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Matsu - Seattle
Photo from Matsu
Matsu at a glance
Seattle Yesler Terrace
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 101 of the guests
#486 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#24 Japanese Restaurant out of 47 in Seattle
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
539
Reviews
72.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Polite Service
- Good Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent Food
- High Prices
The restaurant Matsu is a Japanese Restaurant in Seattle’s vibrant Yesler Terrace neighborhood. You’ll find a trendy, upscale atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious small plates and cocktails.
Whether you’re looking for a late-night bite or a healthy option, this spot has you covered. Plus, it’s a great place to catch a game, offering a lively sports-friendly environment.
Overview: Introducting Matsu
Matsu offers a dining experience where the atmosphere often sets a positive tone, with many appreciating its fun vibe and pleasant surroundings. You’ll likely find the service to be quite attentive, with staff often described as polite and quick to assist.
However, be mindful of potential challenges with parking, especially on event days. While the culinary offerings at Matsu receive mixed feedback, there are definite highlights, particularly with certain sushi and cooked dishes.
The value proposition can be a bit inconsistent, with some finding prices reasonable, especially during happy hour, while others feel it doesn’t always align with the quality received.
Good
7.3
out of 10
539
Reviews
72.2%
Satisfaction
125
negative
25
neutral
389
positive
Overall, Matsu garners a solid Restaurant Score of 7.3, indicating a generally good experience for many diners. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 72.2%, suggesting that most guests leave content.
These insights are drawn from a substantial body of feedback, with 389 positive comments outweighing 125 negative ones across 539 total observations. Digging deeper, Service (8.2) and Ambience (8.3) stand out as particular strengths, consistently earning high marks.
The Food (7.0) also rates well, though it receives more varied opinions. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (5.8), which falls into the average range, indicating that pricing and perceived worth don’t always align for every guest.
What people like
- Attentive, polite service
- Pleasant, inviting ambiance
- Appealing happy hour
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- High regular pricing
- Parking challenges
If you prioritize a pleasant setting and attentive staff, Matsu is worth considering, especially if you can take advantage of their happy hour offerings. With a Recommendation Score of 7.4, it generally delivers a positive experience, though it’s wise to manage expectations regarding overall value and certain menu items.
For a reliable experience, focus on the well-regarded service and atmosphere. However, if consistent culinary excellence across the board or budget-friendly regular pricing are your top priorities, you might find aspects of Matsu less compelling.
It’s a place that shines in specific areas.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Matsu
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot offers a generally positive experience, earning a 7 out of 10. With 315 opinions, including 214 positive and 85 negative, many rave about the delicious sushi, fantastic happy hour deals, and well-crafted drinks. The garlic short ribs and KFC wings also frequently earn high praise for their flavor and quality. However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 67.9%, indicating some areas for improvement.
Some diners have noted concerns regarding fish freshness, particularly with sashimi and uni, and issues with the quality of sushi rice. There are also mentions of underdeveloped flavor in certain dishes and disappointing udon, suggesting inconsistency in execution.
Food
315
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
85
negative
16
neutral
214
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious sushi
- Great happy hour
- Flavorful short ribs
What people don't like
- Unfresh fish
- Poor rice quality
- Lackluster flavor
Often praised
- foodLater, the same waitress returned and was snippy and rude. Despite the food being good (rated 4/5) and the atmosphere pleasant (rated 5/5), the service issues were a major letdown.
- sushigood sushi either specialty or more classic
- drinksI had some of the best sushi I've ever tasted. The service was amazing, and the drinks were equally impressive. It was a truly enjoyable dining experience.
- sashimiif you order sashimi, you can get a decent meal sashimi style
- FoodI really enjoyed the salmon don/sashimi and the creamy udon. The food was pretty good overall. The drinks were very strong, which was a fun surprise!
- garlic short ribsorder any extras once the ‘late night happy hour’ menu rolls at 9 (garlic short ribs)
- chicken wingschicken wings that were served are tender, juicy, flavorable, and delicious
- rollshad a few of the rolls and the chicken karage. Everything was very tasty.
- short ribsWhen we sat, we were provided with edamame. We ordered miso soup, fried oysters, spicy ramen, short ribs, salmon skin roll, and a side of white rice. For drinks, he had an Old Fashioned and I drank the pineapple martini along with a glass of white wine.
- specialty rollsspecialty rolls recommended from the bartender
Frequently criticized
- sushiThe service was really great, but I didn’t find the sushi to be very good. The happy hour prices and options for drinks and food were appealing, but the sushi had a weird lime flavor that didn’t taste good. It was also kind of dry.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The service was super slow, and the food was very mid. It took 30 minutes to get our bill, even though the restaurant wasn't full.
- nigiriwhen it comes to the nigiri, it definitely falls short
- riceThe flavors were really undeveloped, and the poke bowl tasted like nothing. The rice needed seasoning, and the nigiri was both tiny and expensive.
- calamariHowever, for over $500 for our party of 8, the place just didn't quite hit the mark, and we won't be back. Our calamari wasn't hot when served and we had to send it back to get reheated. For example, they used the wrong, firmer tofu for the Agedashi.
- fishThe fish looked like it had been sitting there for hours
- rollsThe rolls were thin and submerged in the sauces
- udonThe udon did not live up to expectations
- AgedashiOur calamari wasn't hot when served and we had to send it back to get reheated. For example, they used the wrong, firmer tofu for the Agedashi.
- Cali rollCali roll weak
If youre looking for a good happy hour and enjoy creative sushi rolls or flavorful short ribs, this place is worth a visit. However, if youre a purist seeking pristine sashimi or are sensitive to inconsistent flavors, you might want to manage your expectations.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 85.2%. Many guests rave about the `friendly staff`, `attentive service`, and `excellent management`, with 92 positive remarks praising the team, especially the `bartenders` and `waiters` who go above and beyond. However, its not always perfect.
Out of 108 comments, 16 pointed out some hiccups, with `slow service` and `waiting time` being concerns. A few experiences mentioned `waitress` issues or `poor communication with the chef`, suggesting theres still a little room for improvement in consistency.
Service
108
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
16
negative
0
neutral
92
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent management
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waiting times
- Communication issues
Often praised
- serviceHowever, I highly recommend finding alternative ways to visit on game days due to limited parking, which caused me to be late for my reservation. Once seated, the service was prompt. My partner and I enjoyed several dishes, including the 12th Man roll, the Pioneer Square roll, and the Matsu sashimi.
- staffThe bar area offered a dimmer, more romantic setting. Service was quick and staff was very polite. Parking is generally plentiful, but can be difficult on event days due to nearby stadiums.
- ServiceThe bar area offered a dimmer, more romantic setting. Service was quick and staff was very polite. Parking is generally plentiful, but can be difficult on event days due to nearby stadiums.
- serverOur server was nice though!
- waitressIt took 30 minutes to get our bill, even though the restaurant wasn't full. The only saving grace was that the waitress was very nice. However, for over $500 for our party of 8, the place just didn't quite hit the mark, and we won't be back.
- bartenderour bartender noticed I left my phon on the counter and ran several blocks after my wife and I to return it
- bartendersthe bartenders are so nice
- managementThe service here was fantastic; everyone we interacted with was polite and engaging. There was visible management both on the floor and in the kitchen, which is so rare these days. The sushi was all very fresh – we cleaned our plates.
- waiterThe waiter and front desk were friendly.
- AvaThe hostess greeted us immediately, and the interior design was stunning. Our server, Ava, was fantastic! She greeted us right away and brought edamame and water within 30 seconds of us sitting down.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The service was super slow, and the food was very mid. It took 30 minutes to get our bill, even though the restaurant wasn't full.
- orderThe waitress brought out everyone else's food except mine
- waitressthe other waitress brings my food anyway
- communication with chefNo option for sushi bar table with communication with chef
- parkingparking was limited which made me late for the reservation
- serverour server was not at all
- sushi chefcould easily step up a traditional Omakase sushi offering with a trained sushi chef
- take our orderI love a roll that has no imitation crab or tobiko and includes the best things like tuna and seared tuna, plus a delicious ponzu sauce. The staff were friendly, though a little slow to take our order.
- waiterWaiter acted like she’s doing us a favor
- waiting timealmost 20 minutes went by
Overall, you can expect a largely positive service experience here, especially if you value friendly and attentive staff. While there might be occasional slow moments, the good outweighs the bad, making it worth a visit for reliable hospitality.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this place truly shines! With a solid score of 8.3 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 85.3%, guests consistently rave about the wonderful atmosphere, cool vibe, and stunning interior design. Many found it a clean, romantic spot with great dim lighting, perfect for various occasions, as seen in 58 positive remarks.
However, its not entirely without its minor quirks. A few guests, in 4 comments, noted some issues like the music being too loud, the place feeling hot, or difficulties with parking. While these are isolated incidents, theyre worth keeping in mind if you're sensitive to noise or driving.
Ambience
68
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
4
negative
6
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful, cozy ambiance
- Romantic, dim lighting
- Great stadium proximity
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Difficult parking
- Can be hot
Often praised
- atmosphereLater, the same waitress returned and was snippy and rude. Despite the food being good (rated 4/5) and the atmosphere pleasant (rated 5/5), the service issues were a major letdown.
- vibeOur experience before the concert was perfect. The restaurant efficiently served our food, providing great service and a really fun vibe. The fabulous sushi and dishes were a highlight.
- AtmosphereSuperb on every level. Don’t tell anybody though
- ambianceVisiting from out of state, I made reservations for a Saturday night. The restaurant was not crowded, and the overall ambiance was very chill and comforting. The bartenders were very sweet and provided great service.
- ambienceThe food, ambience and service was amazing!
- placeit's a very cute place
- restaurantBeautifully decorated restaurant located in Pioneer Square
- barThe bar is more dim and romantic of a setting
- cleanit was very clean
- convenienceconveniently didn't have happy hour
Frequently criticized
- heatHot as heck though
- loud placeso it seemed like a loud place
- musicmusic was too loud
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
If youre looking for a place with a beautiful atmosphere and a romantic setting, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that a few guests found the music a bit loud or parking tricky, so plan accordingly. Overall, its a fantastic choice for a memorable experience.
Value (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a somewhat mixed picture, with an average score of 5.8 and a customer satisfaction of 52.1%. Many guests, across 25 positive remarks, rave about the fantastic happy hour deals and decently priced options, often calling them a great deal. The convenience of free parking also adds to the overall positive experience for some.
However, the experience isnt universally glowing, with 20 negative comments highlighting some concerns. Patrons frequently mention issues with parking costs, including hefty $80 tickets and unexpected fees. Some also found the regular price to be quite expensive, and were disappointed when happy hour wasnt available during advertised times or event days.
Value
48
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
20
negative
3
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Reasonable food prices
- Free parking available
What people don't like
- Expensive parking issues
- High regular prices
- Happy hour restrictions
Often praised
- happy hourbest happy hour except during events
- priceThis place has great reviews for a reason. The food is impeccable and very reasonably priced. However, I'm leaving this review because our bartender noticed I left my phone on the counter and ran several blocks after my wife and I to return it.
- pricesthe prices are very reasonable!!
- happy hour pricesThe service was really great, but I didn’t find the sushi to be very good. The happy hour prices and options for drinks and food were appealing, but the sushi had a weird lime flavor that didn’t taste good. It was also kind of dry.
- conveniencecannot deny the convenience and the taste
- decently pricedit was decently priced
- free parkingParking nearby was free
- great dealhappy hour was a great deal
- late night happy hourorder any extras once the ‘late night happy hour’ menu rolls at 9
- non-alcoholic beveragesVery nice they don’t charge cocktail prices for non-alcoholic beverages.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy wife and I had dinner here on Valentine's Day, and it was an extremely disappointing experience. We spent $170 for a few pieces of sashimi that were far from fresh. Honestly, I have never had uni that tasted so fishy.
- billOur daughter, because she didn’t eat her dinner, had to have a hotdog at the Mariners game. All of our dishes went back uneaten, but we still paid the full bill. I would never come back to this restaurant; I get better food at my local sushi place.
- happy hourhappy hour deals are not available on "event days"
- $80 ticketdisappointing by the $80 ticket that we got parking
- feesstart tacking on fees when you don't pay them fast enough
- food is expensivefood is expensive
- nigirinigiri was expensive
- paid street parkingParking options:Paid street parking
- parkinggot parking in front of the restaurant and paying for the parking space!
- party of 8The only saving grace was that the waitress was very nice. However, for over $500 for our party of 8, the place just didn't quite hit the mark, and we won't be back. Our calamari wasn't hot when served and we had to send it back to get reheated.
If you're seeking great happy hour deals or reasonably priced food, especially with free parking, you might find good value here. However, be prepared for potentially high regular menu prices and frustrating parking costs, particularly on event days.
How are the prices at Matsu?
You’re looking at roughly $52 per person – reported by 101 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Whats cool is that while the average sits here, prices are actually quite spread out! Youll find plenty of guests enjoying options in the $41–$50 and even $21–$30 ranges, but also a fair few opting for more premium experiences around $71–$80.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 101 reviews.
Curious how this Japanese spot stacks up against others in Seattle? This chart shows its value for money compared to similar restaurants.
Considering the variety of Japanese cuisine and the price points available, we think the pricing here feels quite fair. It offers flexibility for different budgets while still providing a quality experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Matsu
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Sushi Quality for the Price
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing, particularly concerning the food quality. The sushi was comparable to an all-you-can-eat establishment, which is unacceptable for the $70 price point for a single person. While the waiter and front desk were friendly, nobody inquired about the food.
I noticed a distinct smell of fish not being fresh, and the way the sushi was prepared reminded me of a fast-food chain, like a 'McDonald's for sushi. ' The atmosphere is good and shows great potential. My recommendation to the restaurant is to either source good quality fish or reduce prices.
I would not recommend this place to anyone familiar with authentic sushi or those new to it, as this experience could deter them from sushi altogether.
- waiter7
- front desk7
- atmosphere8
- sushi2
- fish2
- price2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Incredible Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The food was incredible, and the service was attentive and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone.
- food10
- service10
- staff9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Birthday Dinner at Matsu!
We had dinner at Matsu last night for my husband's 25th birthday, and everything was amazing. The sushi was delicious, the ambiance was cozy, and the staff was so kind. They even surprised him with a free ice cream and a candle at the end, which was such a sweet touch.
We had a great experience and will definitely be back. Highly recommend!
- sushi9
- ambiance8
- staff9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Sushi Experience
I was very disappointed with my experience. The waiter acted like she was doing us a favor by being there. The rice in the sushi roll was dry, and both of our rolls completely fell apart the second we touched them.
It's a shame for a sushi restaurant that doesn't know how to roll sushi.
- waiter2
- rice in the sushi roll3
- sushi roll2
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Solid Drinks and Bites Before a Show
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially for pre-event dining. The cocktails were generously poured, and the sake lineup was quite solid. I enjoyed the Barcelona roll, which was tasty with a nice citrus kick.
However, the seafood yakisoba was just alright, and the udon was a bit bland. The special nigiri plate was a miss due to sinew in the otoro. Despite some food inconsistencies, the vibe was chill, the prices were fair, making it a good spot to grab drinks and bites before a concert or event nearby.
- cocktails9
- sake lineup8
- Barcelona roll8
- udon3
- special nigiri plate2
What Matsu offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- 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
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Trendy
FAQs
Is parking available at Matsu, and is it accessible?
Finding a spot near Matsu can sometimes be a bit challenging, with paid street parking usually available. However, the restaurant ensures full accessibility with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom for your convenience.
What kind of dining experience and offerings can you expect at Matsu?
At Matsu, you’ll discover an upscale and trendy Japanese dining experience in Seattle’s Yesler Terrace. You can enjoy a variety of offerings, including healthy options, small plates, and late-night food, complemented by a full bar with cocktails, wine, and beer.
How does Matsu generally rate, and what are its strongest aspects?
Matsu holds a Restaurant Score of 7.3 and a Customer Satisfaction of 72.2%. Its Service (8.2) and Ambience (8.3) are particularly well-regarded, while Food (7.0) is good, and Value (5.8) is considered average.
Is parking readily available at Matsu?
Parking can be challenging, especially on event days, with some guests reporting limited availability or the need for paid street parking. It’s advisable to plan accordingly.
Does Matsu offer good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While many appreciate the happy hour deals and find some prices reasonable, others perceive the regular menu items, particularly certain sushi and nigiri, to be on the expensive side.