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oChef » Spice King – Seattle
Spice King - Seattle
Photo from Spice King
Spice King at a glance
Seattle Central Business District
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 101 of the guests
#674 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#16 Indian Restaurant out of 22 in Seattle
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
523
Reviews
63.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Great value
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Poor ambiance
- Inconsistent service
- Hidden charges
The restaurant Spice King is an Indian Restaurant located in Seattle’s vibrant Central Business District. When you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the casual and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
This spot is known for its diverse menu, offering everything from quick bites to full dinner service. You’ll find excellent options for various dietary needs, including both vegan and vegetarian dishes, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone to enjoy.
Overview: Introducting Spice King
Spice King offers a culinary experience where the food truly shines, often described as flavorful and authentic. Many appreciate the customer friendly staff and the overall positive experience.
It’s a place where the flavors can transport you, making it a solid choice for those prioritizing taste. However, the dining environment can be a mixed bag; some found the ambiance untidy or even bad smelling.
While the service often receives praise, there are instances where it was perceived as poor. This suggests a focus on the cuisine over the dine-in setting.
Good
6.6
out of 10
523
Reviews
63.7%
Satisfaction
159
negative
31
neutral
333
positive
Spice King holds an overall score of 6.6, placing it firmly in the average category, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 63.7%. This indicates a decent experience for many, though not universally outstanding.
The positive feedback outweighs the negative, with 333 favorable comments against 159 less favorable ones, out of 523 total customer remarks. Diving deeper, the Food truly stands out with a good score of (7.1), and the Value also rates well at (7), suggesting you get a good meal for your money.
However, Service comes in as average at (6), and the Ambience scores lower at (4.8), indicating it might be an area needing attention.
What people like
- Flavorful, authentic food
- Affordable, good value
- Friendly, welcoming staff
What people don't like
- Untidy dining environment
- Inconsistent service quality
- Unexpected surcharges
With a recommendation score of 6.9, Spice King is a place to consider if your priority is genuinely flavorful Indian cuisine at a reasonable price. It excels in delivering satisfying dishes that many find authentic and well-spiced, making it a solid choice for a meal focused on taste.
However, be mindful that the dining experience, particularly the ambiance and sometimes the service, might not always match the quality of the food. If you’re looking for a quick, tasty, and budget-friendly meal, especially for takeout, it could be a good fit, but manage expectations for the dine-in setting.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Spice King
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, theres a lot to love here! With a solid score of 7.1, many of the 235 positive remarks highlight the "authentic Indian food" and "delicious food" thats often perfectly spiced. Guests frequently praise the generous portions and rich flavor, making for a satisfying meal.
However, it's a bit of a mixed bag with customer satisfaction at 69.9%. Out of 336 total comments, 86 negative observations point to some inconsistencies. Issues like salty lentil, oily samosas, undercooked items, and even tasteless food have occasionally left diners disappointed.
Food
336
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
86
negative
15
neutral
235
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Indian flavors
- Delicious, spiced food
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Tasteless or salty
- Oily, undercooked items
Often praised
- foodYou order at the counter, not the table. But despite the fact that this is not a "fancy" restaurant, the food tastes better than some of the supposedly upscale places I have been to over the years.
- Indian foodIt didn’t quite match the quality of the food, feeling a bit plain and uninspired. However, if you’re more focused on great-tasting Indian food, this is a spot worth considering. Overall, Spice King might not win any awards for ambiance, but if you’re looking for flavorful, satisfying Indian cuisine, it’s definitely a solid choice!
- FoodFood - came quick and was very flavorful
- naanThe food was excellent. I particularly enjoyed the chicken biryani, naan, and veggie pakoras. I recommend this place and plan to return when I'm back in Seattle.
- butter chickenI love the butter chicken it’s very filling
- chicken tikka masalachicken tikka masala, and lamb saag and garlic naan, and every single bite was scraped from those plates
- chole bhaturemy go to place to get chole bhature
- flavorsThe flavors took me straight back to my hometown
- garlic naangarlic naan, and every single bite was scraped from those plates
- Garlic NaanI loved the Garlic Naan
Frequently criticized
- foodHorrible food and extremely bad service. ... food was extremely tasteless
- biryaniwonder what they know about biryani as a dish
- garlic naancharged us for a garlic naan, and didn’t supply one
- riceit's full of rice
- samosasgave us stale samosas after re frying it again
- BiryaniBriyani also falls in the same category
- Butter ChickenButter Chicken tasted like tomato soup from a can
- Chai3xChai which never arrived
- Chicken Tikka MasalaChicken tikka masala had a weird sweet taste
- Chole BhatureThe Chole Bhature has caused stomach issues
If you're craving authentic Indian flavors and generous portions, this spot often delivers a delicious meal. Just be aware that some experiences have been inconsistent, so you might encounter a dish that misses the mark.
Service (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot seems to have its moments! With an average score of 6 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 55.2%, it's a bit of a mixed bag. Many customers rave about the friendly staff, fast service, and excellent service, often highlighting amazing customer service.
Out of 96 total opinions, 53 were positive, praising the welcoming atmosphere and quick food delivery. However, not everyone had a smooth experience. There are quite a few comments about rude staff and frustratingly long wait times.
Some folks also noted issues like no water provided or poor customer service, with 38 negative opinions pointing to areas needing improvement, such as attention to customers and basic amenities.
Service
96
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
38
negative
5
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Accommodating owners
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Long wait times
- No water provided
Often praised
- serviceThe ambiance and service were also outstanding
- staffThe staff is customer friendly always greet with a big smile!
- ServiceService:5
- deliverydelivery is something different. In short, I was very pleasantly surprised
- ownersthe owners are so kind and supportive
- take outThey are glad to make sure that the level of spice is what you asked for, but beware, they don't hold back. There isn't a lot of seating, so take out is very popular. You order at the counter, not the table.
- Chef Gurjeetchef gurjeet offered " gud wali chaah bana de"
- customer serviceamazing customer service
- customersThe ambiance and service were also outstanding. They truly value their customers, prioritizing their needs.
- excellent servicedamn good food & excellent service
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice so poor that it seemed the staff was doing us favour
- customer serviceCustomer service was just absolutely non-existent
- glass of waterEven had to ask for a glass of water
- attention to customersattention given to customers that they already know or are related to compared to new customers
- cashier's attitudehow poorly you treated the delivery drivers
- cook/waiter responseHe just walked away, offering nothing to replace thrse dry parts
- delaysWe almost missed our bus because of the delays
- eatingMade difficult to eat
- integrity, respectIntegrity, respect, and trustworthiness aren’t shown by smiles
- lady servingThe lady serving the food was rude
If you're looking for a quick bite with potentially friendly staff, you might be pleasantly surprised. However, be prepared for a bit of a gamble, as some experiences point to rude service and frustrating waits, so it might not be your go-to if consistent, top-notch service is your priority.
Ambience (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
While the overall vibe might be a mixed bag, some diners truly appreciate the homely ambiance and family friendly feel, often noting the great smell inside. There are even mentions of finding a quiet spot and appreciating the restaurant cleanliness. Out of 55 total opinions, 18 highlighted these positive aspects, suggesting that for some, the atmosphere hits just right.
However, the ambience receives an average score of 4.8, yet customer satisfaction dips to a poor 32.7%, indicating a significant disconnect. Many found the décor uninspired, with concerns about seating and Hygiene frequently surfacing. Descriptions like run down, sticky tables, and even bad smelling environments were common among the 27 negative comments, suggesting a need for a refresh.
Ambience
55
Reviews
32%
Satisfaction
27
negative
10
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homely ambiance
- Great smells
- Clean restaurant
What people don't like
- Poor hygiene
- Run-down décor
- Limited seating
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance and service were also outstanding
- Pike PlaceNear Pike place
- atmospheregood atmosphere to enjoy
- experiencegreat experience
- family friendlyFamily friendly place
- great smellhow great it smells inside.
- homely ambianceAmbiance is homely
- locationGood location
- place was cleanplace was clean
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere was very untidy and bad smelling
- placethe place too smelled very badly
- AtmosphereAtmosphere is poor. Tables are not clean.
- ambianceHowever, if you’re more focused on great-tasting Indian food, this is a spot worth considering. Overall, Spice King might not win any awards for ambiance, but if you’re looking for flavorful, satisfying Indian cuisine, it’s definitely a solid choice!
- parkingit is hard to find parking in the area
- HygieneHygiene was also a concern
- TablesTables are not clean.
- atmosphere is a little run downThe atmosphere is a little run down
- below-average placeNo hand towels. Overall, it was a below-average place for dine-in. The only positive note was the lady who served us; she was welcoming and pleasant.
- dining inWould not suggest dining in though
If youre prioritizing a cozy, clean, and quiet spot with good smells, you might find some charm here. However, be prepared for potentially dated décor, limited seating, and hygiene concerns. Its a place where the food might shine, but the dining environment could leave you wanting more.
Value (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to getting bang for your buck, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7 and a customer satisfaction of 75%, its clear that many diners feel theyre getting a good deal. Based on 27 positive comments out of 36 total, guests frequently praise the reasonable prices, excellent price-to-portion ratio, and budget friendly options, often calling it value for money with great food.
However, not everyone leaves feeling completely satisfied. A handful of 8 negative opinions mention concerns like unexpected local business surcharge or extra charge, leading some to feel it wasnt worth of money. ' It seems a few diners were surprised by additional costs, which can definitely dampen the overall experience.
Value
36
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great portion value
- Budget-friendly deals
What people don't like
- Unexpected surcharges
- Not worth money
Often praised
- priceVisiting Seattle from California, I discovered this little gem right next to Pike Place Market. The service was amazingly friendly, the food was affordable and authentic, and the overall experience was great. I definitely recommend this place.
- pricesFantastic food at reasonable prices
- reasonable pricesMy experience at this restaurant was great! I found good Indian food at reasonable prices. If you're looking for good Indian food, this is the place to go!
- PricesPrices were great too
- budget friendlywhich are budget friendly
- chef special dealschef special deals which are budget friendly
- dealI was impressed by the simplicity and tastiness of the food. You truly won't find a better deal for the money downtown. I ordered the channa chicken, which was perfectly well spiced and satisfying.
- decently pricedFood is decently priced
- lunch specialGood lunch special
- price-to-portion ratiothe price-to-portion ratio is out of this world
Frequently criticized
- chargedthey charged us for a garlic naan
- extra chargecharged extra 5$
- local business surchargegot charged a few dollars for some “local business surcharge”
- moneyFor the amount of money you have to spend, it is not worth it
- surchargesDon’t appreciate sneaking in surcharges on pick up orders
- tipsThe staff also seemed to be arguing about take away boxes. Overall, this place doesn’t deserve any tips.
- waste of moneyA waste of money
- worth of moneyoverall not the worth of money
If you're looking for great food without breaking the bank, this place is definitely worth checking out for its overall good value. Just be sure to double-check your bill for any unexpected surcharges to ensure a smooth experience.
How are the prices at Spice King?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 101 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an Indian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners are finding great value in the $11–$20 range, with a good chunk also landing in the $21–$30 bracket. This shows prices generally cluster around that sweet spot, offering a good mix for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 101 reviews.
How does this restaurant stack up against similar spots in Seattle when it comes to value for money?
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Indian restaurant, especially considering the variety of spending options available to guests.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Spice King
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Biryani and Hygiene Concerns
I typically avoid writing reviews, especially negative ones, but I felt compelled to share my experience. We spent over $65 and still left feeling unsatisfied. The biryani was the worst I’ve had in the Seattle area; it tasted like plain rice mixed with gravy, with no flavor at all.
The Thai dish was also very average. The samosas were extremely oily, and the oil appeared to be either old or of poor quality. Unfortunately, we will not be returning.
Hygiene was also a concern: the same people serving and billing were also cooking, without gloves or head coverings. The toilet tank cover was removed and left open, which added to the discomfort. No hand towels.
Overall, it was a below-average place for dine-in. The only positive note was the lady who served us; she was welcoming and pleasant.
- Thai dish5
- lady who served us8
- biryani1
- samosas2
- Hygiene1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Spice King: A Top-Tier Indian Food Experience
My experience at Spice King was fantastic! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by the wonderful smells of the food. We ordered the butter chicken and chicken tikka masala, which arrived incredibly quickly, in about 10 minutes.
The portions were good, ensuring everyone in our group was sufficiently full. The flavors were rich in each dish. For those concerned about spiciness, you can curate your dish to fit your spice tolerance on a scale of 0-5.
Overall, Spice King is an excellent choice for those seeking a mouthful of top-tier Indian food.
- wonderful smells9
- butter chicken9
- chicken tikka masala9
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Favorite Indian Food in King County!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's my favorite spot for Indian food in King County. I absolutely loved the butter chicken; it was very filling and served in generous portions.
I would definitely recommend this place.
- Indian food10
- butter chicken10
- portions9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Food and Cooking Style
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, offering great value for money. I absolutely loved everything, with special mentions to the goat saag, fish curry, meat thali, and prawn curry. The dishes were perfectly spiced and not overdone.
I would highly rate the cooking style.
- value for money9
- goat saag10
- fish curry10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Flavorful Curry at a Great Price
My experience at this restaurant was excellent, particularly regarding the flavor and price. I ordered the curry special, which was some of the most flavorful curry I've had in a while, and it came with nice naan for $13. My wife also enjoyed her curry special Tika, which she found fantastic.
While you order and pay ahead, they do offer a decent space to sit down and eat.
- flavor10
- curry special10
- naan8
What Spice King offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and dietary choices can you find at Spice King Seattle?
At Spice King Seattle, you can enjoy a full dining experience for lunch or dinner, complete with table service and delicious desserts. The menu thoughtfully caters to various preferences, offering abundant vegan and vegetarian options, alongside small plates perfect for a quick bite.
What are the service and parking options like at Spice King Seattle?
Spice King Seattle provides flexible service options including dine-in, convenient takeout, and delivery. If you’re driving, be aware that parking can usually be difficult to find, though paid parking lots and paid street parking are available nearby.
How does Spice King rate overall?
Spice King has an overall score of **6.6** with customer satisfaction at **63.7%**. Its **Food** (7.1) and **Value** (7) are rated well, while **Service** (6) is average and **Ambience** (4.8) is lower.
What can I expect from the food at Spice King?
Customers frequently praise the food for being flavorful, authentic, and satisfying. Popular dishes include chicken biryani, naan, and butter chicken, often noted for their excellent taste.
Is Spice King a good place for dining in?
While the food is highly regarded, opinions on the dine-in ambiance are mixed. Some describe it as untidy or having a bad smell, suggesting it might be better suited for takeout or a casual, less formal meal.