Japanese food
in Seattle

Kudedon Chirashi Bowl

We did not like it.

I Love Sushi on Lake Union

The lunch special is a great deal, though the nigiri was not very memorable.

FOB Sushi Bar

A unique place that sells sushi by weight, including both rolls and nigiri. You can try several rolls without ordering a whole one. The roll pieces are huge, and some are tasty. The nigiri pieces come with lots of rice, but they are so inexpensive that I eat only half the rice without feeling bad :-)

Avoid weekends and weekday peak hours. Lines can be huge on nice days, and indoor bar seating is limited.

Kajiken

They opened their first location on Capitol Hill and quickly added this one. We visited the Capitol Hill restaurant. The chewy, oil-coated noodles were not for me, but I can see the appeal.

Onibaba by Tsukushinbo

Onigiri and ochazuke. We visited once; I make onigiri at home now :)

Maneki

Lots of hype. I thought it was OK, and you have to call to make reservations.

Itsumono

We have never made it here. It seems to be Japanese comfort food, and I want to try the meatloaf katsu sando.

Fort St. George

We have not made it here either. It seems similar to Itsumono.

BeanFish

I love it, especially the savory options.

Tendon Kohaku

The Bellevue location had very long waits, so we usually arrived before it opened at 5 PM. If you like tempura, it is worth trying, especially the eel tempura, which is uncommon elsewhere. The steak dishes did not impress us, but the curry was huge and tasty.

We loved the thick-cut rare salmon katsu and ikura don set. I eventually recreated it at home with higher-quality salmon and a more generous portion, so we stopped going :)

Kobuta & Ookami Katsu and Sake House

We once waited two hours. Try to arrive just before it opens at 11 AM.

Azuki

Gigantic bowls of udon noodles. Perfect for winter.

ShoMon Kappo Sushi

They offer a kaiseki set menu with some nigiri. These days, I love nigiri so much that I prefer omakase meals focused on nigiri, with a few dishes from the kitchen. However, this place could be a good fit for you if you want a more comprehensive Japanese dining experience.

Shiki

Fairly authentic. Ben thinks it is a good-value place.

Ramen DANBO

There are always lines. I am not sure about weekday afternoons, but even at 3 PM on weekends, I see lines when we drive by. They serve the thin noodles that I love.

Ooink

Good ramen with the thin noodles I like. The fried chicken was amazing.

Menya Muso Tsukemen & Ramen

Good broth, thick noodles, and excellent dipping noodles.

Sushi Kappo Tamura

They offer omakase or a normal menu. We had omakase years ago, enjoyed it, and would like to return.

I Love Sushi on Lake Bellevue

A strange name, but it is run by a Japanese chef and serves good nigiri and rolls.

SanKai

Edmonds is a cute, slightly touristy town. If you are in the area, give SanKai a try. They have a very experienced sushi chef who is said to be excellent at cutting fish and shaping the rice. We visited on a Tuesday, but he works only Wednesday through Saturday. We will return.

Shiro’s Sushi

They offer either omakase or a regular menu. It is not my favorite place for nigiri, but it is extremely famous and popular.

Sushi Kashiba

They offer either omakase or a regular menu. It is not my favorite place for nigiri, but it is extremely famous and popular.

Takai by Kashiba

They offer omakase only. We have never been; it feels overpriced for what they offer.

Japonessa Sushi Cocina

Decent, with a good happy-hour deal.

Momiji South Lake Union

We have visited only the Capitol Hill location; this one is within walking distance. The fact that they opened another location suggests that they were doing something right.

Umi Sake House

The interior is huge and has a very nice atmosphere.