Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » SAI Sushi & Sake – Seattle
SAI Sushi & Sake - Seattle
Photo from SAI Sushi & Sake
SAI Sushi & Sake at a glance
Seattle Uptown
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $101+
mentioned by 30 of the guests
#36 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#1 Japanese Restaurant out of 47 in Seattle
Excellent
9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
323
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional omakase
- Intimate ambiance
- Expert chef
Frequently criticized
- Plain cooked
- Rushed pace
- Hard to book
The restaurant SAI Sushi & Sake is a Japanese Restaurant located in Seattle’s vibrant Uptown neighborhood. You will discover a cozy and trendy atmosphere perfect for your next dinner outing.
This spot offers a delightful experience where you can enjoy healthy options alongside a selection of hard liquor, wine, and beer. It’s an ideal place for you to unwind and savor authentic Japanese flavors in a welcoming setting.
Overview: Introducting SAI Sushi & Sake
SAI Sushi & Sake offers a highly regarded dining experience, particularly for its exceptional culinary creations and intimate setting. Guests consistently praise the thoughtful preparation of the food, often describing it as delicious and unique.
The overall ambiance contributes significantly to a memorable occasion. While many commend the attentive service and knowledgeable chef, some patrons noted that the pace of courses could feel a little rushed at times.
Despite this, the restaurant maintains a strong reputation for providing a special and engaging dining journey.
Excellent
9
out of 10
323
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
17
negative
9
neutral
297
positive
This establishment earns an excellent overall score of 9, reflecting a consistently positive dining experience. This is strongly supported by an impressive Customer Satisfaction rate of 92%, indicating that the vast majority of patrons leave content with their visit.
These high marks are drawn from 323 customer observations, with a significant 297 positive remarks against only 17 negative ones. The culinary offerings, or Food (9.2), stand out as a primary strength, frequently described as exceptional.
Service (8.9) and Ambience (8.9) also receive high praise for their quality and contribution to the experience. While Value (6.6) is considered average, it doesn’t detract significantly from the overall positive sentiment.
What people like
- Exceptional sushi and omakase
- Intimate, welcoming atmosphere
- Attentive, knowledgeable chef
What people don't like
- Cooked dishes sometimes plain
- Pace can feel rushed
- Booking can be difficult
SAI Sushi & Sake stands out for its refined culinary artistry and personalized dining experience. With a strong Recommendation Score of 9.3, it’s clearly a destination for those seeking a special occasion or an elevated sushi experience where quality ingredients and expert preparation are paramount.
If you appreciate an intimate setting and exceptional sushi, this restaurant is certainly worth considering. Be mindful that the pace might feel brisk for some, and securing a booking can be challenging, but the culinary rewards appear to justify the effort.
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Verdict: Our expert take on SAI Sushi & Sake
Food (9.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting an excellent score of 9.2 and an impressive 94.6% customer satisfaction! With 175 positive remarks out of 185 total, diners consistently rave about the freshness of the food, the incredible Omakase experience, and the high-quality fish. It's clear the culinary journey here is a memorable one.
However, a handful of guests (just 6 negative remarks) noted some minor areas for improvement. A few felt the flavors could be more adventurous, wishing for more types of dishes and greater innovation. There were also isolated comments about some cooked portions being slightly overdone, but these were very few and far between.
Food
185
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
6
negative
4
neutral
175
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Omakase experience excels
- Fish quality exceptional
- Dishes unique, creative
What people don't like
- Flavors lack innovation
- Cooked items overcooked
Often praised
- foodI took my brothers here to celebrate one of their birthdays, and it was hands down the best dining experience we've ever had. Everything was delicious, the chef was knowledgeable and fun, and the ambiance was amazing. We were served a hand roll with Japanese wagyu, toro, and uni, and I'm not sure I'll ever eat anything that delicious ever again.
- omakaseMy experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. I had an excellent omakase meal in a private chef dining setting. I love it every time, so thank you for the lovely experience.
- uniEverything was delicious, the chef was knowledgeable and fun, and the ambiance was amazing. We were served a hand roll with Japanese wagyu, toro, and uni, and I'm not sure I'll ever eat anything that delicious ever again. Can't wait to come back here some day.
- dishesLoved every dish, delicious, interesting, and thoughtfully prepared
- hand rollhand roll with fatty tuna, hamachi marinated in ginger sauce, asparagus, shiso leaf and pickled radish
- omakase experienceToday, we had an unforgettable omakase experience that I want to brag about. Sai is a hidden gem worth discovering!
- nigiriAmazing selection of fish and other seafood for the nigiri
- food qualityThe food quality is very good
- ingredientsSeattle is an ideal destination for sushi lovers. I have thoroughly enjoyed omakase dinners where chefs can leverage ingredients on-hand to create something truly unique and delicious. At Sai Sushi and Sake, Chef Akiyoshi Saito provides an unforgettable experience – on which you can taste his vision and story – at his restaurant's four-seat sushi counter.
- sushi11 pieces of sushi were work of art
Frequently criticized
- cooked portionsThe uni was so so fresh! However, I do think the cooked portions of the omakase lacked a bit. The flavors and textures are there; however, some of the items (e.
- flavorsexpecting more flavors
- fried scallopsome of the items (eg. fried scallop) were just slightly overcooked
- innovationThey were sooooo rich in flavors and stayed long in the mouth. Personally, I feel the overall flavor for all dishes is a bit plain and not savory enough, with not much innovation. I'm expecting more!
- overall flavoroverall flavor for all dishes is a bit plain
- types of dishesexpecting more types of dishes
If you're seeking an exceptional Omakase experience with incredibly fresh, high-quality fish, this place is definitely worth trying. While a tiny minority wished for more adventurous flavors or innovation, the overwhelming consensus points to a truly delicious and memorable meal.
Service (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines with an excellent score of 8.9 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 88.6%. With 62 positive remarks out of 70, guests consistently praise the Chef Sai for his incredible hospitality and attention to detail. Many rave about the attentive service and personalized experience, often highlighting the chefs engaging and kind demeanor.
However, a handful of the 70 comments (5 negative) point to some minor areas for improvement. A few diners felt the "pace of the courses" could be a bit "rushed, " and some found "booking" a reservation challenging. While these are minor concerns, theyre worth noting for those planning a visit.
Service
70
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Chef engagement
- Personalized attention
- Exceptional hospitality
What people don't like
- Rushed pace
- Difficult booking
Often praised
- chefI have thoroughly enjoyed omakase dinners where chefs can leverage ingredients on-hand to create something truly unique and delicious. At Sai Sushi and Sake, Chef Akiyoshi Saito provides an unforgettable experience – on which you can taste his vision and story – at his restaurant's four-seat sushi counter. Typical meals here feature two appetizers, a seasonal soup, sashimi, a hot dish, eleven pieces of nigiri, one hand roll, miso soup, and dessert with coffee or tea.
- servicebest service I've ever experienced
- Chef SaiChef Sai, your own master sushi chef devoted entirely to you
- Chef SaitoChef Saito was so kind, and made us feel welcomed
- attention to detailThe quality of fish was exceptional, and the entire dinner was outstanding. The chef's talent and passionate attention to detail were evident throughout. The space provided a perfect setting for an intimate and elevated dining affair.
- experienceI have thoroughly enjoyed omakase dinners where chefs can leverage ingredients on-hand to create something truly unique and delicious. At Sai Sushi and Sake, Chef Akiyoshi Saito provides an unforgettable experience – on which you can taste his vision and story – at his restaurant's four-seat sushi counter. Typical meals here feature two appetizers, a seasonal soup, sashimi, a hot dish, eleven pieces of nigiri, one hand roll, miso soup, and dessert with coffee or tea.
- ChefChef was nice and very knowledgeable
- Mr. SaitoMr. Saito is a very truthful and honest person
- SaiSai is a very pleasant host
- ServiceService:5
Frequently criticized
- bookingThe appetizers, courses, and nigiris were well intertwined, ensuring I didn't get too sick or tired of any of the pieces. I've been trying to book again, but it's so hard to book!
- chef engagementchef wasn't really that into it
- order more foodcannot order more food when the sushi course is finished
- pace of the coursesFor example, there are phone chargers, a little mat to place your keys and phone, and a clothing rack. Up until the nigiri part, I did feel a bit rushed with the pace of the courses. But I think it’s because since it’s only the chef himself working, he is running around a bit.
- serviceWas really rushed
If youre seeking an intimate dining experience where the chefs personal touch and hospitality are paramount, this place is definitely worth trying. Just be prepared for a potentially brisk pace and plan your reservation well in advance, as getting a table can be tough.
Ambience (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! The ambience here is truly something special, scoring an excellent 8.9 with an outstanding 94.5% customer satisfaction. Guests consistently rave about the "intimate experience, " "peaceful vibe, " and "private dining" setup, often calling it a "quiet atmosphere" perfect for special occasions.
With 52 positive remarks out of 55 total comments, its clear this place excels at creating a memorable setting. While overwhelmingly positive, a couple of comments (2 out of 55) mentioned the atmosphere feeling a little bit weird or like a hole in the wall. However, these are very minor points amidst a sea of praise, suggesting that for most, the unique, private setting is a huge draw rather than a drawback.
Ambience
55
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate dining experience
- Peaceful, quiet atmosphere
- Private setting
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this new Japanese omakase restaurant in lower Queen Anne was exceptional. The space is small and intimate, creating a very welcoming atmosphere. The owner/chef was incredibly friendly, and each dish presented was a beautifully prepared, fresh, and delicious surprise.
- ambianceI took my brothers here to celebrate one of their birthdays, and it was hands down the best dining experience we've ever had. Everything was delicious, the chef was knowledgeable and fun, and the ambiance was amazing. We were served a hand roll with Japanese wagyu, toro, and uni, and I'm not sure I'll ever eat anything that delicious ever again.
- restaurantWhat an experience! We loved having the whole restaurant to ourselves. The food was exceptional and the service was excellent!
- experienceit is such a beautiful, intimate experience
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- COVID precautionsappropriate COVID precautions (air purifier right by the table
- COVID safetyThe restaurant goes the extra mile for COVID safety
- Japanese settingOverall, the food was really good, and the experience was really nice. The ambience is very intimate, and they definitely try to make it feel like you're in a Japanese setting, with piano covers of Japanese music playing in the background. The chef does a pretty decent job of explaining the food he's giving you, and how to best eat it, which was really nice of him.
- Noise levelNoise level:Very quiet
- accessible and thoughtful touchvery accessible and thoughtful touch
Frequently criticized
- atmospherefeel a little bit weird
If youre looking for an incredibly intimate, quiet, and private dining experience, this place is absolutely worth trying. Its designed for those who appreciate a serene setting for special moments, so if you prefer a bustling, lively atmosphere, it might not be your first choice.
Value (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners felt their experience truly delivered, with the value offered often exceeding expectations. Several found the price good for what was served, even considering it a worthwhile splurge for a special night out. This sentiment is reflected in 8 positive comments out of 13 total, contributing to a mixed 61.5% customer satisfaction.
However, not everyone agreed, with some finding the price really pricey for what you got and feeling it fell below expectations. For these guests, the cost, particularly around $200 per person, didn't quite justify the experience, leading them to suggest other options. This perspective is captured in 4 negative comments, bringing the overall score to an average 6.6.
Value
13
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Value exceeded expectations
- Worth the splurge
- Good for price
What people don't like
- Too pricey
- Not worth $200
- Below expectations
Often praised
- priceThe value offered by this experience far exceeded our expectations. It’s a rare find that genuinely merits the price. If you haven’t had the chance to experience omakase before, I highly encourage you to do so at Sai.
- splurgeThis is splurge, but it is a very special place
- splurgingSai is a phenomenal chef and an excellent host. You will not regret splurging.
- value for the food, fried scallop) were just slightly overcooked. It’s not a big enough reason to deter me from this place because the value for the food is worth it, but it's something to note regarding the calibre of the restaurant. Drinks: There was a good amount of options for drinks!
- value offeredvalue offered by this experience far exceeded our expectations
Frequently criticized
- priceFor this price, I will try some different restaurants
- expectationThe chef didn't talk much, which felt a little weird. The food itself was not bad, but I don't believe it was worth $200 per person; it was really below my expectations. You can find many better sushi restaurants around Seattle for this price.
So, is it worth it? If youre looking for a special occasion and are prepared to splurge for a unique experience, many found the value offered to be excellent. However, if youre sensitive to price and have high expectations for a $200 meal, you might find it a bit steep.
How are the prices at SAI Sushi & Sake?
On average, you’ll spend around 104 per person, based on what 30 guests reported. That places this Japanese restaurant in the $101+ category. For a Japanese spot in Seattle, thats definitely on the higher-end side.
It looks like all diners are consistently spending in this premium bracket, so dont expect a mix of budget-friendly options here.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 30 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Considering its a higher-end Japanese restaurant, we think the pricing feels fair if the quality and experience truly match the cost. Its an investment, but potentially a delicious one!
Customer Reviews: what people think about SAI Sushi & Sake
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fabulous Kaiseki and Nigiri Experience
My friends in Seattle took me to SAI, a place they had heard was great but hadn't visited before. We had the best time! Our party of three joined another party of two, creating an intimate atmosphere.
The kaiseki was fabulous, and I had the opportunity to try several nigiri I'd never experienced before. I highly recommend this restaurant.
- kaiseki9
- nigiri8
- atmosphere9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Unforgettable Seattle Dining Experience
My experience at this restaurant was truly unparalleled in Seattle. The beautiful food, amazing kind service, and peaceful vibe created an unforgettable dining experience. I highly recommend the Omakase.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, service a 5, and food a 5, with a very quiet noise level. I visited as a solo diner.
- beautiful food10
- amazing kind service10
- peaceful vibe10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Incredible Omakase Experience!
My experience at the restaurant was the most incredible omakase experience ever! There was so much attention to small details, and all of the fish quality was amazing. Thank you for having us, and we will definitely be back 🫶
- attention to small details10
- fish quality10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Omakase Experience
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The intimate setting created the perfect atmosphere for meaningful conversation with Chef Sai as he crafted an exceptional lineup of unique dishes. Having experienced omakase across the U.
S. , Canada, and Japan, I was genuinely impressed by offerings I hadn’t encountered anywhere else—most notably the akauni (red sea urchin), a rare alternative to the more common purple uni. It was easily the best omakase experience in Seattle.
- intimate setting9
- unique dishes10
- akauni (red sea urchin)10
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Best Omakase Experience in Seattle!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best omakase I have experienced in Seattle. The private dining experience was very enjoyable, and it was easy to reserve.
The chef was incredibly friendly, and the food was fantastic. I will definitely come back soon!
- omakase10
- private dining experience9
- reservation9
What SAI Sushi & Sake offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at SAI Sushi & Sake?
Yes, reservations are required to dine at SAI Sushi & Sake. It is highly recommended that you make dinner reservations to secure your table and ensure a smooth dining experience.
Is SAI Sushi & Sake accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Absolutely. SAI Sushi & Sake is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom for your convenience.
What is the overall dining experience like at SAI Sushi & Sake?
SAI Sushi & Sake offers an excellent dining experience, reflected in its overall score of 9 and 92% customer satisfaction. Guests particularly praise the exceptional Food (9.2), attentive Service (8.9), and intimate Ambience (8.9). The Value (6.6) is considered average, but the quality of the experience often exceeds expectations.
What are the culinary strengths of SAI Sushi & Sake?
The restaurant is highly regarded for its exceptional sushi and omakase, with many guests highlighting the quality of ingredients like wagyu, toro, and uni. Dishes are frequently described as delicious, interesting, and thoughtfully prepared, showcasing the chef’s vision.
Are there any aspects of the service or experience that could be improved?
While service is generally excellent, some guests have noted that the pace of courses can feel a bit rushed. Additionally, securing a booking can be challenging due to the restaurant’s popularity and intimate setting.