Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Urara – Seattle
Urara - Seattle
Photo from Urara
Urara at a glance
Seattle Belltown
- 🍣 Japanese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 103 of the guests
#271 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#14 Japanese Restaurant out of 47 in Seattle
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
560
Reviews
78.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh fish
- Good value
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Small space
- Service issues
- Portion size
The Japanese restaurant Urara, nestled in Seattle’s vibrant Belltown neighborhood, invites you to discover a culinary experience. You’ll find a cozy and casual spot perfect for enjoying authentic flavors.
Known for its great tea selection, Urara offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can unwind and savor delicious dishes. Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, this spot promises a delightful visit.
Overview: Introducting Urara
Urara consistently delivers on its culinary promise, with many guests praising the exceptionally fresh fish and the careful preparation. The staff often receives commendation for their friendly demeanor, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
However, some experiences point to occasional inconsistencies in service and concerns about the restaurant’s limited space. This establishment offers a generally positive dining experience, where the quality of the main dishes shines through.
While the cozy setting is appreciated by many, a few visitors have noted that the intimate environment can sometimes feel a bit cramped.
Good
7.9
out of 10
560
Reviews
78.8%
Satisfaction
92
negative
27
neutral
441
positive
Urara achieves a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7.9, indicating a generally good dining experience. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rating of 78.8%, which also falls into the good category.
These figures, drawn from 560 customer opinions, with 441 positive and 92 negative remarks, suggest a largely contented customer base. Looking closer, Food leads the way with an impressive (8.2), highlighting its strength.
Ambience (7.6) also performs well, contributing to the overall appeal. While Service (7.2) and Value (7.2) are rated as good, they represent areas where some customers have noted minor inconsistencies, despite many positive remarks.
What people like
- Exceptional fresh fish
- Reasonable pricing
- Friendly, attentive staff
What people don't like
- Limited dining space
- Inconsistent service experiences
- Occasional portion concerns
Urara presents a compelling option for those seeking quality Japanese cuisine, particularly its fresh offerings. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.2, it’s clear that many guests leave satisfied and would encourage others to visit.
If you appreciate a focused menu and a cozy setting, this spot is certainly worth considering. However, be mindful of the intimate dining area, which some find a bit tight, and be prepared for potential variations in service.
For a meal where the food often takes center stage, Urara generally delivers, making it a solid choice for a casual yet satisfying experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Urara
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a strong score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at a solid 82.6%, diners frequently praise the freshness and quality of the delicious sushi. Many of the 284 positive remarks highlight the amazing flavors and expertly prepared dishes, making for a truly satisfying meal.
However, not all 344 opinions are glowing. Among the 46 negative comments, some found the quality inconsistent or the flavor bland, with concerns about fishy odor or stale sashimi occasionally surfacing. A few felt the authenticity was lacking, suggesting areas for improvement in certain preparations.
Food
344
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
46
negative
14
neutral
284
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Super fresh fish
- High quality sushi
- Delicious flavors
What people don't like
- Stale sashimi served
- Fishy odor detected
- Inconsistent food quality
Often praised
- foodA nice touch is the 10% discount for picking up your meal if you live nearby. Overall, it's a decent place with good food, and I would recommend it for sushi and sashimi, provided they ensure their food is not seasoned with hair.
- sushiEach dish is prepared with a great deal of care, love, and dedication, evident from the first bite. The sushi is exceptionally fresh, beautifully presented, and delivers the delicate flavors one expects from traditional Japanese cuisine. The staff at Urara are friendly and attentive, contributing to the cozy and inviting atmosphere.
- fishMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful. The food was absolutely delicious; I've never tasted fish so fresh, and the sukiyaki udon was also really good. The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is peaceful.
- salmonRoe, scallops, octopus, salmon, tuna, and mackerel (bunch each time is different).
- Seattle rollthe 8 piece omakase and the Seattle roll! super fresh and delicious!
- presentationThe presentation, the picking of the fish cut that oozes freshness
- ricethe rice was very good. For individual pieces the rice was warm
- freshIt’s fresh and extremely flavorful
- fresh wasabiserved fresh wasabi
- freshnessEverything was super fresh
Frequently criticized
- salmon sashimisalmon sashimi used to be bright, vibrant, soft and fatty
- Ceviche rollOur favorite Ceviche roll is now tiny, sour
- sushiSushi with hot sauce? That's not right.
- California rollonly comes with 4 pieces
- EBI temperaonly 3 pieces
- Japanese foodsNot Japanese foods.
- Omakaseit ended up with a single sashimi combo, without anything else. That can’t be called as an Omakase at all
- amount of foodamount of food and it’s quality just doesn’t fit
- authentic tastetaste and ingredients were not authentic at all
- champon noodlechampon noodle I ordered was missing bean sprouts
If you're seeking fresh, high-quality sushi with generally excellent flavors, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few experiences mention inconsistencies, the overwhelming sentiment points to a delicious and satisfying meal.
Service (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.2 and a customer satisfaction rate of 72.2%, most diners report a good experience. Out of 108 remarks, 78 praised the friendly staff, attentive service, and the overall warmth of the team, often highlighting great service and quick interactions.
However, it's not always smooth sailing. About 29 comments pointed to issues like rude service, unprofessional attitudes, and frustrating waits for service. Some even felt unwelcomed or discriminated against, suggesting that while many enjoy the attention, some encounters can be quite disappointing.
Service
108
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
29
negative
1
neutral
78
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Rude service
- Long wait times
- Unwelcoming attitude
Often praised
- serviceMy husband's sukiyaki don, which should be soy sauce-based, was served with pepper sauce, a combination I've never encountered before and found very unusual. Despite the food issues, the service was fine, and we appreciated the quick lunch we received on a Sunday near Pike Place Market. I initially wanted to give a lower rating, but the efficient service and convenient location earned it an extra star.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was by far the best meal I have ever had in Seattle. It’s a quaint little shop with friendly staff and wonderfully fresh and flavorful fish. The udon noodles were also a hit!
- chefWe decided to have an early lunch at Urara before exploring Pike Place Market, having heard good things about the place. Opting to sit at the counter allowed us to interact with the chef. We enjoyed the smaller omakase, which included tuna, scallop, crab, flounder, and an absolutely perfect, fatty, and fresh salmon.
- waitressAfter my first two sushi pieces, I had to find out what the chef special was, and I'm glad I did because it was insanely delicious. The staff was super friendly and talk about fast service, including the waitress who was so fast at filling up my water. The place was super clean and very close to Pike Place Market.
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceThe customer service was absolutely amazing
- friendly staffthe friendly staff here is always welcoming
- serverThe server is super nice!
- sushi chefthe sushi chef are absolutely wonderful and friendly
- Chef Yoshimade by chef. Yoshi
Frequently criticized
- serviceWe sat at the sushi bar, and the chef was pleasant. While the service was sub par and not ideal if you're seeking a special experience, I was so impressed with the sushi quality that I didn't notice or care about anything else!
- waitressThe food was OK but the service was horrible. I was nothing but courteous, but our waitress did not treat us the way she treated other customers. While I sometimes give waiters the benefit of the doubt, as the service industry can be tiring, this woman chose to be rude only to us.
- staffstaff was super rude
- attitudeYou should wait. " This attitude was unprofessional, uncivilized, and frankly, unacceptable. Delivery drivers are part of the service chain and deserve respect, just as the restaurant's customers do.
- biasDelivery drivers are part of the service chain and deserve respect, just as the restaurant's customers do. The owner's bias and bitterness were projected onto me for no reason. If the restaurant aims to create a system of values and experiences, it needs to address its attitude.
- card declinedThen my card decline first try
- closing timeturned away from the door being they were closed at 6:00
- delivery driver" This attitude was unprofessional, uncivilized, and frankly, unacceptable. Delivery drivers are part of the service chain and deserve respect, just as the restaurant's customers do. The owner's bias and bitterness were projected onto me for no reason.
- dignitytreated me as if I didn't deserve dignity
- discriminationI feel that I was discriminated against
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and attentive staff, youll likely have a good experience here, especially if you catch them on a good day. Just be aware that some guests have encountered rude service or longer waits, which could dampen your visit.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a solid 7.6 and contributing to a good 74.4% customer satisfaction. With 58 positive remarks among 78 total, many guests adore the cozy, intimate, and quiet atmosphere, often describing it as a chill vibe perfect for conversation and a peaceful escape. However, 12 negative comments highlight some spatial concerns.
Terms like small place and limited space frequently appear, with some finding it cramped or noting a terrible smell or flies. This suggests that while charming, the restaurant's size might not suit everyone, especially during peak hours.
Ambience
78
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
12
negative
8
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, intimate atmosphere
- Quiet, peaceful vibe
- Great for conversation
What people don't like
- Very small space
- Limited seating
- Can feel cramped
Often praised
- atmosphereThe sushi is exceptionally fresh, beautifully presented, and delivers the delicate flavors one expects from traditional Japanese cuisine. The staff at Urara are friendly and attentive, contributing to the cozy and inviting atmosphere. It's clear that they take pride in providing an excellent dining experience.
- locationOur waitress and the sushi chef are absolutely wonderful and friendly. It's a quaint little location, which I personally find to be the best kind.
- placesmall place but that made it cozy, comfortable
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- noise levelNoise level:Very quiet
- spaceQuaint, intimate space
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- authentic and chill environmentThe environment is authentic and chill
- chill insideso it’s chill inside
- chill vibeTotally chill vibe
Frequently criticized
- spaceThe space is a bit small, so it can get cramped
- barthe bar pictured has now been absorbed by the kitchen
- bowls, plates and utensilsBowls, plates and utensils not right too.
- conversationeveryone can hear your conversation
- crowdy and touristy placeso tiny on a very crowdy and touristy place!
- fliesThere are many flies
- limited spaceBecause of limited space this place is more suitable for quick meal.
- photosThe photos of this place are not accurate
- seatingThe green tea, spider roll, Nagasaki noodles, and edamame were all excellent. While it's a small spot with limited seating, and you should plan for a wait for both seating and service, the attention you receive once seated is great. I would definitely eat here again.
- small placeIts a very small place
If you're looking for a cozy, intimate spot with a quiet atmosphere for a relaxed meal, this place is a great find. Just be aware that its small size might feel a bit cramped if you prefer more spacious dining.
Value (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.2 and a customer satisfaction of 70%, its clear many diners feel theyre getting a good deal. Out of 30 total opinions, 21 rave about the great prices, value, and reasonably priced options, often highlighting the affordability for the quality received.
It seems like a fantastic place to enjoy good food without breaking the bank. However, not everyone is entirely convinced. A few voices, 5 to be exact, mention concerns about the price, with some finding it rather expensive or noting that certain items are above the average line.
While generally positive, it's worth noting that a couple of experiences felt the cost was a bit steep, especially with new pricing.
Value
30
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
5
negative
4
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great prices
- Reasonable pricing
- Excellent value
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
- Steep new price
Often praised
- priceFor me, this was the best sushi and sashimi I have tasted in years. The service was good and the quality was truly top-notch for a very reasonable price. The fish is fresh and everything is prepared with love and care while you watch.
- pricesIt's a wonderfully cozy, hole-in-the-wall place where the fish is amazing and the servings are large. The team is incredibly kind and hard-working, and the prices are very reasonable. I especially love its proximity to Pike Place.
- valueGreat value for the location
- 10% discountYou can get a 10% discount if you pick your meal up
- Great pricesThe prices are great
- affordabilitythe affordability is fantastic
- pricingvery reasonable pricing
- reasonably pricedand reasonably priced
- small cost placeLove this small cost place
- value-to-quality ratiothe value-to-quality ratio surpassed my expectations
Frequently criticized
- pricedon't think I will be coming here again because of the price
- tipFinally, when we were almost done, she checked on us about the food with a forced smile. I usually tip 20%-25%, but given that we were not treated fairly and didn't feel welcomed, the waitress did not deserve any tip. I still tipped her almost 16% because I am a generous person.
If you're looking for a place where quality often outweighs the cost, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Most customers find the pricing to be very fair, offering excellent value for your money. Just be mindful that a few items might lean towards the pricier side, so choose wisely!
How are the prices at Urara?
You’re looking at roughly 33 per person – reported by 103 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 33, it’s interesting to see a good chunk of diners spending less, with the most common spend falling in the $21–$30 range. This suggests a nice variety, from more affordable bites to some pricier treats.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 103 reviews.
See how this Japanese restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Japanese restaurant in Seattle. Youve got options whether youre looking for a quick, affordable meal or something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Urara
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Rolls and Attentive Service
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The server was incredibly attentive, and the rolls were absolutely delicious. We tried the Seattle, Pike Place, and Dragon Roll, and all of them were super delicious.
- server9
- rolls10
- Seattle roll10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Sushi and Cozy Vibe
I was overwhelmed by the options for sushi when visiting Seattle, and I'm so happy I decided to try Urara! The sushi was so delicious, and the restaurant offered a cozy vibe, perfect for a rainy evening.
- sushi9
- vibe8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Sushi Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The sushi was incredibly fresh, and the rice was also good. I particularly enjoyed the Pike Place roll with ponzu sauce, which was hands down the best I've had so far.
The Dragon roll was amazing, and the hamachi was delicious as well. I will definitely be back.
- sushi9
- rice8
- Pike Place roll10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Excellent Sushi Near Pike Place!
I highly recommend a visit to Urara if you're looking for a great sushi spot near Pike Place Market. We ordered a few rolls and the omakase sashimi for lunch, and it did not disappoint. The omakase comes with miso soup too.
The portion sizes were large, and we left feeling very satisfied. They also have gluten-free tamari sauce available; if you're gluten intolerant, make sure to ask a server for it as it's not listed on their menu.
- sushi spot9
- omakase sashimi9
- portion sizes8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Photos Misleading, Unpleasant Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The photos of the place are not accurate; the space has downsized, and the bar pictured has been absorbed by the kitchen. I encountered many flies and a terrible smell coming from the bathroom, which significantly detracted from the atmosphere.
- photos2
- space2
- bar2
What Urara offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- 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
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and food options can you expect at Urara Japanese Cuisine?
At Urara Japanese Cuisine, you can enjoy a range of offerings including small plates, healthy options, and vegetarian dishes. They also provide a selection of hard liquor, wine, and beer to complement your meal. Whether you’re dining in for lunch or dinner, you’ll find diverse choices.
What are the service options and atmosphere like at Urara Japanese Cuisine?
Urara Japanese Cuisine offers convenient dine-in, takeout, and delivery services. The atmosphere is described as cozy and casual, making it a comfortable spot for you to relax. It’s also considered good for kids, ensuring a pleasant experience for the whole family.
What is the overall dining experience like at Urara?
Urara offers a good dining experience with an overall Restaurant Score of 7.9. Customers particularly praise the Food (8.2), while Ambience (7.6), Service (7.2), and Value (7.2) also contribute positively.
Does Urara offer good value for money?
Many customers find Urara to offer good value, with opinions highlighting “reasonable pricing” and a strong “value-to-quality ratio,” especially considering its location.
What is the atmosphere like at Urara?
Urara is often described as a “cozy” and “quaint” place with a “chill vibe.” While some find the “space” to be “small” or “cramped,” it generally offers a quiet and comfortable environment.