Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » sankaku onigiri – Seattle
sankaku onigiri - Seattle
Photo from sankaku onigiri
sankaku onigiri at a glance
Seattle Central Business District
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 49 of the guests
#267 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#13 Japanese Restaurant out of 47 in Seattle
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
360
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Pricey portions
- Difficult parking
The restaurant, sankaku onigiri cafe & bar, is a Japanese Restaurant located in Seattle’s bustling Central Business District. You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for enjoying a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
This cafe & bar offers a diverse menu, including healthy options and small plates, complemented by a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails. Whether you’re planning for lunch or dinner, you can enjoy convenient dine-in, takeout, or delivery services.
Overview: Introducting sankaku onigiri
Sankaku onigiri offers a delightful experience, largely driven by its friendly staff and the warm welcome from the owner. Many appreciate the personal touch and attentive service, making for a pleasant visit.
This small spot has cultivated a reputation for its inviting atmosphere. However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding the portion size of the main offerings, which can feel a bit small for the price.
Despite this, the onigiri themselves are frequently praised for their taste and quality, often described as delicious and authentic.
Good
7.9
out of 10
360
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
54
negative
18
neutral
288
positive
With a solid 7.9 out of 10, sankaku onigiri generally leaves a good impression, reflected in its 80% customer satisfaction. This positive sentiment is built on 288 positive remarks against 54 negative ones, out of 360 total customer observations.
The Food (8.3) stands out as a particular strength, with many finding the offerings delicious and authentic, making it a clear highlight for diners. The Service (7.8) also performs well, often described as friendly and welcoming, though a few experiences suggest some inconsistency.
The Ambience (7.5) contributes positively, offering a cozy and inviting space. However, the Value (4.1) presents a notable challenge, as many customers feel the portion sizes do not align with the pricing, indicating an area for potential improvement.
What people like
- Delicious onigiri
- Friendly staff
- Cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- High price point
- Small portions
- Parking challenges
If you’re seeking authentic and flavorful Japanese onigiri in a cozy setting, sankaku onigiri is certainly worth considering. The overall experience, supported by a strong 8.1 recommendation score, suggests many find it a satisfying stop for a quick, tasty meal, especially if you appreciate attentive service.
However, be mindful of the portion sizes and pricing, as these are common points of contention for some visitors. While the food quality and service are generally well-regarded, those looking for a budget-friendly or substantial meal might find it less appealing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on sankaku onigiri
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly stands out! With a solid score of 8.3 and a strong customer satisfaction of 86.4%, it's clear that most diners are leaving happy. Based on 222 positive remarks out of 257 total, guests consistently praise the delicious and fresh onigiris, often highlighting the dedicated gluten-free options and inventive flavor combinations.
However, a smaller number of 23 opinions do point out some areas for improvement. Concerns occasionally revolve around the filling amount and overall portion size, with some mentioning salty rice or issues with seaweed quality. While generally positive, these suggest a few inconsistencies that could be refined.
Food
257
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
23
negative
12
neutral
222
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious onigiri
- Gluten-free options
- Inventive flavors
What people don't like
- Small portion size
- Inconsistent filling
- Soggy seaweed
Often praised
- onigiriThese onigiri are perfect for hiking - so delicious and easily packed. Makes for a really great scenic snack!
- foodIt's a true hidden gem located in the market. I highly recommend it because everything I’ve had has been delicious. We have a group of coworkers who all get excited and join when we head here for lunch.
- salmon basilAs someone who has lived in Asia for 12 years and a lover of authentic Japanese food, this is truly the spot. I enjoyed the miso eggplant, sweet potato salad, miso soup, shiso potato, salmon basil, and a wonderful hoji-cha. It was absolute perfection!
- salmon basil onigirisalmon basil onigiri, All of them were delicious
- tuna mayoThe offerings are simple and might seem underwhelming at first, but the onigiri and sides are so delightful. I grabbed a salmon basil, tuna mayo, and nasu miso onigiri to hold me over while at the airport today. It was the right move - filling, yummy, but not too heavy.
- flavorMy experience at this restaurant involved trying their onigiris, which were quite small but offered a decent flavor. I wouldn't go out of my way for this place and am unlikely to return.
- onigirisThis is by far the best onigiris I’ve eaten! All the onigiris we’ve bought are fabulous! We also had their sweet potato salad and hijiki side dishes and, we r totally floored!
- sweet potato saladAs someone who has lived in Asia for 12 years and a lover of authentic Japanese food, this is truly the spot. I enjoyed the miso eggplant, sweet potato salad, miso soup, shiso potato, salmon basil, and a wonderful hoji-cha. It was absolute perfection!
- FoodFood was delicious
- drinksThe drinks and onigiri are always super fresh
Frequently criticized
- onigiriThe tuna tasted and smelled like it was from a can, which was quite off-putting. Even though we ordered our onigiri for dine-in, it still came wrapped in cellophane, which felt unnecessary. The lemonade was nice, but these looming issues detracted from the overall experience.
- portion sizeMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their onigiri. They were really yummy, but the main downside is they are a bit smaller than expected. Even though they're small, the onigiri here are compact and dense, making them fairly filling.
- chefChef is microwave
- edamame yuzuedamame yuzu was so salty I didn't even finish it
- fillingway less filling
- filling amountnot a lot of filling, poor ratio to rice
- nori wrapperlack of a nori wrapper meant it just fell apart
- originiOrigini is 6.5$ with only a little bit filling
- rice balls falling apartMany rice balls do not fall apart when you eat them. These did
- salmon basil onigirisalmon basil didn't have filling in the middle
If you're craving delicious, inventive, and often gluten-free Japanese comfort food, especially onigiri, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some find the portion sizes a bit small or the filling inconsistent, so set your expectations accordingly.
Service (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
Overall, the service here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.8 and boasting a good customer satisfaction rate of 78%. Many guests rave about the warm welcome, with 39 positive remarks highlighting the friendly staff, kind owners, and quick service. It seems the personal touch and efficiency really shine through, making for a pleasant experience.
However, out of 50 total comments, 11 did point out some areas for improvement. A few experiences mentioned staff being unfriendly, giving curt or dismissive answers, and appearing indifferent. There were also occasional notes about waiting times, suggesting that while often speedy, it's not always consistent.
Service
50
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
11
negative
0
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Kind owner
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Unfriendly staff
- Dismissive answers
- Longer waits
Often praised
- ownerThe service is pretty great for such a small spot. I believe it's the owner running everything, and she's extremely friendly and welcoming. She even brings water in a nice glass for dine-in customers, which was a pleasant surprise.
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. The server was friendly and the service was quick, which was a positive aspect. However, the onigiri were quite small for their price of $6.
- staffthe staff were incredibly friendly and lovely
- ServiceService:5
- Wait timeNo wait
- attention to detail serviceAttention to detail service
- folksthe sweetest folks here
- friendly staffAlso got the Smokey peach cocktail and it was tasty and well balanced. Such a cute little spot in Capitol Hill and incredibly friendly staff.
- kind and courteousRie is kind and courteous
- lady (owner?)the lady (owner?) is always sooo incredibly kind, thoughtful, and very nice
Frequently criticized
- business practicevery dishonest business practice!!
- closing timetend to close up shop early so don't come in 15 minutes before close expecting them to be open
- curt, dismissive answersreceived curt, dismissive answers
- indifferent and uninterestedstaff seemed indifferent and uninterested
- receiptnever gave me a printout receipt for tips
- staff’s attitudethe atmosphere felt tense... because of the staff’s attitude
- tipnever asked how much I want to tip
- tip screendon’t remember seeing a tip screen
- unapproachable, cold, and uninviting the servicehow unapproachable, cold, and uninviting the service felt
- unfriendlycame across as noticeably unfriendly
If you're looking for a spot with genuinely friendly staff and often speedy service, this place is usually a great bet. Just be aware that on rare occasions, you might encounter a less enthusiastic interaction or a bit of a wait.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.5 score, indicating a good overall experience, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 69.7%. Many patrons rave about the space, coziness, and atmosphere, often calling it a hidden gem with great vibes. Based on 23 positive remarks out of 33 total, guests frequently highlight the adorable and top-notch atmosphere, making it a cute little spot perfect for a solo lunch.
However, there are some clear areas for improvement, as noted in 7 negative comments. Key concerns revolve around seating, with many mentioning limited seating and the small spot feeling cramped. Parking is also a recurring hassle, and some found the establishment display confusing, as it's not easily visible from outside the Melrose Market.
Ambience
33
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Adorable, cozy space
- Great atmosphere
- Hidden gem
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Parking hassle
- Small spot
Often praised
- atmosphereThis onigiri cafe is super cute and cozy, located right inside the Melrose market, making it very easy to find. The onigiri here have an authentic taste and are very delicious.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationThe latte itself was nutty, frothy, and slightly sweet. The location is small but cozy, situated within a building with other businesses. I'm keen to try their weekend specials sometime.
- spaceThey've done a beautiful job with their space
- Noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- cool-girl owned businessThere's also a market selling merch and Japanese snacks. Go support this cool-girl owned business! Also, don't miss the sweet potato salad; I'm craving it so bad right now.
- cozinessthe food and coziness truly make up for it
- cute little spotSuch a cute little spot
- hidden gemSuch a great hidden gem in the market
- imported goods and merch baropen up a small imported goods and merch bar and they frequently post updates on Instagram, so that's exciting
Frequently criticized
- establishment displayParking is a little hassle but if u do takeout, u can parked at the 30 min zone and just go somewhere else to slowly enjoy their creations. Also, you need to enter Melrose Market to find them because their establishment is not displayed outside the building. We almost walked away thinking they r no longer there until we entered Melrose market.
- ParkingWe also had their sweet potato salad and hijiki side dishes and, we r totally floored! Parking is a little hassle but if u do takeout, u can parked at the 30 min zone and just go somewhere else to slowly enjoy their creations. Also, you need to enter Melrose Market to find them because their establishment is not displayed outside the building.
- limited seatingPlace has limited seating so be prepared to wait
- parkingI'll definitely be back if I'm around the area, but I wouldn't make a special trip just for the onigiri unless I was craving it intensely. Parking can be annoying though, as Melrose Market has no dedicated parking, so it's all street parking. We had to park a 10-minute walk away, or we could have paid at one of the $6 parking lots.
- seatingThere's limited seating as it's a very small spot.
- small spotThere's limited seating as it's a very small spot.
If youre looking for a super cute and cozy spot with great vibes, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potentially limited seating and a bit of a hunt for parking, especially if youre not familiar with the area.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found it quite good, noting it was definitely worth their time and praising the affordability of certain items, even calling them simple and affordable. With 4 positive remarks out of 20 total, there's a small group who felt satisfied, despite the overall score of 4.1 which hovers around average. However, the majority of feedback, with 13 negative opinions, points to significant concerns regarding the price and overall value.
Many felt the price point was too high, leading to complaints about their bank statement and even issues with the tip recommendations. This contributes to a low customer satisfaction of just 20%, indicating a clear area for improvement.
Value
20
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
13
negative
3
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable options available
- Worth the time
What people don't like
- High price point
- Small portions
- Unconsented tip
Often praised
- affordabilityMy experience at this restaurant was super delicious and affordable. I loved how quickly everything was readily made, and they offer great non-meat options.
- priceI found out well worth the price.
- simple and affordableThe food was described as authentic and delicious homemade food, complemented by a wide variety of drinks. The service showed attention to detail, with menu choices catering to a range of preferences, from simple and affordable to expensive and of discerning taste.
- worth your timeDefinitely worth your time!
Frequently criticized
- priceIf these were lower in price, I don't think I'd care very much. But each riceball is a little over $6 and it feels about the same as rice balls I have bought from community fundraiser events made by grandparents for less. That style is homey and comforting, but it is something you can also make very easily at home.
- bank statementcharged me $39.32???
- cheap stuffthese cheap stuff cost me 30 bucks
- default tip recommendation5 with only a little bit of filling 👎. I definitely don’t understand why the overall reviews rating is high, and the default tip recommendation is 30%? I do not recommend this place at all.
- overall reviews rating5 with only a little bit of filling 👎. I definitely don’t understand why the overall reviews rating is high, and the default tip recommendation is 30%? I do not recommend this place at all.
- price pointthe price point was criminal
- tip32. They essentially gave themselves a 26% tip without my consent 😡.
- valueIt wasn't even wholly filling. Not a good value.
- weekend special boxAfter getting ripped off like that
If youre looking for budget-friendly options, you might find a few gems, but be prepared for a potentially disappointing experience regarding overall value. Many customers felt the prices didnt match the portions or quality, so proceed with caution if value is your top priority.
How are the prices at sankaku onigiri?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 49 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 21, a significant number of guests actually spend a bit less, often in the $11–$20 range, showing a nice mix of options for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 49 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant in Seattle. It offers a good balance, allowing you to enjoy a nice meal without breaking the bank, especially with those options in the lower price ranges.
Customer Reviews: what people think about sankaku onigiri
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Gluten-Free Onigiri & Kind Service!
My experience at this restaurant was sooooo yummy! I was really craving onigiri like I had in Japan, and I'm so grateful to have found this place in Seattle. They are dedicated gluten-free, and the food is delicious.
The potato salad is amazing, and of course, there are many different onigiri to choose from. Most importantly, the lady (owner?) is always incredibly kind, thoughtful, and very nice. This care in the food and overall experience makes you want to support local businesses.
If I lived closer, I would regularly go there. Definitely check it out!
- onigiri10
- gluten-free10
- potato salad9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
5
Creative Rice Balls, But Pricey
This place is a really good idea, but I think the execution could be improved. I enjoy both homemade and restaurant rice balls. If these were lower in price, I don't think I'd care very much.
But each riceball is a little over $6 and it feels about the same as rice balls I have bought from community fundraiser events made by grandparents for less. That style is homey and comforting, but it is something you can also make very easily at home. While that could be argued for most restaurant food, I think you either pay for convenience or quality.
I don't think the quality is there to request such a high price per ball. Especially when more than half of the ingredient is rice, which is very cheap. I guess it is kind of convenient, if you are in this part of Capitol Hill, but M2M sells riceballs for half the price with more filling.
Pros: - Inventive flavor combinations - Filling is evenly distributed throughout the rice ball Cons: - Price - Not a lot of filling, poor ratio to rice - Small amount of seaweed - Seaweed was soggy Many rice balls do not fall apart when you eat them. These did, even though I compressed it while it was still unwrapped in plastic wrap. As a to-go item it feels like a necessary evil to eat out of plastic wrap but in a restaurant environment, it's kind of lame.
I can suggest a change regarding packaging: prepare and wrap each rice ball without seaweed, and then serve with dry seaweed for dine-in. For takeout, you can keep the seaweed inside the plastic wrap. Just that extra step would improve the experience and make it feel more premium for the cost.
I bought two rice balls and one drink and the total was $20 without tip. It wasn't even wholly filling. Not a good value.
I think their little salads are cute and the bentos are a great idea. Still, $30 for a dinner bento and $20 for a lunch combo is just a bit too high. If you want restaurant quality onigiri, then go to Onibaba in ID, which are only $1 more and twice as big.
- inventive flavor combinations9
- filling distribution7
- packaging5
- price3
- filling amount3
- seaweed amount4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Disappointing Service Overshadows Potential
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt tense, not because of the décor or the setting, but because of the staff’s attitude. The people working here came across as noticeably unfriendly, almost as if serving customers was an inconvenience.
When I asked simple questions about the menu, I received curt, dismissive answers, and not once did I feel welcomed or acknowledged with even basic courtesy. Throughout the meal, the staff seemed indifferent and uninterested, avoiding eye contact and making me feel like I was bothering them every time I asked for something. It wasn’t a single moment; it was consistent from start to finish.
It’s unfortunate, because the restaurant itself has potential, but the overall experience was overshadowed by how unapproachable, cold, and uninviting the service felt. A smile or a friendly tone goes a long way, and sadly, I didn’t experience either here. Based on the service alone, I wouldn’t return.
- staff’s attitude2
- unfriendly2
- curt, dismissive answers1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fantastic Gluten-Free Finds!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed great food that was fresh and prepared quickly. Everything was gluten-free, which is a huge plus.
The salmon basil onigiri was amazing, but my absolute favorite was the side potato salad – it was a perfect balance of sweet and savory, bursting with flavor! The Yuzu soda was totally worth it too. :)
- food9
- gluten-free10
- salmon basil onigiri9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Delicious Onigiri and Great Vibes!
My experience at this charming spot was fantastic! I had absolutely delicious onigiri and highly recommend it. The good vibes and the sweetest folks here made for a wonderful time.
- onigiri10
- vibes9
- folks10
What sankaku onigiri offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is sankaku onigiri cafe & bar accessible for all guests?
Yes, sankaku onigiri ensures accessibility for all. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, making it a comfortable dining experience for everyone in Seattle’s Central Business District.
What kind of dining experience and offerings can I expect at sankaku onigiri cafe & bar?
At sankaku onigiri, you can enjoy a cozy and casual Japanese dining experience for both lunch and dinner. They offer healthy options, small plates, and a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
How does sankaku onigiri rate overall among its customers?
sankaku onigiri holds a good overall score of **7.9** with **80%** customer satisfaction. Its **Food** (8.3) is highly praised, followed by **Service** (7.8) and **Ambience** (7.5), though **Value** (4.1) is a common concern.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at sankaku onigiri?
Customers frequently praise the delicious and authentic **onigiri**, often highlighting specific flavors like salmon basil and tuna mayo. Many also enjoy the tasty side dishes, such as the sweet potato salad.
What are some common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by visitors to sankaku onigiri?
Key concerns include the **price point** and **small portions** of the onigiri, leading to questions about value. Some also mention difficulties with **parking** and occasional inconsistencies in service.