Nishino
Seattle, WA 98112View Map
(206) 322-5800
Editorial Review
Bright, fresh fish and an impeccably refined space set the bar for sushi in Seattle.
The Scene
Since 1995, Tatsu Nishino and his chefs have kept standards high. Nishino himself often steps out of the kitchen to observe the bustling sushi bar, making sure counters are tidy and orderly. Servers know uni from tamago at a glance, as well as how to keep the courses coming at an appropriate pace.
The Food
Perfectly fresh, cool sashimi and sushi are the main draws. Standard-setting versions of the usual (salmon, tuna, shrimp) are available, but braver diners will enjoy geoduck or salty surf clam. The terrific sashimi sampler is a great way to start, but hungry diners should order extra maguro (tuna)--it's raspberry red and heavenly. Japanese vinegar salad with crab is great when shared. The raw fish-phobic can opt for the Kinoko tofu (fried tofu with oyster mushrooms).
I Love Sushi
Seattle, WA 98109View Map
(206) 625-9604
Editorial Review
Sushi comes quickly and exquisitely fresh at this bustling restaurant.
Expect to find bustling, bright, high-energy sushi bars with exquisite, bargain-priced fish and a friendly, helpful staff. Fresh, bright options include intensely fresh maguro tuna and sweet, cool shrimp. Daring diners could try the sea urchin, though its yellowish, tongue-like appearance is difficult to overlook. Excellent hot dishes include flame-broiled fish cheeks, tempura and chawan mushi (a steamed custard that is the ultimate in Japanese comfort food).
What to Eat:Feel free to indulge in fried treats; they use healthy rice bran oil for all deep frying.
Mashiko
Seattle, WA 98116View Map
(206) 935-4339 Editorial Review
Gen-Xer's play sushi chef in West Seattle, with winning results
Since 1994 Hajime Sato has helmed this sushi joint. Menu items are as colorful as Hajime himself (check out the restaurant's Web site, www.sushiwhore.com): Charley's Angels Roll, Green Lip Mussels with Dynamite Sauce, and Cheesy Aligator Roll are some of the sample dishes. Traditional Japanese music isn't played at Mashiko, because, according to Sato, "it reminds [him] of two things: grammar school and death." Instead, "new and interesting music" plays. All of this adds up to a unique sushi experience, culminating in Sato's catch phrase: "Shut up
The Scene
Chef Mashiko enlists college kids to turn out surprisingly well-executed, colorful sushi to Gap-clad regulars. A tad larger than intimate, tables are set close enough to share food with neighbors. One look at the bleached, minimalist decor will have you mentally paging through an Ikea catalog. Service is always courteous.
The Food
The Tiger Eye is a great starter--raw tuna wrapped tightly around fresh salmon roe, then deep-fried. Diners who vow to "try anything" might order the Moriawase, the chef's choice of sushi and sashimi, a broad selection of fresh fish served with all the standard favorites--this is the ultimate way to enjoy sushi. An order of edamame, a rainbow roll and some sake round out the meal nicely.
When the rain falls, I watch people, cars, and whatever else escapes my eye, move through the falling droplets of water. From behind the Sushi Bar I watch the entire world bleed out of a plate glass window, and think about symmetry. Because it's the tiny connections in life that we take for granted that hold the most splendor.
In 1994 I had an idea. Believing that food is one of the most powerful languages in not only defining cultures but also in integrating them, I wanted to open a Japanese restaurant that would transcend the traditional way of presenting and thinking of food from my country. Furthermore I wanted to do this in a way that wouldn't send my customers into debt.
At Mashiko we are always trying to create new and interesting ways to interpret Japanese food and sushi. This is an all-inclusive precess. You'll never hear traditional Japanese music in Mashiko, because it reminds me of two things: grammar school and death. Believe me you, if you've ever been to an elementary school in Japan... death isn't too bad. So we play new and interesting music that we hope will compliment the food.
I want you to try new things and ask questions. If you can, I'd like you to stuff your face. I want people to laugh and enjoy food and life. Please, shut up and eat!
Benihana
Seattle, WA 98101View Map
(206) 682-4686
Fax: (206) 467-1641 Editorial Review
Knife-wielding chefs put on a show at this communal Japanese grill.
At Benihana, we cook your meal from scratch right at your table. First, the ingredients are laid out before you: fresh garden vegetables, succulent shrimp and lobster, and Benihana's legendary lean and tender steaks. The chef then takes suggestions as he cooks, and everyone gets their meal exactly as they like it - the way you'd eat at home. For more than 30 years, Benihana has been cooking the freshest food in the most welcoming way. We call it cooking for friends.
Groups of all sizes enjoy the lively atmosphere of Benihana where experienced teppan chefs display their culinary skills and wit at the famous hibachi tables. Benihana's unique and entertaining style of cooking will make any gathering a party. Banquet area available for larger groups up to 48.
In Short
Benihana started out as a tiny four-table restaurant in New York City's theater district before becoming an international chain. Diners sit around large tables where chefs ostentatiously chop, slice, stir-fry and grill. Entree options are simple--shrimp, chicken, steak and scallops--and preparation is uniform. Every entree comes with a similar stock of sides: green tea, rice, onion soup, shrimp appetizer, iceberg lettuce drizzled with dressing and sauteed vegetables.
Bush Garden
614 Maynard Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-682-6830
In the mood for karaoke and stiff, cheap drinks? Get your butt down to the I.D. for Seattle's most diverse and strangest karaoke bar. The exceptional waitstaff has been known to remember patrons' names after just one visit!
Three words: karaoke, karaoke, karaoke. Sure, there are a lot of karaoke bars around, but how many are surrounded by the elegant decor of Bush Gardens? Sing your favorite Carol Bayer Sager tune at the top of your lungs while gazing upon paper lanterns, rattan and a lovely footbridge over a little brook. And when you're done, enjoy some of Bush Garden's tasty Japanese cuisine. This is a great place to spot local and national celebrities, as Bush Gardens is a legend in the Seattle area. Live entertainment keeps things moving and if you have a large party it'll accommodate. There's plenty of room for everyone. Plenty of parking also, in the huge free parking lot. -- Kate Mulhern
Saito Japanese Cafe & Bar
Seattle WA 98121
206-728-1333
Please join us for Lunch or Dinner!
Lunch: Tue–Fri 11:30am–2:00pm
Dinner: Tue–Thu 5:30pm-10pm
Fri & Sat 5:30pm-11pm
Sun & Mon: Closed
Saito's features expertly prepared Sushi & Japanese cuisine. 
Saito’s also presents Seattle’s largest premium Sake selection in our Sake Bar with over 40 sakes and sake cocktails.
For Saito the Sushi training began in Japan when he was only fifteen years old. A chef at heart, Saito received further training into his twenties until he left his native Japan and moved to the United States. He settled in the Seattle-Tacoma area. Keeping up the art of preparing Sushi, Saito maintains strong connections to his mentor in Japan. He eagerly awaits the expected arrival of his mentor’s son, who will join Saito’s cuisine team here in Seattle.
Saito’s head kitchen chef is Takashi Asakawa. This excellent chef provides Saito’s with his intense dedication to creating delicious and beautiful Japanese cuisine.
Saito’s location has become simply "the best" place for Sushi in Seattle. You may order your food to go, but it is more exciting to stay and watch the chefs prepare the Sushi, and other authentic Japanese cuisine items, at the restaurant's 2nd Avenue and Blanchard location in Belltown. The modern Japanese ambiance combined with the hospitality provided by Saito and his staff invites you to stay for either lunch or dinner, and to return again soon.
Shiro's
Seattle, WA 98121View Map
(206) 443-9844
Fax: (206) 443-9974 Editorial Review
Seattle's premier sushi chef has become an instititution, literally.
In 1994, Shiro opened up his namesake, Shiro?s in the hip Belltown district of downtown Seattle.
Shiro?s blending of classical Japanese technique with the Pacific Northwest?s wealth of local seafood and ingredients has, as Zagat says, ?set the bar that others aspire to.? He has catered to Japanese Prime Ministers, captains of industry, and world renowned artists and athletes.
Shiro continues his daily shopping rounds religiously at his secret seafood suppliers and if you?re lucky (or patient), you?ll be seated in front of him to experience the freshest, most succulent sushi in town.
In Short
Since 1994, Shiro has had his own self-titled restaurant in Belltown. The sushi bar seats 11, while dining tables have room for 60. The Yellowtail is like butter; go for the freshwater eel over the saltwater--the oil content and richness is sublime. If possible, avoid peak dinner hours and grab a seat at the sushi bar in front of Shiro himself (he's the elder sushi chef with the whimsical smile).
Wasabi Bistro
Seattle, WA 98121View Map
(206) 441-6044
Editorial Review
New-wave Belltown sushi for the raw-fish wary.
The Scene
Think modern sushi house, just out of the box: polished wood tables, washed lighting and young, helpful servers in black. With plenty of seating space and a dramatic lounge area, it's an ideal spot for appetizers and cocktails before a night out in Belltown. The staff knows what's freshest, so listen to their suggestions.
The Food
Purists beware: Wasabi's sushi is not really about raw fish. This is sushi for people who might not even like sushi. Among the 22 specialty rolls, cream cheese, mayonnaise and avocado are used with abandon--and to surprisingly pleasing effect. Take the Belltown roll, filled with seafood salad, mayo and cucumber. The Las Vegas roll is filled with roast eel, crab, avocado and cream cheese. Best is the Caterpillar roll--eel and avocado topped with mouth-tickling roe. Among the Japanese entrees, the strongest is sea bass, marinated in Kasuzuke and expertly roasted to medium-rare.
Sushi Palace
94 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead
(516)538-3838
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Good things often come in small packages, and Sushi Palace exemplifies this well-known adage. Situated amist the hustle and bustle of Hempstead Turnpike in the business section of West Hempstead, this little Japanese osasis offers refuge, serenity, and good Japanese cuisine. Whether you opt to dine at the cozy Sushi Bar or in the attractive dining area with its décor of Shoji screens, light woods, and lanterns, you will be assured of friendly, competent service.
Sushi Palace offers free delivery service in the area and can cater you party or business function. The restarurant is open every day for both lunch and dinner, and stays open till 11:00 PM on Saturdays. Children are always welcome and they receive a surprise gift when they dine.
Aimin Jiang wants her customers to know that she will serve only the freshest fish possible and all of these ingredients are hand selected. New customers are welcome, but because the restaurant is small reservations are recommended. If you are a fan of traditional Japanese fare, or if you are intrigued buy the unusual, you will enjoy your visit to this quaint little gem.
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