Wataru — Restaurant in Seattle

Came for the Sushi Bar Omakase, but learned there are two timed seatings at 5:45pm and 7:30 pm by reservation. So, we dined a la carte instead and still had a fantastic experience.

We started with an order of the oysters on the half shell, which were very fresh and had just the right briny flavor still present with the toppings. Then the sautéed geoduck, which was a first for both of us. Wow, so glad we made the decision to get this; so buttery and smooth and sweet. Next was the Black Cod cheek Sakekasu, and "Oh Lort!" May favorite dish of the evening. The meat was so tender and velvety that I'm still, hours later, wishing I'd ordered another. We also tried the Hamachi Kama (I'd wanted the Sake but it was currently unavailable), which I also enjoyed. The portion is rather large, so keep that in mind. We ordered a few pieces of nigiri, including the o-toro, king salmon, and uni. My friend ended up getting two more orders of the o-toro because it was so fresh and smooth. Finishing out the meal was the Wataru roll, which was quite enjoyable as well.

To drink we thoroughly enjoyed a bottle of the Yoshinosugi No Taruzake which my friend chose. Solid choice, with hints of cedar and pepper. I'd certainly order it again. We also had a half carafe of the Hatsumago, which was nice to round out the evening.

The service staff was quite friendly and knowledgeable. We'd arrived around 9pm, though we were the last diners to leave, about 10:15 (they close at 10). Not in any way were we made to feel rushed or like we needed to hurry and exit. Such a refreshing...

I have eaten at the sushi bar probably 1x a month for the past 6 months, I can’t comment on what it is like to sit at the table. That said, the quality and variety of the fish is consistently good. I love the apple wood smoked sockeye which has been served every time I’ve been there, hay smoked white fish which also shows up consistently, the cod, bafun uni, Hokkaido scallops, all really really good. The appetizers are also consistently well executed; has been oyster, eggplant, and something else for the last 3 times. There price is high but worth it.

The only negative is the service which is not consistent. The server forgot the finger wipes until half way through the dinner once. A third of the visits I have to keep on asking for my tea to be refilled as she does not check (same server at the sushi bar each time), really disappointed at this since there’s not that much the server has to do for the sushi bar so I don’t understand why it is so darn hard to keep tea refilled.

Quality of food is top notch, definitely go for the sushi bar. Just expect that you might get spotty service...

Covid-takeout review: we each got the 10pc nigiri set, and neither of the other two offerings (chirashi and futomaki); part of my reluctance to order either of these was lack of photographic evidence of what we might expect--hopefully the attached photo helps others decide on this! The pick-up experience was fine: the food was pretty much on time. There was ample pickled ginger, but I would have gladly enjoyed more of the (real) wasabi. There was also a little slice of maki with each set, with various fish, some tamago, and salmon roe. The fish was all fantastic. At $40+tax (+optional gratuity) it was a great deal for exceptional quality sushi. The quantity filled us two normal eaters amply, and we didn't need any back-up food. Still, some side options would have been nice to round out the meal: some kind of salad, perhaps. Anyhow, this was great, and highly recommended as a...