Paju

We enjoyed our meal at Paju! The octopus was very delicious! The sauce (dashima beurre blanc, smoked trout roe and yuzu) went well with the octopus. The wine we ordered to pair with the octopus was the han "Seoul Night". It has plum smell and not sweet. We especially like the side dishes with the steak. The meal became balanced with the banchans. The parking garage nearby is free on Saturday night.

We recently dined at Paju and ordered yellowtail, octopus, bugak, mushrooms, Paju fried rice, seafood jeon, and a New York steak. The meal was a wonderful showcase of how this restaurant blends traditional Korean flavors with inventive twists. Our favorite dish of the night was the Paju squid ink fried rice. It had a deep, rich umami flavor that felt both comforting and elevated—a dish that really stood out as something special. The octopus was another highlight, cooked to a perfect tenderness and paired with a sauce that complemented rather than overpowered it. The seafood jeon was also excellent, with a crispy texture and balanced seasoning that made it one of the most memorable bites of the evening. The other dishes were all very good, showing the kitchen’s consistency and attention to detail. The yellowtail was fresh, the bugak offered a nice crunch. The only dish that didn’t quite shine as brightly was the New York steak. While it was nicely cooked with smoky notes, it felt more conventional compared to the other plates. Unlike the uniquely Korean-inspired takes on the rest of the menu, the steak and its banchan felt more standard and less inventive. Beyond the food, the location is convenient. The restaurant sits next to an Amazon building, and there’s free parking available after 4 PM, which is a big plus in the South Lake Union area. The atmosphere inside is stylish yet welcoming, making it a great spot for both casual dinners and special nights out.

Probably one of the best mid-tier restaurants you can find in Seattle. Each dish has great curated flavors and surprisingly, the portion of the dry aged steak is not too bad for its price point! I recommend the squid, the yellowtail (for unexpected refreshing taste), squid ink fried rice. The steaks are good if you’re feeling the occasion but it’s definitely more on the leaner side (still tender). The beef tartare with seaweed is yummy too. If the portions for dishes weren’t so small given the price point, it’d be a more frequent place for me. But it’s a great special treat!

Pricey, but delicious food. I had a wonderful time here. The ambiance was amazing too. Everything we ordered was delicious. I would come back many more times. We had octopus, mushrooms and fried rice to share and loved every single bite. Their duck special was good too, but the portion was small. Definitely recommend to make a reservation, the place was packed.

If you have not started a "Visit Seattle" list, THIS is your reason to. Paju is in the thick of the tech district of Seattle with a glowing view of the Google logo and a stone's throw from Amazon. The vibe inside is intimate, modern, and immaculate. In addition to several adult libations, there are a handful of non-alcoholic cocktails on the menu, which always gets a restaurant extra praise from me. The servers were incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and the specific ingredients within each dish. We had an allergy at our table and the servers were able to steer us in the right direction without having to ask the kitchen. First, get the Yellowtail and make sure you have all the broth it comes in. They give you a spoon for a reason! Second, don't freak out about the octopus. If you have never had it before, this is a perfect place to try it. It's smokey and slightly crispy on the outside due to the wood-fired grill they use to cook it, and beautifully tender on the inside. It's served with a citrusy beurre blanc sauce and adorned with smoked trout roe (think savory popping boba). The cauliflower was tender and had a nice char that nicely added to the flavor in addition to the creamy almond sesame sauce. I knew the ribeye with banchan was going to be my choice before I even got there. It did NOT disappoint. As if the meal could not get any better, the piece de resistance for me was the Bingsu. A bowl of sheer joy that started with a delicate cinnamon snow and crunchy puffed rice pieces for added textural complexity AND flavor. Dig to the base which was the lightest cream that was not quite mousse, not quite foam. A spoonful of all of the components of the dessert was pure transcendence. They are known for this dessert and it is earned, It is clear the chef and owner leaves his heart and soul on your plate. His passion for food and culinary art shines in every bite you take. This place should be on a Michelin watch list, no question.

Took my 9 month baby with me to Paju. However, the restaurant does not provide high chairs, so kids have to stay in a stroller, which may be inconvenient for families. The food presentation is beautiful and thoughtfully plated, but the flavors were just average. For the price point, I was expecting more depth and better taste.

We had such a yummy time at Paju! Everything we tried was delicious, but the highlights were definitely the branzino, celeriac dip, and octopus, all perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. Don’t forget to ask for the special (duck two ways)! The service was excellent. We’ll definitely be coming back!