Best Japanese Sushi Restaurant Near Pike Place Market Seattle

This popular Japanese restaurant in downtown Seattle is not far from Pike Place Market and the Seattle Art Museum. Walking from Pike Place Market to the restaurant, you can also pass by the Seattle Art Museum, so you can enjoy a meal and sightseeing at the same time.

With nearly 2,000 positive reviews on Yelp, my curiosity was piqued, so I decided to visit for lunch. Upon entering, the restaurant had the vibe of a modern American eatery, and I was slightly disappointed by the decor. Deep down, I thought only hidden, small local spots could offer the most authentic taste. However, this time, I was wrong.

Despite the restaurant having an unmistakable American ambiance with mostly American staff and customers, the sushi was beautifully presented, and its taste didn’t disappoint. Using the freshest ingredients, you could tell the chef paid attention to every detail in the plating. One dish completely changed my initial impression of the restaurant. Chef Billy Beach added more design ideas and Latin flavors to traditional Japanese cuisine, enhancing the visual enjoyment of the dishes without compromising their flavors.

Table of Contents

Octopus Balls (Tako yaki)

The tako yaki left me in awe for the second time. The dough melted in my mouth, and inside, there was a large piece of delicious squid. Combined with the sauce and fluffy bonito flakes on top, each bite brought a tear to my eye.

Because of the two dishes at lunch, I returned in the evening. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as quiet as at lunch, and the restaurant was packed. There were many people waiting outside, and even takeout orders had to wait for nearly an hour.

Octopus and Seaweed Salad

The octopus and seaweed salad didn’t live up to my lunchtime experience. I thought perhaps the Sashimi Salad might be a better choice for flavor.

Matcha Tiramisu

The matcha tiramisu was truly loved by many. I had wanted to order one for lunch, but I was too full. I thought about it all afternoon and came back in the evening for it. The texture of this matcha tiramisu was incredibly rich; I had never tasted such a delicious tiramisu before. No wonder so many people recommend it, and even the waitstaff’s eyes lit up when they spoke about it.

On my way back, I stopped by a nearby Vietnamese shop to grab a milk tea. Although I had to have dinner in my hotel, the entire day felt so fulfilling.