Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Seoul Tofu & Jjim – Seattle
Seoul Tofu & Jjim - Seattle
Photo from Seoul Tofu & Jjim
Seoul Tofu & Jjim at a glance
Seattle Capitol Hill
- π₯’ Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21β$30
mentioned by 95 of the guests
#348 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#4 Korean Restaurant out of 9 in Seattle
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
533
Reviews
77.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great service
- Authentic food
- Good portions
Frequently criticized
- Mixed value
- Cold inside
- Parking issues
The restaurant Seoul Tofu & Jjim in Seattle’s vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood offers a delightful Korean dining experience. You’ll discover a menu rich with healthy options, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
The casual atmosphere invites you to relax and enjoy authentic flavors, whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeout, or opting for convenient delivery. It’s a fantastic spot to explore the depth of Korean cuisine.
Overview: Introducting Seoul Tofu & Jjim
Seoul Tofu & Jjim offers a dining experience where genuine hospitality shines, with many appreciating the attentive staff. Guests often find the dishes flavorful and satisfying, reflecting a commitment to quality in the kitchen.
While the interior is generally perceived as clean and quiet, some opinions suggest a mixed perception regarding value , with a few finding aspects of the pricing or offerings less appealing.
Good
7.7
out of 10
533
Reviews
77.3%
Satisfaction
93
negative
28
neutral
412
positive
Overall, Seoul Tofu & Jjim garners a solid Restaurant Score of 7.7 out of 10, indicating a generally positive reception. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 77.3%, suggesting most diners leave content with their experience.
These figures are drawn from a substantial body of feedback, with 412 positive comments against 93 negative ones across 533 total observations. The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food scoring a strong (7.9), often described as authentic and generously portioned.
Service also stands out with a good (7.7), reflecting the attentive and warm interactions reported by many. The Ambience is rated well at (7.2), often noted for its quiet and clean setting, though Value comes in lower at (5.7), indicating some mixed feelings about pricing and perceived worth.
What people like
- Attentive, caring service
- Flavorful, authentic food
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value perception
- Chilly indoor temperature
- Difficult parking
If you’re seeking a place where Food and Service are consistently praised, Seoul Tofu & Jjim is certainly worth considering. The authentic flavors and attentive staff create a welcoming atmosphere that many find quite enjoyable.
However, be mindful of the Value aspect, as some diners have expressed concerns about pricing or specific charges. With a Recommendation Score of 7.9, it leans towards a positive experience, especially if you prioritize quality Korean dishes and good care.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Seoul Tofu & Jjim
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
It seems like the food here generally hits the spot! With a solid score of 7.9 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 81.1%, many diners rave about the delicious seasonal dishes, banchan, and Hot Stone Bibimbap. The portion sizes are frequently praised, making for a satisfying meal, as noted in 257 positive remarks.
However, not every dish is a winner. Some patrons found the classic beef soondubu to be bland or even spoiled, and a few mentioned the banchan tasted old. There were also concerns about the flavor depth and overall authenticity in some of the 45 negative comments out of 317 total.
Food
317
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
45
negative
15
neutral
257
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Korean flavors
- Generous, filling portions
- Delicious, unlimited banchan
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland soondubu options
- Concerns about authenticity
Often praised
- foodThis place is as authentic as it gets; it truly felt like I was a little kid again with my Mom in Korea. The service was wonderful, the banchan was plentiful, and everything was absolutely delicious. Not to mention, it's actually affordable!
- side dishesAccompanying side dishes were great including kimchi and something that looked like sauerkraut but tasted more of sesame.
- banchanThis place is as authentic as it gets; it truly felt like I was a little kid again with my Mom in Korea. The service was wonderful, the banchan was plentiful, and everything was absolutely delicious. Not to mention, it's actually affordable!
- Foodthey are definitely the most flavorful
- Korean foodlots of different style Korean food to choose from
- portionsGood portions and super tasty.
- soondubuGreat place to visit for the soondubu when itβs cold and rainy outside!
- portionThe service was lovely, and the food was delicious. I felt so welcome and truly enjoyed the cooking, which was generously portioned and perfectly seasoned. The atmosphere was also a highlight, rated a 5 out of 5.
- bibimbapSolid bibimbap for a decent price
- fish cakesI will be DREAMING of the original soondubu π€€. Their sides are unlimited, which prompted my boyfriend to order 4 servings of their fish cakes! The chef really is a master of her craft and made a point to go around and greet every patron!
Frequently criticized
- Kimchi Tofu stewKimchi Tofu stew was too cold to cook the raw egg
- banchanThe banchan tasted like last week's batch, very old and mushy.
- braised beef ribsserved in an unnecessary pool of liquid
- kimchiThe side dishes. the kimchi was truly disappointing; I believe even Chinese-made kimchi would be tastier. Kimchi is the lifeblood of Korean food.
- riceThe rice was pure mush, most of the rice kernels had melded together.
- side dishesside dishes...quite lacking as side dishes to stimulate appetite
- soondubusoondubu and it just tasted bad
- spicy fried chickensauce that was vaguely sweet, hardly spicy, and generally unappetizing
- Galbi Jjimthe short ribs used were for soup, not braising
- GalbijjimGalbijjim...tasted like beef jangjorim...and was so tough it felt like chewing beef jerky
If you're looking for generous portions of authentic Korean food, especially their flavorful bibimbap and banchan, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some soondubu dishes might be a bit inconsistent in quality, so perhaps stick to the highly praised items.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at 77.3%, its clear that most diners have a good experience. Out of 132 customer remarks, a whopping 102 were positive, frequently praising the attentive staff, friendly staff, good service, and overall hospitality.
Many found the team to be quick, helpful, and genuinely caring, making for a pleasant visit. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, as 26 negative remarks point to some areas needing attention. Concerns popped up around rude message incidents, alleged discrimination (especially regarding service animals), and a passive-aggressive attitude from some staff.
There were also mentions of waiters being hard to flag down or not refilling drinks, suggesting inconsistency in attentiveness.
Service
132
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
26
negative
4
neutral
102
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great hospitality
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Service dog discrimination
- Unattentive waiters
Often praised
- serviceGreat service! The aunty managing the space was really warm and kind!
- staffWe stopped in here to eat on a whim and were so happily surprised by the hospitality of the staff! The staff constantly checked on us, and the food was absolutely amazing. I got the Hot Stone Bibimbap and it was the perfect portion!
- ServiceThe Service was also top-notch
- ownerowner is a very caring and attentive person
- chefthe chef really is a master of her craft
- customer serviceThe customer service here changed that around completely
- ServerServer explained what everything was
- serverThe food was great, and the service was great. I am allergic to gluten, and the server was extremely careful with her recommendations. Overall, a great experience.
- staff and ownersthe staff and owners are very sweet
- EveryoneThe food was amazing, and the service was great. Everyone was very friendly and eager to help with anything we needed. If you love Korean food and are in the area, I would definitely give this place a visit!
Frequently criticized
- serviceHowever, the service was a bit disappointing. One of the waitresses was kind of rude to our group as she only gave out 3 complementary ice cream bars for our group of 4. The atmosphere was pleasant, rated at 4 out of 5.
- Indian waiterIndian waiter was trying to kick us out
- apologizednever apologized
- businessdefinition of bad business
- communicatingthere are better ways of communicating
- discriminationI feel my dog and I were being discriminated against
- entrydidnβt take us in at 1007pm
- false timesAdvertises false times
- note on receiptI made sure to try before leaving a sour review. My original review was going to be based on the little note left on my receipt. I attempted to order extra Bandhan on DoorDash, but there was no option to.
- owner's reactiondisturbed by the owner's reaction: he apologized in a very improper way
Overall, you're likely to encounter friendly and attentive service here, making it a good choice for a pleasant dining experience. Just be aware that a few isolated incidents suggest there might be occasional inconsistencies, but the positives heavily outweigh the negatives.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
The ambience here generally receives a good score of 7.2, with many guests loving the overall vibe. People frequently highlight the atmosphere, praising its chill vibes, quiet noise level, and cleanliness. Many find it homey and comforting, creating a pleasant setting.
These positive remarks come from 39 out of 57 total opinions, indicating a strong appreciation for the restaurants feel. However, customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 68.4%, suggesting some areas could use a tweak. About 12 opinions pointed out issues like the temperature being chilly inside, sometimes requiring a jacket.
Other concerns included parking difficulties and the lack of a public restroom, ' which can definitely impact the overall comfort and convenience.
Ambience
57
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
12
negative
6
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Chill, quiet vibe
- Very clean space
- Homey, comforting feel
What people don't like
- Chilly indoor temperature
- No public restroom
- Limited accessibility space
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was quiet and enjoyable
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- restaurantThe restaurant is spacious and clean
- authenticityit shows that itβs really authentic
- bathroomthereβs a bathroom
- chill vibeschill vibes during the week
- cleanlinessIt genuinely looks disgusting from the outside, I'm not joking; I initially thought it was abandoned or unsanitary, but I love it. The atmosphere is chill and it feels really clean. The boss runs it with a strict approach, like the navy, but they are super nice.
- cool placeI found it to be a good place with good food and good service. It's a cool place to eat, perfect for spending time with family, friends, or on dates.
- good placeMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. I found it to be a good place with good food and good service. It's a cool place to eat, perfect for spending time with family, friends, or on dates.
Frequently criticized
- parkingThe atmosphere and service were rated a 4, and the food also received a 4. Parking was described as somewhat difficult to find parking, with paid street parking available.
- atmosphereOn the third day of my trip to Seattle, I craved Korean food and visited this restaurant located in Capitol Hill. The walk to the restaurant was a bit unsettling, with people appearing to be under the influence of drugs and homeless individuals filling the streets, but I arrived safely around 11: 30 AM by following Google Maps. Despite it being lunchtime, there were no other customers in the restaurant.
- bamboo decorationbamboo decoration above me got blown away
- chilly insideThe service was good, and I would come back again to try other dishes. The place itself is okay, though it was a little chilly inside.
- kid-friendlinesshalte ich ihn fΓΌr nicht fΓΌr Kinder geeignet
- restroomthey don't give up restroom
- safetysodass man sich hier ziemlich unsicher fΓΌhlt
- tablesOur tables werenβt wiped down properly
- temperatureThe service was okay. However, the atmosphere was quite spartan, and the temperature inside was so cold that I needed to wear a jacket.
- wheelchair accessibilityder Abstand zwischen den Tischen und GΓ€ngen ist ziemlich gering, sodass es fΓΌr Rollstuhlfahrer ziemlich schwierig wΓ€re, sich hier fortzubewegen
If youre looking for a place with a generally pleasant and quiet atmosphere, this spot is a solid choice. Just be prepared for potentially chilly temperatures and plan your parking ahead, as these are common points of feedback. Its a good pick for a relaxed meal, but keep those minor inconveniences in mind.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
Many customers found the value quite reasonable, with 14 positive remarks out of 27 total. Terms like price, fairly priced, and affordable price frequently appeared, with diners appreciating that its often slightly cheaper than most places or offers great price for how much food you get. This contributes to an overall score of an average 5.7.
On the flip side, 10 negative remarks highlighted concerns, with terms like price, overpriced, expensive, and waste of money frequently mentioned. Some felt the cost didnt match the quality or portion size, noting it was definitely overpriced or pretty expensive for what it is. This contributes to a mixed 51.9% customer satisfaction.
Value
27
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable menu options
- Good portions for price
- Reasonable city pricing
What people don't like
- Dishes felt overpriced
- Perceived poor value
- Mandatory high tip
Often praised
- priceOur waiter consistently kept our tea topped up. The food was great and flavorful, with filling portions for the price. A particularly cute and nice touch was the yakult served after meals.
- pricesThe prices are so good for Seattle
- acceptable and reasonableit was acceptable and reasonable
- affordable priceall for an affordable price
- fairly pricedThe owner is a very caring and attentive person, and the staff were equally wonderful. The food was great and fairly priced. I will definitely be back!
- menuaffordable menu
- price per personPrice per person:$10β20
- pricedReasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- custom tiptheir custom tip started at $10 with no way to alter it
- default 18% min tipadjust the default 18% min tip to 15% for the nonexistent service
- discounttried to get away with a 10% discount
- entreesFor a place with $20 entrees, they are completely scamming
- expensivePretty expensive for what it is
- gratuityGratuity should have not been included
- overpricedDefinitely overpriced 28$
- parkingParkplΓ€tze sind hier schwer zu finden, und selbst kostenpflichtige ParkplΓ€tze auf der StraΓe sind selten und schwer zu finden, und die Kosten sind extrem hoch
- priceThey were quite lacking as side dishes to stimulate appetite. The Sundubu Jjigae was just average, but the price was far from ordinary. The Galbijjim, priced at twice the cost of the Sundubu Jjigae, tasted like beef jangjorim (soy-braised beef) and was so tough it felt like chewing beef jerky.
- waste of moneyfelt like a waste of money
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag. If you're looking for an affordable meal that feels like a good deal, you might be pleasantly surprised. However, be aware that some find it overpriced for what you get, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at Seoul Tofu & Jjim?
Youβre looking at roughly 27 per person β reported by 95 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.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests cluster around this $21β$30 price point, with a fair number also enjoying options in the $11β$20 range. So, while there are a few higher-end choices, the majority of experiences fall right in the middle.
Hereβs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 95 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Korean restaurant. You’re getting a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Seoul Tofu & Jjim
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing experience, great food and service!
We came in feeling hangry with two cranky kids. The customer service here completely turned our mood around. The hot tea and food quality made the experience superb, and the desserts at the end sealed the deal for the entire family.
Thank you for the great experience!
- customer service10
- hot tea9
- food quality9
Price per Person
- $21β$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0β5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
1
Disappointing Korean Food Experience
Seattle is in dire need of good Korean food, but I strongly advise against settling for this establishment. My dining experience was incredibly disappointing. Our tables were not properly cleaned, and we received our food without utensils.
We had to retrieve our own from another table as there were no waiters available to assist us. The seafood soondubu was excessively watery and contained very few ingredients besides cucumbers. Our water glasses were never refilled.
When the check arrived, I attempted to adjust the automatic 18% tip to 15% due to the nonexistent service. However, their custom tip started at $10 and could not be altered without an employee's intervention. For entrees priced at $20, this restaurant is essentially scamming customers and hoping they won't notice.
The entire experience was appalling and frankly felt illegal. It's no wonder there was no wait time. Save yourself the mistake I made and dine in Lynnwood or Federal Way instead.
- cucumbers5
- tables1
- utensils1
- waiters1
Price per Person
- $61β$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0β5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Authentic Korean Gem with Great Service
My experience at this Korean restaurant was excellent. I found the food to be incredibly tasty, and the restaurant offers authentic Korean food. I've visited multiple times, and they consistently impress.
The portion sizes are big, and the hot barley tea is great. Furthermore, the staff and owners are kind and friendly.
- authentic Korean food9
- hot barley tea8
- food10
Price per Person
- $21β$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0β5 min.)
3
Friendly Service, Bland Food
My experience at this restaurant was marked by friendly service, which was a definite positive. However, the food itself was quite bland and lacked flavor. The banchan also tasted old, which was disappointing.
- service9
- food2
- banchan2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Tofu Soup and Friendly Service
I've walked by this place a number of times and have always wanted to try it, and today I did. I tried the Tofu soup with pork (S7) and had a cup of hot tea. The soup was delicious, with soft creamy tofu and flavorful broth and pork.
It came with rice, I chose brown, and Korean sides which included 2 kinds of kimchi, fish cakes, and sesame bean sprouts. The service was friendly and I was offered more sides. I'll be back!
- Tofu soup with pork10
- service9
- Korean sides8
What Seoul Tofu & Jjim offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Seoul Tofu & Jjim accessible for all guests?
Yes, Seoul Tofu & Jjim is committed to providing an accessible experience for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, comfortable wheelchair accessible seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring a welcoming visit for all patrons.
What dining and service options does Seoul Tofu & Jjim offer?
At Seoul Tofu & Jjim, you can enjoy a variety of dining options. They offer lunch and dinner with convenient table service for dine-in guests. If you prefer to eat elsewhere, both takeout and delivery services are readily available for you.
What is the overall customer experience like at Seoul Tofu & Jjim?
Seoul Tofu & Jjim generally provides a good dining experience, reflected in its Restaurant Score of 7.7 and Customer Satisfaction of 77.3%. Customers particularly appreciate the Food (7.9) and Service (7.7), while the Ambience (7.2) is also well-regarded. Value (5.7) receives more mixed feedback.
How is the food quality and portioning at Seoul Tofu & Jjim?
The food at Seoul Tofu & Jjim is frequently described as flavorful, authentic, and delicious, with many positive comments on its quality and taste. Portions are often noted as generous and filling, contributing to a satisfying meal.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks when dining here?
Some customers have expressed concerns regarding the perceived value, with opinions on pricing being mixed. Additionally, a few diners have noted that the interior can be chilly, and finding parking in the vicinity might be challenging.