08/31/09

Best Japanese Restaurant on the East Side

by Porsche987

Flo is an outstanding restaurant by any measure. For the relatively modest size of the restaurant, the menu is varied and the preparation uniformly superb.

While every item on the menu is good, I would most highly recomment the 5 course tasting menu. At first blush, it appears a tad expensive ... but once you have been served this menu, you will gladly order it again. Every dish in the tasting menu is outstanding, and perfectly paired. Of course, it is different every time you visit the restaurant, adding to the specialness of each opportunity to dine here.

The personnel of the restaurant are committed to creating a great dining experience, and seem to be long-term employees. They are very good at remembering clients, even those who visit only a few times a year, and make you feel welcome in a way that only a smaller restaurant can.

I consider the restaurant a good value -- quality of food, consistency, service and choice are all first rate.

While I 'headlined' my review by citing Flo as the 'best on the east side', this is really not generous enough. I would be hard pressed to name a materially better Japanese restaurant in Seattle. In fact, having traveled to Japan with some regularity on business over the last decade, this is just an excellent restaurant by any standard.

The only change I might make would be to expand/improve the wine list. But this is a minor 'nit' and the excellent choices in Sake (warm or cold) make up for this almost insignificant limitation.

• Pros: Broad, sophisticated menu
• Cons: Limited wine list (but excellent Sake)

07/08/08

Excellent Service, Quality Sushi

by kristylsummers

I just went to Flo today (July 2008) for lunch. I sat alone at the sushi bar, and first of all the service was perfect. The hostess acted as my wait staff, filling my water, delivering my food and taking care of every detail. The sushi chef greeted me, kindly answered my questions and provided exceptional service. The food was amazing, and very filling. $14 bento box, with salad, soup, rice, edamame, shrimp/vegie tempura and then 2 choices. I went for the sashimi (2 kinds, 4 pieces total) and the spicy crunch hamachi roll (4 pieces). This was the perfect size lunch and the fish was so fresh. Lastly, the place is spotless, right down to the ladies room.

I give it 4 forks out 4.

• Pros: Service, Quality of Fish
• Cons: A little on the high side, but you get what you pay for!

11/08/07

Shame on you rgm079!

by darind

Why do people like this take such time to do such things? It is so, so obvious who you are. If your going to do this...at least write another review on somebody to cover your tracks. Please don't take your personal issues out on the restaurant by writing bogus reviews.

10/30/07

Not much as its price

by rgm079

I had dinner only two times, but no more.

The decor and mood and service are good, but its tastes is not so.

Egg custard steamed in teacup ("Chawanmushi" in Japanese) was not set (I know it's difficult to cook).

Sushi is not so good as its price.Other dises is not outstanding.

I won't recommend to my Japanese friends.There are other good Japanese restaurants with resonable price in Bellevue.

• Pros: Mood and service
• Cons: Food and price

10/05/07

This place is real.

by kevinl2

I have seen simple progress since the beginning 5 years ago. But the past few visits, there seems to be a major improvement in basic fundamental techniques from the kitchen. They must have a new kitchen chef. The basic tempura and sauces are the same but specials are different.

The sushi bar items are always consistent and quality is there. Did notice the sushi bar is not as crowded as in the past. Did notice their head sushi chef is not up front as much. I use to sit at the bar in the past and enjoyed conversations with the chefs but lately, with the "change" of staff, it has not been as enjoyable. Don't get me wrong, the chefs there now are OK, but not as conversational. This could be reason for less of a crowd on counter. But quality is still there and rather consistent.

I wrote this review from a view point of someone in the industry...and I decided to write this because of my interest in food and felt this restaurant is for real. Not a hype of fusion with masked flavors. Hope most of you who do enjoy food will be able to come to understand the differences.

• Pros: consistent
• Cons: parkiing during lunch hours

05/05/07

BEST PLACE for sushi

by west2east

FLO JAPANESE RESTAURANT IS ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!!

its definitely a local celebrity hot spot. (seahawks players, retired players, former a, b list celebs) Its for an older crowd.

the staff is awesome! the food is absolutely delicious and the ambience is superb!

Will always come back for more. Their customer service is so geniuine and personal. They truly take care of their 'regulars' and new comers.

fish is always fresh and their dessert list is always changing.

• Pros: EVERYTHING
• Cons: n/a

03/30/07

Not Worth Trying

by callalilly

My daughter and I are quite disappointed at the food we had at Flo. After reading so many good reviews on this site, we thought of giving it a try. On the way out, my daughter said to me, she will never come back again. The fish was not fresh. The rice was wet. We ordered a soft shelf crab from the kitchen and when it came out, it was coated with chunks of bread crumbs. My daughter took two bites and wouldn't finish it.

• Pros: large selection of menu
• Cons: bad food

08/11/06

good bellevue japanese food

by mochi_seattle

It took a while for Flo to gain momentum and popularity but I'm glad they made it! The food is always very consistent (consistently good) and the staffs are friendly. Parking is easy but the parking stalls in the building is really tight for larger size cars. Try sitting at the bar, the sushi chef makes some great and adventurous recommendations.

• Pros: Ambience good for conversation, prompt seating

05/31/06

Wonderful experience

by amadio

I had a wonderful experience with my girlfriend. The menu was more origional than most japanese restaurants I've tried. The sushi was the freshest I've ever had, and actually set a new standard for fresh with me. The portions were perfect. I was fortunate enough to have enough room left for Chef Brandons salatious chocolate fondue.

This place is fresh period, the food, the decor, the attitudes. I Highly recommed a visit.

<<<<<<<<Update>>>>>>>>>>>>

I've been back since their menu change and I love it!

Do not miss out on the Kobe Tataki with Wasabi infused Creme Fraiche, I could eat it every day.

• Pros: Staff, sushi, specials
• Cons: above average cost

05/03/06

My favourite sushi place

by random_chick

Words cannot describe how awesome the sushi is every time we've been to Flo. Their ikura, in particular, is the best I've ever had. The tempura is fresh and crisp, and their other dishes (e.g. tuna carpaccio, bacon-wrapped scallops, etc.) are also very delicious. They have a great sake selection too!

• Pros: Fresh sushi, Ambience, Service