Paju - Seattle

I had high expectations given the hype from my friends and family, but this restaurant just seems overhyped. The plates are incredibly small and expensive at le... read more I had high expectations given the hype from my friends and family, but this restaurant just seems overhyped. The plates are incredibly small and expensive at least $20 for a tapa sized plate. I appreciate the chef 's creativity in their dishes but the execution was not there as the plates lacked flavor and depth. The bill came out to be $130 after tip and tax for 2, and we were still hungry. The ginger bingsu saved the night. Also seems like they want to rush people out to accommodate the next table, the server wanted to take out branzino even though we had the banchan, head, and tail left, then played it off as oh take your time.

Went with 6 other friends, we tried one of every dish. Can’t miss : squid ink fried rice, truffle bulgogi, octopus. Ice cream (I forgot what it was called. Brow... read more Went with 6 other friends, we tried one of every dish. Can’t miss : squid ink fried rice, truffle bulgogi, octopus. Ice cream (I forgot what it was called. Brown rice? Bulgar? the let’s order another/flight over the last bite dishes. Still really good: cauliflower, branzino, bugak, seafood jeon, rib eye, bingsoo I would eat it, but this isn’t what I dream about when I think about eating here: sujebi, beef tartare, Bland: mushrooms, yellow tail Avoid : chips and dip. Most of the table did not like this. The rest were indifferent.

Dinner tonight was amazing collection of small and shared plates. The yellowtail, octopus, mushrooms, and beef tartare were as good as advertised. The seafood j... read more Dinner tonight was amazing collection of small and shared plates. The yellowtail, octopus, mushrooms, and beef tartare were as good as advertised. The seafood jeon was so good we ordered one to go. An impressive restaurant.

We went to Paju for an anniversary dinner and it did not disappoint. The ambiance fit well with thorough and warm service throughout the meal. Paju is known for... read more We went to Paju for an anniversary dinner and it did not disappoint. The ambiance fit well with thorough and warm service throughout the meal. Paju is known for their Korean-inspired fusion dishes--my favorite was the lamb, but it was also the dishthat I felt didn't have much Korean influence from and could've been served at other restaurants as well. However, the dessertwas honestly one of the best desserts we've had--the texture of the merengue was perfect and the flavor of the yuzu wasperfectly balanced. Considering the somewhat small portions and dishes that I felt could've had drawn more inspiration fromKorean flavors, I am still overall pleased with Paju because of the final dessert and overall service. If you are looking forsomewhere to spend a special occasion, this is a great place to celebrate (but maybe look elsewhere if you want something morecasual or experience extremely unique flavors)!

Paju is easily our new favorite restaurant in Seattle. It’s beautiful, creative and delicious modern Korean food is worth the trip from hours away. If Seattle h... read more Paju is easily our new favorite restaurant in Seattle. It’s beautiful, creative and delicious modern Korean food is worth the trip from hours away. If Seattle had Michelin it would easily be ??. Enjoy!