Modern Korean in Wallingford and Fremont
Joule
Chefs Rachel and Seif opened Joule in Wallingford in 2007 and moved it to its current home on Stone Way North in 2012. Here the kitchen serves what it calls a modern Korean steakhouse, with shareable plates that blend Korean and broader Asian influences. Settle onto the heated patio with a cocktail or a glass of Northwest wine, and you have an easy choice for date nights and celebrations.
Walk in for a seat at the bar, or reserve a table through OpenTable. Tables are held for a set dining window based on party size, and groups larger than six should email the manager. Marking a special occasion? Preorder a whole cake from Paper Cake Shop with a custom message, as long as you give three days of notice.
Revel
Chef Rachel Yang opened Revel in Fremont in 2010, and it has since become a go to for creative Korean and Asian fusion. Gather in the roomy dining room around the open kitchen and its 26 foot maple butcher block counter. With plenty of shareable dishes, groups with different tastes can all dig in happily, and gift cards work at both Revel and Joule.
Neighborhood Favorites in the City
Kimchi House
Head to 24th Avenue NW in Ballard for this small restaurant and its wide range of kimchi, from napa cabbage to pickled daikon and water kimchi, much of it sold to take home. Grab one of the handful of tables to stay for kimchi ramen or soondubu with rotating banchan. For a playful twist, try the kimchi house sandwich or the kimchi fries.
Kimchi Bistro
Look for this Capitol Hill spot in a mini mall on Broadway, a convenient neighborhood stop. Regulars rave about the crunchy, briny seafood pancake and the hot, brothy sulang tang. Flavors here tend to be milder than at more traditional kitchens, which makes it a comfortable pick for spice shy diners.
Tofully
On South King Street in the Chinatown International District, Tofully is a small, booth lined room where simple dishes shine. Your meal opens with a crisp grilled croaker, and the spicy pork bulgogi and hot stone bibimbap are crowd favorites. Afterward, stroll the neighborhood with our list of Seattle landmarks in hand.
Head North to Edmonds and Lynnwood
BCD Tofu House
Stop at this casual Highway 99 restaurant in Edmonds, or its second location in Lynnwood, for late hours and fiery sundubu. Instead of tabletop grills, barbecue entrées arrive sizzling from the kitchen with banchan and fried yellow croaker. Rice comes from a stone pot, and the spicy raw crab has a devoted following.
Hosoonyi
Asian food fans have long ranked this unassuming Edmonds restaurant among the top Korean kitchens in the state. Bring friends to cook the big budae jjigae hot pot right at the table. Loyal regulars return for the squid packed seafood pancake and the soft tofu soup, which comes in sizes for small or larger parties.
Stars in the Sky
Come to this Edmonds spot for Korean fried chicken, served in crispy platters alongside karaoke and soju. Order your chicken plain with dips or tossed in sweet garlic, sweet and spicy or extra spicy sauce. It makes an easy introduction for anyone new to Korean food and a fun night out with friends.
Head South to Federal Way and Lakewood
Cho Dang Tofu
Tucked behind a Denny's in Federal Way, Cho Dang handles barbecue classics well, with galbi and beef bulgogi leading the menu. Even so, the soft tofu soup served in big stoneware bowls is what people talk about most. Additional locations in Lynnwood and in Lakewood, on South Tacoma Way, make it a handy stop if you are near Tacoma.
Traditional Korean Beef Soup
The name tells you exactly what to order at this Federal Way restaurant, which also has an Edmonds location. When the weather turns cold, crowds come for cloudy sullung tang, often built around knee bones, tendon and cartilage. Save room for pot stickers and the seafood pancake, and settle into the spacious, booth filled dining room.
Plan Your Korean Meal
- Bring a group: hot pots, barbecue platters and fried chicken are made for sharing.
- Book ahead in the city: Joule and Revel take reservations, while the suburban spots are usually more casual.
- Ask about heat: spice levels range widely, from mild Capitol Hill flavors to intense Edmonds sundubu.
Want to fill out the rest of your day? Explore our guide to things to do in Seattle.
Hours, menus and locations change, so check each restaurant's own website for current details before you go.
