I come here regularly. Most often for a business lunch. Depending on who’s footing the bill, I’ll have a bento box or à la carte sushi.

The service is effecient – I’ve only seen apparently Japanese women (not girls) serving. After seeing me on about a monthly basis for two years, they’ve started to be friendlier.

The decor is thoroughly Japanese. This is not an upscale restaurant, but it’s elegant and pleasant. It would be a good place for a date with someone who appreciates authentic quality – it has romantic possibilities with intimate tables and a quiet atmosphere.

The kitchen is staffed by a couple of Japanese gentlemen, so elaborate orders can take a while during lunch and dinner rushes. The quality of the sushi (freshness and preparation) is generally better than some of the really pricey restaurants in the area, like Hana and Wasabi Bistro. I’d look at the special board behind the sushi bar and pick at least one thing from there. Everyone who’s tried the “E Queen” roll has been impressed.

If you’d like to enjoy the quality but have to get in and out in an hour or less, most of the regular menu items seem to appear within a reasonable amount of time.

For my money, the lunch Bento Box specials are one of the best values in Pike Place Market. There is one for each weekday.

But they go one better, here – the happy hour from 3:00 – 6:00 offers a variety of nigiri sushi for $1.00/piece and a selection of maki at prices starting under 3:00.