Paju - Reviews

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!

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.

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.

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.

I had a really good dinner at this restaurant. The food was tasty, creative, and very well prepared. I will definitely come back.

My experience at Paju was a delightful journey through Korean cuisine, expertly blended with innovative touches. We ordered a variety of dishes, including yellowtail, octopus, bugak, mushrooms, Paju fried rice, seafood jeon, and a New York steak. The Paju squid ink fried rice was the standout dish, offering a deep, rich, and comforting umami flavor that felt truly special. The octopus was perfectly tender, complemented by a well-balanced sauce. The seafood jeon impressed with its crispy texture and balanced seasoning. While other dishes like the fresh yellowtail and crunchy bugak were very good, showcasing the kitchen's consistency, the New York steak felt more conventional compared to the other uniquely Korean-inspired plates. The steak and its banchan were standard, lacking the inventive flair seen elsewhere. Beyond the food, the location is convenient, with free parking available after 4 PM, a significant advantage in the South Lake Union area. The atmosphere is both stylish and welcoming, making Paju a great choice for various occasions. Service was also excellent, rated a 5 out of 5.

My experience at this restaurant was truly enjoyable, and I'm so happy to see elevated Korean cuisine. Our waitress was exactly our vibe - genuine, knowledgeable, and present without being overbearing. Sitting 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. For our main, the NY strip was cooked to the perfect temperature over the fire, though it was a touch dry and could have used a little drizzle of something. I highly recommend the bingsu for dessert. The only minor complaint about the service was receiving our bill along with dessert, which felt a bit like being rushed out. Otherwise, it was a great experience!

I came to Paju for lunch and had their bibimbap. The portion was very generous and the ingredients were great quality, absolutely delicious!

My experience at Paju was incredibly enjoyable! We had such a yummy time. Everything we tried was delicious, with the branzino, celeriac dip, and octopus standing out as definite highlights. These dishes were perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. I highly recommend asking for the special duck dish. The service was excellent, and we will definitely be returning!

My experience at this restaurant was wonderful, especially as we were celebrating our anniversary. The staff were helpful and friendly, contributing to a terrific experience. The menu was outstanding and unique.