Kuzma Fish Market LLC — Restaurant in Edmonds

Tired of the limited selection and flaccid, unappealing appearance of the contents of the seafood case at Safeway? Kuzma's Fish Market has got your back. This place is new in the area, but it's one of the relatively few dedicated fishmongers outside of Seattle. We've got tons of independent butchers, but seriously, the fish people are underrepresented.

I was actually on the hunt for some King Salmon today, and after a stop at my local QFC, I wasn't able to find any. My next stops were at two different Safeways, both of which had crowded, unattractive displays with only Atlantic and frozen Sockeye (and once again, no king salmon.) Since I was running out of time and getting frustrated, I did a quick search for local seafood purveyors, and Kuzma's came up as the top result. I did the 12-minute drive over, and was immediately impressed that they were open on MLK Day. On walking in, it was readily evident that they take seafood seriously. They had a large number of clean, accessible tanks filled with various types of clams, geoduck, lobster, and Dungeness crab. Their fish selection was excellent, and I picked up a side of previously frozen Copper River Sockeye (still a treat in January!) and some fresh sashimi-grade King salmon from New Zealand! Their staff was friendly and extremely helpful, and I had no problems getting immediate service. Their selection of seasonal and year-round stuff is diverse, and they've gained a regular customer! Highly recommend for all of your...

Edit: Finally, asked what the kid’s name is! Greg! He is the next gen that will keep this business alive and well! He is outstanding! He’s got braces so look for him! He is awesome!

Owner’s kid is gracious, pleasant and kind! Our friends stumbled upon this place. They raved about how fresh, great tasting and cost-friendly it is. We were in the area and decided to try it out ourselves. I had the smaller cup of chowder. It was a tad bit salty for my taste but I was told, it is perfect for their taste. Love the pop of dill. They did not skimp on the ingredients! I asked if they fry fish, I was told no but he was happy to run back and grabbed a fried fish cake/ball. He said, it was on the house! We also got a poke bowl and a half dozen oysters that we politely asked to be opened. The gentleman had to correct us every time we asked. OPEN [not shucked] with a side of wink and I chuckle! Good enough for us! We wanted to eat right then and there! They offered us a table but we’re glad to stand by the side. It’s a nice day, tad bit chilly but nothing beats al fresco dining! Quite a few people were pleasantly surprised and smiled back at how unpretentious our vibe was, some even stopped by and chatted. Our friend said, this is a not-so-secret spot, I concur. Add a few tables and chairs, pretty soon it’ll be hard to get...

Almost a year ago to the day, I stumbled upon overpriced, over-hyped seafood in downtown Seattle. Desperately sentimental, I sought to commemorate the anniversary.

So I walked into Kuzma's. In between customers, on a periodically drenched Tuesday noon, I requested six Miyagi oysters and a regular tuna poke bowl.

The oysters sure stirred my emotions! All shell, meager substance—just like the three from last year. Which is interesting, because researching the Miyagi will uncover praises for its meatiness. Clearly, the shop must have figured out on this occasion I was longing for malnourished shellfish of yore. Thanks...?

And that poke. It was something... else. Certainly not the incredible version referenced in other patrons' rave reviews. I worked through disintegrating, old-tasting/looking tuna—flavored as though recipe elements were withheld. Finally, how can I not mention seaweed, radish, and ginger sides which I could get exactly same but cheaper at Korean or Japanese grocery stores. Wow, "déjà vu" for days...!

Seattle, you managed to rekindle my spirit. I'm overjoyed, reborn to an annual ritual. Could this be us: "Next year, all shell no meat!"?

To...