From polished omakase counters to relaxed neighborhood spots, the Eastside offers sushi experiences that balance quality, comfort, and fair pricing. Whether you prefer a quiet seat with pristine nigiri, a sake focused dinner in Bellevue, or a casual roll after errands in Kirkland and Redmond, there is a reliable option for every appetite and pace.
Let’s get to it.
Ramen Nori
A 16-piece nigiri omakase around $60 is a rarity on the Eastside, and Ramen Nori makes it feel like a treat rather than a splurge. Expect a polished glide through bluefin, otoro, and uni when available, with well-seasoned rice.
Prefer a broader canvas? The kitchen balances pristine nigiri and sashimi with playful specialty rolls like Fire Cracker, Rainbow, and Salmon Lover, plus chirashi and seafood or wagyu bowls. Add ramen that actually satisfies, and everyone at the table finds a lane.
Prices sit in the friendly middle, from everyday ramen to sushi dinners that do not shock the bill. Weekday lunch specials and an early happy hour sweeten it. The beverage list is real, with multiple sakes, a few wines, and crisp sake cocktails; no BYOB.
Takeout is easy online, though discounts are dine-in only. Vegetarians and cautious eaters can stick with tempura, veggie rolls, curry katsu, or grilled fish. Walk in for a small party, reserve for groups in Bellevue. For quality, variety, and value on the Eastside, it delivers.
FOB Poke & Sushi Bar
Pay-by-the-pound sushi sounds odd until the bill arrives. FOB Poke & Sushi Bar turns that math into a win for Eastside diners, with a Bellevue outpost that keeps things quick and affordable.
Think casual counter service and two lanes of choice: build-your-own poke bowls, then grab-and-go trays of nigiri, sashimi, and simple rolls. Sauces lean flavorful rather than fussy, and Hawaiian sides like seaweed salad and spam musubi round things out.
The pricing is the hook, roughly $14 a pound for sushi, so portions and budgets stay in step. Seating skews mall food-hall, fine for a quick bite between errands, and online orders move fast. No reservations, no ceremony, just in and out.
Food safety matters, and this team pressed pause last fall during a social-media flare, then reopened after inspections and paperwork reviews. Management says supply chain and protocols were tightened; recent reports note strong ratings.
Best fit? Budget-conscious sushi fans, poke devotees who like to customize, and groups with mixed diets, since vegetarian toppings and cooked proteins are easy to find. Skip it when the mood calls for an omakase moment or lingering over chef-y specials.
Teriyaki Bowl
The draw here is simple: big bowls, small bill. Teriyaki Bowl leans into comfort with grilled meats over rice and yakisoba that actually fills the container.
On the Eastside, especially around Woodinville, it carries that reliable neighborhood vibe. Portions are generous, combos often stretch into tomorrow’s lunch, and pricing stays friendly. Bubble tea is a sweet little bonus.
About the sushi. This is a teriyaki-first spot, so expect California and tempura rolls tucked into bento and combo plates rather than a sweep of nigiri or sashimi. It satisfies a roll craving, particularly for mixed groups where not everyone wants raw fish.
Ordering happens at the counter, then it’s quick to the table or out the door. Casual dine-in works for a no-fuss lunch, and vegetarians have easy wins like tofu teriyaki or veggie yakisoba. Delivery through the usual apps keeps weeknights painless.
Choose it when value and variety matter more than ceremony. Pair a spicy chicken bowl with a simple roll, add gyoza or tempura, and call it a weeknight win. Not a substitute for omakase, but a smart, satisfying stand-in when the craving leans casual.
Orenji Sushi & Noodles
Ramen and sashimi rarely play this nicely together. At Orenji Sushi & Noodles, the menu splits two ways and both sides shine.
Start with clean, unfussy nigiri or sashimi; tuna, salmon, ikura, unagi, plus the occasional bluefin special. Crave a little spectacle? The Orenji Dragon, Rainbow, and a baked lobster roll bring color without skimping on fish. No formal omakase, so à la carte lets you steer. Grab a sushi bar seat if you like the craft in motion.
Prefer warmth in a bowl? The tonkotsu is rich, the miso balanced, and the 5-alarm tantan brings heat. Udon, tempura, takoyaki, and kara-age keep non-sushi companions happy. Vegetarians get real choices, from veggie ramen and vegetable tempura to a cucumber-wrapped Jade roll.
Family-owned and casual, it suits the Eastside crowd that wants variety without pretense. Pricing sits in the comfortable mid-range, with weekday happy hour and occasional lunch specials; check current times. Full bar with sake and cocktails, reservations accepted, plus easy takeout and delivery. For mixed groups or date nights that span sushi and noodles, Orenji is an easy yes.
Izumi
Quietly classic, Izumi in Kirkland leans traditional over flashy. Approachable omakase without sticker shock is part of the charm.
Menus read like a primer on traditional Japanese comfort: pristine nigiri and sashimi, chirashi bowls hovering in the mid-twenties, along with tempura, teriyaki, and sukiyaki in beef, chicken, or tofu. Reviews consistently call out the freshness, which comes through in the simple cuts and clean seasoning. For an easy decision, the 10-piece chef’s-choice sashimi or assorted sushi platters deliver variety at mid-range prices, and there is beer, wine, and a small sake list to round things out.
The room is modest, a standard strip-mall dining space with table service. The sushi counter is sometimes available, sometimes not.
Service trends friendly and straightforward, though busy nights can mean a wait. Many locals suggest going early or reserving when possible. Takeout and delivery stay steady options if you’d rather keep dinner at home.
Vegetarians are fine here, thanks to tofu sukiyaki, vegetable rolls, and salads. Those chasing spicy-mayo fireworks or fusion theatrics may find it subdued, yet anyone who values honest fish and fair pricing will see why Izumi remains a neighborhood staple.
aa Sushi
Small plates, modest prices, and a steady stream of regulars. That is the rhythm at aa Sushi in South Juanita, where sampling is the sport and the tab stays friendly.
Once a conveyor-belt spot, it now runs à la carte, which makes it easy to build a personal flight. Four-piece rolls encourage curiosity, and the nigiri list covers the bases with fresh, tidy cuts. Seared salmon and the Salmon Bomb deliver fun, while gunkan and sashimi keep it classic.
Not everyone in the group craves raw fish, and that is fine here. Tempura arrives crisp, bentos fill the plate without fuss, and there are cooked specialty rolls and vegetarian options. Hand rolls make a nice one-bite intermission.
Settle at the sushi bar or a table. The team runs on first-name energy, service is steady, and the neighborhood sake and beer lineup suits a relaxed weeknight. Takeout and third-party delivery are part of the routine.
Perfect for value hunters and variety seekers who prefer to choose each bite. Less ideal if a formal omakase is the goal. Want current hours or supplier details confirmed before you go? I can call.
AJI Sushi & Grill
The sweet spot between splurge-worthy omakase and weeknight sushi exists, and AJI Sushi & Grill lives there. The Sushi Omakase A or B sits around 49 to 59 dollars, giving you a chef-led set that feels considered, not fussy.
The board runs deep with bluefin tuna, king salmon, albacore, hamachi, and more. Purists can keep it classic with neat nigiri, or lean into sashimi moriawase for a tidy sampler. If you like theater, signature rolls lean creative and arrive with a bit of flair.
Service is full and friendly, with sushi chefs working in clear view at the bar. Evenings fill quickly, so a reservation or early arrival pays off.
It is an easy pick for mixed-company dinners. Think teriyaki, tempura, bento boxes, and plenty of vegetarian rolls to keep everyone happy. Lunch bentos and solid takeout or delivery make it useful beyond date night.
Sake and a little plum wine round out the table without hijacking the bill. For Eastside diners in Issaquah or Newcastle who want approachable omakase and variety at a fair price, this one belongs on the short list.
THEKOI Sushi & Sake
Start with the sake list, it is THEKOI’s calling card in Bellevue. An award-winning lineup, paired with Japanese whisky and light, balanced cocktails, sets a polished tone without tipping into precious.
Fish quality follows suit. Wild sockeye, buttery Ora King, bluefin toro and uni all make appearances, and the kitchen leans into chef guidance with an Omakase Sashimi Platter plus Regular, Deluxe, and Super Deluxe sushi combos.
If rolls are the mood, the menu toggles from classic to playful. Think Dragon and baked Volcano to the cheeky Snow-mageddon and Godzilla, all alongside a deep bench of traditional nigiri and sashimi.
The room fits different plans. Settle at the sushi bar for a front-row view, claim a table, or reserve the private room for about two dozen.
Pricing lands mid-to-upscale, with clear paths to value. Lunch specials and an afternoon happy hour take the edge off, while premium platters in the 70 to 150 range suit celebrations. Non-sushi eaters are covered with tempura, teriyaki, katsu, and ramen, plus vegetarian options and takeout or delivery.
Japonessa Sushi Cocina
Salsa meets soy sauce in the best way at Japonessa Sushi Cocina. The Bellevue outpost brings Japanese precision together with Latin brightness, and it works.
Signature rolls weave jalapeño, cilantro, and mango through clean cuts of fish, while the classics hold their ground with nigiri and sashimi. Not feeling raw-only? Tapas like ceviche, karaage, and short ribs broaden the table, so mixed crowds stay happy.
Decision-shy diners tend to light up over the chef’s-choice nigiri flights. There is also omakase for a guided ride that shows off what is freshest that day.
The vibe reads casual-elegant, and the bill usually matches. A long daily happy hour makes it easy to explore without overcommitting.
Make a reservation if you want a table, the bar is often first come. The heated patio in Bellevue is a pleasant bonus most of the year, and groups will appreciate private-party options. Vegetarian and gluten-free notes are thoughtfully marked, with takeout and delivery in the mix.
For Eastside sushi nights that balance creativity with solid fundamentals, Japonessa is a confident yes.
Oto Sushi
Oto Sushi delivers value with a pedigree in Redmond and Kirkland.
Founded by Chef Mike Lin after training with Japanese sushi masters, now with Chef Peter Ni in the fold, the kitchen balances classic nigiri and sashimi with playful specialty rolls. The brand leans into freshness and responsible sourcing, and it reads across the menu.
Purists can opt for the Omakase Nigiri and let the chef steer. Roll devotees will find the King Salmon, Fire Starter, Creamy Maguro, and a handful of dragon styles, all bright and visually playful. Prices stay casual to moderate, lunch combos around $19 to $20 are a smart deal, with many rolls $5 to $15 and entrees in the mid teens.
Seating spans a lively sushi bar and regular tables, and lunch service is typically brisk. They take reservations, and complimentary miso or edamame shows up often, though not guaranteed.
Good for mixed groups, tempura, gyoza, rice bowls, and vegetarian plates keep non-sushi eaters content. There is a bar, plus takeout and even private events if that is the need. For an affordable, roll-forward stop that still respects tradition, Oto fits the Eastside mood.
Ginza
Value hunters, take note: Ginza’s Omakase Sushi & Sashimi starts around the cost of a Bellevue lunch, yet feels like a celebratory dinner. In Old Bellevue, this full-service spot lands squarely in the moderate range, which is rare for the quality. It is a long-standing name locals trust.
Seasonal sashimi is the draw. Cuts are generous and clean, with toro that melts without getting fussy. The chefs keep the plating tidy and the rice stays on point, so each piece feels deliberate, not showy.
Traditionalists can stay with nigiri and sashimi, while the roll crowd gets their mega rainbow, dragon, and spider fix. From there, segue to izakaya-style otsumami and a proper drink list. Sake and Japanese beers make easy partners for a relaxed evening.
Sushi-bar seats put the chefs in view, standard tables handle weeknight catch-ups, and a couple of small tatami-style rooms make group dinners feel special. Non-sushi eaters get tonkatsu, teriyaki, and ramen, plus vegetarian-friendly and gluten-optional choices. Reservations help on busy nights, and takeout or delivery keeps it flexible.
KIWAMI Sushi Bar & Sake House
At KIWAMI, the sake list sets the tone. The team touts the largest selection on the Eastside, and a Level-1 sake sommelier is on staff to steer you toward crisp, floral, or earthy pours that play nicely with your plate.
Meanwhile, the menu straddles tradition and playful fusion. Clean nigiri and sashimi rely on fresh, imported whole fish from Japan, while signature rolls like Red Dragon, 7th Heaven, Ultimate, and Kiwami Crunch keep things lively, plus a truffle-leaning scallop option.
Value shows up too. Daily happy hour and lunch bentos keep the bill gentle, and overall pricing sits in that mid-casual, take-the-family zone. Sit at the sushi bar or a table, or grab takeout online. No reservations, so spontaneous plans work.
Dietary needs are covered, from the Go Green roll and vegetable tempura to gluten-free soy for dipping. Feedback can vary on freshness and pace, so a quick glance at recent reviews is wise. For Kirkland nights that call for variety and a serious sake list, KIWAMI delivers.
