I lived in Japan for 3 years.
I have had sushi at Shiro’s and Saito’s which are widely believed to be the best in Seattle. I just don’t think that they are worth the money. I spend $100.00 at Shiro’s for dinner. At Ototo we only spend about $50-60. and I can tell you, Ototo is just as good or better.
It is very hard to find really good sushi in the States. They all use American grown rice because Japanese rice is so expensive that they would have to charge you $15 for a roll! It is impossible to get the “real thing” without Japanese rice. That said making good sushi rice is an art. It takes years and years to learn how to do it properly and consistently. Hutch-san, the main sushi chef, is a master. His rice is never cold.
He gets great salmon from somewhere! His otoro is bangin’ and his negitoro is usually made fresh on request. His side man Takashi does great work on the rolls too. They offer a variety of non-traditional rolls that you can find at most American sushi restaurants, but we stick with the traditional old school stuff.
The food from the menu is ok, but not our favorite. The tempura is good. The gyoza is frozen and I don’t recommend it. The udon broth was very weak when we tried it.
We never ever sit anywhere but the counter. I suggest you do the same. Enjoy the art of sushi making.
Pros: Authentic sushi at a fair price.
Cons: Not the greatest hot food.
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