SEAReview
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In Madison Park, Porsches and dogs with beautiful blowouts line the streets. Every aspirational home we’ve ever stalked on Zillow is here, too. So the existence of a hidden back alley sushi spot also makes sense. But despite the ritzy neighborhood surroundings and very serious sushi, Sushi Suzuki is the most laid-back omakase experience in Seattle.
Squished between a bookstore and hair salon, the 10-seat space could easily be confused for a Ballard brewery. No stuffy silence here. Just keep in mind that laid-back doesn't mean cheap. You’ll still spend at least $180 per person on a meal of 20 very small courses.
photo credit: Nate Watters
photo credit: Nate Watters
photo credit: Nate Watters
photo credit: Nate Watters
photo credit: Nate Watters
The sushi style here relies on quality fish to do the heavy lifting, and in most cases, the nigiri only gets a gentle swipe of soy, shiso leaf, or a bit of yuzu—and that's all it needs. There are three different cuts of tuna, a sweet spot prawn that you’ll probably have popped into your mouth before anyone can remind you to “chew it slowly,” and yuzu-topped snapper that has us swearing in front of nine perfect strangers.
You don't need an encyclopedic knowledge of raw fish to enjoy yourself here. It feels a little more like a neighborhood diner than a sushi counter. The couple next to you might make small talk, the server may crack a one-liner like a character from a '90s sitcom, and the bathroom has a silly theme. And sure, $180 is a good amount of money, but an omakase meal is a more affordable (and effective) way to deal with a mid-life crisis than a Porsche purchase.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Nate Watters
Omakase