Seattle is home to several standout Japanese restaurants. From an interactive hibachi spot to a top-notch sushi destination from a renowned chef, you can find a best Japanese restaurant in Seattle, WA for your next meal.
Feast on bold Japanese-Latin fusion dishes near Pike Place Market. Support a restaurant focusing on sustainability in the Lake Union/Eastlake area. Indulge in one of Seattle’s most popular happy hours in Capitol Hill.
Book a table at one of the best Japanese restaurants Seattle through OpenTable today.
Read on to discover the 9 best Japanese restaurants in Seattle right now.
For a meal from a renowned sushi chef at a best Japanese restaurant in Seattle, WA — check out SanKai (Edmonds)
Located in charming downtown Edmonds, SanKai delivers seafood that rivals Tokyo’s finest markets. Seattle sushi legend Ryuichi Nakano crafts each piece with masterful precision. Try to score a seat at the intimate sushi bar for the ultimate experience. First-rate fish and heartier fare like Korean sashimi rice are served in the warm cedar interior, making SanKai a must-visit for sushi.
For an interactive teppanyaki dinner — book a table at Wild Wasabi Signature (Bellevue)
For high-quality hibachi, head to Wild Wasabi Signature. If you opt not to have dinner in front of the teppanyaki grill, the comprehensive a la carte steakhouse- and Japanese-inspired menu includes everything from rolls to a raw bar to katsu, tempura, sushi, and more. The sleek, modern space—think warm wood tones and soft lighting—makes it a go-to for date nights and special occasions.
For a popular happy hour spot at one of the best Japanese restaurants in Seattle — head over to Momiji (Capitol Hill/First Hill and Lake Union/Eastlake)
Expect top-tier sushi and standout izakaya bites at Seattle hotspot Momiji. Both locations deliver ultra-fresh sashimi, creative rolls, and melt-in-your mouth wagyu in cozy, comfortable settings. The Capitol Hill location also boasts a breezy, lantern-lit courtyard. Can’t-miss dishes include the Momiji roll, truffle toro, and black cod. Pair your meal with a sake flight, and don’t miss the locally-loved happy hour.
For super fresh sushi paired with shareable izakaya plates — try Moshi Moshi Sushi (Ballard)
Moshi Moshi Sushi is a woman-owned Seattle spot that’s been a local favorite since 2009. While the towering LED cherry tree in the middle of the room may draw eyes, the real stars of the show are masterfully prepared sushi that prioritizes freshness over flashy presentations and small izakaya dishes meant for sharing with friends over some ice-cold beers, sake, or a signature shiso margarita. Happy hour here is a real vibe, too.
For the best Japanese restaurant in Seattle, WA with interactive tabletop BBQ — head over to Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ (Bellevue)
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is a go-to for group dining—especially during the epic happy hour. Grill vegetables and premium meats like A5 wagyu short ribs, all served with tons of small plates and sides plus beer and cocktails. The hum of exhilarated conversation and sizzle of the grills gives the restaurant a lively ambiance that invites you to linger with friends.
For luxurious barbecue grilled at your table at a best Japanese restaurant in Seattle, WA — book a table at Itadaki Yakiniku (Bellevue)
Itadaki Yakiniku is a destination for high-end Japanese grilling with undeniable flair. Tabletop grills sizzle with A5 wagyu and local meats while attentive staff guide the interactive experience. The minimalist, wood-accented space showcases marinated delicacies, house-made dipping sauces, and melt-in-your-mouth proteins. Don’t sleep on the cocktails and dessert—they’re as unforgettable as the rest of the experience.
For sustainable plates at a best Japanese restaurant in Seattle, WA — book a table at Sushi Kappo Tamura (Lake Union/Eastlake)
Tucked along Eastlake Avenue, Sushi Kappo Tamura stands out as Seattle’s premier destination for sustainable Japanese cuisine. Chef Taichi Kitamura’s commitment to local, seasonal ingredients shines through every meticulously crafted dish. The sleek, minimalist space provides the picture-perfect backdrop for specialties like the black cod kasuzuke or the signature Puget Sound geoduck. Be sure not to miss innovative small plates with produce from the rooftop garden.
For knockout Japanese-inspired dishes paired with sake — book a table at Umi Sake House (Downtown)
Umi Sake House has earned its reputation as one of the best sushi restaurants in Seattle. The extensive Japanese-inspired menu balances seafood and crowd-pleasing rolls with Japanese specialties like agedashi tofu and udon. The real star, however, is the extensive sake menu with over 50 options, including sake cocktails. Enjoy them in a cozy booth or a bamboo-decked back dining room.
For Japanese-Latin fusion cuisine — book a table at Japonessa Sushi Cocina (Belltown/Pike Place Market and Bellevue)
With a prime spot right next to Pike Place Market, the Belltown location of Japonessa Sushi Cocina blends traditional Japanese techniques with bold Latin flavors. The moody interior sets the stage for creative sushi rolls like the Matador, starring spicy yellowtail with jalapeño and cilantro aioli. Locals crowd the bar for specialty cocktails and discounted signature dishes during its legendary happy hour. Visit the Bellevue location for the same standout food and drinks.
Whether you’re in the mood for upscale sashimi paired with wine for a special evening out or a warm bowl of savory udon on a cloudy day, Seattle is full of top-notch Japanese restaurants. Remember, the best seats fill up fast, so make sure to book a table ahead of time.
Secure your spot at one of the best Japanese restaurants in Seattle by reserving ahead on OpenTable today.
After discovering the best Japanese restaurants in Seattle, check out these guides for other must-visit spots in the city:
- 3 can’t-miss Black-owned restaurants in Seattle
- 10 top date night restaurants in Seattle
- The 6 best vegan-friendly restaurants in Seattle
Esther Carlstone is a travel and food writer based in Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in publications such as Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet, Forbes, Tripadvisor, Insider, and more. Follow her on Instagram @familyfieldtrip.
