SAI Sushi & Sake, Seattle, WA

Rating:

 4.9 (100)

Cost:

$100 – & up

Relaxed, cozy Japanese eatery with an omakase menu featuring sushi, sashimi, mains & desserts.

SAI Sushi & Sake

Experience SAI Sushi & Sake

SAI Sushi & Sake in Seattle, WA, stands out as a cozy Japanese eatery specializing in exquisite omakase dining that draws in sushi enthusiasts from nearby neighborhoods. This intimate spot offers a relaxed atmosphere with fresh, high-quality fish selections and thoughtful menu details that enhance the overall experience, making it a go-to choice for those seeking authentic flavors in a welcoming setting. The restaurant focuses on traditional techniques and creative presentations, providing a menu that includes sushi, sashimi, and delectable desserts for a well-rounded meal. Accessibility features like wheelchair-friendly entrances add to its appeal, ensuring everyone can enjoy the refined ambiance without hassle. Whether you're exploring top-rated Japanese options close to you, this hidden gem delivers a memorable blend of quality and comfort for an elevated dining adventure.

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Review Roundup

Folks who've visited this spot often share how the intimate omakase setup creates a refreshing change from typical sushi outings, highlighting the unique and high-quality fish that keep things exciting and delicious. Many appreciate the thoughtful touches, like detailed menu insights and a focus on fresh ingredients that make every bite feel special and worth the trip. It's commonly noted that the overall vibe feels professional yet approachable, with standout flavors that leave diners eager to return for more. While it's a smaller, one-person operation, the consistent praise points to solid execution and a passion that shines through in the food. If you're on the hunt for top-rated sushi places near you, this one's buzzing with positive vibes for a satisfying and genuine experience.

Summarized by AI using the Grok-3-Mini model.

Address & Phone

Uptown
25 W Mercer St
Seattle, WA 98119

Wheelchair Accessiblility

Entrance:Restroom:Seating:

Parking Options

Free parking lot:Free street parking:Valet parking:Free garage parking:

Payment Options

Accepts credit cards:Accepts debit cards:Accepts nfc:

Reviews

  • Denise Lin  5

    The only private omakase dining experience in Seattle! I was a bit nervous since I’m socially awkward, so anything 1 on 1 sounds daunting. Chef Saito is very warm and kind, and the food never stopped coming which made the experience less awkward than I had anticipated (can’t think too much when you’re stuffing your face). He’s a one-man show which really pulled at my heart strings; he’s clearly a hard worker and puts a lot of thought into his craft. What I loved that I haven’t seen other sushi places do is he writes out a very thorough menu for you to read alongside your meal. Not only does it list each course in order, but he also includes some cool facts or background of the course. Another thing I loved was that he has a sign in front of you that he flips after each course to tell you what’s up next. It just all felt very accessible and thoughtful to customers. In terms of the meal, you can tell Chef Saito means business! The moment we sat down, he had our first dish ready. Throughout the meal, we kept noticing fish or small dishes that we had never tried before or hadn’t known much about. If you read other reviews, other people noticed the same thing; Chef Saito picks unique things that you don’t see in other omakase restaurants. It was refreshing to see the different cuts, different regions the fish came from, and different preparation techniques he used for each dish. They were all delicious! I highly recommend pairing your meal with a houjicha tea he picked out from Japan and hands down the best houjicha I’ve ever had. Dessert was also very delicious - a homemade soft pudding with fruit and mochi ice cream. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience with a different range of omakase items, this is definitely worth the try! People know about the big hitters in Seattle like Taneda, LTD, Sushi Kashiba, etc, and I feel Sai is kind of this low-key hidden gem (opened in 2020 aka the worst time!) that most of Seattle still doesn’t really know about. I really hope Chef Saito gets more recognition, since he deserves it. He won’t be your chatty, super engaging chef, but he is so kind and will make sure your dining experience is meeting/exceeding your standards. I’d love to spread the word on him. We know we’ll definitely be back.

  • Shawn Park  5

    I’ve tried all of omakase in Seattle, and this is by far the most intimate, and unique omakase experience. Chef Sai really differentiate his food by creating nigiris that you won’t find else where such as Kuruma-ebi, Hokke, Geoduck and etc. if you’re tired or same ole omakase with same sets of fish, and wants to explore refreshing, and unique experience. This is the place to go

  • Kaiju Lyu  5

    Me and my friend spent a wonderful birthday event here. The food quality is very good and we were able to enjoy some uncommon nigiri ingredients that barely find on market. The akagai nigiri was probably the most superizing one! Chief is very professional and friendly, delivering very authentic dishes that he learned from the master in Japan. The whole place is not large and looked like only serve 4 people each time, but it's clean, it's quiet and comfortable to place all belongings and bags properly. Would definitely visit again!

  • Henry C.  5

    I loved how you can get an entirely private omakase experience at a similar price point to other popular high-end sushi places in Seattle. Sai’s hospitality is awesome, and I’d definitely recommend this place for special occasions. On a side note, this is a “one-man” restaurant, so Sai would not be at the bar at all times, as he has to handle all sorts of stuff to present a wonderful sushi experience.

  • Estella Liu  5

    From start to finish, this omakase experience was very enjoyable . The chef’s attention to detail and mastery of flavors truly shone through in every course. The purple uni was a standout – its luxurious, buttery texture and briny sweetness was impressive. It melted on the palate like a dream. The toro was equally sublime, rich and fatty with the perfect balance of freshness. I also enjoy the nodoguro. The delicate, smoky flavor of this premium fish, paired with its silky texture, was simply unforgettable. The ambiance was intimate, and the chef’s passion for each ingredient was evident as they explained the origins and preparation behind every dish. If you’re a sushi lover, this is an absolute must-visit. I can’t wait to return for another round of culinary artistry!