Let’s not debate whether Redmond is tech hub or food destination – one fact is undeniable. This city boasts more exceptional sushi bars per capita than any corner of the Pacific Northwest. We’ve curated the definitive list, from intimate omakase counters to lively izakayas where sake flows as freely as innovation.
Sushi In Joy
$$ | (425) 576-1743 | WEBSITE
The cozy Sushi In Joy is a Bellevue favorite, and it hits all the right notes for a family dinner or a special Valentine’s Day date. And they deliver: beyond their solid selection of fresh sushi like the standout Sea Dragon roll and the popular Bellevue Way roll, they offer satisfying bento boxes so everyone can find something they love. Try the Spicy Pork Bulgogi bento for a hearty option, or the Saba Shioyaki for something lighter.
Sushi In Joy balances the casual/planned visit nicely—it’s perfect for a spontaneous weeknight meal yet reliable enough for those celebratory occasions. The friendly, attentive service and homey atmosphere make it a dependable spot for quality sushi and a warm dining experience.
Yuzen Japanese Cuisine
$$ | (206) 275-3310 | WEBSITE
The dining room at Yuzen Japanese Cuisine feels like a sleek Tokyo hideaway, with warm wood accents and soft lighting framing the entire minimalist space. They like to play jazz like Miles Davis or Chet Baker on low, while traditional Japanese melodies create a refined soundtrack for savoring something special with the fried oysters appetizer and Hiyashi Wakame seaweed salad.
During dinner service, there’s usually plenty of seating, including semi-private booths and a sushi counter where sushi lovers in business attire and casual jackets are probably clinking glasses of sake and getting lost in conversation.
Zushi Sushi
$$ | (425) 557-4474 | WEBSITE
If you love sushi but want more options than just a basic tuna roll, go to Zushi Sushi. There’s absolutely nothing fancy here (and barely any actual décor), but they’ll slide you a solid salmon combo or properly made tempura without batting an eye. This is where you meet coworkers after work to talk sh*t, plop down at a table to nurse away the sting of a bad day, or meet your best friend’s new partner over some gyoza.
The restaurant has plenty of simple tables to support heated debates over nigiri and sashimi and plenty of clean lighting to make the cozy space look welcoming. Options for dessert are pretty scarce, but they do have mochi ice cream that you can snack on while enjoying the complimentary appetizers.
Thirsty Hop
$$ | (425) 896-8320 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a Redmond strip mall, Thirsty Hop doesn’t exactly announce itself with flashy signage. But step inside this unassuming craft beer spot and you’ll discover they’re doing something special with their unexpected sushi addition. It’s the kind of place where the beer selection updates in real time online, and the staff greets you with genuine enthusiasm the moment you walk in. There’s no pretension here—just full pints served without gimmicks and surprisingly fantastic sushi rolls.
The Ballard roll in particular shows they’re not messing around, with perfect rice-to-fish ratios and creative combinations that elevate the experience. Even their Bibimbap and Sashimi dishes demonstrate thoughtful execution, though vegetarians might wish for more options. The indoor-outdoor seating creates a calm, homey atmosphere where you can linger over board games with your drinks. Service remains consistently attentive throughout, with food arriving promptly and beautifully presented.
Somehow, they manage to make both craft beer and sushi feel perfectly at home together.
iSushi Issaquah
$$ | (425) 313-7378 | WEBSITE
iSushi Issaquah is one of Issaquah’s few family-owned sushi spots, and it’s definitely the one with the most heart. There’s a clean, welcoming vibe throughout the space, with a sushi conveyor belt humming along as the main feature and a versatile atmosphere that shifts from busy to quiet depending on the time of day. The sushi itself is fresh and tasty, made with good fish that shines in simple rolls.
Sushi fans will probably enjoy the fresh selections from the chef, who’s accommodating and ready to take special orders, while those looking for variety might go for extra entrees or the praised cucumber salad with its unique presentation. All the experience is perfectly suited to match your casual sushi cravings—think stuff like basic conveyor belt picks with friendly service from the father and his kids.
Takai by Kashiba
$$$$ | (425) 502-7259 | WEBSITE
Takai by Kashiba is a bona fide sushi destination, with the most engaging chefs in town and lots of people savoring aged nigiri and premium sake. Someone is usually preparing the toro and uni with meticulous precision, and there’s a chance Chef Jun Takai might make an appearance. (We once saw him craft the most tender chutoro we’ve ever tasted.) While you’re waiting for your next course, order a round of wine pairings and some crispy fried shrimp heads.
And when you’re ready to settle into the experience, snag a seat at the Chef’s Table Omakase, where aged sushi and house soy sauce make for a memorable meal.
Rolls and Rolls + Sushi
$$ | (425) 454-4313 | WEBSITE
Unlike most sushi spots, Rolls and Rolls + Sushi has a huge local following. Their lovely dining room is where you go to see and be seen in Bellevue—lots of people are wearing business casual, smart casual, and a few tucked-in polos barely hiding appreciation for fresh fish. One side has a shaded, intimate area with warm lighting and classical music that’s great for date nights and drinking something crisp and chilled.
The other side is open air, with sushi bar seats and booth tables hosting groups of friends eating salmon from platters and rolls from plates. And, if you’re feeling hungry, the miso soup is just a few sips away.
Pokeworks
$ | (425) 214-1182 | WEBSITE
When it comes to customizable poke bowls in Bellevue, Pokeworks reigns supreme. They’ve been a beacon for the lunchtime crowds since opening, specializing in build-your-own bowls designed to satisfy any craving. Settle into one of the modern tables in the bright main room or take your order to go, which is always convenient for busy schedules. Both are quintessential to the Pokeworks experience, as is a visit to the clearly labeled dietary restriction options.
The menu has a surprising number of choices given the concept: fresh tuna, salmon, and tofu are available as proteins, but you can also order popular snacks like spam musubi and a variety of drinks. Just know that Pokeworks gets slammed during peak hours, so try to make it before the evening rush or use their online ordering.
Tokyo Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (425) 641-5691 | WEBSITE
Tokyo Japanese Restaurant on the eastside is a dining experience worth sharing with anyone even remotely interested in authentic Japanese cuisine. The straightforward menu has reliably delicious options to help you choose, especially the highly recommended sashimi plate and lunch bento. If it’s your first time, try the chicken katsu and spicy roll, and know they also have perfectly cooked salmon in the dinner bento.
Don’t bank on it for fancy décor since they mainly focus on authentic atmosphere, although the big portions and take-home containers make it great for large parties. But with food this fresh and reasonably priced, we can forgive the tempura not being absolutely perfect.
Japan Ginger
$ | (425) 427-6080 | WEBSITE
Is Japan Ginger the best sushi spot in Redmond? We think so. There’s teriyaki chicken that arrives perfectly glazed, specialty rolls with balanced flavors, and sushi crafted to perfection that showcases the chef’s expertise. This cozy, no-frills restaurant is a downtown Issaquah favorite, but other than the owner running everything himself with that super-friendly personal touch, you’d have no idea it wasn’t born right here in Redmond.
In fact, we’re going to go ahead and claim this one from here on out.
Kami Teriyaki
$ | (425) 823-4777 | WEBSITE
Don’t expect the usual sushi bar experience at Kami Teriyaki—they have a casual teriyaki focus and a passion for hospitality (free miso soup and hot tea appear with every order). Their “friendly owner” approach—yes, the staff has its own warmth—features their takes on classics like chicken teriyaki and gyoza, but they also have more creative rotating daily specials. Our advice? If you see anything with spicy in the name, order it, because they always do interesting savory/comforting combos.
And if that spicy bulgogi takes you to flavor town, get your appetite back to earth with some ramen from the kitchen that’s always cooking.
Kobe Bellevue Restaurant
$$ | (425) 451-3888 | WEBSITE
Here’s how we’ve described Kobe Bellevue to all our friends: a Tokyo izakaya but with garlic, variety, and more comfort besides sushi. This ground-floor spot has warm wood accents throughout the space, booths tucked into cozy nook-like structures, and servers with genuine hospitality. All that to say, Kobe Bellevue is one of the most satisfying places to eat in Redmond.
Servers proudly recommend things like “the chirashi is incredible” while presenting you with artfully arranged sashimi, hungry locals dig into large bento boxes with juicy chicken, and, oh look, there’s a family celebrating a birthday. On weekends, they also highlight the vegetarian menu that features thoughtful options alongside classics like garlic-forward yakisoba and prawn tempura.
Sora Sushi
$$ | (425) 486-5858 | WEBSITE
Fans of pristine fish and delicate rolls, you have a new sanctuary to pledge your devotion to. Meet Sora Sushi, a new sushi bar in Redmond that’s a haven for sushi purists. It checks all the boxes: high-quality cuts, a calm atmosphere, a dedicated vegetarian section, thoughtful low FODMAP options, and a patio for those rare sunny days. Various diners look up from the small dining area with zero pretense as people savor the subtle flavors of cucumber rolls and super white tuna sashimi.
We haven’t had the appetizers here, but there is vegetable tempura, spicy tuna in jalapeno, and cheesecake to round out that sushi feast you just decided was a good idea.
Musashi’s
$ | (425) 240-7846 | WEBSITE
Whenever we’re disappointed with some trendy new sushi spot, we always end up back at Musashi’s. It’s a quaint little restaurant in Redmond town center where you can always get generous portions of delicious sushi, like chirashi bowls or seared salmon nigiri, for around $15-$20 per roll.
(Not to mention, their musashi roll is just $12 during weekday lunch hours.) Their minimalist décor and quiet atmosphere make it a likely place to run into that coworker you haven’t seen since the office holiday party or that neighbor you always wave to but never actually talk to. And with their self-serve tea and wasabi at every table, you can customize your meal exactly how you want it.
In the past, we’ve enjoyed their fast service, friendly staff, and easy online ordering through their website or delivery apps.
Sushi Zone
$$ | (425) 402-9988 | WEBSITE
With its massive conveyor belt, family-friendly seating, and wheelchair accessibility, Sushi Zone is the kind of bustling sushi spot families and regulars dream about. And the sushi is damn fresh, too. The belt features mostly hot and cold options, and if you have trouble choosing, Sushi Zone does a menu for those wanting something special like ramen or beverages.
They include generous portions that would appeal to any sushi lover on a budget, or wonderfully light cupcakes that are equally as accessible. Also, all their vegan and gluten-free options will sear themselves in your brain upon first bite and stay there forever.
I Love Sushi on Lake Bellevue
$$$ | (425) 455-9090 | WEBSITE
Rejoice, sushi purists—there’s finally a proper shrine to worship all things fresh. I Love Sushi on Lake Bellevue features sublime fish in most of their balanced rolls, and you can order a flight by selecting three pieces from the chef’s selection. The atmosphere reminds us of Tokyo’s casual gems, a.k.a. it’s totally charming, but rolls are just $12 during lunch specials and taste especially good with the lake view.
When it comes to flavor, the star is the seared salmon roll, which is less roll and more flavor explosion. The patio feels like that friend’s lakeside cabin everyone would assume was hosting the quiet gathering, with gentle breezes, simple furniture, and peaceful vibes, except they’ve replaced the cabin with attentive service. But the real money spot is the space inside—it feels like dining on the set of a serene Tokyo evening.
Fuji Steak House
$$ | (425) 968-5800 | WEBSITE
Fuji Steak House feels more like a lively dinner theater than a quiet steakhouse, probably because of the chef’s flipping shrimp and flaming towers. Not to mention the noise of birthday celebrations that can add excitement to the meal. This hibachi spot also has sizzling teppanyaki grills instead of regular tables, and there’s a welcoming staff that acts as part of the entertainment. The best dishes are the melt-in-your-mouth steak and the savory fried rice.
Sushi Kudasai
$ | (425) 455-6255 | WEBSITE
When you need to power through a workday lunch (physically or figuratively), or just want to grab something satisfying while also avoiding the office cafeteria, make your midday stop at Sushi Kudasai, the sushi counter in the heart of Redmond’s business district. The grab-and-go setup has fresh options and great rolls, including the tuna avocado roll that tastes like tuna did, indeed, just meet its match with creamy avocado.
And, if you end up lingering a little longer than you planned, there’s plenty of friendly staff and plenty of flavorful sushi to work through while you decide your next meeting.
Ginza
$$ | (425) 709-7072 | WEBSITE
Ginza is your ticket into the refined world of authentic Japanese sushi (with dishes that feel particularly suited to the environment). There’s minimalist wood paneling, soft lighting, traditional calligraphy art, and booths that are designed to feel like intimate dining nooks.
The restaurant specializes in nigiri with a heavy emphasis on toro, but there’s something for everyone here: try the melt-in-your-mouth toro that comes with freshly grated wasabi, or ask for the chef’s selection for an omakase experience of the kitchen’s choosing. Ginza also does affordable lunch specials for everybody during the week, making the place feel like one accessible, quality-focused destination.
Reservations are recommended if you don’t want to deal with a wait during peak hours, and casual attire is fine, but the experience is worth it. Make sure you check out the attentive staff and efficient service before you leave.
FOB Poke & Sushi Bar
$ | (425) 528-9888 | WEBSITE
Remember that self-serve ice cream parlor you used to sneak into as a kid? Maybe make a mess with the toppings? Oh, uh … us neither. But if we did, we bet it’d feel like FOB Poke & Sushi Bar, with its gleaming stainless steel sushi bar, bright condiment station, and ample seating areas. They’ve got $14.99 per pound fresh sushi you weigh yourself, a miso soup machine for self-service, and a variety of nigiri, California rolls, and other options.
To fully experience FOB’s casual-but-fresh ethos, load up on their incredibly fresh tuna and salmon, then build your own poke bowl with scallops. The parking garage nearby is also a bit pricey, perfect for those who prefer to walk from other popular restaurants with a full belly, and a satisfied smile.
