Looking for the best Japanese restaurants in Seattle? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
Among its gastronomic offerings, the Emerald City boasts some stellar best Japanese food joints that are sure to satisfy your palate.
Whatever you’re craving, from traditional sushi rolls to modern izakayas, the suggestions below are going to offer a wide range of flavors and experiences!
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1. Maneki Restaurant
Having been around the city since 1904, Maneki Restaurant is one of Seattle’s oldest Japanese restaurants in Seattle.
Located in the International District, Maneki offers an authentic experience, complete with tatami rooms and light wooden interiors!
If you fancy traditional Japanese dishes, this visit is a must for a genuine taste of Japan in Seattle!
The very best way to make the most of Maneki is to reserve a private tatami room in the back.
The omakase comes with appetizers like pan-seared gyoza and Nanban, and stable hot dishes like yaki udon and miso black cod collar. They might change seasonally, of course!
Besides the Omakase course, the a la carte menu here is pretty expensive! If you’re going to order anything else besides sushi, go with Saba Ichiya Boshi, which is a couple of hunks of mackerel, skin and all, cooked and rubbed with salt. Squeeze some lemon on top and you’re all set!
Or the Salmon Namban – fried salmon bites – with a perfect vinegar coating and shaved onions slaw on top to keep things interesting.
What to Order: Omakase Course, Saba Ichiya Boshi, Salmon Namban
Address: 304 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
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2. Sushi Kashiba
Japanese chef Shiro Kashiba has been making Seattle diners happy with his creations for more than 50 years.
Sushi Kashiba is his third restaurant serving Japanese cuisine of the highest standards, using sustainable seafood from the region, and is one of the best restaurants in Seattle.
Sashimi Tuna Poke is a favorite from this seafood house. The cubed tuna sashimi is fresh and delightful, and the house poke sauce adds a nice savory kick to the dish.
The Black Cod Kasuzuke is Chef Kashiba’s popular dish. Featured in The New York Times, the fish is marinated in sake and miso paste, which gives it a deep savory flavor, along with a hint of sweetness and richness.
The restaurant also offers an omakase experience.
What to order: Sashimi Tuna Poke, Black Cod Kasuzuke, omakase
Address: 86 Pine Street Suite #1, Seattle, WA 98101
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3. wa’z Seattle
Kyoto-style Japanese restaurant wa’z Seattle is your next destination to enjoy a seasonal tasting menu, reflecting the rich traditions of Japanese culinary arts.
Inside, the ambiance is intimate and charming, which makes it perfect for any special date.
The focus here is on locally sourced ingredients prepared with meticulous attention to detail. And we promise you, not only the quality of each dish is top-notch but the presentation is phenomenal as well!
The menu only features six courses, which can be enjoyed in the dining room or at the counter where Chef Hiro Tawara explains each dish in detail.
Eating here is pretty outstanding with dishes made out of the simplest ingredients yet tasty and remarkable.
What to Order: Kaiseki Tasting Menu
Address: 411 Cedar St, Seattle, WA 98121
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🍕 Foodie? Check out these top-rated Seattle food tours!
4. Shiro’s Sushi
Shiro’s Sushi has been serving some of the best sushi in Seattle since 1994. And still, there’s a line of sushi fans waiting outside pretty much every day!
Everything at this Belltown sushi spot is stellar, and the food here remains flawless in the capable hands of chef Jun Kobayashi.
Make sure to get the Tuna Combo and Salmon Combo which is full of texture and packed with flavors! The Salmon version has four different cuts and styles with a special salmon roll.
And the Tuna version is no different with 5 pieces of fatty tuna, medium fatty tuna, zuke tuna, tuna, and negitoro on the plate. Your palate will be screaming for happiness!
If you’re not in a hurry, sit down and try their Omakase which is surprisingly impressive.
And don’t forget to check on their Sake list with a few lovely choices from the snowy Niigata region of Japan, home to some of the best sake in the world.
What to order: Omakase, Tuna Combo, Salmon Combo, Soft Shell Crab Roll
Address: 2401 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
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5. ISSIAN
For grilled, deep-fried, and skewered Japanese dishes, ISSIAN should be your first choice!
Located in Wallingford, ISSIAN specializes in Yakiniku, a style of BBQ that allows guests to grill their own meats and vegetables at the table.
The casual atmosphere is lively, making it a great place for social gatherings and family dinners. Did we mention the happy hour specials are especially good with discounts on many items too?
Here, you’ll find excellent kushiyaki, from minced chicken or sizzling pork belly sticks to fried snacks like gyoza and shumai. Don’t be shy, grab a bottle of Sapporo to wash them all down!
If you’re craving raw fish, you can have those fresh bites when ordering their Omakase Sashimi Plate too!
ISSIAN is vegetarian-friendly as well, with plenty of options involving tofu, eggplant, and natto.
The Veggie Roll and Toffu Avocado Don are a must! The house also provides a wide range of Japanese sparkling wine and sake, which is perfect to share with a group of friends!
What to Order: Kushiyaki, Omakase Sashimi Plate, Veggie Roll, Toffu Avocado Don
Address: 1618 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103
6. Taneda Sushi In Kaiseki
Located in the back of a two-story indoor mall on Capitol Hill, Taneda Sushi is where to find the best omakase experiences in Seattle.
Pay a visit to satisfy your seafood cravings in such a cozy ambiance and Japanese-authentic decoration.
At Taneda, you’ll be experiencing a substantial meal of 25 courses, served by the chef himself. Don’t hesitate to start a conversation with him about the dish, or food in general, that is quite an interesting experience!
Please note that the seats are limited and the space is quite small, so you must book in advance and can’t seem to go as a group of more than 3.
Overall, Taneda is still the best place with the best price to enjoy high-quality, fresh, bouncing-texture raw seafood in Seattle.
If you’re looking for more stellar seafood in Seattle area, check out our list of the top spots here.
What to order: Omakase Course
Address: 219 Broadway E #14, Seattle, WA 98102
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7. Yoroshiku
Whenever you feel like trying Japanese cuisine with a modern twist, think of Yoroshiku – a modern izakaya that features Hokkaido-centric food and drinks.
The izakaya-style dining allows guests to enjoy small plates of various dishes, which is perfect when you’re into trying out something new without taking too many risks!
The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it a perfect spot for both casual dinners and special occasions.
You’ll be overwhelmed by their menu as it features everything from sushi and sashimi to ramen and yakitori.
Yoroshiku also offers vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy!
Highlights of the menu include the Spicy Zangi Chicken Bao with Hokkaido-style fried chicken, jalapeño, pickled cucumber, match stick carrots, and sweet miso to dip into; and the Umami Dashi Ramen.
For the ramen, you can choose between pork, chicken, or tuna sashimi.
Add in some kelp, bonito, and scallop dashi stock, half egg, bean sprout, bamboo shoots, and wood ear mushroom.
Finally, order a glass of fresh Lychee Martini and you’re all set!
What to Order: Spicy Zangi Chicken Bao, Umami Dashi Ramen, Lychee Martini
Address: 1913 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103
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8. Kobuta & Ookami Katsu and Sake House
Kobuta & Ookami Katsu and Sake House is a casual dining restaurant in Seattle that specializes in Japanese katsu dishes and sake.
This spot is dedicated to different types of katsu, and you will want to line up before they open because the crowd is no joke!
Start simple with the Hire Katsu with pork tenderloin cutlet, served deliciously with shredded cabbage, rice, miso soup, and homemade pickles.
The Mozzarella Pork Katsu is no less stunning with thin slices of cutlet wrapped around chunks of melty cheese, topped with tangy tomato miso and a flurry of parmesan.
Feels like heaven in every bite!
For katsu curry, go ahead and choose Ebi! This goodness comes with prawn cutlet and house-made curry mixed with dark chocolate, giving it an extra rich taste served over rice and homemade pickles!
What to Order: Hire Katsu, Mozzarella Pork Katsu, Ebi Katsu Curry
Address: 121 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112
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9. Mashiko
For those who are adventurous in creative concoctions involving fish prepared the Japanese way, Mashiko in West Seattle serves crazily good and completely sustainable seafood.
Each omakase course has its own sake recommendations to give you the ultimate Japanese sushi bar experience. The interiors are simple and give off a typical sushi bar.
Mashiko does a fantastic job with their omakase meals. Everything is fresh, flavorful, and reasonably priced.
The Nami Omakase, in particular, is a delightful course with a great variety of fish. It includes one appetizer, a sashimi combo, a nigiri combo, miso soup, and dessert.
If you’re not up for a seafood adventure, try out their Fresh Nigiri of the Day. You can taste the freshness of the nigiri that feels like you’re tasting the sea. Ask locals about Mashiko, and they’ll tell you how excellent their nigiri is!
What to order: Nami Omakase, Fresh Nigiri of the Day
Address: 4725 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
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10. Kamonegi
Kamonegi is a tiny, crooked warren of shadowy rooms trimmed in wood that served the best soba noodles in Seattle.
A meal at Kamonegi is absolutely memorable, not only for its relaxed mood where you could feasibly wear sweatpants while knocking back that fresh sea urchin but also for its bold, creative chef who creates the signature soba noodles.
Kamonegi is all about comfort, loveable soup combined with unexpected pairings such as fried satsuma yam dressed with honey and gorgonzola, and even extends to tempura-fried Oreos.
They all have magnificent taste profiles and wonderful presentations!
Otherwise, you can try out their non-soup items, like the phenomenal Kabocha Tempura arches tossed like chicken wings in a sticky duck demi-glace, delicately topped with custardy uni and ikura.
Or the Coffee-marinated Salmon Tartare with pork floss and a wave of chive-speckled sour cream.
What to order: Kabocha Tempura, Coffee-marinated Salmon Tartare, Black Cod Chawanmushi
Address: 1054 N 39th St, Seattle, WA 98103
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11. Ishoni Yakiniku
Ishoni Yakiniku is a Japanese restaurant in Seattle that specializes in yakiniku, a style of Japanese BBQ. For all the grilled meat lovers, you guys should really check out this place!
The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, making it a great place for a fun, interactive dining experience. Their dishes are meant to be shared, so don’t hesitate to grab your besties and go!
This place is well-known for its signature Thick Cut Beef Tongue which is so divine, tender, and juicy!
For something even saucier, the well-marinated Beef Rib Finger can do you good! So hard to choose one out? The Ishoni Beef Combo with 4 types of meat can definitely satisfy you.
Don’t forget to order some salad to freshen up everything. The Tofu Salad and Isoni Salad are highly recommended with both amazing taste and crunchy texture!
End it right with their signature Sesame Panna Cotta, this item is nowhere to be found but Ishoni Yakiniku! Do not miss a chance to try this aromatic, lightly sweet, and creamy treat!
What to Order: Thick Cut Beef Tongue, Beef Rib Finger, Ishoni Beef Combo, Tofu Salad, Sesame Panna Cotta
Address: 611 Broadway E, Seattle, WA 98102
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12. Momiji Capitol Hill
Have you ever tried sushi in an authentic Japanese garden? If that sounds nice to you, don’t hesitate to try it at Momiji Capitol Hill!
This lovely spot is sure to make your date night more special with stunning classic dishes along with a late-night menu with tons of Japanese whisky if you’re planning to stay for a little longer.
Highlights of the menu include Tako Wasabi with seasoned raw baby octopus in a wasabi marinade with scallions and grated ginger that will absolutely amaze your palate!
The Rainbow Tartare is no less stunning with finely chopped tuna, yellowtail & salmon over rice. Fresh yet flavorsome as ever!
Don’t think of leaving if you haven’t tried the savory Halibut Cheeks, creamy Angel Roll, and spicy, crunchy Mr. Perfect Roll.
They are the reason why this place is loved that much!
What to order: Tako Wasabi, Rainbow Tartare, Halibut Cheeks, Angel Roll, Mr. Perfect Roll
Address: 1522 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
13. Fremont Bowl
Fremont Bowl is a place where you can get homestyle Japanese comfort food, specializing in chirashi bowls, donburi bowls, snacks, etc.
The restaurant is small and clean, and the atmosphere is casual and friendly.
If you are a raw fish addict, we suggest that you go with the Chirashi bowl. You get a bowl full of absolutely fresh and delicious raw fish, which includes salmon, fatty tuna, shrimp, albacore, and masago with fresh wasabi. It’s raining seafood!
Their Poke Bowls are something to be appreciated. While poke bowls in most restaurants come with a myriad of toppings and sauces, completely masking the seafood’s flavor…here, you can taste the quality and natural flavor of the fish, as the toppings are minimal, and you can choose between one of the two available sauces – yuzu soy or sweet spicy.
What to order: Chirashi Bowl, Poke Bowl
Address: 4258 Fremont Avenue N, Suite #4262, Seattle, WA 98103
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13. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
What started as a single nine-seater restaurant in Japan, with just a single item on the menu, is now a worldwide sensation that is Hokkaido Ramen Santouka.
The restaurant in Bellevue is located on Bellevue Way, where the place is simple and cozy, with a friendly and casual vibe.
When you visit Santouka, it would be a sin to leave without trying their Shio Ramen, the one dish they started with in the 80s.
The base here is their specialty – white tonkotsu soup, which is made from scratch, and is so good that you will not stop slurping until the last drop.
Order a portion of Gyoza to savor alongside your ramen. The five pieces of pork and chicken pot stickers are masterfully crafted with love. These have a crispy and chewy outside, and a generous filling inside that will leave you feeling satisfied.
What to order: Shio Ramen, Gyoza, Takoyaki
Address: 103 Bellevue Way NE, Suite 3, Bellevue, WA 98004
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So, seems like we’ve got all the best options in our hands and now it’s time to explore!
For more culinary explorations in the Emerald City, don’t forget to check out our comprehensive guide on the best restaurants in Seattle. Your next unforgettable meal is just a reservation away!
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.