Nishino
Seattle, WA 98112
Phone: (206) 322-5800
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- 32nd Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- Sushi 2008, Japanese Food 2006
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm, Sun 5:30pm-9:30pm
Editorial Review for Nishino – by Allison Austin
The Scene
Since 1995, Tatsu Nishino and his chefs have kept standards high. Nishino himself often steps out of the kitchen to observe the bustling sushi bar, making sure counters are tidy and orderly. Servers know uni from tamago at a glance, as well as how to keep the courses coming at an appropriate pace.
The Food
Perfectly fresh, cool sashimi and sushi are the main draws. Standard-setting versions of the usual (salmon, tuna, shrimp) are available, but braver diners will enjoy geoduck or salty surf clam. The terrific sashimi sampler is a great way to start, but hungry diners should order extra maguro (tuna)--it's raspberry red and heavenly. Japanese vinegar salad with crab is great when shared. The raw fish-phobic can opt for the Kinoko tofu (fried tofu with oyster mushrooms).
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Look GoodFor a truly remarkable experience, go omakase: Choose from two multicourse fixed-price dinners, showcasing the freshest fish and produce.
User Reviews for Nishino
01/13/2009 Posted by DEJ905
I was visiting friends in Seattle and heard great things about Nishino- being a sushi fanatic, it seemed like a no-brainer choice on my trip to the Northwest from LA. I made an 8:00 Friday reservation 3 days in advance. We arrived 5 minutes early to a restaurant already filled to overflow with people waiting to be seated. I told the maitre d' that we had arrived for our reservation and was met with a blank stare and an "OK", which I translated to "sit down with everyone else". By 8:15 several people had been shown to their tables while we sat and continued to wait. I asked an employee what the status with our table was- she was apologetic, saying that our table was still being used by a party who were taking their time. She offered a complimentary glass of wine, which helped. However, what did NOT help was, while still waiting for our table at 8:40, another group with the same number in their party came through the door, announced "We're here for our 8pm reservation, sorry we're late", and were immediately brought to a table. After seeing that, I told the maitre d' and the employee that we were leaving. With the employee apologizing profusely and re-emphasizing that the party at our table was still sitting there, we left Nishino with our bellies still grumbling in hunger and our spirits a little less festive. Bottom line- a restaurant that busy needs to learn how to better manage their table turning or deal with 'camper' customers, and as for letting the late party in immediately when we were on time and waiting for so long? There's no excuse for that whatsoever.
Pros: A "Zen sand garden" is provided in the waiting room to assist in bringing down stress levels as you wait for your table
Cons: An experience not unlike waiting for your plane at Chicago's O'Hare airport during a January blizzard.
11/05/2008 Posted by golito
Pretty good Sushi, but not much of a Japanese feel to the place. More for the trendy type, serious Sushi lovers will be happy here, but there are better places in town.
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