Where to Find the Best Sea Urchin Sushi in Seattle
October 25, 2024The Best Sea Urchin Sushi in Seattle
Seattle, with its access to the Pacific Ocean, is a prime location for enjoying fresh, high-quality sea urchin (uni). Known for its creamy texture and briny taste, sea urchin sushi is a delicacy that brings the taste of the ocean to your plate. From upscale sushi bars to cozy Japanese eateries, Seattle offers an impressive array of spots where you can enjoy delicious uni sushi.
In this guide, we’ll explore Seattle’s top spots for sea urchin sushi, offering recommendations on the best dining experiences and where you can order premium sea urchin to enjoy at home. For sushi enthusiasts looking to recreate the experience, Global Seafoods offers fresh, high-quality sea urchin to bring that restaurant-quality flavor into your kitchen.
Why Seattle is a Prime Destination for Sea Urchin Sushi
Seattle is famous for its seafood, and the availability of fresh sea urchin from the nearby Pacific Coast makes it a top destination for uni lovers. With its vibrant culinary scene, Seattle attracts skilled sushi chefs who understand how to showcase sea urchin in ways that bring out its unique flavors. From intimate sushi bars to innovative restaurants, the city offers a range of options for enjoying this luxurious treat.
According to Sushi Nakazawa’s Chef Daisuke Nakazawa, "The quality of uni served at sushi bars depends on access to fresh sources. Seattle, with its close proximity to premium seafood suppliers, offers some of the best sea urchin in the U.S."
Top Restaurants for Sea Urchin Sushi in Seattle
Whether you’re a long-time uni fan or a newcomer to sea urchin sushi, Seattle has several standout restaurants that serve high-quality uni in a variety of styles. Here are our top picks:
1. Shiro’s Sushi
A staple in Seattle’s sushi scene, Shiro’s Sushi has been serving premium sushi since 1994. Their uni sushi is known for its fresh taste and perfect rice-to-uni ratio, making each bite a memorable experience.
- Location: Belltown
- Highlight: Premium sea urchin nigiri served with a touch of wasabi to enhance its natural sweetness.
- Address: 2401 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
- Phone: (206) 443-9844
- Website: shiros.com
2. Sushi Kashiba
Located at Pike Place Market, Sushi Kashiba is helmed by Chef Shiro Kashiba, often called the "Godfather of Seattle Sushi." Known for his attention to detail, Chef Kashiba sources the freshest sea urchin and serves it in its purest form, emphasizing its rich, oceanic flavor.
- Location: Pike Place Market
- Highlight: Uni nigiri served at the chef's counter, offering an immersive sushi experience.
- Address: 86 Pine St Suite 1, Seattle, WA 98101
- Phone: (206) 441-8844
- Website: sushikashiba.com
3. Wataru
Wataru is a small, intimate sushi bar that focuses on traditional Edomae-style sushi. The uni served here is sourced from both local and imported suppliers, ensuring top-notch quality and taste.
- Location: Ravenna
- Highlight: Seasonal uni nigiri from Hokkaido, Japan, known for its premium quality.
- Address: 2400 NE 65th St, Seattle, WA 98115
- Phone: (206) 525-2073
- Website: wataruseattle.com
4. Maneki
As Seattle’s oldest sushi restaurant, Maneki has been serving delicious sushi since 1904. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and authentic dishes, Maneki serves uni sushi that’s both fresh and flavorful.
- Location: International District
- Highlight: Affordable uni sushi with a traditional touch, ideal for beginners and longtime sushi fans alike.
- Address: 304 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
- Phone: (206) 622-2631
- Website: manekirestaurant.com
5. Japonessa Sushi Cocina
For a fusion twist, Japonessa Sushi Cocina offers uni dishes with a Latin flair. Their menu features sea urchin in both classic sushi and innovative, spice-infused rolls.
- Location: Downtown Seattle
- Highlight: Spicy uni rolls that add a unique twist to the traditional flavor profile of sea urchin.
- Address: 1400 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
- Phone: (206) 971-7979
- Website: japonessa.com
For those who want to experience the highest quality uni at home, consider ordering fresh sea urchin from Global Seafoods , a trusted supplier for sushi-grade seafood.
How to Enjoy Sea Urchin Sushi at Home
If you’re eager to recreate the sea urchin sushi experience at home, here’s how to get started:
1. Select High-Quality Uni
When making uni sushi at home, start with the freshest sea urchin possible. Global Seafoods offers a range of premium options, including fresh sea urchin uni that’s perfect for sushi and sashimi.
2. Prepare the Sushi Rice
Perfect sushi rice is essential for uni nigiri. Rinse the rice thoroughly, cook, and season it with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for a mild flavor that complements the uni.
3. Assembly
To create uni nigiri, shape a small ball of sushi rice, apply a small dab of wasabi, and gently place the sea urchin on top. Serve with soy sauce and a slice of pickled ginger.
For more tips on sushi preparation, watch our YouTube channel , where we share easy-to-follow seafood recipes and sushi-making techniques.
For more insights on Seattle’s best seafood spots and tips on making gourmet sushi, explore Global Seafoods and elevate your home dining experience.