SAI Sushi & Sake - Reviews

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.

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.

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 🫶

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.

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!

My experience at the restaurant was truly incredible. Chef Saito's food is excellent, inventive, and thoughtful, creating a memorable dining experience. I also found him to be a joy to talk to.

My experience at this restaurant was truly intimate and unique. Having tried omakase all over Seattle, I can confidently say this is the most special. Chef Sai distinguishes his food by crafting nigiris you won't find elsewhere, such as Kuruma-ebi, Hokke, and Geoduck. If you're tired of the same old omakase with predictable fish selections and are looking to explore a refreshing and unique experience, this is the place to go.

My experience at this restaurant was a truly unique omakase dining experience in Seattle. As someone who can be socially awkward, I was initially nervous about a one-on-one setting. However, Chef Saito's warm and kind demeanor immediately put me at ease. The constant flow of food was a welcome distraction, making the experience far less daunting than anticipated. It's impressive that he manages this as a one-man show, clearly demonstrating his dedication and thoughtful craft. What set this place apart was the thoroughly written menu provided for each course, complete with interesting facts and background information. The use of a flip sign to indicate the next course also added a very accessible and thoughtful touch. Chef Saito truly means business with his food. Dishes were ready immediately, and we were consistently presented with unique fish and small dishes we hadn't encountered before. This commitment to offering different cuts, regions, and preparation techniques was refreshing and all of it was delicious. I highly recommend pairing the meal with the houjicha tea he selected from Japan – it was the best I've ever had. The homemade soft pudding with fruit and mochi ice cream for dessert was also very delicious. This restaurant is a low-key hidden gem, especially considering it opened in 2020. While it might not be as widely known as other Seattle sushi spots, it offers a different range of omakase items and is definitely worth trying. Chef Saito may not be overly chatty, but his kindness and dedication to ensuring a high-quality dining experience are evident. I hope he receives more recognition for his hard work and craft. We will definitely be back.

I'm surprised we hadn't discovered Sai sooner, given our experience at most high-end sushi restaurants in Seattle. I found it by chance and immediately booked a reservation. Sai, the owner and host, works the restaurant solo, demonstrating a mastery of sushi skills honed in both Japan and the US, stemming from a family of sushi chefs. His only assistance comes later for dishwashing. The omakase was a wonderful feast, featuring 11 pieces of nigiri with high-quality fish rarely found elsewhere. Sai also offers an extensive selection of sake, including flights, and numerous other beverages, such as 5 types of delightful teas. It's simply a marvelous place for omakase. Notably, the counter has only 6 seats, but Sai prefers to accommodate groups, even as small as two. My wife and I had the entire counter to ourselves, enjoying the food in peace and quiet with pleasant background music.

My friend and I celebrated a wonderful birthday event here. The food quality is very good, and we were able to enjoy some uncommon nigiri ingredients that are rarely found on the market. The akagai nigiri was probably the most surprising one! The chef is very professional and friendly, delivering very authentic dishes he learned from a master in Japan. The whole place is not large and looks like it only serves 4 people at a time, but it's clean, quiet, and comfortable, allowing for proper placement of belongings and bags. We would definitely visit again!