Highlights
- Sports
- Great tea selection
oChef » Shiku Sushi – Seattle
Shiku Sushi - Seattle
Photo from Shiku Sushi
Shiku Sushi at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 78 of the guests
#443 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#22 Japanese Restaurant out of 47 in Seattle
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
555
Reviews
73.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Sushi quality
- Happy Hour
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Loud music
- Long waits
The restaurant, a delightful Japanese Restaurant in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood, invites you to experience its cozy and casual atmosphere. At Shiku Sushi, you’ll discover a culinary journey that stands out, especially with its great tea selection.
Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, this trendy spot offers a welcoming space where you can unwind and enjoy authentic flavors. It’s a perfect destination for those exploring Seattle’s diverse dining scene.
Overview: Introducting Shiku Sushi
Shiku Sushi offers a compelling experience where the culinary creations truly shine. Many guests highlight the exceptional sushi and the evident stellar quality ingredients, making each bite a pleasure.
The atmosphere often contributes positively, described as a cozy and inviting space. However, the overall experience can sometimes be uneven.
While some praise the friendly staff and quick service, others have noted a distinct lack of attention, leading to frustrating waits. This inconsistency in service can occasionally detract from an otherwise enjoyable meal.
Good
7.5
out of 10
555
Reviews
73.7%
Satisfaction
113
negative
33
neutral
409
positive
Shiku Sushi earns a solid overall score of 7.5 out of 10, indicating a generally good dining experience. Customer satisfaction also stands at a respectable 73.7%, suggesting most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 555 customer remarks, with 409 positive observations outweighing 113 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Food is a clear standout, scoring an impressive (8.2), reflecting its high quality and appeal.
Value also performs well at (7.3), with many appreciating the pricing, especially during happy hour. The Ambience scores a good (7.2), often described as warm and inviting.
However, Service comes in at an average (6.6), indicating areas where consistency could be improved.
What people like
- Exceptional sushi quality
- Great Happy Hour value
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service attention
- Loud music, dim lighting
- Occasional long waits
Shiku Sushi presents a strong case for a visit, particularly if you prioritize high-quality sushi and a pleasant atmosphere. The culinary offerings are consistently praised, and the value, especially during happy hour, is a definite draw.
It’s a place where the food often speaks for itself. With a recommendation score of 7.8, Shiku Sushi is generally worth trying.
Be prepared for potentially inconsistent service, which can sometimes lead to longer waits. If you’re seeking excellent sushi in a cozy setting and can overlook occasional service hiccups, this spot could be a good fit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Shiku Sushi
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 83.6%. With 229 positive remarks out of 274 total, many rave about the fresh and high quality fish, especially the sushi and specialty rolls. Guests consistently find the chirashi bowl and chef specials delicious, often noting generous portion sizes and an excellent sake selection.
However, not every bite is perfect. A smaller number of 28 negative comments point to occasional subpar food and mediocre sushi quality. Concerns include rice being badly cooked, a lack of fish freshness, or basic sushi that's rice heavy.
Some also noted frustrating menu availability issues and appetizers arriving cold.
Food
274
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
28
negative
17
neutral
229
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality fish
- Delicious specialty rolls
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Sushi quality varies
- Poorly cooked rice
- Menu items unavailable
Often praised
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. I enjoyed really exceptional sushi at a great price. The stellar quality ingredients were evident in every bite, and the good service complemented the casual and comfortable space perfectly.
- foodMy experience was straight up delicious! While take-out on weekends can involve a bit of a wait, it was absolutely worth it.
- rollsThey were incredibly kind and accommodating to my elderly mother and my loud college daughter and her friends, which speaks volumes about their kindness and ability to chill. All the rolls were super, and surprisingly, the fascinating early-00's Lady Gaga music actually kind of worked. It was a delightful dining experience.
- appetizersMy husband and I were celebrating our anniversary and were seated at the bar. We ordered drinks and appetizers, and there was a wide variety of sushi and nigiri. Unfortunately, the bartender, who was right in front of us, never acknowledged us.
- fishThe fish is top-notch
- Bruce LeeThe sashimi and nigiri were consistently fresh and tasted great, as were the rolls. I particularly recommend the Tiger Roll or the Bruce Lee. The staff were friendly and helpful.
- Bruce Lee rollThe Bruce Lee roll, Salt & Pepper roll, Monkey Brains, and Chicken Kara-Age are my favorite menu items.
- sakeMy favorites included the Honey roll, Ninja roll, fried stuffed jalapeños, and crispy spicy tuna. All of these were great with a draft beer or sake 🍻.
- California rollcrunch roll and the California roll which tasted amazing
- cocktailsgreat cocktails
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food itself bad
- sushiThe waitresses kept forgetting my order and constantly mixed up and served me someone else's food. On top of that, the taste of the sushi was awful, not good at all. 🤢🤮🥵
- drinksThe Happy Hour deals were good, but the drinks and food were just okay. The sushi was a bit rice-heavy and poorly rolled, and the drinks were too sweet. The Happy Hour crispy rice with spicy tuna and avocado was the only item I would return for.
- soupour soup we ordered was never brought
- Crunchy Spicy Tuna rolla smashed ball of rice with tuna, jalapeños and sauce that was half-hazardly smushed on top
- Ginger TatsutageGinger Tatsutage: it's...ok. The boneless chicken is literally thrown into the fryer with no breading or flavor.
- allergic reactionended up being allergic to something
- appetizers go coldwatched our appetizers go cold on the expo window
- basic sushiIts basic sushi
- fish freshnesslacked a lot of the crisp freshness of fish from other areas nearby
Overall, if you're seeking delicious, fresh sushi with creative rolls and generous portions, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few experiences mention minor inconsistencies in quality or menu availability, the overwhelming sentiment points to a satisfying culinary experience.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a lot to appreciate here! Many guests rave about the friendly, attentive service from the servers and staff, often highlighting their great recommendations. With 111 positive pieces of feedback out of 184 total, its clear that many diners have had excellent interactions, enjoying quick and welcoming experiences.
However, the service experience isn't always smooth sailing, landing it an average score of 6.6 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 60.3%. A significant 62 negative comments point to issues like frustrating waiting times, a general lack of attention from staff, and even instances of rude or poor service, particularly concerning takeout orders and seating.
Service
184
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
62
negative
11
neutral
111
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great recommendations
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Lack of attention
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceI enjoyed really exceptional sushi at a great price. The stellar quality ingredients were evident in every bite, and the good service complemented the casual and comfortable space perfectly. They also offer a gluten free menu with a wide array of options.
- staffWhile the restaurant doesn’t have the largest selection, they offer standard premium rolls alongside some unique ones I haven’t encountered elsewhere. The service was quick, and the staff were friendly. I will definitely be returning with friends when I'm in the area.
- KaylaKayla is the best server! Always makes us feel like we’re with a friend
- experienceeveryone helping provide the best experience
- serverThe excellent rolls and satisfying gyoza were also highlights. The service was a bit harried, with only one server managing a growing lunch crowd, but he did an admirable job. The music volume could be tempered a bit at lunch.
- serversAnother server, wearing a cute crochet bandana, was also awesome. Both servers were attentive and checked on us often. We ordered seven different rolls, a few appetizers, and then some more rolls!
- customer servicegreat customer service
- ownermeeting the owner herself, Kayla. She’s great
- recommendationsmade some great recommendations
- Assistant Master Chef RileyAssistant Master Chef Riley also delivers
Frequently criticized
- serviceWe eventually left due to the lack of attention, with no apologies offered. Appalling service; only go here if you'd like to be ignored.
- waiting timeThe service was stellar! I would recommend getting a reservation or at least getting there early because we had to wait for around 40 minutes for a table to open up, so we went to another bar nearby and got some drinks to wait. The sushi portion was pretty big and looked delicious.
- servertakes a long time for the server to even greet you
- staffAll the staff was not paying attention
- staff attention5 minutes go by with no contact. Then another.
- wait timeI placed an order at 7: 45 pm. When I called at 8: 12 pm to check the status, I was told it would be ready in about 15 minutes. Upon arriving at the restaurant at 8: 25 pm, I was informed it would take 15 MORE MINUTES.
- acknowledgementno acknowledgement what’s so ever
- apologiesNo apologies for the wait on the way out the door
- attention and capabilitiesI arrived 5 minutes early for pickup, but unfortunately, when the order was ready, the soup was cold. This carelessness speaks to their attention and capabilities.
- bar servicesit at the bar and be ignored for the first 15 minutes
If you're looking for a place with potentially friendly and helpful staff, you might find it here. However, be prepared for the possibility of long waits or inconsistent attention, especially during busy times or for takeout.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to the overall feel of the place, it seems many guests found it quite appealing! With a solid score of 7.2, the atmosphere and vibes often hit the mark, making it a great spot for various occasions. Out of 76 total opinions, 52 were positive, praising the kid friendly aspects and even the outdoor seating options.
However, the customer satisfaction, sitting at a 68.4% (which is a mixed bag), suggests theres still room for improvement. About 20 opinions pointed out some snags, like harsh lights, loud music, and uncomfortable seating, with parking' also being a common frustration. It seems some elements could use a little fine-tuning to enhance the overall experience.
Ambience
76
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
20
negative
4
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Cozy, inviting space
- Good for dates
What people don't like
- Harsh lighting
- Loud music
- Uncomfortable seating
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at Shiku, my go-to sushi restaurant in Ballard, was fantastic! It’s a cute little spot with a warm, cozy atmosphere. I highly recommend trying this place out if you haven’t been; you won’t be disappointed!
- vibesIn a city with tons of great Japanese spots, this place stands among the best. I experienced incredible fish and awesome vibes. I will definitely be coming back.
- ambiancemusic and ambiance was to die for
- musicThey were incredibly kind and accommodating to my elderly mother and my loud college daughter and her friends, which speaks volumes about their kindness and ability to chill. All the rolls were super, and surprisingly, the fascinating early-00's Lady Gaga music actually kind of worked. It was a delightful dining experience.
- outdoor seatingTheir current outdoor seating situation makes for a cozy and romantic meal.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- amazing timesure to have an amazing time
- ambienceGreat ambience for a date night
- awesome timean awesome time
- barthe bar is filled out well
Frequently criticized
- ambiencethe ambience was casual and unsophisticated
- lightsthey didn't turn on any lights and so as it got dark we were basically sitting in the dark
- parkingParking can be a challenge
- bargot sat at the bar for all the goods!
- cleanlinesstwo open but dirty tables
- conversationloud conversation drowns out music.
- indoor decorIndoor decor needs work, it’s very confusing design.
- loud musicLoud music
- musicthe music was super loud
- mustinessthere's the hint of mustiness in the air
If youre looking for a place with generally good vibes and a pleasant atmosphere, especially for a casual outing or a date, youll likely enjoy it. Just be prepared for potentially loud music or some parking challenges, and you might want to check if the lighting has been softened.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at a good 81%, many diners found the happy hour menu and Happy Hour deals to be fantastic. People loved the price point and felt the drinks offered great prices, making it a worthwhile experience based on 17 positive remarks.
However, a few voices (3 out of 21 total opinions) mentioned that the price or prices felt a bit steep for what you get. Some found the sushi quality below average for the cost, or simply felt it was overpriced. It seems while many find great deals, especially during happy hour, a small number felt the regular pricing didn't quite match the offering.
Value
21
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great Happy Hour deals
- Fair price point
- Drinks worth price
What people don't like
- Quite overpriced
- Not worth prices
Often praised
- priceit was so good & worth the price
- Happy HourWe stopped in for Happy Hour and had a quick bite. Their HH menu was perfect. I had the salmon skin hand roll, the California roll and the Seattle roll.
- happy houramazing happy hour with great prices!
- pricesThe restaurant is small inside, with only about a dozen tables. Despite its size, the menu is average, and the prices are really good for the portion sizes. The tastes were on point.
- 20% tipI still left a 20% tip 🤣
- Happy Hour dealsThe Happy Hour deals were good
- PricesPrices were very fair for Seattle too
- drinksThe drinks are worth the price
- great pricesamazing happy hour with great prices!
- happy hour menuboth off the happy hour menu.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was okay for sushi and rolls. Overall, it's a good place to hang out with people, but the sushi quality is a bit below average for the price.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was underwhelming. The food was mediocre at best and definitely not worth the prices. On the positive side, the service was decent.
If youre looking for a good deal, especially during happy hour, this place is definitely worth checking out. Youll likely find the prices fair and the experience satisfying. However, if you're sensitive to price outside of those deals, you might find some items a bit on the higher side.
How are the prices at Shiku Sushi?
You’re looking at roughly 38 per person – reported by 78 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Japanese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 38$, we see a good mix of spending habits, with many guests finding great value in the 21-30$ range, and others opting for dishes in the 41-50$ bracket.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 78 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, offering good value across different spending levels.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Shiku Sushi
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Exceptional Sushi and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The master sushi chef Khine is incredibly skilled, always preparing great chef specials. Khine also proactively inquires about dietary restrictions and allergies as soon as we are seated, which is a thoughtful touch.
Assistant Master Chef Riley consistently delivers the best sides and appetizers from the kitchen. The entire staff is very friendly and attentive. Furthermore, the pricing is competitive, and the food is really good quality.
- master sushi chef Khine10
- great chef specials10
- dietary restrictions and allergies9
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Funny Server, Great Sushi & Mocktail
My experience at this restaurant was memorable, largely due to a rather amusing server interaction. I was on a date with someone from Hinge, and the server, upon approaching our table, asked if I had been there before, stating I looked familiar. This was surprising as it was my first time at the establishment.
Despite this odd start, the sushi was pretty damn good, and the server crafted a killer mocktail for me. While I'm not trying to get anyone in trouble, the situation was quite funny. I still left a 20% tip 🤣.
- sushi9
- mocktail10
- server6
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fantastic Sushi and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic. The Zigzag sushi roll, which is deep-fried soft shell crab, was "to die for. " The atmosphere and service were also "absolutely fantastic.
" I plan on bringing all my friends here when we're in the area. I'd also highly recommend the Ballard Ave roll, especially since it's part of their happy hour menu. Be aware that the premium rolls are quite filling; my partner and I struggled to finish both the Zigzag and Ballard rolls in one sitting.
- Zigzag sushi roll10
- atmosphere10
- service10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Sushi and Relaxing Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The entire menu is great and unique compared to other sushi places. The staff were friendly, and the atmosphere was relaxing, making it a perfect place to spend a couple of hours with friends.
- entire menu10
- staff9
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Fantastic Service and Food for Special Occasions
My experience at this restaurant was truly fantastic. David and the staff were incredibly welcoming, and the service and food were both top-notch. I highly recommend this place for smaller parties, dinners, and especially for special occasions.
- staff10
- service10
- food10
What Shiku Sushi offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Does Shiku Sushi offer accessible dining options for all guests?
Yes, Shiku Sushi prioritizes accessibility, providing a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms. You can enjoy lunch, dinner, or dessert with table service in a comfortable environment, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone in Ballard, Seattle.
What dietary options and service choices can you expect at Shiku Sushi?
At Shiku Sushi, you’ll find a range of dietary options including healthy, vegan, and vegetarian dishes. For your convenience, they offer delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in service, complete with outdoor seating. Enjoy happy hour food and drinks, or even late-night bites.
How does Shiku Sushi generally rate?
Shiku Sushi holds a 7.5 overall score, with Food leading at (8.2), followed by Value (7.3) and Ambience (7.2). Service scores (6.6), indicating some room for improvement.
Is Shiku Sushi a good spot for sushi lovers?
Yes, many patrons praise Shiku Sushi for its exceptional sushi and stellar quality ingredients, making it a strong choice for those prioritizing the culinary experience.
What should I know about the service at Shiku Sushi?
While some customers report friendly staff and quick service, others have noted issues with lack of attention and long waiting times, suggesting service can be inconsistent.