Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Sushi Katsu-ya – Seattle
Sushi Katsu-ya - Seattle
Photo from Sushi Katsu-ya
Sushi Katsu-ya at a glance
Seattle South Lake Union
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 99 of the guests
#524 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#26 Japanese Restaurant out of 47 in Seattle
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
588
Reviews
69.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality sushi
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- Rice texture
- High pricing
The restaurant, Sushi Katsu-ya (Seattle), is a Japanese Restaurant nestled in Seattle’s vibrant South Lake Union neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Beyond the exquisite sushi, you’ll appreciate their great tea selection, offering a delightful complement to your meal. Whether you’re seeking healthy options, small plates, or a full dinner, this spot provides a welcoming experience with excellent service and a diverse menu.
Overview: Introducting Sushi Katsu-ya
Sushi Katsu-ya offers a generally positive dining experience, with many guests appreciating the fresh fish and top quality ingredients that make for satisfying meals. The lively setting and attentive staff often contribute to a pleasant visit, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the perceived high pricing for certain items, and occasional inconsistencies with the rice texture in their rolls. While the service is often praised, there have been instances of less welcoming attitude from staff.
Good
7.2
out of 10
588
Reviews
69.7%
Satisfaction
146
negative
32
neutral
410
positive
Sushi Katsu-ya achieves a solid overall score of 7.2 , placing it firmly in the good category for a dining establishment. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 69.7% , which indicates a mixed to good reception from a significant portion of its patrons.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 588 customer remarks, with 410 positive and 146 negative observations. Looking closer at the specifics, the Ambience (7.8) stands out as a strong point, creating a welcoming environment.
Service (7.3) and Food (7.2) also perform well, suggesting a generally competent operation. However, Value (6.1) registers as average, reflecting a split in opinions regarding the cost-to-quality ratio.
What people like
- Fresh, quality sushi
- Attentive, friendly service
- Lively, clean atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent rice texture
- Perceived high pricing
- Occasional poor attitude
If you’re seeking a spot with a vibrant atmosphere and a focus on quality sushi, Sushi Katsu-ya is certainly worth considering. The 7.4 recommendation score suggests that many guests leave feeling satisfied, particularly those who prioritize fresh ingredients and a good dining environment over strict budget concerns.
However, be mindful that while the food is generally good, some find the pricing a bit steep, and there are occasional reports of service inconsistencies. It might be a better fit for those looking for a casual, quality sushi experience rather than a budget-friendly option.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sushi Katsu-ya
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.2 score, indicating a good culinary experience. Many rave about the fresh fish, sushi bento options, and unique corn tempura, with 242 positive remarks out of 347 total. Guests often praise the creative rolls and overall quality, finding the dishes satisfying and well-presented.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 69.7%, suggesting some areas for improvement. There are 86 negative comments, with concerns about subpar quality, a fishy smell, and mushy rice. Some also felt the fish was cut too thin, impacting the overall enjoyment for a noticeable portion of diners.
Food
347
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
86
negative
19
neutral
242
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, quality sushi
- Delicious bento boxes
- Creative, unique rolls
What people don't like
- Subpar sushi quality
- Mushy rice texture
- Thin fish cuts
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great little spot with excellent service and great food at a reasonable price for sushi. The place was lively and vibrant on a Tuesday night.
- sushiMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I personally believe they serve the best sushi in Seattle. The creamy salmon, available as both a cut roll and hand roll, was incredibly delicious and practically melts in your mouth.
- FoodFood was soothing and light
- fishThey offer special cuts for Sushi & Sashimi that are not only unique but also incredibly delicious and beautifully presented. The staff is generous with the fish, ensuring a satisfying portion. While it's not cheap, the quality makes it totally worth it.
- corn tempuraMy favorite thing that I had, though, was the corn tempura!
- qualityThe food was top quality. While the fish options were slightly smaller, we valued quality over quantity. I would definitely recommend trying them if you're pressed for time and want some great sushi, or if you're on a date like we were!
- miso codthe miso cod was perfection
- 4 1/2 rollThe 4 1/2 roll was like nothing before.
- Lunch Sushi BentoThe Sushi Bento at lunch was superb
- Rainbow RollThe crispy rice with spicy tuna was also so delicious, with a beautiful crunch on the rice and the spicy crab melted in your mouth! The rainbow roll was super fresh, and the avocado roll was simple, delicate, but delicious! The salmon caviar was pretty good with a nice balance of salt, but I'm not sure if I would get it again.
Frequently criticized
- riceLooking behind the sushi counter, the staff is not qualified and relies on a machine to make sushi rolls. The rice is mashed and pressed into a paste in their rolls, destroying the texture of rice that is enjoyable in a cut roll. 💔 This used to be my neighborhood restaurant for great sushi.
- sushiI used to think I wasn't much of a sushi person, but after eating at Sushi Katsu-ya, I don't feel that way at all. I just realize we have really mediocre sushi in Reno & Truckee (and it's ridiculously expensive). Could you please open a restaurant here?
- foodgood reviews for this food.
- menumenu is more limited than what I'm used to
- rollsthe rolls where of passible quality but not well shaped
- salmonHowever, the food was not recommended. They cut the fish way too thin, and there was even a broken piece of salmon on my sushi. Given the many sushi restaurants in Seattle that are way better, this was disappointing.
- authenticity of sushithe quality of sushi and the authenticity of sushi has been eroded
- bitter tastewhich had a bitter taste
- bones in sashimiFound bones in my sashimi
- bowl of riceadditional cost for a bowl of rice
If you're seeking fresh, creative sushi and delicious bento boxes, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences point to inconsistencies in quality, particularly with rice texture and fish cuts, which might disappoint purists.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at 71.7%, its clear many guests have a good experience. Out of 138 customer remarks, 99 were positive, often praising the friendly staff, attentive service, and warm hospitality from the team and servers.
However, its not without its hiccups. About 36 comments pointed to areas needing improvement, including concerns about being understaffed, occasional poor customer service, or even a rude host. While most experiences are positive, there's a chance for some inconsistency in the service.
Service
138
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
36
negative
3
neutral
99
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Warm hospitality
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Understaffed issues
- Rude host/server
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was by far the best dining experience I've had in Seattle during my short stay. The food was delicious, and the service was remarkably outstanding. As the last guests of the night, we were specially taken care of as part of our graduation dinner.
- serverthe female, asian server with long, low ponytail was so professional
- staffWe share the salted edamame, creamy popcorn shrimp, and tempura corn. Love the sushi, and the incredibly kind staff and chefs.
- ServiceService:5
- serversMy experience at this restaurant was somewhat disappointing. While the servers were nice, the establishment seemed very understaffed, leading to multiple requests for our order. The sushi was decent, but ultimately fell short of my expectations for good sushi in Seattle.
- chefschefs who were very personable and helpful
- peopleThe food was unreal, offering a wide variety on the menu. The service was excellent, and the people were welcoming and friendly.
- teamAs the last guests of the night, we were specially taken care of as part of our graduation dinner. Thank you so much to the team, especially Danny, Cade, and JP, for keeping smiles on our faces. You guys are amazing!
- Cassie and NingThe service is always wonderful, thanks to the manager, JP, and the team. Cassie and Ning make every visit so welcoming, and even our little one approves! 🍣✨
- Great serviceGreat service
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service here was bottom tier
- attitudeWhile one waitstaff member was polite and professional, the other male server's behavior made us extremely uncomfortable. From the moment we walked in, his body language and attitude felt cold and judgmental, creating a feeling of not being welcome. He kept staring at us with an aggressive/judgmental look, which made us feel embarrassed and uneasy throughout our visit.
- orderForgot half our order and charged us for all
- sushi chefsUpdate 8/2023: Most of the original sushi chefs are gone, with the head chef opening Fujiwara. The menu changed about a month ago and is now more limited and significantly pricier.
- Spanish speaking "Sushi Chefs"Two of the Spanish speaking "Sushi Chefs"
- Uber arrivalsBe aware that if your hotel is farther out, there are steep hills that might be challenging for guests with ADA considerations. Construction in the area can also make Uber arrivals unpredictable, so planning ahead is advised. Inside, there are three steps, but a thoughtfully installed ADA-accessible elevator makes it easy to navigate.
- basic courtesyInstead of being helped or guided, we felt judged and unwelcome. Respect is the foundation of good service, and if tips are expected, customers should be treated with kindness and basic courtesy. That male server’s behavior left a negative impression, and we hope the management addresses this.
- body languageWhile one waitstaff member was polite and professional, the other male server's behavior made us extremely uncomfortable. From the moment we walked in, his body language and attitude felt cold and judgmental, creating a feeling of not being welcome. He kept staring at us with an aggressive/judgmental look, which made us feel embarrassed and uneasy throughout our visit.
- conversationit wasn't appropriate to talk about a female client being attractive and your sexual likes
- customer serviceWe absolutely loved the food — it was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Unfortunately, the customer service didn’t match the quality of the meal. While one waitstaff member was polite and professional, the other male server's behavior made us extremely uncomfortable.
Overall, you can expect a good service experience here, with many guests highlighting the friendly and attentive staff. While there are a few reports of issues like understaffing or rudeness, the majority of feedback suggests it's a place worth trying for its service.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7.8 and a good customer satisfaction of 78.9%, its clear many appreciate the atmosphere. Out of 57 total opinions, 45 were positive, often praising the atmosphere, cleanliness, and comfy vibe.
Many even called it a hidden gem with a welcoming environment, making for a relaxing dining experience. However, its not all sunshine and roses. A few of the 7 negative opinions mentioned a loud atmosphere, with some feeling it had zero ambiance for private conversations.
While not directly about the interior, some also noted steep hills and difficult parking which can impact the overall experience of getting there.
Ambience
57
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
7
negative
5
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inviting decor
- Clean, welcoming vibe
- Accessible elevator
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Parking is difficult
- Hilly location
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service was as expected for this style of restaurant: good but nothing over the top. The atmosphere was lively. Definitely check out Sushi Katsu-Ya for some high quality rolls at low prices.
- AtmosphereCasual and easy-breezy sushi place
- ambianceGood ambiance, clean and high ceiling.
- locationThe food itself was a solid four stars; it was fresh and satisfying, though it didn't completely blow me away. The location is very convenient for those near the Citizen Hotel or Whole Foods. Be aware that if your hotel is farther out, there are steep hills that might be challenging for guests with ADA considerations.
- cleanMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The location is convenient and the place is clean. I was impressed by the high quality sushi.
- sushi barsat at the sushi bar and got to speak with the chefs
- ADA-accessible elevatorthey’ve thoughtfully installed an ADA-accessible elevator to make things easier
- cathcartlondon outfitsstunning cathcartlondon outfits recommended
- cleanlinesseverything was clean
- comfy vibea comfy vibe
Frequently criticized
- Sushi barMy experience at this restaurant has been a major decline in both the quality and talent in the kitchen. We used to be regulars for their Toro Tuesdays, but my last visit sitting at the Sushi bar was not okay. The two individuals identifying as "Sushi Chefs" were not trained sushi chefs, unlike the previous exceptional and talented chefs.
- ambiancezero ambiance
- atmospherea bit on the loud side and not a great place for a private conversation
- open kitchenwhen you have an open kitchen you need to have some common sense
- parkingI enjoyed my time with friends at this quaint spot. It's located in the metro area with quick access to public transportation, though parking is not your friend. The food, service, and vibes were all good.
- steep hillsbe prepared for some steep hills that might be challenging for guests
- suburban franchise sushi restaurantVery much a suburban franchise sushi restaurant from hell
If youre looking for a lively, clean spot with a generally good atmosphere, youll likely enjoy it. Just be prepared for a potentially loud environment and some parking challenges, especially if accessibility is a concern.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers felt they got their money's worth, often highlighting the good value and reasonable prices, especially for the lunch special and the overall quality and price balance. With 24 positive remarks out of 46 total comments, the restaurant scores an average 6.1 for value, indicating a generally positive sentiment. However, not everyone agreed, with 17 negative remarks pointing to an expensive price point.
Some found it overpriced for the quality, and others noted it was generally pricey or had additional costs for items like rice. This leads to a mixed 52.2% customer satisfaction, suggesting value can be hit or miss.
Value
46
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
17
negative
5
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Offers good value
- Reasonable pricing
- Great lunch specials
What people don't like
- Overpriced for quality
- High prices
- Additional costs
Often praised
- priceI'd go so far as to say this was in the top 3 best sushi places I've ever been to. The fish was totally fresh, they had some very unique rolls, and the price was fair. I used to think I wasn't much of a sushi person, but after eating at Sushi Katsu-ya, I don't feel that way at all.
- pricesMy experience at this casual and easy-breezy sushi place in the SLU area was fantastic, especially considering the very fair prices. We were so impressed that upon returning home, we immediately told all of our friends about the baked crab hand roll!
- foodThe fish was very fresh and prepared well, clearly not old or frozen/thawed. I ended up spending less than I would for more food and enjoyed every part of it. While this place probably couldn’t fit a large party, it was perfect for me and a few friends.
- reasonable priceThe service was quick, the staff were polite, and the vibe was welcoming. It was a perfect lunch at a very reasonable price.
- valueThe yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño was also a highlight. The rolls were large and offered good value. While it might be a good lunch spot, we visited for dinner.
- $25My friend and I opted for the sushi bento from the lunch special menu. It's satisfying and offers a nice selection for only $25. I would suggest it to newcomers who are unsure of what to order.
- low pricesThe atmosphere was lively. Definitely check out Sushi Katsu-Ya for some high quality rolls at low prices.
- lunch specialHighly recommend lunch special which offers good value
- pricedHaving been to Japan, I can confidently say the sushi here is on par! Everything I ate was PHENOMENAL and very reasonably priced. I wish 6 stars was an option; I definitely recommend this place!
- quality and pricethe quality and price is unbeatable
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I found the sushi to be below average, especially considering the above average price. The ambiance was also lacking, contributing to an overall negative experience.
- billcheck the bill for over changed
- cost for riceadditional cost for a bowl of rice
- dinnerDinner is a bit pricy
- expensive pricequite an expensive price point
- moneyfor the money you can find better sushi in Seattle
- overpriced for the qualityit’s overpriced for the quality
- price tagdisappointed at the $16 price tag
- pricesit still ended up being almost $50 for 30 pieces of sushi roll
- priceya bit pricey for what I got
If youre looking for a good deal, especially during lunch, this spot often delivers on value and reasonable prices. However, be mindful that some find the dinner menu or certain items a bit pricey or overpriced for the quality. Its worth trying if you stick to the praised specials, but prepare for potentially higher costs otherwise.
How are the prices at Sushi Katsu-ya?
You’re looking at roughly 38 per person – reported by 99 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Japanese Restaurant in Seattle, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While many guests spend less, around $21–$30, there’s also a good number opting for more premium experiences, spreading the price points quite a bit.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 99 reviews.
How this Japanese 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 options for different budgets while maintaining a mid-range average.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sushi Katsu-ya
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Best Sushi and Amazing Corn Tempura!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I personally believe they serve the best sushi in Seattle. The creamy salmon, available as both a cut roll and hand roll, was incredibly delicious and practically melts in your mouth.
A standout dish was the corn tempura with garlic butter; I've never encountered anything like it elsewhere, and it was truly amazing. I could honestly drink the garlic butter and wish I knew how to make it myself. I highly recommend getting this appetizer.
Considering its location, the prices are fair. They offer multiple options for salad dressing if you opt for a house salad to start. The selection of sake and cocktail options was also a plus.
I absolutely love this place!
- sushi10
- creamy salmon10
- corn tempura with garlic butter10
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Meal with Excellent Service!
My experience at the restaurant was amazing. The staff provided great recommendations, and JP, in particular, offered amazing service. My 8-year-old even declared it his favorite food ever!
The overall service was excellent.
- meal10
- recommendations9
- JP10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was always a delight. The food was amazing and very beautifully presented. The soft shell crab was my favorite dish.
The service was also great.
- food10
- soft shell crab10
- service9
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Casual Sushi Spot with Great Service
My experience at this divey sushi place was positive. They have a good selection of fish. The wine menu was quite small, with only about five selections.
I enjoyed the Yellowtail collar, which was a simple yet good cooked dish. The yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño was also a highlight. The rolls were large and offered good value.
While it might be a good lunch spot, we visited for dinner. The service was great, and I would recommend this place for a casual sushi dinner.
- selection of fish8
- Yellowtail collar7
- yellowtail sashimi8
- wine menu3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Consistently Delicious Sushi and Kind Staff
I am ashamed to say I’ve visited 4 times in the past 7 days, and it just keeps getting better. My go-to is the shrimp tempura roll while my partner loves the 4 1/2 roll. We share the salted edamame, creamy popcorn shrimp, and tempura corn.
Love the sushi, and the incredibly kind staff and chefs.
- shrimp tempura roll9
- 4 1/2 roll9
- salted edamame8
What Sushi Katsu-ya offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Sushi Katsu-ya?
At Sushi Katsu-ya, you’ll find convenient paid parking garage and paid street parking options. The restaurant is also fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom to ensure a comfortable visit for all guests.
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Sushi Katsu-ya?
You can expect a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at Sushi Katsu-ya, perfect for lunch, dinner, or dessert. They offer table service and catering, with a menu featuring happy hour drinks, cocktails, and a great tea selection. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxed and enjoyable meal.
How does Sushi Katsu-ya generally perform?
Sushi Katsu-ya holds a 7.2 overall score, indicating a good dining experience. Its Ambience (7.8), Service (7.3), and Food (7.2) are well-regarded, though Value (6.1) is more average.
What do customers appreciate most about Sushi Katsu-ya's food?
Diners frequently praise the fresh fish , top quality ingredients, and unique offerings like corn tempura and miso cod . Many find the sushi to be well-prepared and satisfying.
Are there any common concerns about Sushi Katsu-ya?
Some guests have noted issues with rice texture in rolls, perceived high pricing for dinner, and occasional service attitude from certain staff members.