Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Ishoni Yakiniku – Seattle
Ishoni Yakiniku - Seattle
Photo from Ishoni Yakiniku
Ishoni Yakiniku at a glance
Seattle Capitol Hill
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 86 of the guests
#652 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#38 Japanese Restaurant out of 47 in Seattle
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
443
Reviews
63.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Meat quality
- Good ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Hidden fees
- Service issues
The restaurant Ishoni Yakiniku, a Japanese restaurant located in Seattle’s vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood, invites you to a memorable dining experience. You’ll find yourself in a trendy yet casual atmosphere, perfect for enjoying delicious small plates and a wide selection of beverages, including hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails.
Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or a lively lunch, this spot offers table service and a welcoming vibe for you to unwind.
Overview: Introducting Ishoni Yakiniku
Ishoni Yakiniku offers a compelling Japanese BBQ experience, often praised for its high quality meat and a generally pleasant dining atmosphere. Many appreciate the interactive grilling and the delicious cuts served.
The restaurant aims for an authentic feel, creating a cozy setting for guests. However, some guests have noted inconsistencies, particularly regarding attentive service and the overall value proposition, with concerns about mandatory gratuity and difficult parking.
These points suggest that while the core offering is strong, there are areas where the experience can vary.
Good
6.8
out of 10
443
Reviews
63.7%
Satisfaction
128
negative
33
neutral
282
positive
Ishoni Yakiniku holds an overall restaurant score of 6.8, placing it in the average range, with customer satisfaction at 63.7%, indicating a mixed reception. This suggests that while many find aspects to enjoy, there’s also a notable portion of diners with reservations.
The feedback comes from a substantial 443 opinions, providing a broad perspective. Diving deeper, the Food (7.5) and Ambience (7.4) are clearly strong points, frequently highlighted for their quality and appeal.
However, Service (5.5) and Value (4.5) hover in the average to lower-average territory. This contrast, with 282 positive and 128 negative remarks, points to a place where culinary delights and atmosphere often shine, but operational aspects sometimes fall short.
What people like
- High quality meat
- Cozy atmosphere
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- Mandatory gratuity
- Inconsistent service
- Hygiene concerns
Ishoni Yakiniku presents a solid option for those seeking a Japanese BBQ experience, especially if high quality meat and a pleasant setting are priorities. With a Recommendation Score of 7, it suggests that many diners leave satisfied and would suggest it to others.
However, be mindful of potential service variations and the automatic gratuity. If you prioritize excellent food and a comfortable atmosphere over strict value or flawless service, Ishoni Yakiniku is worth considering for an enjoyable meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ishoni Yakiniku
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.5 score and a 74.1% customer satisfaction rate, both indicating a good experience. With 186 positive remarks out of 251 total, diners frequently rave about the quality of the meat, often describing it as so tender it melts in your mouth. Many appreciate the high-quality meats and praise the Yakiniku mastery on display.
However, not every bite is perfect, with 45 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. Some guests felt the quality of the food wasnt always worth the price, mentioning concerns about overcooking it or finding the meat bland. A few also noted small portion' sizes, which can be a bit of a letdown.
Food
251
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
45
negative
20
neutral
186
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- High-quality meats
- Melt-in-mouth texture
- Yakiniku mastery
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Bland seasoning
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- foodWhat a gem! Our experience was fantastic, with excellent food, impeccable service, and a wonderful atmosphere.
- meatthe meat is very high quality and absolutely delicious
- meat qualitythe food and meat quality never wavers
- food qualityfood quality is decent for the price
- meatsThere were no off tastes. If you're looking to spend around $50 to $70 per person and eat some really good meats, then this is the place to go.
- FoodFood:5
- Beef comboI would recommend the Beef combo for a taste of the menu
- Japanese BBQone of the few restaurants that offer Japanese BBQ
- TakoyakiTakoyaki is crispy and soft on the inside
- WagyuWagyu and mentaiko yam (山藥) is a must
Frequently criticized
- meatall of the meat are pretty bland
- foodThe food is not as good as before.
- food qualityThe food quality has noticeably declined.
- food safetyUnfortunately, the experience was marred by significant health and service issues. One of us experienced diarrhea afterward, two had stomachaches, and another had watery stools, which is definitely concerning from a food safety standpoint. The service was also subpar; the staff repeatedly brought out the wrong dishes without any apology and appeared unprofessional, exchanging glances and rolling their eyes.
- meat qualityleaving thicker meat raw after 10 minutes and thinner cuts dry
- steakhe never got his steak
- A5 Wagyu steakpaid $158 for something to be cooked improperly
- Fried ice creamFried ice cream tastes greasy
- Ishoni ricesignature Ishoni rice, once packed with flavor, now tastes bland and uninspired.
- PortionsThe price was high, but understandable given the quality of the food and service. Portions are small, so this place is more about the experience than value.
If you're seeking a good yakiniku experience with high-quality, melt-in-your-mouth meats, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some find the portions a bit small and occasionally bland, so manage your expectations on seasoning and quantity.
Service (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
The service here presents a bit of a mixed bag, with an average 5.5 score and mixed 47.6% customer satisfaction. However, many guests absolutely love the friendly service, attentive staff, and genuine hospitality, often noting how food serves quickly. Out of 105 comments, 50 were positive, highlighting these great experiences.
On the flip side, 52 negative comments point to areas needing attention. Some guests reported poor service, staff with a bad attitude, and being slow to tend to tables. Issues like inconsistent operating hours and a general lack of transparency also left a sour taste, indicating room for improvement.
Service
105
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
52
negative
3
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Warm hospitality
- Food serves quickly
What people don't like
- Poor, rude service
- Inconsistent operating hours
- Slow, inattentive staff
Often praised
- serviceThe food was fantastic, the atmosphere was wonderful, and the prices were unbeatable. Coupled with super fast service, I will 100% be coming back again!
- staffstaff was very helpful and friendly
- ServiceService is friendly
- reservationThe reservation requires to put a credit card but did not charge before the meal
- Food serves quicklyFood serves quickly
- Friendly serviceFriendly service
- MiaoThis is an experience I would recommend again. S/O to Miao for being so patient with us. Anyways, this barbie is full of love after eating here.
- attention to detailher attention to detail is top-notch
- attentive serviceattentive service only add to the overall dining experience
- bright smileHer kindness and bright smile truly make my day
Frequently criticized
- serviceWhile the food was excellent (rated 5/5) and the atmosphere was enjoyable (rated 5/5), the service fell short. We were expecting a special birthday treat, but instead, we were charged for a dessert we did not order. This oversight significantly impacted our overall perception of the service, despite its initial rating of 4/5.
- servertold by the server that the kitchen was closed earlier
- reservationsWe decided to try it out without a reservation, hoping to enjoy a meal. Upon arrival, we learned there were no available reservations for the evening. When we asked the hostess if there was any chance to reserve a table for that night, she informed us there were no spots available.
- staffWe have spent $2100 at this restaurant in the past 30 days. As a fellow restaurant professional, I believe a business is in trouble when its staff prioritizes leaving early over customer satisfaction. We will no longer be visiting this restaurant and cannot recommend it due to the lack of sincerity and respect.
- additional ordercouldn’t process it even though they accepted our order
- apologythere was no apology
- attitudeHer attitude is not good
- beef tongue cuttingThe waitress cut beef tongue in an inexperienced way
- birthday surprisepromised a "birthday surprise" then charged us
- burned my handShe then burned my hand while I was trying to manage the grill
If you're looking for a place with potentially warm and efficient service, it could be a good fit. Just be prepared that the experience might be inconsistent, so manage your expectations regarding attentiveness and operational clarity.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
The ambiance here generally hits the mark, with a 7.4 score indicating a good experience and a solid 76% customer satisfaction. Many of the 38 positive opinions praise the restaurants cleanliness, cozy atmosphere, and the interactive experience. Guests particularly appreciate the lack of smoke, even during grilling, ensuring you wont leave smelling like barbecue.
However, its not without its quirks, as 11 negative opinions out of 50 total highlight some concerns. The main sticking points revolve around parking difficulties and the location, with some mentioning sketchy vibes or graffiti damage. While these are noted, they dont overshadow the overall positive feel of the place.
Ambience
50
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
11
negative
1
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, smoke-free
- Cozy atmosphere
- Interactive experience
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Sketchy location
- Graffiti damage
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere of the restaurant is harmonious
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeThe place is also nice.
- restaurantSuch an intimate and authentic restaurant!!
- CleanlinessI had the most tender beef Yakiniku, which was truly amazing. The service was friendly, and the place was very clean. I would highly recommend this restaurant.
- ParkingParking is convenient, right across the street
- ambianceThe ambiance of the restaurant was cozy and welcoming
- cleanlinessMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. The place was very clean, and the food was good. What stood out most was the lack of smoke when barbecuing, which was a pleasant surprise.
- cozy atmosphereFor anyone seeking a high-quality yakiniku experience without overspending, Ishoni Yakiniku's set menus are highly recommended. The cozy atmosphere and attentive service further enhanced the overall dining experience, making it a suitable spot for both casual dinners and special occasions. The service was also very good.
- grillsThe grills themselves were nice
Frequently criticized
- parkingIt was amazing! I am not sure if I will be back just because of the location and the difficulty to find parking. But if I come back, it will always be with friends!
- ParkingIshoni proved to be an excellent choice for a celebration, leaving me incredibly satisfied. Parking in Cap can be a challenge, as usual, so opting for an Uber or bus is preferred. Folks even use the parking lot across the street, though a bit pricey, can be worthwhile.
- Street parkingStreet parking is difficult
- graffiti damageWon't remove the pentagram and "666" graffiti damage from their windows
- locationIt was amazing! I am not sure if I will be back just because of the location and the difficulty to find parking. But if I come back, it will always be with friends!
- pleasant atmosphereWe will no longer be visiting this restaurant and cannot recommend it due to the lack of sincerity and respect. Dining out should be an enjoyable experience with mutual respect and a pleasant atmosphere, which is sadly lacking at Ishoni.
- questionable hygieneNow, that unique taste is gone, along with the charcoal grilling. Overall, the experience was disappointing: overpriced food, poor service, and questionable hygiene. It sadly no longer lives up to its past reputation.
- sketchy vibesSketchy vibes tbh
- street parkingStreet parking is paid until 10pm
- utensilstheir utensils were dirty
If youre looking for a clean, interactive dining spot with a great atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a bit of a hunt for parking, or consider alternative transport, and youll likely have a fantastic time.
Value (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
Despite some mixed feelings, a handful of guests, accounting for 8 positive remarks out of 37 total, genuinely felt they got a good deal. They highlighted prices as surprisingly reasonable, especially for the quality of the set menus, often calling it a great value and so worth it for the experience. However, the overall sentiment for value is quite challenging, reflected in an average score of 4.5 and a poor customer satisfaction of 21.6%.
A significant 20 negative comments point to issues like mandatory gratuity (often after tax), feeling it's on the pricey end, and even overpriced food that does not worth the money.
Value
37
Reviews
21%
Satisfaction
20
negative
9
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for quality
What people don't like
- Mandatory gratuity
- Food feels overpriced
- Gratuity after tax
Often praised
- pricessurprised with the prices, it is reasonable
- great valuemaking the set a great value for the price
- priceis so worth it
- price per personspend around 62 per person
- qualityvery responsible considering the high quality
- reasonable priceMy experience at Ishoni Yakiniku in Seattle was thoroughly impressive, particularly regarding the value and quality of their set menus. The Ishoni Combo was an excellent choice, offering a variety of high-quality meats at a reasonable price. Each cut was perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection right at the table, making for a fun and interactive experience.
Frequently criticized
- gratuitytry to charge a 18% gratuity AFTER TAX
- billcame in with the bill and two tiny lime plushie compliments that we did not ask for
- $2100spent 2100usd at this restaurant past 30 days
- automatic tipwe were automatically charged an 18% tip for a table of four—without any option to adjust.
- event parkingpissed about paying 35 for event parking lol
- gratuity chargethey charged 18% gratuity
- mandatory gratuitycharged a mandatory gratuity (18% AFTER TAX)
- menuthat line was super tiny on the menu
- moneyIt does not worth the money.
- overpriced foodNow, that unique taste is gone, along with the charcoal grilling. Overall, the experience was disappointing: overpriced food, poor service, and questionable hygiene. It sadly no longer lives up to its past reputation.
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially high bill, especially with automatic gratuity. While some find the quality justifies the cost, many feel its not worth the money, so manage your expectations on value.
How are the prices at Ishoni Yakiniku?
You’re looking at roughly 64 $ per person – reported by 86 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 64 $, guests actually spend across a wide spectrum. We see many diners in the $41–$50 and $71–$80 ranges, with a good number even opting for experiences over 101 $. This suggests a diverse menu or different ways people enjoy their meal here!
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 86 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Considering the diverse spending habits and the quality often associated with Japanese cuisine, we think the pricing here feels quite fair. It seems to offer something for various budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ishoni Yakiniku
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Expensive Meat, Self-Cooked
My experience at this restaurant was quite surprising, especially considering it's an $80 per person establishment. The most striking aspect was that I had to cook the meat myself. Given the high cost of the meat, I was constantly worried about overcooking it.
The clientele seemed to be predominantly young Asian males, many wearing glasses. While I can't comment on their net worth, I felt the quality of the food was not worth the price. My partner wanted to eat here, and my overall feeling was that it was just so-so.
- meat2
- overcooking it3
- quality of the food3
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Dinner with Great Service
I had a lovely dinner here. The quality of the meats was great, and the cocktails were well balanced. The service was on point; they proactively changed our grill without us having to ask, allowing us to enjoy the clean flavor of the meats.
We were celebrating a birthday, and they were so kind to bring a dessert to celebrate.
- quality of the meats9
- cocktails8
- service10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
High-Quality Japanese BBQ Experience
My experience at this Japanese barbecue restaurant was largely positive, centered around the high quality of their meat, which, as expected, is reflected in the prices. It's a fantastic find for authentic Japanese barbecue in town. We enjoyed a creamy Mentaiko udon and a special Seattle Restaurant Week menu that included four types of beef, miso soup, rice, and two Takoyaki balls.
A small note on the bill: the tip suggestions are calculated after tax, not before. Finding street parking was difficult, though the reservation system was convenient, requiring a credit card without an upfront charge. The service and atmosphere were excellent, with no wait time.
- meat9
- prices6
- Japanese barbecue8
- Street parking3
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Decline at Ishoni Seattle
My experience at Ishoni Seattle was a significant letdown compared to its Bellevue counterpart. The food quality has noticeably declined, with the signature Ishoni rice tasting bland and uninspired. Adding to the disappointment, we were automatically charged an 18% tip for a table of four, which was not adjustable and, to make matters worse, calculated after tax.
This practice is simply unacceptable, and sadly, I won’t be returning to Ishoni Seattle.
- food quality2
- Ishoni rice2
- automatic tip1
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Service Mars a Good Meal
This was my fourth time dining here, and unfortunately, the service was significantly worse than on previous visits. A waitress demonstrated inexperienced beef tongue cutting, taking about 5 minutes, which resulted in all other beef steaks on the grill being overcooked. She also burned my hand while I was trying to manage the grill.
To add to the issues, another waitress brought complimentary sorbets while there was still meat on the grill and plates. We felt rushed to finish our dinner within 50 minutes, and an 18% gratuity was automatically added for our table of four. While the food and atmosphere were rated well previously, the service issues were a major letdown.
- dinner6
- service2
- beef tongue cutting2
- beef steaks3
What Ishoni Yakiniku offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Ishoni Yakiniku?
Yes, reservations are required to dine at Ishoni Yakiniku. Dinner reservations are especially recommended to ensure you secure a table at this popular Japanese restaurant in Capitol Hill.
What are the accessibility and parking options at Ishoni Yakiniku?
Ishoni Yakiniku offers wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms. For parking, you’ll find paid parking lots and paid street parking, though finding a space can sometimes be somewhat difficult.
What are the standout features of Ishoni Yakiniku?
Customers frequently praise the Food for its high quality meat and the Ambience for its cozy atmosphere.
How is Ishoni Yakiniku generally rated by customers?
Ishoni Yakiniku has an overall score of 6.8 and a customer satisfaction of 63.7%. The Food (7.5) and Ambience (7.4) are strong, while Service (5.5) and Value (4.5) are more average.
Are there any common issues or concerns at Ishoni Yakiniku?
Some diners have expressed concerns about mandatory gratuity and occasional inconsistent service. Parking can also be difficult in the area.