.5) is a weaker point.
What are Paju's culinary strengths?
Diners frequently praise Paju’s creative and delicious dishes, with particular highlights on items like the octopus and beef tartare for their unique flavors and execution.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Paju?
Some patrons note that portions can feel small for the price point, and the ambience of the new location has received mixed feedback, with some finding it less intimate than before.