Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Itsumono – Seattle
Itsumono - Seattle
Photo from Itsumono
Itsumono at a glance
Seattle Chinatown
- 🥂 Fine Dining Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 94 of the guests
#253 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#1 Fine Dining Restaurant out of 2 in Seattle
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
571
Reviews
79.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Inventive cuisine
- Excellent cocktails
- Lively atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Inconsistent dishes
- Service lapses
The restaurant Itsumono offers a fine dining experience in the heart of Seattle’s vibrant Chinatown neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy yet trendy atmosphere perfect for an evening out.
With dinner reservations recommended, you can anticipate an exceptional culinary journey. This spot is known for its exquisite food and carefully curated drink selections, making it a standout destination for discerning palates.
Overview: Introducting Itsumono
Itsumono offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its inventive food and excellent cocktails, all served within a lively atmosphere. Many guests highlight the attentive staff who enhance the visit, making it a popular spot for social gatherings.
However, some patrons have noted concerns regarding the overall value, feeling that certain dishes don’t quite justify their cost. There have also been occasional reports of inconsistent service and specific dishes not meeting expectations, suggesting a varied experience for some diners.
Good
8
out of 10
571
Reviews
79.3%
Satisfaction
94
negative
24
neutral
453
positive
Itsumono achieves a solid Restaurant Score of 8, indicating a good overall performance, complemented by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 79.3%, which is also considered good. This positive reception is drawn from 571 customer observations, with 453 positive remarks outweighing 94 negative ones.
Delving into specifics, the Ambience (8.6) and Food (8.1) stand out as strong points, consistently earning high marks. Service (7.9) also performs well, contributing significantly to positive experiences.
However, the perception of Value (3.9) lags considerably, suggesting that while quality is often present, some guests question the pricing.
What people like
- Inventive cuisine
- Excellent cocktails
- Lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Perceived poor value
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Occasional service lapses
Itsumono presents a compelling option for those seeking creative cuisine and a vibrant setting, especially if you appreciate well-crafted cocktails and engaging service. The strong Recommendation Score of 8 suggests it’s generally a rewarding visit, particularly for its culinary innovation and atmosphere.
However, be mindful that the perceived value can be a point of contention for some, and dish consistency might vary. If you prioritize a unique dining experience and are less sensitive to price, Itsumono is certainly worth considering for your next outing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Itsumono
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
Diners are generally thrilled with the food, giving it a 8.1 score, which is quite good! With 80.6% customer satisfaction, its clear many appreciate the culinary experience. Out of 340 opinions, 274 rave about the "creative dishes, " "unique flavors, " and "delicious, quality food, " with the "Loco Moco Scotch Egg" often stealing the show.
However, some of the 46 negative comments point to concerns about food quality. A few found dishes "overcooked" or felt the "portion size" wasnt worth the price. There were also mentions of unfresh ingredients and soggy textures, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
340
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
46
negative
20
neutral
274
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative, unique dishes
- Delicious, quality food
- Loco Moco Scotch Egg
What people don't like
- Inconsistent execution
- Small portion sizes
- Unfresh ingredients
Often praised
- foodSeated at the bar, we got to chat with the bartender as we sipped our cocktails (Siesta and Paper Plane) and tried the Hamachi Crudo, Dungeness Doria, and Yuzu Scallops, all excellent. Service, food, atmosphere, and cocktails were all amazing; I have nothing bad to say.
- drinksThe saving grace of the evening was the bartender, who was friendly and served an excellent Old Fashioned. In summary, while the drinks are worth a try, I cannot recommend Itsumono for its food or service. Constructive feedback would be to focus on better food quality and training staff to handle customer concerns professionally and empathetically.
- cocktailsIf anything, Itsumono blew our expectations out of the water. Seated at the bar, we got to chat with the bartender as we sipped our cocktails (Siesta and Paper Plane) and tried the Hamachi Crudo, Dungeness Doria, and Yuzu Scallops, all excellent. Service, food, atmosphere, and cocktails were all amazing; I have nothing bad to say.
- menuThe food is inventive, playful, inviting, and most importantly – delicious. I've been frequenting here for a couple of years now and haven't been disappointed by anything from their constantly rotating menu. I'm still waiting for their Snacc Wrap (fried chicken wrapped in scallion pancake) to come back.
- FoodFood is fantastic
- Cauliflower karaageCauliflower karaage: we liked it even better than the chicken
- dishes5! I'll definitely have to come back to try more dishes next time. The service was good, and I'm eager to explore more of the menu.
- eggplantOur server had great energy, was upbeat and friendly, and provided excellent recommendations. We enjoyed a variety of dishes, including the oysters, albacore, eggplant, and mushroom udon, as well as the beef bourguignon. Everything was truly 11/10.
- optionsI really recommend sitting at the bar. For two people, a couple of starters and one main to split is honestly a perfect amount of food, and the staff is more than helpful in guiding you through the options. I would dine here again in a heartbeat.
- Loco MocoYou've never had a Loco Moco like this.
Frequently criticized
- foodI had immediate diarrhea after eating their loco moco. It already tasted unfresh, but I still tried to finish it. Such a bad idea.
- drinksthe food and drinks are not at all worth it
- Cauliflower DishThe Cauliflower Dish was underwhelming. It lacked crunch and was soggy
- Japanese curryit does not approach Japanese curry
- Lechon DonThe Lechon Don was the biggest disappointment. The pork belly had a strong, gamy smell indicative of either poor quality or improper preparation. When I brought this up to the waitress, her response was defensive and dismissive.
- Loco MocoUnfortunately, none of the dishes met expectations: The Cauliflower Dish was underwhelming, lacking crunch and being soggy, leaving it feeling quite ordinary. The Loco Moco was just okay, but the ground beef had a strange aftertaste, and the macaroni salad carried an odd, old smell that was off-putting. The Lechon Don was the biggest disappointment.
- Nashville Karaage sandoThe food wasn't bad, but for the price, I expected better. The $20 Karaage tasted like regular fried chicken with average slaw on plain bread, feeling worth only half of what we paid, which was upsetting. The $25 Furikake Salmon was likely the best dish, but all the flavor came from the Furikake, making it a bit salty and overpowering other tastes.
- Pork Katsu CurryThe Pork Katsu Curry was extremely dry, and not crispy
- Scotch eggScotch egg: a bit over seasoned, meat is a bit salty
- WAGYU LOMO SALTADOWAGYU LOMO SALTADO was extremely disappointing
Overall, the food here is a hit with many, offering creative and delicious options that often impress. While there are occasional misses in execution and portion size, it's definitely worth trying for its unique culinary approach.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at a solid 78.6%, its clear many guests are happy. The 99 positive remarks frequently praise the friendly and attentive staff, great recommendations, and phenomenal bartenders who ensure a wonderful experience.
However, its not always perfect, as 27 negative comments highlight some areas for improvement. Guests occasionally encountered waiting time issues, rude waitress behavior, or unprofessional service, with some feeling a judgmental attitude that unfortunately soured their visit.
Service
126
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
27
negative
0
neutral
99
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great recommendations
- Phenomenal bartenders
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Unprofessional service
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a FUN FRIENDLY BAR AND SERVICE with a GREAT BAR MENU AND CRAFTED DRINKS. It's the PERFECT PLACE TO MEET UP WITH FRIENDS.
- staffI really recommend sitting at the bar. For two people, a couple of starters and one main to split is honestly a perfect amount of food, and the staff is more than helpful in guiding you through the options. I would dine here again in a heartbeat.
- bartenderIf anything, Itsumono blew our expectations out of the water. Seated at the bar, we got to chat with the bartender as we sipped our cocktails (Siesta and Paper Plane) and tried the Hamachi Crudo, Dungeness Doria, and Yuzu Scallops, all excellent. Service, food, atmosphere, and cocktails were all amazing; I have nothing bad to say.
- serverThis place turned out to be a lifesaver. I, admitted, was a riotous c-u-next-tuesday when I walked in (low blood sugar, my oversight) and the server was on it. Order, drink, food within 7 min.
- ServiceSeated at the bar, we got to chat with the bartender as we sipped our cocktails (Siesta and Paper Plane) and tried the Hamachi Crudo, Dungeness Doria, and Yuzu Scallops, all excellent. Service, food, atmosphere, and cocktails were all amazing; I have nothing bad to say.
- bartendersReally enjoyed chatting with the bartenders
- serverstreat these servers with the respect they deserve
- table serviceWe decided to splurge on drinks, a starter, and dessert. The restaurant offers a Michelin star energy with its creative dishes and excellent table service. For starters, the QUESABIRRIA STICK was described as the most delicious mozzarella stick imaginable, made with Oaxacan cheese.
- waitressthe waitress knows the menu and was a great guide
- Alan at the barThe food and service were immaculate. A special shout out to Alan at the bar for his excellent service.
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice was awful enough to take my four star rating to a one
- waitressThe waitress also took about 20 minutes to check up on us
- attitudeMy friends and I dined here a few days ago, and what surprised me was that the waiters were not very friendly. Their faces were expressionless, and their attitude towards conversations with us and others was different. The apparent warmth towards others and the quietness towards us was confusing, as this is not something we experience in our country.
- waiting timewait like 30 minutes to get the dishes
- blonde waitressThe blonde waitress ruined our experience
- checkthe sever sent us check trying to rush us
- customer concernsIn summary, while the drinks are worth a try, I cannot recommend Itsumono for its food or service. Constructive feedback would be to focus on better food quality and training staff to handle customer concerns professionally and empathetically. It's unfortunate that my first visit left us with such a poor impression.
- inconveniencedShe seemed inconvenienced and mad that we were there
- madShe seemed inconvenienced and mad that we were there
- mansplainedgot mansplained over the topic of yuzu
Overall, the service here leans heavily positive, making it a strong contender for a pleasant dining experience. While there are occasional hiccups, the dedicated staff and excellent bar team often make for a memorable visit, so it's definitely worth checking out.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, boasting a 8.6 score, which is a good indicator of a positive experience. Customer satisfaction is excellent at 91.7%, with 77 positive remarks highlighting the welcoming vibe, cozy atmosphere, unique decor, and engaging music or movie selections. It's often praised as a great spot for casual dining, date nights, or simply meeting up with friends.
However, out of 84 opinions, 6 did touch on some less ideal aspects. A few guests mentioned uncomfortable vibes or an occasional foul smell, and some found parking to be a hassle. These isolated instances suggest that while the atmosphere is generally fantastic, there might be rare, minor disruptions.
Ambience
84
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
77
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fun, welcoming vibe
- Cozy, unique decor
- Engaging entertainment
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable atmosphere
- Unpleasant odors
- Difficult parking
Often praised
- atmosphereSeated at the bar, we got to chat with the bartender as we sipped our cocktails (Siesta and Paper Plane) and tried the Hamachi Crudo, Dungeness Doria, and Yuzu Scallops, all excellent. Service, food, atmosphere, and cocktails were all amazing; I have nothing bad to say.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- vibeThe service was 5-star, and the food was equally impressive, earning a 5-star rating. While it's not sushi, the Japanese pub food and vibe were exactly what I was looking for. The atmosphere also received a perfect 5-star rating.
- barMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a FUN FRIENDLY BAR AND SERVICE with a GREAT BAR MENU AND CRAFTED DRINKS. It's the PERFECT PLACE TO MEET UP WITH FRIENDS.
- musicThe jelly shots were a fun and unique addition. The ambience was perfect, complemented by music that reminded me of Persona 4. I'm very glad we stopped in.
- Chinatown International District restaurantClassic Chinatown International District restaurant
- Godzilla classicsThe food was really delicious, and a tasty shochu negroni hit the spot. I also enjoyed the smattering of screens with anime features and Godzilla classics, which added to the unique atmosphere.
- Nick cage moviesthey were playing Nick cage movies on the background
- TVsThe TVs all have some sort of anime playing.
- ambianceGreat ambiance
Frequently criticized
- atmospherea guest was having a conversation at the bar where he was basically yelling the entire time
- dog in lapshe had a 20lb dog in her lap
- foul smelltable near the table that smelled of something rotten
- parkingThe service was good; our server comped a dish that was very slow to come out, which I appreciate. However, overall, it's probably not worth the price or the hassle of parking in this neighborhood.
- uncomfortableIt was really uncomfortable
- vibesVibes were off/ were weirded out at the bar
If youre seeking a spot with a genuinely fun and welcoming atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. Its ideal for a casual meal, a lively bar experience, or a cozy date night. Just be aware of potential parking challenges and the rare off-vibe, but don't let that deter you from an otherwise excellent experience.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few folks found some bright spots, particularly noting that the price for certain items and the alcohol were quite reasonable. Out of 21 customer comments, 3 specifically highlighted that you can find some good deals, especially on drinks. However, the overall sentiment paints a different picture, with a low score of 3.9 and customer satisfaction at a mere 14.3%.
Many of the 15 negative comments expressed that the price was too high, often citing issues with the total bill, unexpected minimum bill charges, and unclear in-house policies. It seems the cost often didn't match the experience.
Value
21
Reviews
14%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable drink prices
What people don't like
- High prices
- Unexpected minimum bill
- Unclear house policies
Often praised
- priceit’s all very reasonably priced
- alcoholalcohol is very reasonably priced here as well
Frequently criticized
- priceI visited for happy hour on a weekday, and it wasn't too busy. While it still felt a little pricey, the oyster was tasty. The interior is nice, with pleasant music and decor.
- costNot worth the cost though
- food and drinksThe woman next to me shifted, revealing she had a 20lb dog in her lap, practically on the bar. This was a significant issue for me, as I wasn't willing to spend $50 on food and drinks to dine with a dog. Consequently, I left.
- in-house policiesnot informing their customers when they have in-house policies
- minimum billcharged a minimum $300 bill, without ever being informed
- price pointIt was also way overcooked and did not pair well with fries, given the heaviness of both. Ultimately, it was definitely not worth the price point it is offered at.
- spend per personNot worth the $50-$100 spend per person on a sad dinner
- totalBetween these 3 meals and one drink from the bar I think the total was a bit north of $100 before tip
If youre looking for great value, this spot might not be your best bet, as many feel the prices dont align with the experience. While some drinks might be reasonably priced, be prepared for potentially high costs and unexpected charges. It's probably best to manage your expectations regarding the overall value.
How are the prices at Itsumono?
You’re looking at roughly 46 per person – reported by 94 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Fine Dining Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While most guests spend in the $41–$50 range, we also see a good mix of diners opting for slightly less expensive meals, and some going for a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 94 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in Seattle.
For a Fine Dining Restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a great experience without breaking the bank, making it an accessible option for a special meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Itsumono
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Absolutely Fantastic Dinner Experience!
My experience at Itsumono was absolutely fantastic! We had a last-minute trip to Seattle, and this restaurant was a true gem. Our server had great energy, was upbeat and friendly, and provided excellent recommendations.
We enjoyed a variety of dishes, including the oysters, albacore, eggplant, and mushroom udon, as well as the beef bourguignon. Everything was truly 11/10. I also indulged in the dessert mochi cake, which I had to consciously restrain myself from eating all of.
The cocktails were also great. It's clear this place is loved by locals. I can't wait to come back!
- server10
- recommendations10
- oysters10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Mind-blowing Udon and Great Cocktails!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The cocktails were excellent, and every dish we tried was great. Specifically, the cauliflower karaage and eggplant dengaku were delicious, but the crab gumbo udon was absolutely mind-blowing.
For a cocktail, I highly recommend the Shias Salty. The vegetarian options were clearly labeled and highly recommended. The atmosphere and service were both rated a 5 out of 5, and the food also received a 5 out of 5.
We had no wait time and dined with a group of 3-4 people.
- cocktails9
- food9
- cauliflower karaage8
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
A Delightful Culinary Experience
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful! I enjoyed a variety of unique dishes, including the crab udon gumbo, yuzu cauliflower, and miso eggplant. The cocktails were also lovely, with a special mention for the shochu in the shiso salty.
The jelly shots were a fun and unique addition. The ambience was perfect, complemented by music that reminded me of Persona 4. I'm very glad we stopped in.
- crab udon gumbo9
- yuzu cauliflower9
- miso eggplant9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
7
Weekday Happy Hour with Tasty Oysters
I visited for happy hour on a weekday, and it wasn't too busy. While it still felt a little pricey, the oyster was tasty. The interior is nice, with pleasant music and decor.
The service was also really nice, and there's the option of table or bar seating.
- oyster7
- interior8
- music8
- price4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Unique Asian + World Fusion Flavors
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. I encountered the most unique Asian + World Fusion food I've ever had, featuring stunning flavors with creative ingredient pairings. The food was a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere also received a perfect 5/5.
The price per person was between $20–30.
- Asian + World Fusion food10
- flavors10
- ingredient pairings9
What Itsumono offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Itsumono accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, Itsumono is designed with accessibility in mind. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
What dining options are available at Itsumono, and do I need a reservation?
At Itsumono, you can enjoy dinner with full table service, including delicious desserts. While walk-ins are welcome, dinner reservations are highly recommended, especially if you’re planning a special evening out.
How does Itsumono perform overall?
Itsumono has a good overall Restaurant Score of 8 and a Customer Satisfaction of 79.3%. Its Ambience (8.6), Food (8.1), and Service (7.9) are highly rated, though Value (3.9) is a weaker point.
What do customers enjoy most about Itsumono's offerings?
Customers frequently praise Itsumono’s inventive food, excellent cocktails, and the lively, unique atmosphere. Many also highlight the friendly and helpful staff.
Are there any common complaints or areas for improvement at Itsumono?
Some customers express concerns about the perceived value, finding certain items pricey. There are also occasional reports of inconsistent dish quality and some service issues, such as long waiting times or less friendly interactions.