If you think Bellevue is all sleek towers and tech crowds, you’re missing its best-kept secret: a lineup of sushi spots that rival anything across the bridge. Whether you crave flawless nigiri, creative rolls, or pristine sashimi, Bellevue’s sushi scene quietly charms locals and surprises out-of-towners. I still remember trying my first Bellevue omakase and having that moment of pure culinary clarity—a medley of flavor, freshness, and restraint that made me rethink what good sushi should taste like.
Sifting through menus with kanji and English side by side, you’ll spot precise rice, fish so fresh it nearly glows, and chefs ready to share their favorite bites if you just ask. This guide pulls from personal tastings, chef recommendations, and careful research. Get ready to discover where the real sushi waits—without having to make the trip to Seattle. Hungry for more? Let’s dive in.
1. Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar
Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar isn’t just another seafood spot. Step inside and the energy feels sleek, yet relaxed—perfect for celebrations or unwinding at the bar. The sushi here impresses without doing too much; fish quality is the star, and you taste it in every clean slice. My first visit was a revelation—a kanpachi nigiri so fresh it melted, balanced by seasoned rice that chef John Howie’s team nails every time.
The sashimi sampler is a smart way to explore the range of Pacific Northwest flavors, from silky salmon to delicate white fish, served with precise knife work. If you want something playful, try one of the signature rolls; these are crafted with curated ingredients and never overboard. It’s where sushi purists and roll-lovers happily cross paths.
2. Flo Restaurant & Bar
Flo Restaurant & Bar slips into the Bellevue sushi scene with a cool, understated flair. It’s the kind of place where attention to detail shows in every slice of tuna or perfectly rolled maki. On my first visit, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a plate of toro nigiri that genuinely felt like a treat—creamy, buttery, and strikingly fresh.
What makes Flo memorable is its quiet commitment to quality. The chef’s selection sashimi platter is a must for sampling skillfully chosen cuts. If you want something more adventurous, try the specialty nigiri—the seared salmon is a standout, lightly kissed by flame and finished with a touch of citrus.
Here, every dish tells a story of balance, freshness, and quiet confidence.
3. Japonessa Sushi Cocina
If you think sushi always follows tradition, Japonessa Sushi Cocina will pleasantly surprise you. This spot blends Japanese technique with Latin flavor in a way that feels seamless, not gimmicky. My first meal here started with a Chef Masa omakase—fiery jalapeño and citrus over pristine fish, all balanced in a single bite.
The signature rolls set Japonessa apart, each layered with just the right kick of heat and vibrant sauces. The Super Bad Boy Roll lives up to its name, pairing delicate fish with unexpected touches like cilantro and creamy avocado. Don’t skip the happy hour menu; it’s a goldmine for sushi lovers who want to sample inventive bites at a great value.
For adventurous eaters, this is where Bellevue’s sushi gets playful, yet never loses its core qualities of freshness and technique.
4. Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi
The moment you step onto the 31st floor at Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi, the view almost steals the show. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Bellevue’s skyline, but it’s the sushi that holds your attention once the plates arrive.
My visit started with the chef’s nigiri flight—each piece delivered elegance, with rice and fish balanced so well you almost forget the altitude. The wasabi-ginger crunch roll adds a playful contrast, combining texture with delicate flavors, perfect for those who enjoy something creative but still refined.
If you want a meal that fuses ambiance and quality, Ascend’s fresh sashimi and inventive rolls are worth the trip. It’s where classic technique meets sophisticated flair, all with a view you’ll want to linger over.
5. I Love Sushi
I Love Sushi delivers a combination of lakeside calm and classic Japanese comfort. Tucked beside Lake Bellevue, this spot evokes those cozy, no-fuss sushi bars that always seem to nail the fundamentals. During my last visit, I found the atmosphere welcoming and the sushi chefs genuinely attentive to detail.
The chirashi bowl is where I Love Sushi shines: a tapestry of fresh fish, artfully arranged and as satisfying as it looks. Their nigiri platter is also a hit, perfect rice and bright, clean flavors every time. If you’re in the mood to branch out, try one of the seasonal chef specials—always a reflection of what’s freshest and best.
At I Love Sushi, traditional quality and serene setting come together for a dependable, memorable experience.
6. Ginza
Ginza sits quietly in Old Bellevue, but the experience here is anything but subdued. This spot is for those who appreciate the subtlety of Japanese cuisine done right, with an inviting neighborhood feel. I dropped in one chilly evening and was quickly drawn to the warm service and genuine atmosphere.
At Ginza, the sushi chef’s choice platter is a revelation: select cuts gleaming with freshness, arranged with deliberate skill. Their specialty rolls never rely on heavy sauces, instead letting each ingredient speak. If you like variety, order a few otsumami—small shareable plates that pair well with a pot of green tea or a chilled Japanese soda.
Ginza rewards the patient; it’s a place where tradition meets a relaxed Bellevue vibe.
7. Musashi’s
Musashi’s in Factoria is where sushi meets humble mastery. The vibe is unfussy, focused purely on getting each detail right, from a perfect slice of fish to rice that has its own quiet character. My visit began with a simple order of salmon nigiri. The freshness was impressive and the balance between rice and fish was spot on.
If you’re after honest, skillful sushi, try the chirashi bowl—it arrives as a colorful spread of the day’s best fish, neatly presented and satisfying to the last grain. The daily specials are another highlight, usually built from what the chef just sourced that morning.
Musashi’s delivers quality and value without pretense—a go-to for purists who want the real thing every time.
8. Minamoto Japanese Cuisine
Minamoto Japanese Cuisine draws sushi fans with its minimalist style and quiet confidence. There’s an artful simplicity to both the setting and the dishes; nothing feels crowded, everything tastes intentional. My last visit was all about the omakase—each piece delivered by the chef with a thoughtful introduction and impeccable timing.
The crab and cucumber roll stands out here, highlighting sweet crab balanced with crisp freshness. For a deeper dive, the assorted nigiri platter lets you sample a line-up of expertly chosen fish, each one showing off clean flavors free from distractions.
Minamoto doesn’t chase trends. Instead, it offers a steady hand and true craftsmanship, making every visit a calm, memorable escape from the busy world outside.
9. Kobe Restaurant
Kobe Restaurant brings a sense of tradition to central Bellevue, blending classic Japanese dishes with a cozy, welcoming feel. The experience is rooted in attentive service and honest flavors—nothing feels rushed here. My most recent visit included a seat at the sushi bar, where I could watch each piece crafted to order.
Kobe’s nigiri stands out for its simplicity and freshness, each bite perfectly balanced. The chef’s choice sashimi platter is another highlight, offering generous portions of the season’s best. If you want a signature taste, the Kobe roll layers delicate fish with fresh vegetables in a way that never overpowers the main ingredient.
This is a spot for those who enjoy a slower pace and the quiet assurance of expertly prepared sushi.
10. Tokyo Japanese Restaurant
Tokyo Japanese Restaurant is a longstanding favorite in Factoria, appreciated for its consistent, no-nonsense approach to Japanese classics. This is the kind of place where regulars chat with staff and everyone feels like a neighbor. My last meal here featured the chef’s selection nigiri, and the freshness was clear from the first bite.
The Tokyo Roll deserves special mention—light, balanced, and never overwhelmed with sauces or toppings. For those wanting variety, the sushi combo platters showcase an array of handpicked fish and rolls that reflect the careful standards of the kitchen.
Tokyo Japanese Restaurant isn’t flashy, but it’s this sense of reliability and quiet skill that endears it to sushi fans across Bellevue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best sushi restaurants in Bellevue for fresh fish?
You can’t go wrong at places like Seastar, Flo, or Minamoto. Each offers expertly sourced fish and meticulous preparation, so freshness is always on display.
Are there any good sushi spots in Bellevue with vegetarian options?
Definitely. Most top spots, including Japonessa and Ginza, offer creative vegetable rolls, tofu, and seasonal veggie sides.
Where can I find great sushi for takeout in Bellevue?
Ordering takeout from I Love Sushi, Musashi’s, or Sushi Me is a safe bet. Their rolls travel well, and the quality holds up outside the restaurant.
Which Bellevue sushi restaurants offer omakase experiences?
Minamoto and Japonessa are known for personalized omakase menus. You get a chef’s choice tasting, so every visit feels unique.
Are Bellevue’s sushi restaurants kid-friendly?
Many of them are. Restaurants like Kobe and Tokyo Japanese Restaurant are relaxed and welcome families, with plenty of kid-approved appetizer and roll choices.