Shiro's

Message from Shiro's

Seattle's premier sushi chef has become an instititution, literally.
  • Variety of sushi rolls
  • Catering available
  • Sashimi offered

In 1994, Shiro opened up his namesake, Shiro?s in the hip Belltown district of downtown Seattle. Shiro?s blending of classical Japanese technique with the Pacific Northwest?s wealth of local seafood and ingredients has, as Zagat says, ?set the bar that others aspire to.? He has catered to Japanese Prime Ministers, captains of industry, and world renowned artists and athletes. Shiro continues his daily shopping rounds religiously at his secret seafood suppliers and if you?re lucky (or patient), you?ll be seated in front of him to experience the freshest, most succulent sushi in town.

Editorial and merchant content by Citysearch

Marker Shiro's

(206) 462-3331

2401 2nd Ave Seattle, WA 98121
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Editorial Description by Citysearch
In Short
Since 1994, Shiro has had his own self-titled restaurant in Belltown. The sushi bar seats 11, while dining tables have room for 60. The Yellowtail is like butter; go for the freshwater eel over the saltwater--the oil content and richness is sublime. If possible, avoid peak dinner hours and grab a seat at the sushi bar in front of Shiro himself (he's the elder sushi chef with the whimsical smile).
Rated 8.0 out of 10 by Citysearch.

41 Reviews of Shiro's in Seattle

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Good Dining  4 Star Rating - Very good

By Anli J. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 5,944

Shiro's is an authentic Japanese restaurant, and you can tell by the chef, servers, and quality of food. The menu is limited but only to the best Japanese dishes. If you are looking for authentic Japanese food, go here.

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Trying hard to make money but just okay  3 Star Rating - Satisfactory

By T S. | insider Insider | Rank: 24,096

Shiro's is okay but nothing to get excited about. The atmosphere is a little commercial, the menue is limited and the food is so-so. This restaurant tries to be chic but doesn't quite pull it off.

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Latest reviews by Citysearch: (read all 39 reviews on Citysearch)

excellent sushi 5 Star Rating - World class

By wseattleresident

My boyfriend and I have been to Shiro's several times for sushi and love it. Excellent service and the best sushi I have ever had. We have taken friends and family there who have all agreed with us. We will definitely continue going to Shiro's!

Pros: excellent sushi and service
Cons: none
Posted 06/04/09

The best! 5 Star Rating - World class

By golito

Simply the best. If you have a japanese client and don't know where to go, take them here. The quality is high and the presentation is perfect.

Posted 11/04/08

Amazing Authentic Sushi! 5 Star Rating - World class

By FrankTheTankWSU

You won't find the American sushi staples here - don't bother asking for avacado or imitation crab here, they don't serve it. The rolls are pretty good, with one of the best Spicy Tuna's i've ever had and a must try Dungunous Crab roll, with whole deep friend crabs. The chef will make just about any roll you want, even if they are not on the menu. Try the eel roll, it isn't listed but its good.

The real spotlight at Shiro's is real deal sushi, the extremly fresh variety of well cut and served Sashimi (whole large pieces of raw fish served over small rolled servings of rice). The fish here is the best I have ever had.

Sit at the Sushi bar if you can, the Sushi chefs are a great time and if you give them the green light, they will serve you a number of interesting and varied pieces, all really good.

All in all I sat at the bar for about an hour and a half, ate 3 different rolls (Spicy Tuna, Dungenous Crab and Eel) and sampled maybe 5 different pieces of Sashimi. My tab was only 30 bucks, I left extremly full and satisfied without breaking the bank. Must try spot.

Pros: Great Food, Unique Entrees, Awsome Sushi Bar Experience, Reasonably Priced
Cons: Not a whole lot of rolls, Some of the American Mainstays aren't present here, Can get busy at peak times.
Posted 06/21/08

Not worth the trip 1 Star Rating - Unsatisfactory

By scottjz

This place isn't worth the trip or money. Fish was average at best with nothing out of the ordinary. They didn't even have wild salmon as an option even though we are in the heart of the northwest. Prices are high and service was average. "I Love Sushi" on Lake Union is much, much better, go there instead.

Pros: Downtown location
Cons: Nothing special, average at best fish selections
Posted 06/09/08

Very Disappointing 2 Star Rating - Wouldn't recommend

By JC10

My girlfriend and I went to Shiro's a couple of weeks ago and after about 10 minutes in the "holding cell" were seated at the left end of the sushi bar. The sushi chef was this old cranky guy who once came very close to cracking a smile but quickly recovered. It was very hard to tell if he heard or understood our orders but we hung in there and it ended up being a fairly tolerable experience. (nothing exceptional) I order Maguro sashimi once and when we got our bill it was on there twice. We ordered nothing a second time. Nevertheless, the item for this sashimi item alone, was $45!!! We've had sushi all over the country and my girlfriend's Japanese so we have pretty fair frame of reference. We'll not be back or ever recommend this place.

Pros: Fairly good selection
Cons: Bad Service at Sushi Bar
Posted 06/09/08