Where to Find the Best Sushi in Seattle
These spots range from splurge omakase to easygoing lunch counters. They are spread across several Seattle neighborhoods, so it is easy to pair a meal with a day out.
Sushi Kashiba
This is Shiro Kashiba's current restaurant, set beside Pike Place Market. Kashiba has been nominated three times for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef, and diners come for his omakase. Seats are in high demand, so plan on reserving weeks in advance. It works well with a visit to the market and other downtown landmarks.
Shiro's Sushi
Shiro's in Belltown calls itself the first Edomae sushi restaurant in Seattle, and it has long been ranked among the city's top tier. Dinner is served as set courses only, with no ordering a la carte. You can sit at the sushi bar, where chefs serve an omakase directly, or at a table for a chef's choice course. It can handle some dietary needs but has no vegetarian menu, and reservations are strongly advised.
Sushi Suzuki
In Madison Park, Sushi Suzuki focuses on high-end Edomae sushi. It is a fit for a special occasion when you want a refined, traditional tasting. Check its website for booking details, since counters at this level fill quickly.
Wataru
Wataru in Ravenna is a nigiri-only counter with roughly ten seats. The narrow focus suits diners who care most about fish and rice rather than rolls or hot dishes. The small size makes for a quiet, close-up meal, so reserve early.
Taneda Sushi in Kaiseki
On Capitol Hill, Taneda serves a very small, kaiseki-style omakase. Expect a structured progression of courses in an intimate room. It suits curious eaters who enjoy a guided meal from start to finish.
Maneki
Maneki opened in 1904 and is the oldest Japanese restaurant in Seattle. It sits in the International District and offers tatami rooms, which make it a good pick for groups and celebrations. Come for the history and a more traditional, homey setting than the city's sleek counters.
Kisaku Sushi
Kisaku in Green Lake is known as a casual lunch stop. It is a natural choice after a walk around the lake or when you want good sushi without a formal tasting menu.
Moshi Moshi Sushi and Izakaya
This Ballard spot is known for a striking two-story LED cherry blossom tree over the dining room. Alongside classic rolls and sashimi, it serves spicy tuna crispy rice, yakisoba and miso-marinated broiled black cod. It suits mixed groups where not everyone wants raw fish.
Choosing Between Omakase and a Casual Meal
Omakase means letting the chef decide, and it is the main event at Kashiba, Shiro's sushi bar, Wataru and Taneda. These meals take time, cost more and usually need a reservation. They reward diners who want to see technique up close.
For something lighter, Kisaku, Maneki and Moshi Moshi offer more flexible menus. Umi Sake House and Japonessa are also known for casual, wide-ranging sushi menus that work for groups.
- Booking: Reserve the top counters well ahead, often by weeks.
- Dietary needs: Ask in advance, since some set menus cannot be fully adapted.
- Planning a day: Pair a sushi meal with other things to do in Seattle nearby.
Menus, hours and booking policies change, so check each restaurant's own website for current details before you go.
