Emma Seattle is a city that is known for having a serious food scene and its proximity to the pacific, which means that you can get some of the freshest fish around. Along with its great local produce, the city is a melting pot of diverse cultures which results in one of the best food experiences in the US.
A large portion of Seattle’s population has an Asian heritage meaning that the Asian food here is top-notch. The Japanese food scene here is really strong, so we weren’t short on options when we were compiling this list of great sushi spots.
The one important thing to note is that AYCE sushi is not that common in Seattle. There are a few places offering it, but it’s very limited. So, we have highlighted our top option as well as our top budget-friendly sushi restaurants. These joints deliver on quality on price and you can get a serious feed for under $30 per person.
Top AYCE Sushi Restaurant
Address: 3120 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406, United States
Price Range – Lunch – $24.95 – Dinner – $34.95
Although this is a stretch including Trappers in a Seattle list we couldn’t include it. As its a serious offer and honestly only one of the only legit AYCE options available.
The sushi here is really good and the range of choice is great. It’s located in Tacoma, so about a 40-minute drive from Downtown Seattle.
They do a lunch and dinner menu and serve it at the sushi bar only. This just means that you need to pull up a bar stool and you can’t get a table.
The menu isn’t as large as the alacarte option, but there is still more than enough choice to get a serious feed on. Our favorite rolls were the Thrill specialty roll which has spicy tuna, jalapeno, avocado, and hot sauce. They were super tasty. They also offer starters Nigiri and long rolls on their dinner menu.
You get serious bang for your buck here and considering the limited AYCE options in the downtown Seattle area, it’s worth the 40-minute drive.
Top Budget-friendly Sushi Spots
Maneki Restaurant
Address: 304 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104, United States
Price Range – $$
Maneki is a bit of an institution when it comes to sushi spots in Seattle. Located in Japantown it has an authentically Japanese feel to it. The same owners have been running Maneki for decades. Which is great to see. The sushi here delivers. The fish is fresh and well prepared. It’s clear that the chefs at Maneki are top-notch sushi operators and it’s reflected in the dishes.
They have a few signature dishes and you really can’t go wrong with any of them. Our top recommendation is their sukiyaki and black cod. They are both deliciously umami.
From a price point perspective, it’s also a reasonably priced spot. Although they don’t offer AYCE you can still get feed for around $25 a head, which is good going in today’s economy.
To make a reservation you need to text TEXT our new reservation this number +503.662.2814 up to two weeks before.
Umi Sake House
Address: 2230 1st Ave, Seattle, WA
Price Range – $$
Let’s start off by saying the decor and aesthetic of this place are really special and the food on offer here is too bad either. This place is a triple threat. It hits on the price, the quality, and the service. You really can’t go wrong with chowing down here.
Located in Belltown, it’s a super convenient spot if you’re staying in the downtown area. It is a little bit on the pricier side, but they do have a really good happy hour that runs from 4-6 pm and 10 pm to close. The happy hour menu is large. You can get sushi sets for $10, so this is your best bet if you are on a budget.
We highly recommend making a reservation for Umi Sake. It gets super busy. It looks quite small from the front, but it opens up at the back of the restaurant into a large expansive spot. There is also a nice patio area, so in the summertime. It’s a buzzing spot.
They are known for a few signature dishes. Their Mango tango roll is such a unique flavor combination. The sweet elements of the fruit and the salty taste of the fish. Top-notch. If you have a sweet tooth, deep-fried ice cream is a must-try.
Being that this is a Sake house as well. They have a serious range of Sake on offer. Their cocktails are really good too.
Japonessa
Address: 1400 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Price Range – $$
The is an interesting spot as it combines the flavors of Japan with a Latin twist. They have two locations. One downtown and the other in Bellvue.
The sushi here is very fresh and well presented and the service is super. Our top recommendation is the Mr. Wonderfull roll, which combines the flavors of tuna, yamagobo, sockeye, avocado, jalapeno, and citrus. It’s special.
The roll sizes here are big, so if you are ordering from the main menu. Less is probably more. The Omakase (Chef’s choice) option is also really good and at $50 per person, is a pretty decent value.
From a price point perspective. Japonessa is on the pricier side if you order from the main menu. They do have a really good happy hour menu, which is offered 7 days a week from open to 5:30 pm and 9:00 pm to close. It’s also available from the takeout service all of the time. So, you can get value here if you optimize your order.
During happy hour you can get a selection of rolls and sets for around $10 dollars. The sashimi set is our go-to option. You get two pieces of tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and albacore and one shrimp sashimi all for $13. You really can go wrong with it. Their specialty rolls are all around $12 from the happy hour menu.
Musashi’s
Address: 1400 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Price Range – $
If you’re looking for a local favorite, then Musashi’s is the place for you. Located in Wallingford this spot is a little outside the downtown area. The location itself is super small, so the wait times can be quite long at peak times.
Musashi’s is a cash-only place too, so be prepared and bring cash. Prices here are really good, you can get a range of rolls for $10. Their spicy tuna rolls are top-notch. Their veggie rolls are also great.
Their assorted range of sashimi on a bed of rice for $15 is definitely the best value option and super quality.
