Finding the best Korean restaurants in Seattle comes down to one question: How far are you willing to drive?
The dining scene here is split in two. You have the high-end, design-forward spots in Capitol Hill where you go for a date night with craft cocktails.
Then you have the “K-Town” strip malls in Lynnwood and Federal Way where the grandmas are cooking, the portions are massive, and the parking is free.
In this guide, we curated the best of both worlds, from the late-night tofu soup spots locals swear by to the Michelin-recognized fusion that is worth the hype.
1. Paju
Nestled in Queen Anne, Paju offers a pleasurable fusion of traditional and modern Korean cuisine.
The Beef Tartare is a smart opener, finished with smoked cheddar and a cool, creamy note.
Their Yellowtail comes in a naengmyeon-style broth, brightened with lemon verbena and turnip.
For a comfort move, the Paju Fried Rice mixes squid ink fried rice with kimchi and bacon, then topped with a smoked quail egg.
What to Order: Beef Tartare, Yellowtail, Paju Fried Rice
Address: 513 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
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2. Meet Korean BBQ
For an unforgettable KBBQ experience, head to Meet Korean BBQ. Renowned for its high-quality Wagyu beef that melts in your mouth, this spot is a carnivore’s dream.
The Steak Tartare showcases their commitment to premium ingredients, while the Egg Souffle adds a lighter moment to the table between grill rounds.
Fresh vegetables and top-grade sides round things out, so the meal doesn’t turn into meat-only overload.
What to order: Wagyu Beef, Steak Tartare, and Egg Souffle.
Address: 500 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122, United States
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3. Joule
Ideal for date nights or special occasions, this restaurant impresses with its elegant atmosphere.
The amazing “that” Short Rib Steak is a succulent bliss, marinated in kalbiand perfectly grilled to melt in your mouth.
Rice Cake pairs spicy rice cake with chorizo and pickled mustard greens, adding heat and a little tang to the table.
Order the Kimchi Trio for a fun mix of bites that shows off the kitchen’s playful side.
What to Order: “that” Short Rib Steak, Kimchi Trio, Rice Cake
Address: 3506 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103
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4. Baegopa
Ballard has plenty of places to eat, but Kimchi House, renowned for its authentic Korean flavors and inviting atmosphere, keeps people coming back.
This cozy yet sophisticated spot is perfect for laid-back meals that still feels like a treat.
The Kimchi Soondubu Soup is a spicy, comforting delight, rich with silky tofu and flavorful broth.
Don’t forget to try the Kimchi Fries, topped with sautéed kimchi, melted cheddar, sour cream, and zesty gochujang mayo.
The Seafood Pancake is another fantastic option when you want something savory to share.
What to Order: “that” Short Rib Steak, Kimchi Trio, Rice Cake
What to order: Beef Brisket, Short Ribs, All You Can Eat
Address: 509 7th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104, United States
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5. Kimchi House
Kimchi House is a Ballard gem, renowned for its authentic Korean flavors and inviting atmosphere.
This cozy yet sophisticated spot is perfect for enjoying memorable meals.
The Kimchi Soondubu Soup is a spicy, comforting delight, rich with silky tofu and flavorful broth.
Don’t forget to try the Kimchi Fries, topped with sautéed kimchi, melted cheddar, sour cream, and zesty gochujang mayo. The Seafood Pancake is another fantastic option.
What to Order: Kimchi Soondubu Soup, Kimchi Fries, Seafood Pancake
Address: 5809 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
6. 온미 ONMI Korean Cuisine & BBQ
ONMI Korean Cuisine & BBQ serves classic Korean cooking and Korean BBQ with a clear point of view, led by Executive Chef Seunghoon Lee.
The name “ONMI” nods to warmth and taste, and the menu pulls from his mother’s recipes and his roots in Korea’s Gangwon Province.
Start light with the Dongchimi-Guksu, a chilled noodle dish in tangy radish-water kimchi broth.
Go hungry for the ONMI BBQ Set, a generous spread of prime cuts plus comforting add-ons like Egg Soufflé or Corn Cheese, and a choice of stew.
Save room for the Kimchi Fried Rice, finished with steak cuts, butter, and a fried egg—exactly the kind of dish everyone reaches for at the end of the meal.
What to Order: Dongchimi-Guksu, ONMI BBQ Set, Kimchi Fried Rice
Address: 13231 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133
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7. Korean Tofu House
Cold weather, long days, late classes—Korean Tofu House fits all of it.
The menu embraces comforting Korean staples, and portions run generous, especially with all the banchan. The potato and fish cake sides are the ones people talk about for a reason.
Inside, the space is small and usually busy during peak hours, with tables separated by short glass dividers that keep the room feeling close and lively.
Japchae is a stellar order when you want something savory without a heavy broth.
The Kimchi Fried Rice hits the comfort-food button, while the Hot Pot Army Stew is the go-to when you want heat and a bowl that arrives piping hot.
Mixed Tofu Soup keeps the focus on silky tofu and warm, satisfying flavor.
What to Order: Japchae, Kimchi Fried Rice, Hot Pot Army Stew, Mixed Tofu Soup
Address: 4142 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105, United States
8. Chan Seattle
Located in the Paramount Hotel, Chan Seattle puts a modern spin on traditional Korean dishes in an intimate, upscale setting is perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions.
Chan’s Soy Cured King Salmon combines Pacific Northwest seafood with Korean flavors, featuring cilantro, Asian pear, and serrano.
When you want something more snackable, the Steak Tartare layers Asian pear with a bit of heat in the mix.
Smoked Duck rounds out the table on a richer note, with earthy touches and a crisp finish from the garnish.
What to Order: Soy Cured King Salmon, Steak Tartare, Chicken Wings, Smoked Duck
Address: 724 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101
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9. Seoul Mates
Seoul Mates marries a modern lounge vibe with Korean comfort food done with care.
The room is cozy and clean, service is sharp, and the owner’s warmth comes through in the small touches.
Start with the Seafood Pa-Jeon, crisp at the edges with a light, savory bite. The Bo-Ssam follows with slow-cooked pork and bright, briny sides that keep each bite lively.
For the main event, the Kal-Bi-Jjim is rich, tender, and well-balanced, the kind of dish people talk about after.
Finish with the Kimchi Nabe Udon, a hot, satisfying bowl built for sharing between bites and conversation.
Cocktails are made with intention, so be sure to try some out.
What to order: Seafood Pa-Jeon, Bo-Ssam, Kal-Bi-Jjim, Kimchi Nabe Udon
Address: 954 E Union St. Ste 101, Seattle, WA 98122
10. Seoul Bowl & Bar
Located in the Central District, Seoul Bowl & Bar specializes in customizable Korean bowls and bar food.
Spice lovers gravitate toward the Jeyuk Spicy Pork Bowl, featuring tender braised pork in a flavorful pepper sauce.
The Tofu Bowl, with its crispy exterior and soft, tender center, is perfect for vegetarians.
If you prefer to mix, the build-your-own option makes the meal personal. While at it, enjoy a variety of Korean and local beers at the bar.
What to Order: Jeyuk Spicy Pork Bowl, Tofu Bowl, Build Your Own Bowl
Address: 722 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
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11. Seoul Tofu & Jjim
Hidden gem Seoul Tofu & Jjim in Capitol Hill specializes in tofu-based dishes and Korean stews.
Traditional decor and a warm, inviting dining room set an authentic tone, and unlimited banchan keeps the table stocked throughout the meal..
Their house-made tofu stands out in the Tofu Salad, which combines tofu and colorful veggies with a savory house dressing.
For something cozier, go with the Original Soondubu, a tofu soup with mushrooms, onions, and zucchini, plus a choice of beef or pork.
What to Order: Tofu Salad, Original Soondubu
Address: 406 Broadway E, Seattle, WA 98102
12. Hanok
A sleek, modern dining room with subtle traditional touches sets the tone at Hanok, where Korean comfort food gets a clean, contemporary backdrop.
The menu is best known for Korean BBQ and build-your-own bibimbap, and the Dolsot Bibimbap is the order to anchor the table.
Served in a hot stone bowl, it features rice, assorted veggies, and your choice of protein, topped with a spicy or non-spicy sauce.
Round out the table with the Kimchi Fried Rice, then end on the Hotteok for a simple, classic finish.
What to Order: Dolsot Bibimbap, Kimchi Fried Rice, Hotteok
Address: 4021 E Madison St, Seattle, WA 98112, United States
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Seattle’s Korean food scene is a melting pot of flavors, traditions, and culinary innovations.
From the cozy and traditional settings of Seoul Tofu & Jjim to the modern and chic atmosphere of Joule, each restaurant on this list will give you your much needed Korean food fix in the best way possible.
For more culinary adventures in the Emerald City, don’t forget to check out our guide on the best restaurants in Seattle!