This place is almost diagonally across from Maneki’s. We ended up here because we were turned away (almost literally) by Maneki’s because we had a big group and didn’t make reservations in advance. It was a Friday evening. Maneki’s just too popular – if you want to go there on the weekend as a group you really need to plan ahead.

This is one of the more spacious Japanese restaurants in the International District. So next time you know: if you can’t get into Maneki’s there’s a safe bet diagnally across the street.

This place is between a 3 and a 4 in terms of food and service. The sushi quality was only okay. The selection’s not bad though. They have the standard stuff as well as some interesting, more unconventional dishes such as chicken cartilage, ox tongue, etc, but I didn’t try them.

The decor is more modern than traditional Japanese, but they do have two Japanese rooms at the back. It’s definitely nice enough for a romantic dinner.

I thought I’d give it a 4 though I could give it a 3 because if it wasn’t for them, we’d probably be scrambling to look for a place to eat and not make it to karaoke at 10pm. :)

Classy settking, with various rolls that are different from the standard.

It makes me sad to write this review – mostly because this place used to be one of my favorites years ago. I’m not sure if the management changed or what, but ever since they changed the interior to be more “upscale” this place has gotten much worst.

First of all – it is overpriced for the freshness and quantity of the fish you get (and the other dishes too). I ordered the salmon sashimi which cost me $10. They were the smallest pieces of sashimi I have seen in Seattle in awhile. Small, thin, squares (I wish I had taken a picture). I was still hungry after but didn’t want to waste anymore money.

My friends got skimpy portions too, and everyone noted the freshness of the fish wasn’t that good. Even the bentos which used to be the best deal seem to have gotten worse.

The thing is though, this place is deceptive because it is always still crowded inside…so I’m not sure what the draw is but don’t be fooled.

And finally – yes there are worse places to go for Japanese food in Seattle but if you never make it to this restaurant you aren’t missing anything…anymore at least :-(

as the title shows, this place has great lunch, and the place is good for romantic dinner!