Sushi By Scratch Restaurants: Seattle

2331 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, United States

Sushi By Scratch Restaurants: Seattle
About This Sushi Bar

Sushi by Scratch Restaurants is Chef Phillip Frankland Lee’s Omakase Speakeasy that serves up a whimsy of its namesake fare in 17 courses. The experience features an intimate counter housing 10 prized seats where you will sit right up to the chef’s cutting boards. Relax and enjoy as the chefs prepare a playful reverie on new wave nigiri and other delicacies from both land and sea in a free form interpretive take on the traditional sushi counter experience where you can expect unexpected riffs on beloved standards.

Sushi Gallery
Sushi Reviews
Sushi Experience №1

My first omakase experience and it was all around amazing! The small group setting allowed for an immersive, intimate experience where we were able to interact with each other and the staff, who answered all of our questions expertly (shout out to chef Kevin, Graham, Aki, and Anne). I am not a huge seafood person but the high-quality proteins paired with the perfect dressings and toppings were phenomenal. My personal favourites were the oyster shooter, wagyu, and unagi. Excellent food and excellent service, will be back!

Visited a month ago

Sushi Experience №2

From the moment you enter after ringing the doorbell, to being seated at the bar area, to eventually making your way to the dining space, this experience is what you would expect from a fine dining upscale sushi restaurant. We got the extra caviar and truffle add one, the additional 3 courses, as well as the sake pairing. The meal was outrageously tasty, services was personal and attentive, food was fresh, creative and memorable. I would absolutely recommend this place for those looking for a unique, high end home intimate dining experience.

Visited a month ago

Sushi Experience №3

Not my kind of place. Will not return.

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №4

Fantastic Omakase in downtown Seattle.
Pros:
- Great vibe, there’s a speakeasy aspect to arriving where you ring a doorbell and they let you in 30-40 minutes before your seating time for a custom cocktail (they also offered a no-alcoholic option)
- Incredible sushi! And the chefs are friendly, professional, and top-notch.
- Incredible drink selection. We did the sake pairing on one visit and it was 10/10. On another visit we did mocktails and they were great.
- Be sure to arrive for the pre-dinner drink and snack, it’s included in the set price and it’s fun!

Cons:
- Restaurants like this are expensive (a relative term, but most would reconsider this expensive). You’re paying for the ambience, the experience, and the incredible food and drink. If you’re OK with high prices, this place is awesome.
- We did the truffle pairing and caviar with the first visit; it really didn’t add a lot to the experience. It wasn’t bad, but I wouldn’t do it again. My opinion: Skip the upgrades and just enjoy the experience.

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №5

It’s been over a year since I’ve been, but we were driving by when I remembered our not so great but very expensive dinner here. Just another restaurant over hyped by TikTok, that we succumbed to. I think this would be a great experience in their other California or Chicago locations, that actually have a Michelin star, but the Seattle service scene is lack luster. Servers I find don’t quite care enough and the standard from people is also just not met. I wish a dress code could be implemented in establishments that are supposed to be as renowned. We spent over $500 and just weren’t happy with the level of detail that we expected, from service and requirements, that I can’t say it was worth it from our experience. Just try another omakase at a sushi bar for a better deal and probably more personal experience! Sankai was amazing in Edmonds!

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №6

Amazing experience! Expensive but worth it, personalized care from the great group of chefs, and a spectacular assortment of sushi!

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №7

Fun atmosphere with an antechamber where you can get a welcome cocktail and a small bite. The sushi here is not orthodox and has lots of fanciful toppings. The fish quality is not great - some pieces have that grainy defrosted texture and you can barely taste the fish under the flavor of the toppings.

The most disappointing bite was the foie gras add-on for $40. It was a sickeningly sweetened piece of foie gras torchon on top of sushi rice. They adulterated the one thing that would have been amazing by itself.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №8

I’ll split this review in two and start with the good. The food here is amazing. The ceremony of walking into the bar and the service at the front was excellent. It was my birthday and each server said happy birthday as I walked in which was a great touch. Now the bad. At this price point $200+ a person I expect the service to be professional, attentive, and sharp. I personally did not get that feeling through the meal. Additionally, the sushi is amazing but there is little various in the type of sushi of the presentation.

Ultimately, there are other omakase in Seattle that are well under this price, that serve better drinks, tell a story, and give you a compete experience unlike what I received here. This place did not live up to the hype.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №9

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №10

Great michelin guide place.
I always love to go for omakase experiences . One of the best in Seattle. Menu and serving was oriented, each piece have a good explanation. Chefs are friendly plus the atmosphere 2 hours dining . Cozy place with less than 10 people . You should order sake with it !!
Price quite acceptable include 19 courses

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №11

Awesome omakase experience. Perfect service. We had an absolutely great time here celebrating a special occasion.

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №12

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №13

100/10

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №14

We were in town for vacation and out of everything we ate that weekend this was the groups favorite. The service was exceptional. I have never had seafood taste like this before. It was so buttery and melted in our mouths. The food was outstanding and the cocktails were great. The chefs were funny and made our experience great!

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №15

Wow. We’ve done Omakase and tasting menus before, two things we aren’t big on: Unagi, and Uni… unagi was my wife me favorite dish tonight, that says something. Service, ambiance, and food were all incredible. Will be back again. How anyone gives this place less than five stars… 🤯

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №16

My wife and I went for her birthday. The place looked nice on the inside, it was nice to have a separate entry place for some small bites and drinks beforehand, but then they start asking if you want to pay extra for things ($100/ea for a bit of truffle and caviar on some of the dishes - very good! but overpriced for amount). Then you go into the dining room, and they ask if you want to pay extra for drinks (somewhat understandable) and then at the end of the meal, they tell you if you are still hungry you can buy more things individually, and they also name drop their other restaurants in the chain. This was way too much of a sales pitch for me, it made me really wish we had picked a different place. The quality of the fish was good, but why is it that the Omakase I had in Reno Nevada (landlocked state) was twice as good AND cheaper?!? Nice things should not come with commercials.

It was far too expensive for the quality, and the fact they have a whole team of people just popping out the pieces of sushi as fast as they can really was off putting for me. Not to mention the fact they offered an extra piece of fish you could purchase that had.... pop rocks..?

Maybe I am holding them to too high of a standard, because the place in Reno Nevada was one person's passion project, but shouldn't that mean a large chain with many people do break up the tasks should be able to do better?

I suggest you take your large chunk of cash and get omakase elsewhere.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №17

The food and service were great, you get 17 pieces of Nigiri, each one is a different type of fish. The flavors and the quality of the fish are very good. My 2 comments are about the charges, I believe it is over priced, also, the Sake is very expensive, and bottles start at $111. In addition (and somewhat annoying) is that the service charge (20%) is added to the check, and tax is added on top. We paid $680 for the 2 of us with a bottle of Sake.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №18

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №19

Food and services both have gone down significantly. Ordered Nachos and Alfredo pasta, both were bland in taste and presentation. Sour cream was missing from Nachos but the server kept insisting that Feta cheese that was provided was sour cream. Never going there again.
Service

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №20

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №21

If you’re searching for an unforgettable dining experience, look no further than Sushi by Scratch Seattle. This weekend, I had the immense pleasure of indulging in an omakase experience, and it was nothing short of extraordinary.

From the moment we stepped into the restaurant, the ambiance set the tone for an exceptional meal. The intimate setting and understated elegance of the space allowed the focus to remain where it truly mattered—on the culinary artistry.

This meal was a masterclass in the art of Japanese cuisine. Each course was a harmonious blend of innovation and tradition, showcasing not only his technical skill but also his profound respect for the ingredients. The precision with which Chef Kevin prepared each dish was evident in the flawless presentation.

The highlights of the evening were undoubtedly the crispy onion bite and the additional foie gras bite. Its intricate balance of textures and flavors was a testament to the high level of creativity and expertise. Every bite was a revelation, a testament to his ability to elevate simple ingredients into something truly magical.

In addition to the remarkable food, the service was impeccable. The staff were attentive and personable, and catered to our every need. As a delightful surprise, the bartender sent us home with a Polaroid picture. This thoughtful gesture added a personal touch to the night, making the entire experience even more memorable.

For anyone who appreciates fine dining and the artistry of a true master, I cannot recommend Sushi by Scratch Seattle and Chef Kevin highly enough. This is a rare gem that deserves to be savored and celebrated. I look forward to returning! 🙂

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №22

Very creative and tasty omakase restaurant in Seattle. My favorite one!!!

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №23

I really enjoyed my time here. The chefs were entertaining and impressive. The food was super fresh and we were all amazed at the flavors. I got the Sake and the caviar options and I thought they were well worth the price. A great experience, I do recommend.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №24

Wonderful experience! Chefs, sake sommelier, hosts, all professional, knowledgeable, and gracious with our dinner group.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №25

This cost us $300 per person but it was worth it. 17 courses created with attention to detail and right in front of us. Course after course arrives, each one more intriguing than the last. The food was high quality and a plethora of flavor. As the meal progresses, you’re offered a variety of sushi and small plates, each one thoughtfully crafted and balanced. From the subtle sweetness of a perfectly grilled eel to the clean, crisp taste of a fresh oyster topped with ponzu and scallions, every bite tells a story of the sea, of tradition, and of the chef’s personal touch. One of the course included A5 Miyazaki Wagyu.

We left the sushi bar feeling both content and invigorated, experienced something truly special. The memory of each bite stays with you, a reminder of the chef’s skill and the beauty of allowing yourself to be guided through a culinary journey.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №26

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №27

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №28

What can be said about absolute perfection if there is such a thing. I took my wife for her birthday and from the time we walked in, to the end of service, an absolute treat. One could not have found a better meal, ambiance, sommelier, and a chorus of skilled artisans.

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №29

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №30

I couldn't recommend this experience enough. While the initial bartender/greeter is not very friendly, this does NOT continue into the dining area. All the chefs and the bartender who helped within the dining area where extremely friendly and engaging. Chef Kevin did an amazing job at explaining each course as it was being served, and the other chefs were ready to answer any questions which one might have. It was also a great experience talking with the other guests; everyone is there to have a great time, and getting to know the other guests only make the experience that much better. Be sure to try the cocktails available in the dining area as well; they are worth it! The entrance is a bit odd as there is only a small sign indicating you're at the correct location. Get there early, but not too early as you won't be let in until less than 30 minutes before your booking. We got there a bit early and rang the Ring doorbell several times, but no one answered or came to the door. There is an initial bar area where you'll have a welcome drink and a couple appetizer dishes before moving to the main dining area for your experience. The experience is overall very intimate, but again, everyone is there to have a great time, so be open to discussions

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №31

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №32

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №33

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №34

Decided to splurge and celebrate my birthday at Sushi By Scratch. It was a bit difficult to get a reservation, but managed to find a time that worked best. I went with a girlfriend of mine and we both decided to opt in for the welcome drink. There were about 17 items served over the span of 1.5 hours including dessert and dessert (boozy) tea to top off the night. Very pricey and can find other options in Seattle for omakase, but definitely a great experience with quality items.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №35

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №36

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №37

It was everything I expected and more! I had a great time, it’s a very intimate setting so perfect spot for a date and that’s what I did me and my date were very impressed by the chefs and the quality of the seafood, every bite just melts in your mouth there wasn’t one bite I didn’t enjoy, it was all so good and sushi by scratch lived up to its name, I will definitely be back!

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №38

I had the omakase dinner here and overall my experience was really great. I highly recommend it for anyone who has an appreciation for fine sushi would like to experience an excellent and unique dining experience.

More specifics: So the fish was fantastic and the preparations were very good. This isn't the best sushi that I've had, with the focus being more about the toppings on the nigiri than on treatment of the fish itself, but this is a choice that the restaurant makes and it is absolutely a valid approach. I can't fault the strategy because in the end the taste was wonderful so they can't be faulted for their choice here.

The service was really good, if not Michelin-star level. The night that I went there were nine people dining, with at least 4 chefs and the restaurant manager serving. The beverage service was a little chaotic as they attempt to take everyone's drink orders at once and don't explain things very well. This, for me, is the only sub-par aspect my dining experience.

The omakase course service was very well done, with preparation done right in front of us, with easy viewing of all the prep work, which is fun if you like that sort of thing (which I do). All of the chefs were very interactive with the diners, explaining each dish, and talking with people individually or as a group throughout the entire service. There was also a lot of discussion and banter between diners, or with other diners and the chefs, altogether. The atmosphere that makes this possible is the intimate space that they use and the way that the room is setup. And for most foodies, this kind of communal dining, with discussion about the food while sharing in the experience, is exactly what we want. So this was wonderful.

My final thoughts are that this is a really good experience, unique in a lot of ways, fun, social, and a very high level of culinary expertise on hand. I would definitely consider returning.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №39

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №40

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №41

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №42

Me and my partner went to celebrate my birthday at sbs and it was a perfect experience from the beginning till the end, the most delicious sushi we’ve ever tried, the atmosphere was very cozy, the stuff was super professional. Definitely recommend!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №43

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №44

I believe this place was ok and has the potential to be much much better. I took my wife here for Valentines day thinking it would be a special evening and something to remember. We will never forget it that is for sure.

The person who met us at the door after you press the ring doorbell to let us in was nice and welcoming. There was this other guy that kept walking in from the other room and just glaring at all the guest, kinda awkward.

After a couple small bites and an strong ginger tasting cocktail we were brought into another small area with a bar and the three chefs. Which were all amazing.

It was nice to see your name on a little placard letting you know where to sit. We got lucky and got what we thought was the best seat at the bar. The seats are not that comfortable and have no back support, just lean on the bar was the best option.

They pass out drink menus and for a $150 you can go with the pairing selected by Parker the bartender. They have a decent selection of other wines and sake and some other beverages. I made the mistake of telling him that I was not much of a wine drinker, he gave me the look of disgust and his attitude changed, he said ok fine just give me the menu. not very friendly or welcoming. I wanted a drink just not the pairing he wanted everyone to get. Not until our last 5 bites was I able to get his attention to finally get a drink. a $66 shot of some Japanese Whisky, it was not bad but definitely not worth the price. And we never even got out Champagne toast that was promised.

And now the food, as I am a foodie and have been to multiple other Omakase restaurants I would have to put this one towards the bottom of them. The chef Andy tries really hard to make the experience worth it but he adds a lot of flavors and seasonings to each piece, most of which are flavorful but you cant taste the flavor of the fish you can only taste the lemon, citrus or other seasonings pilled on top of the bites. The chefs are the only reason they get more than 2 stars. I thank them for everything and making the evening enjoyable.

Be expected to be presented with a $1,000+ bill for 2 . Not only do they not tell you the price of the last 3 bites, if you select to not get them you get the cold shoulder. They add in a 20% gratuity which is well deserved for the chefs but not the bar tender as he is only friendly if you are buying his pairings. The tip is added before the totaling of your bill so you end up paying taxes on tip.
Although it was a ok experience I will never be going back to this place. You can save your money and go to another place.

Sushi By Scratch Restaurants: Valentine's Day
We invite you to celebrate love by enjoying this exclusive one-night only, Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Valentine's Day Experience, featuring our signature 17-course Omakase. Our team of chefs will delight you with luxurious ingredients, premium imports, and exquisite favorites to create an omakase experience found only here at Sushi by Scratch Restaurants!

The cost is $285 per person. This includes our specially curated one-night only Valentine's Day Omakase menu, a welcome cocktail, champagne toast and a farewell tea. Extra bites and additional beverages will be available for a surcharge.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №45

We had a fantastic experience! The staff was wonderful, and the food was delicious! I especially loved the surprise of moving rooms, and some of the sake pairings were excellent!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №46

This is my third experience at the premier omakase in Seattle and won't be my last. Chef Graham, Chef Andy, and Chef Kevin are always on Point and make you feel welcomed the moment you enter. With explosive & decadent flavors combined with their impeccable knife skills, we are able to enjoy seafood at its highest and most respected form. Thank you for a wonderful experience again. The new menu is outstanding. Make sure you consult Theo for some of the best and exclusive saké to go with your sushi.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №47

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №48

I went last night for the Omakase. This was my 4th visit. Each time it gets better. Totally worth the $. If you love sushi and great beverage pairings, this is your place. My only suggestion to the owners is to buy new chairs at the sushi bar!!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №49

Had the NYE menu. Each piece they made was amazing. Each one had such a unique flavor/texture profile, definitely a different experience than I've had at other omakases.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №50

Beautiful experience…the welcome cocktail starts everything so beautifully. The sushi courses begin to flow in the next room in almost a sacred feel. Paired wine for us, whiskey for our friend and both of us more than pleased. Will be back soon for the quality, service, and experience.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №51

Amazing experience. Each bite perfected. Drinks on point.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №52

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №53

It just a bar

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №54

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №55

The food and service was amazing! I have gone twice now and img it keeps getting better. There were even more dishes this go round. We also had appetizer bites while waiting. They were amazing. The atmosphere is so welcoming. So accommodating for our dietary restrictions also!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №56

If I could give 4.5 stars this would be the perfect score. All in all, the Omakase was fantastic. The quality, flavor profiling and variety of offerings exceeded my exactions. The creativity of the chefs was also fun to experience as you could tell they all found great enjoyment out of providing their take on a true tasting menu. Hats off to the team in the main dining room. However the host/manager or team member in the first room needs some refinement.
My only constructive feedback (I have managed fine dining for many years) are:
1) Do not ask guests to show up 30 minutes before their reservation if you aren’t ready, especially the one single toilet you have in the entire restaurant. Having to wait longer than necessary (with a medical condition or without for that matter) is not a great start to the experience.
2) Greet your guests with a smile and introduction. The experience in the first room sets the tone and it was cold, confusing and not what one would expect when spending $500+ on a dinner for two. Greet with warmth, smile, and honestly introduce yourself, everyone in the main dining did and made it more personable.
3) Figure out a coat management system. You have hooks in the main dining room, so either take your guests coats to that room or install hooks under the bar. Paying $250 a person when it’s all said and done and I have to sit for 30 minutes with all of my jackets on my lap while on an awkward bar stool is not something I expect. Greet your guests at the door, take their coats, greet them with warmth and begin the experience. Do not just point to the corner and tell us to sit like you are herding cattle.
All of these are easily attainable and should be done already in terms of service and experience. At this price, we are paying for great food and great service.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №57

over priced and nothing special. Been twice - first time was good and second just ok. Rather go to UMI for same quality and allot less money. All hat and no cattle.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №58

An incredible sushi experience! They treat you like royalty and the food is, of course, amazing. Enjoy!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №59

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №60

Experience of a lifetime. Highly recommend giving it a try!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №61

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №62

It was an overall fun experience, we had a nice date out and I’m glad we did it… would we do it again? No.

For the price I feel like I can be a little critical. We have been to better omakase experiences in Seattle for significantly less money so I did have some expectations going in.

Starting with the good, the service was perfect. Everything was timed, very attentive, friendly, lots of explanation of what was going on. We had the pleasure of sitting by the chef and he was fun to talk to while he was making all the pieces. The food was good, we are traditionalist for omakase… everything tasted fine, some bites were great, while others were slightly confusing (example adding so much citrus so it tasted like an orange instead of fish). I was a fan, I just would never had paid what we did to have it. My husband did the sake pairing and he enjoyed it. Parking was super easy. It was a younger crowd, chatty/friendly.

The neutral: went to canlis recently and this dinner was significantly more (close to $800 for two people). We did their standard seating for omakase, the sake add on, one $30 glass of wine, and added 3 additional chefs choice sushi at the end (this will add another $100 if you do it). It all added up, it was just surprising. The 20% gratuity is added on and well deserved.

The bad: The atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired. From the ring doorbell on a unmarked door is strange, the DIY wood panels blocking the windows, the chairs to sit on in both areas aren’t great, the bar led lighting when you walk in, there is a bright epson printer just hanging out etc etc. just not a vibe to me. I’ve been to much nicer bad restaurants. We had a couple on the other end of us arguing as they had more drinks, they just kept getting louder and louder. They never stopped even during the explanations of what we were about to eat. Very rude and shouldn’t have been tolerated. I just can’t imagine this is comparable to their other locations.

I don’t know, I really feel like the ambiance is the worst part. Had they put more effort into it, I think the rest would make sense. We have been to multiple other omakase experiences in Seattle that were better.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №63

I wanted to give them a 5 star but there is definitely room for improvement. This is one of those restaurant that you only go for special occasion. We went yesterday Sunday Oct 8 7pm dinner. Make sure come in 20min before your reservation so you can enjoy the complementary cocktail an appetizer. ( read their confirmation email thoroughly) They are located a few blocks of the space needle. I don’t think they have parking but there is public parking 1/2 block away. ( there is a
beautiful view of the needle from the street)
Their building address is on the door but I don’t think I saw a signage of the establishment. There are two stages of the dining experience.
1st The bar is small but classy. They offer a couple type of cocktails I forgot the name of the drink but it was a pretty good Sake concoction ! The appetizers was fresh oysters, you only get 1 oyster but it is incredible.
The next stage of the dining experience they lead us to a small room, the dinning set up was sushi bar there are 3 chefs and a bartender. They are all fabulous. The food that they prepare for us are outstanding. Classic sushi ingredients prepared by 3 capable innovative Chefs. I love their Wasabi. The Chef put a perfect amount. My favorite was the Unagi glazed bone marrow.
Here’s the improvement. As a fine dining establishment. The bar stool in the dinning area is not comfortable and my chair was wobbly, I have to keep adjusting the way I seat. The entire place was a little to dark for me. We dine with 4 other couple (10 total guest )so it’s very intimate. A little to intimate for me the couple next to us keep displaying their romantic feelings for each other. They only serve 3 different time slot for dinner. I get the exclusiveness private theme. For cost of the experience I think they can add more, like a refill of the complementary drink or more dish on the menu.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №64

It was excellent. Well worth the wait. It's pricy, but tasty and a great experience.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №65

Went for my Husbands birthday, we both had zero expectations and we’re so pleasantly surprised! We enjoyed every single thing that we ate, while some of them blowing our minds. I can see this experience being awkward if it’s an especially quiet group. The staff were knowledgeable, fun to talk to, and gave us so much information. I have never had sushi like this before, they really enhanced everything, the flavors and way each was prepared was incredible.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №66

Absolutely blew my mind. Definitely will be back.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №67

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №68

This place tries really hard but just doesnt feel authentic. Shiro's Omakase was so much better and not this expensive!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №69

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №70

Fun and innovative Omakase style sushi experience. For example, one piece was dressed with corn pudding. Loved the Sake pairings.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №71

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №72

If you know your sushi and have had omakase at other local restaurants eg Sushi Kashiba, Takai etc, this is a SOLID SKIP. If you have had omakase in bigger cities or Japan...this is likely not for you.

If you haven't had omakase before...maybe worth a try.

This Michelin star branch ain't Michelin starred.

You have to ring a Ring doorbell to enter the location, after you find the nondescript door. And be greeted by someone that doesn't know how to smile that regurgitates a memorized script. He will serve you a cold palate cleaner which takes like a brew of many left over sakes, and herbs mixed with some yuzu.

After the last group of people arrive, this individual will tell you what will happen in the next room where the omasake takes place.

Dial forward, you go to the next room....you sit at assigned seats.On the wall there is a list containing the items that will be served in the 17 course meal. Of the items, I was a bit surprised to see wagyu beef and bone marrow since I had come for a sushi omasake. And that tuna was on the list several times based on the different cuts including the cheapest part of the fish Akamai; also the Tessin and the Otoro. Also on the list was escolar, which is outlawed in Japan in 1977 due to giving people digestion issues.

General overview about the food:
1. fish portions were small. My petite female friend went home hungry and had a ramen.
2. food fell apart.
3. you eat with hands which is rather awkward.
4. fish was fresh.
5. sushi rice was spot on.
6. seasoning was too light and sometimes not the best choice for the seafood. For example for the ama ebi (sweet shrimp), the shrimp has a sweetness to it, but they way they seasoned it killed the sweetness and the freshness of the shrimp - it tasted like chinese fermented tofu.
7. warm sake brew at the end of menu and the desert bite was nice.
8. food on sweet side; if you are diabetic or have sugar issues - say something.
9. nice to add texture to food with crunchy toppings.
10. minus for including skin on black sea bream nigari that wasn't torched - extremely chewy - was a buzz kill had to spit it out (granted politely) on the wet hand towel that I had been wiping my hands after each course.
11. they like torching the food...

Having had bone marrow before multiple times...bone marrow was weird here, a chunk laid like a piece of fish on sushi rice with little seasoning. And said bone marrow wasn't warm. If you unseasoned cold bone marrow before....you get the drift. Mark missed here, it should have been warmer and more seasoned to marry the bone marrow to the rice.

They wipe the serving plates and cutting board with the same towel...at some point I wondered if it was sanitary....same towel and all.

I was underwhelmed by the food. For 2 people the bill was $460, which included a 20% service charge. It's a pretty sweet job for those working there regurgitating scripts. I think service could have been better, but given the automatic 20% service charge...who cares right?

In sum, I had expectations given its mothership was Michelin rated. 82% of the food missed marks - of the 17 items (inclusive of dessert), I would say that 3 received full marks...the others nope; have had much better omasake and cuts of fish at other local places. There wasn't anything I tried were I was like "omg" this is so good.... Service was above average.

Would I go back, NO. Perhaps my expectations were too high.

Chairs were also uncomfortable; perhaps this was an dark design pattern to influence folks to not sit around after food service was completed. The place was a bit too dark, I guess they were trying to be mysterious... ?

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №73

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №74

Okay, I really wanted to like this place and I do think it has the potential for 5 stars, but there were a few missteps that I think are huge.
Let’s start with the good. The service, staff, and food are all very good. We went as a anniversary celebration during a trip to Seattle and we did have a great time. The bites were all delicious. However, the chef repeatedly mispronounced “Hokkaido” and as someone who lived in Japan for 4 years, these little things matter. Additionally, the chefs did not know what type of fish was offered for the extra courses. They said it was mackerel and when my wife specifically asked if they had bonito, they said they sometimes do, but not today… Then they realized the extra course did actually include bonito.
They fall short of their Michelin starred claim to fame. I’ve had omakase in Japan, which is of course world class, and Michelin starred omakase in other places stateside - They just don’t quite hit the mark, especially for the price you pay. For two courses, 3 drinks, and just 1 extra course each, we spent $500 after tax and tip, so it’s not a cheap date by any means. At that price point, I think they have room for improvement, but overall it was a pleasant experience.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №75

The quality of the seafood and meat was excellent. After the omakase I had the extra servings they offered. Loved all three, especially the house foie gras! Simply amazing.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №76

Sushi by Scratch was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The staff were friendly and respectful, and the food was incredible. My wife and I do not drink, and the bartender actually apologized to us for not having more non alcoholic options than a (very good) yuzu-ginger mocktail - we are more used to getting a blank look.

The price is certainly high, and we made it out for $300/head after tax and gratuity, including an extra (and very worthwhile) three courses at the end that about half those in attendance took part in.

This is not traditional, edomae style sushi; if you are looking for that there are plenty of places in the area (my favorite is Takai by Kashiba in Bellevue). Courses included otoro with caramelized pineapple on top (shockingly good) or hamachi with sea salt, yuzu kosho, and fresh grated wasabi. As someone who has tried many omakases worldwide, this ranks with the best.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №77

Such a cool and fun experience to splurge on. The omakase had a great mix of classic and unique bites. If you're a sushi lover, there is something for everyone. They also accommodated my request for no uni. They do try to upsell you on several additional offerings during the meal but it was great even without it.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №78

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №79

Best sushi experience I have had outside Japan

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №80

What an experience. Taking the page from Japan and offering a 10 seat experience with 17 roles made right in front of you.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №81

Best omakase I’ve ever had. It’s pretty cool to watch too: they do things like melting bone marrow still inside the bone with a blow torch and drip it over sushi.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №82

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №83

Okay experience - not the worst. The price is fair compared to other Omakases in Seattle, but definitely overpriced for what you get from them. I can see they tried hard to show creativity in their menu - not sure how I feel about 17 nigiri-only courses…service was a little below average.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №84

I'll be brief, this place is horribly overpriced for what you get. The food is just ok and the ambiance and robotic script they run is just cheesy. If you are looking for good Omakase, try Sushi Kappo or LTD Edition Sushi instead (or a handful of places in the ID)

Literally the only thing that was noteworthy was not real sushi (Wagyu nigiri??), but was interesting enough to say I liked it. It wouldn't have been out of place any more at a Mexican place though. Outside of that you could get similar quality sushi in a half-dozen places downtown alone.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №85

I really went back and forth on this review, but folks should understand what they're getting into and make their own decisions.

Omakase is $165 a person, but realize that you're asked to arrive 15 minutes early for drinks and during this slightly chaotic period, the host will ask you a question about truffle and caviar; I fully own this as a personal mistake in not questioning it further, but if you answer yes to liking caviar/truffle, they'll be adding a $105 charge person for truffle and caviar being added to some of the sushi. I didn't realize until I paid the bill. Again, this was a mistake on my part for not realizing, but it should be made clear to guests - I firmly subscribe to the concept of transparency and being open about costs.

After everything, and with one cocktail and three mocktails, our total was $850.00 for two people.

Good things:
- This is self-written as new wave sushi, and it was definitely unusual and different from the usual omakase that's offered in more traditional restaurants.
- Quality of most of the fish was decent for the night and the preparation styles were fun; the chef in front of us was really kind and was excited when we were excited
- The chefs obviously knew what they were doing (which will also lead to another point below)
- Drinks were delicious, and the bartender was very knowledgeable and loved wine, sake, and alcohol.

Not-so-good things:
- some of the creative new ways of using ingredients or methods worked (I'm looking at you, dried cherry blossom powder and dry-aged fish!). Others (such as the use of different kinds of salt, melted bone marrow, multiple courses with the aburi method) did not always win.
- Alcohol consumption is a key part of the money making part of this, and I get that, but our experience was impacted by the bartender continually pushing drinks when it was clear two of the couples of our ten group was getting progressively drunker and louder. At one point, the bartender drinks a glass of wine with the drunk couple he'd been talking to during our two hours.
- the bartender, loud enough for our side of the seating area to listen to, complains to the same couple about the negative reviews on google and how the negative reviews were people who 'had an agenda and felt that [Sushi by Scratch] were appropriative'. I took a look to see what he meant; most of the negative reviews were about restaurant itself, the quality of the fish, pricing, etc. One single review was about the concept and it was obviously an outlier. I understand not liking the negative reviews. I don't understand complaining about it to other guests.
- the same bartender (I'm not sure why he chose to be so vocal for our group lol) was explaining to the room in general that Sushi by Scratch Seattle could not make it's own menu, that it was controlled by an executive team, who did not really visit Seattle. He vocalized that the chefs were obviously a little bored with making the same menu over and over. Caveat: I actually thought this was really funny because, of course chefs would be bored with the same basic menu, but rarely do restaurants like this vocalize it so clearly to guests lol.
- the truffles and caviar were not worth the additional pricing based on how they were used and presentation. As I hadn't realized I'd paid extra for the caviar and truffle, I requested no truffle on my uni (as I felt that it would detract from the uni). The chef seemed surprised at my request, which in retrospect, I now understand.

Most in-depth review I've left because most of the time, I don't feel like anything I could add would be new. However, knowing that for many, this might be a special dinner that was saved for, etc., wanted to provide full information so that folks can make their own decision.

As a personal opinion, I do prefer the omakase at other restaurants.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №86

This restaurant relies on fancy and expensive ingredients, and over-rehearsed presentation, to carry the mediocre menu. Overall the food is unimpressive and unopinionated. Don't get me wrong the ingredients are good quality, but the preparations and flavors don't make them shine. For the price you pay you can get a much better value elsewhere.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №87

Best omakase experience I had yet! Loved how intimate the atmosphere was and the staffs were very detailed oriented and knowledgeable about what they were serving to us.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №88

Top notch dining experience. Expertise and skill firmly on display.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №89

I really enjoyed the somewhat unconventional sushi preparation, the whiskey “pairing”, and the sake pairing! My favorite omakase in Seattle, and I’ve been to a lot of the fancier places.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №90

I enjoyed everything I had here. From the bites to the beer this place is a new favorite spot to celebrate and enjoy new flavors.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №91

Absolutely Incredible Omakase Experience! Words cannot begin to describe this two hour journey with the best selection of sushi that I have ever had. The entire staff did an outstanding job of taking care of each and every single one of the guests throughout the meal. This is a must for any and all sushi connoisseurs!!!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №92

Wow! What an experience. Perfect for date night or if you are just a sushi lover. You will be entertained and learn so much about sushi and wine pairing. A must try!!!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №93

This Kaiseki Sushi restaurant opened on 9/1/2022. An extension of several prior US restaurants. Supply chain for fish excellent. Some fascinating sake (we enjoyed a 1990 bottling, very sherry-like). Staff were exuberant. We did enjoy some Japanese whiskey, too.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №94

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №95

Really incredible meal that rivaled my omakase experiences in Japan. Best in Seattle by far.

Each bite was a unique experience, complemented perfectly with the recommended sake pairing.

Special thanks to the chefs/servers/bartender who were all exceptionally knowledgeable, professional, and kind.

Can’t wait to come back!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №96

Some of the BEST sushi I’ve ever had in my entire life, and an incredibly unique experience, but I have some tips….

First - make sure you arrive early!!
We were running a little late from traffic and almost didn’t get in which was pretty disappointing. There is a super tiny plaque on the wall next to a Ring doorbell, but no address number or obvious signage. We rang the doorbell for about 5 minutes and nobody answered… then had to bang on the glass quite a few times and was finally let in, only to have missed the entire welcome cocktail experience and get seated quickly with everyone else on time. They never brought us our welcome cocktails after that :/

Second - if you get the drink flight pairings, just know that it is a lotttt of alcohol. Everyone in our group left pretty tipsy since the amount of drinks you get with the pairing, compared to the amount of food (1 bite per course x17) is quite a lot. We thought it was worth it in the end to try all the drink pairings though, but it did rack up the bill significantly.

Third - be sure to chat with the chefs and other people!! Being in a small intimate setting with only 3 chefs, 1 bartender, and 10 total guests, you get a unique experience to meet new people which we really enjoyed! Many of the guests (including us) were a little shy at first but when we all started chatting we became friends by the end of the night and had a ton of fun!

Lastly - be prepared that with only 2 people, plus both of us ordering the drink flights and automatic gratuity, we spent almost $700 that night. Was it worth it? Yes I think so! The food was incredible, fun unique experience, got to meet some new people, and try things we’ve never done/had before. Probably won’t be back for a while though since it was quite pricey, but would LOVE to go again!!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №97

I decided to splurge and celebrate valentines early with my spouse. After walking by this non-descript entrance for months, curiosity (and some good reviews) got the best of me. With a little luck and perseverence, I managed to score a reservation. Doubt crept into my mind after ringing the doorbell a couple of times and waiting for several minutes with another couple before being shown in. That was quickly forgotten as the evening started. After being shown into a waiting/bar reception area and enjoying a light cocktail, we were led into the actual restaurant. Both had a contemporary, hip, and dark setting (don't we all look better?) that set a cool vibe for the evening. While we were experiencing this with 10 other patrons, it still felt intimate and friendly. Then the drinks and food started. We chose to have the whisky flight, which wasn't really a pairing, but more like wandering through a variety of Japanese whiskies. Despite my tolerance for alcohol, by the end of the evening, this definitely hit me. The sushi was outstanding. 17 pieces of nigiri sushi, all with a different preparation. We were hosted by two chefs and a bartender, all of whom were busy maintaining the cadence of the food and drinks throughout. They were friendly and engaging, keeping us all informed on what we were about to taste. Cost wise, it's not cheap, but it is worth celebrating a special occasion. Overall, this ranks up there with some of the best omakase experiences in our area and the west coast.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №98

On par with Kashiba‘s. Definitely coming back 🍣

Keon Wu’s review below is hilarious. There are only 4-5 business on that side of the street. Getting lost is embarrassing.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №99

Genuinely one of the best sushi restaurants in all of Seattle. Wonderful service, great fresh fish and wagyu.

We were on a waitlist and were able to get a reservation last minute. The staff was so kind and informative. We definitely recommend the sake pairing. This restaurant is at par if not better than the current restaurants in Seattle. We will definitely go back and do recommend it to friends.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №100

Phenomenal, would love to go again, but it is on the pricey side. The staff were so knowledgeable and excited to talk about the food too, really great team.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №101

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №102

This is NOT traditional sushi but it's loaded with flavor and the service is spectacular. If you are open to a new sushi experience, I absolutely recommend this place.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №103

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №104

Wow. Can I leave it at that?! We had such an incredible experience, all 17 courses had us leaving positive remarks. The service was top notch, yet so approachable. A beautiful experience for a special occasion or “just because” you want your mind blown.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №105

We were super lucky to try this place. I heard the wait list is 100K+ long at the time of this review. The food is great. It's omakase (the chef determines your menu based on the best available ingredients). Good luck, and enjoy. P.S. the restaurant doesn't have a sign outside. Look for the door next to the garage on the northeast side of the building (the side facing the hill).

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №106

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №107

Best omakase ever, period! To all bad reviews out there about not being able to find the place or 20% service charge, I mean come on! Everything was clearly stated on the website and confirmation emails so don’t blame the place. We were there for our wedding anniversary and everything was perfection. It is expensive yes but it delivers on every aspect.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №108

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №109

Overall it was great experience. But I may go only once or less per an year becuase of cost vs food. The experience appears to be unique only for first visit.

+ I like the welcome drink(ginger cocktail?) more than the omakase. Go early.
+ the drink pairing options are the best. But pricy.
+ Every sushi pieces were outstanding and unique.
+ great music selection
- One of i care alot when eating raw food is cleanliness. The inside was too dark and unable to know about it.
- Corner seats. There are two chairs on each side. One side is close to restroom(just few steps away). Felt unconformable while eating raw food.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №110

One of the best Omakase experiences, very intimate and comfortable. Great quality fish and service. I'll be looking forward to going again for a new seasonal menu!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №111

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №112

Had a great time! Fish was all so yummy and Wagyu was amazing. I loved the house sake/cocktail pairing! Just don’t get it if you plan to drive home :)

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №113

This was a fun experience overall. We arrived early and joined another couple at the bar where we received a welcome cocktail and waited for the previous seating to leave and our fellow diners to arrive. The food was delicious. The fish quality was excellent, very traditional seafood varieties but with flavor combinations making each bite unique. I had the sake pairing with the meal and it was fantastic. The sommelier picked some fun and unique choices to pair with the courses. I have some food restrictions and they did a great job asking via text in advance and reconfirming upon arrival. I had several substitutions that were given similar treatments as what other diners had. Highly recommend!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №114

I am not a sushi connoisseur by any means - I liked the drinks, sushi and environment and walked out full and happy - til the end.

You pay $50 deposit when reserving. You pay $165/person when you leave ($50 will be taken off the total). We got 1 drink pairing which was 6 drinks (include a full bottle of beer) for $110. At the end of the meal, we were offered 2 extra pieces of nigiri per person and the server made it feel like it was for free ("chef prepared two extra proteins"). Was then charged for an extra $36/person.

After the 20% service fee and tax, and total was a whooping $340/person.

It was good but I'm not so sure it is $340 good....

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №115

If you love sushi and an unusual culinary experience, this is the place for you. I was blown away from start to finish. We were served a welcome cocktail, 16 bites of sushi (no chopsticks, you use your hands), plus an extra bite for those of us who were still hungry, plus a petit four ice cream, plus a farewell tea. I got the sake pairing and w.o.w. it was fantastic. It’s not cheap, but it’s an experience everyone should try at least once. 10/10 would eat there again.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №116

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №117

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №118

Had a really great experience at sushi by scratch. The fish was amazing, the staff were lovely (especially the assistant chef Tai by us!), and the drinks were good! I especially enjoyed extra a la carte dishes, they were wonderful. Overall a really great experience for an unusual omakase!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №119

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №120

The bites of fish here are amazing, but you need to understand what is going on before committing to a $500+ dinner for 2. If you are familiar with the boutique omekase scene then the rest of this review will make sense. If you are new to omekase I would suggest a more traditional one first. That being said, this was a really delicious modern omekase. First, the ambiance is dark and like a back room in a club. Not really what I expected for $250/person. While the staff were friendly, they didn't talk about the fish and the art unless provoked. I personally like to talk to the chef while being part of the preparation. Those points aside, the sushi was fantastic. Specific highlights were the Alaska scallop, salmon, and the waygu sushi. Specifically the waygu was A5 and perfectly cut, the temperature was just right and the bite was like butter on rice! There were other bites where the bone marrow was heated and used to flavor the fish, these were also amazing. Each other bite used a unique combination of spices and salts that layered to create a great tasting experience. Not a traditional omekase at all, but delicious.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №121

This was the greatest food I've ever had in my life

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №122

Sushi By Scratch was an amazing culinary experience! The chefs organized an amazing meal where every single bite was a whirlwind of flavor of incredibly fresh and creatively adorned fish. Additionally, the sake pairing curated by bartender Theo enhanced the flavor experience beyond what I could've imagined. Truly a perfect pairing between food and drink. It was incredible to see masters of their craft at work. You can tell that care and attention went into every detail of the meal. The staff made everyone feel very comfortable with great conversation throughout the experience, whereas most places like this would feel intimidating and overly serious. I left incredibly satisfied, full, and more than a little buzzed - it was worth every penny. Overall this was a 10/10 experience and I would jump at the chance to come back if the opportunity arose!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №123

Awesome experience. Hands down the best meal I've ever had in Seattle. I highly recommend getting your reservation in and go enjoy some nigiri amd sake!
All of the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and creative to create the 17 course meal you get from that.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №124

Had my second omakase experience there last night. Everything is fantastic, from the moment you walk in and are greeted in the bar area for some welcome drinks, until you are taken back to the dining area to dine. Everything is personalized to you even you me seat and name tag, it’s an intimate setting with 3 chefs, 1 mixologist, and 10 patrons. Your glass will never be empty, your beverage pairing will be well curated, and dishes will be explained to you in beautiful detail of fish, sourcing, and preparation. Definitely worth a visit if you are a fan of omakase and fine dining. 10/10 can’t wait for round 3 soon.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №125

This was my second Sushi by Scratch experience, and they did not disappoint! My first time was in Austin, and the quality of service and food were consistent in both locations. I loved the intimate atmosphere. The sushi chefs were friendly and interactive. The location has a very exclusive feel to it.
The quality of the fish was spectacular. It's truly the best sushi I've had, and the only negative thing is that it's ruined me for regular sushi. :)
While I don't like to go on and on, I'd like to address some of the bad reviews here. There are definite entitled jerks out there looking for a fight. The location was very easy to find. If you're having trouble, I recommend using Google maps. The door number is also clearly written in large fonts. Someone here complained about every single thing and even demanded to not pay the automatic 20% gratuity. I'd just say that I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't get the "Waiting" treatment at other places.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №126

We enjoyed an outstanding meal starting with a special house cocktail followed by a 17-course meal of creative sushi servings. All customers are seated at the bar where the staff prepares each course and explains what makes up each one. We elected to partake in a staff-selected sake pairing which complimented the sushi nicely. The sushi and sake were wonderful, and the staff made it a very fun experience. We highly recommend Sushi by Scratch.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №127

I don't understand all the reviews saying it is hard to find. It literally is right at the street address with a plaque on the door. The food was amazing, this place is a wonderful addition to the high end sushi line up seattle currently has. It's different, it's unique, it's still sushi but non traditional. So many of these reviews are soaked in guilt. Enjoy this place, the food is good.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №128

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №129

Exceptional experience. Not sure why people complain about this being hard to find…the door is adjacent to the address placard on the building and there’s a sign next to the door that has the restaurant’s name on it. User error maybe? Dinner starts with a house cocktail in a cool and intimate lounge space and then progresses into the sushi lounge. The sushi was spectacular, the wine / sake / spirits list was phenomenal, and the experience was excellent. Seattle needs more spots like this. Well done!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №130

Sushi lovers in Seattle have way better taste and deserve something way better.

I cannot recall any mid to high-end sushi restaurant that serves Escolar. Don’t they know that a lot of people get an upset stomach after eating this low-quality fish? Yet, they dare to charge $160 pre-tax per person.

Food and service were so poor.

Please do yourself a favor to skip, by all means.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №131

Super meh omakase. Would not recommend. Especially at the prices they charge.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №132

I would give it more stars if I could. The whole experience and the food is spectacular, hats off to the people that brought this to life. Second time coming and I was blown away even more this time around, which I didn’t think was possible. The beverage pairing is top notch.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №133

The combination of high quality ingredients, top notch service, and the setting itself make this an unbeatable experience. Every, and I mean every, bite made me question my pre-sushi-eating existence. I was constantly stuck at the crossroads of wanting to never eat anything else again and excited for the next one. I also loved the purple/blue glow and the low lighting helped focus on your sense of taste. Obviously don't use flash photography here, that's just rude.

All staff members was skilled, professional and not only nice but personable! They made a huge difference in our evening. Before I get to the food I need to give a shoutout to Max, the GM, who greeted us and poured the welcome cocktail (which was so good I could have had like 10 but that is not the point). Our brief but warm interaction with him emphasized that dining is not just about the food. It's a 360° experience and I'm so glad they have someone here to start customers off on the right foot.

Before this place I didn't like seaweed, pickles, or spicy food (please stop booing me) but would never say no to dining here and am so glad I was able to go! I'm pretty green with sushi; I only started eating it about 2 years ago, and even then would only get nigiri or sashimi. This place totally changed my perception of those things and opened my mind for future foodie endeavors!

It's unquestioned that every protein is high quality, and the garnishes did nothing but enhance each bite. Reading a few reviews, it sounds like some people may just not have the palate for appreciating fine-tuned flavors and textures. The proteins were tender and each course was balanced perfectly; not sure how they got that much flavor to remain delicate but they did! My favorites were the hamachi, escolar, and bone marrow

It's rare that a restaurant nails food, staff, and setting but Sushi by Scratch made me want to savor not only the food, but the evening as well. I got the whiskey pairing and it was a fun additional journey. I don't think you need to do a pairing situation to enjoy the food, but who doesn't love a thoughtfully matched beverage option! The dessert round was unexpected but a fantastic finishing touch, and the tea cocktail got satisfied murmurs around the room.

All aspects were special, and I love that it's intimate and exclusive. If you can get a reservation, you must go. Like, mandatory. Reschedule whatever you need to, call out of work if necessary, and stay out late on a weeknight if that's what needs to be done. Totally brag-able and all around just an unforgettable experience that hit and then surpassed every expectation. Thank you Max and staff!!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №134

Tried Texas branch, loved it!! Seattle one is disappointing. Seasoning didn’t go well with the fish at all. Way over seasoned, too much rice, nothing is balanced. would rather have plain fish over rice.
In conclusion, not worth the price, more like a $100 omakase you can get anywhere.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №135

Black light club setting for the lowest quality fish you've ever had.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №136

Fake sushi by a tech bro. Worst sushi in Seattle, maybe anywhere. Not authentic.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №137

Not authentic. Cultural appropriation and con artistry. To be a success sushi chef requires successful lifetime training, not just waking up from your failed IT career, and deciding you want to open a sushi restaurant, let alone multiple locations as a franchise. There are so many better options in Seattle: Limited Edition Sushi, Taneda, Shiro's, etc.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №138

Pretty expensive, but best sushi you can get in Seattle with very intimate experience

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №139

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №140

Excellent experience. The staff were awesome and we had a great time. Such a variety of flavors and food with great show and presentation. Gotta be honest it's not the best sushi I've ever had, but it's definitely close. Very expensive even without the adult beverages but it's way more than just dinner, it's a show.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №141

My fiance and I tried to get a reservation here for over a month so when we were finally able to get in, we were so excited! We've been to several omakase experiences and were looking forward to trying this one (9:30 seating on 10/20/22).

Unfortunately we left incredibly disappointed. The main misses for us were:
- The whole thing felt rushed. The chef had two very present assistants on either side of him who were prepping future courses, taking away from the being able to really watch the roll being constructed, especially when seated on the side like we were.
- The music was 1) generally bad and not needed and 2) too loud; we couldn't hear the chef who was a few feet away when he announced the courses
- Speaking of chef, during his announcements of what was being served, he often forgot what he had just prepared either relying on his assistants to tell him or pulling out a cheat sheet to refer to
- The construction of several pieces were sloppy and falling apart, not what you would expect from a Michelin star restaurant. In fact there were 3 courses where the chef apologized as he set it in front of us and said it was fragile so we should use both hands and take the plate to our mouth.

We were planning to try to make reservations for the upcoming holidays, but after this first dining experience, we've decided to look elsewhere and instead return to other favorite omakase experiences.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №142

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №143

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №144

Wowowow drool worthy food with impeccable service

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №145

We were here for the 9:30 pm seating on Oct 6.

This restaurant is a franchise from a California Michelin One Star sushi bar, so we throught to give it a try. Unfortunately, other than carrying the fame of Michelin, this new restaurant in Seattle is nothing.

Service and Employee Attitude:

It was not easy to find this restaurant. We followed the address and was walking around the block trying to locate the restaurant, as there was not visible sign outside for us to tell where is the entrance. Until we found a gentleman who dressed like a sushi chef walked into this dark door with no street number and clear signate (photo uploaded and hopefully it will show)

I then opened the door and stepped in, there were a person standing behind a bar and another one sitting at the bar. As the person at the bar standing up to greet me. I told him how hard it was for us to find this place. This guy just attacked back saying there is a sign and showed me the small badge size small sign beside the door (also showing in the photo). Then he went on bragging about how this setting make them private and exclusive. I then said “maybe having more instruction in your confirmation email would help”. He then threw back that “We had our address sent in the confirmaiton”. EXCUSE ME? How is sending an address good when the street number is missing?

At this point my excitement of trying this new restaurant is already no where to find. We could have walked away at this point. However, we have deposit held by them and they do charge almost a full price cancellation, so we had to get through this.

My bad feeling about the night was just about to be proved right.

Food:

The whole tasting menu is fulfilled with mostly very basic ingredients that you could easily find in any “non-omakase” sushi restaurants. (Hamachi, Toro, Scallop, Shima Ahi, Madai, Spot Prawn, Salmon and so on, full menu showing in the photo uploaded)

They are not traditional Edomae sushi type of Omakase. Multiple items were seasoned with sugar if not too much sugar that did not supplement the taste of fish.

About half or more of the items were Aburi! Torching some fresh ingredient sure gives it a unique taste, but it does not work on everything. The spot prawn torched tonight just become gooey and even a bit bitter, also with a burnt prawn shell smell.

Surprise keeps coming! We had multiple fish scales found in our sushi! Can you believe it? I have never had the issue in any other sushi restaurant! (Photos uploaded)

Other than these highlights above, other items are just mediocre plain taste. Although, I liked the geoduck and unagi that tasted pretty good.

Finale:

When we are leaving the tasting room, we were presented with a bill automatically including a 20% service charge, which is standard practice for Omakase service. However, with he service/ attitude we received and the food quality, I did not feel like to be imposed by the 20% service charge and they did remove it for us.

Conclusion:

It does not necessarily make you an Omakase sushi restaurant when you just over price the sushi ($165 per person with no drinks or a la carte), have small seatings and serve sushi piece by piece. Omakase is based on the pride of sushi chef and the high level trust customers give to the chef. Our experience with Sushi by Scratch Seattle just proved that they failed to meet any of standard of Omakase. It was a complete disappointment from start to the end.

Although they waived our service fee, we felt like the need to let people who might be interested in this restaurant know that this one they probably should avoid.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №146

If I could rate higher than five stars I would! Absolutely lovely experience. Staff were knowledgeable and friendly, and food was just incredible. I'll be back!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №147

Incredible food, wonderful textures and presentation. the service was also top notch. we will absolutely be coming back, well worth the money.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №148

From start to finish was mind blown the whole time. Managed to get a reservation the day before, cleared our whole schedule just to be able to take this opportunity to try out Sushi by Scratch. Which I’m glad we did, every bite was perfectly crafted and our chef on our side was Michael, chatted with us the whole time. It was an experience I will be reliving for a long time.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №149

Nice ambiance but a few misses for me. First you arrive and sit in a nice bar because you are told to arrive early. Except you can’t have a drink until everyone arrives. So you sit and think that for hundreds of dollars it would be nice just to be able to order. Next once you sit down in the other room at the table they have cute name tags. But the people next to us just spent their entire time on their phones (calling and surfing) which was not fun to be stuck next to them. The fish was good. The bartender was a bit gruff and bossy. We wanted to hold onto the menu and he said we couldn’t because he was afraid we would spill on it. In short the delivery needs some work for the price. The three chefs were nice and tried hard. I wouldn’t go again. Needs some smoothing out.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №150

Probably the best dining experience I've ever had. The Omakase was exceptional, the whiskey menu was on point, the whole experience of starting in the waiting room and then getting moved to the dining area was unique and fun. It's tough to get a reservation here and it's very expensive, but you get what you pay for and we can't wait to come back. Great service too.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №151

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №152

An amazing unique experience. This was a phenomenal journey that’s unlike anything I’ve ever quite done with sushi. Each piece is meticulously prepared individually with a twist. I’d call it edomae style but taking it a step further. I will definitely be back.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №153

Fresh, innovative, and fun. Scratch nails all the good stuff (Otoro, Uni, Amaebi) plus some great surprises and their own special twist on each course. 16 pieces of sushi left me comfortable but not full. Pacing was on point- but with three seatings, it has to be.

I do wish pricing were more transparent prior to arrival especially when it comes to the drink menu. They have a few pairing options but the most popular one, of course, was the sake. This included exactly (no more, no less) 6 standard sake pours for $125 and I felt like I had about 60 seconds to make that decision. The rather complex beverage pairing menu/drink list wasn’t presented during the mandatory 20 minute wait prior to dinner, but rather right after moving to the main dining area and about one minute prior to ordering.

Regardless, I was happy that I went with the sake pairing not only because of the interesting selection but because of the non-traditional pairings (umami/savory sake paired with bright dishes and vice versa). I did order a glass of wine to complement the sake pairing.

Overall, an incredible sushi lineup on par with the best sushi/omakase in Seattle, if not the priciest.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Details
  • 9 sushi photos
  • 153 sushi reviews
  • 4.4 Sushi Rating
  • Reservations: +1 253-237-6761
  • Menu Website: https://www.exploretock.com/sushi-by-scratch-restaurants-seattle
  • Sushi Address: 2331 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, United States
  • Sushi Map: 47.6171321, -122.34326329999999
Specialties
  • Sushi restaurant
Sushi Hours
  • Sunday: 4:30–11 PM
  • Monday: 4:30–11 PM
  • Tuesday: 4:30–11 PM
  • Wednesday: 4:30–11 PM
  • Thursday: 4:30–11 PM
  • Friday: 4:30–11 PM
  • Saturday: 4:30–11 PM
Service options
  • Dine-in: Available
  • Delivery: Available
  • Takeaway: Available
Popular for
  • Dinner: Available
  • Solo dining: Available
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet: Available
Offerings
  • Alcohol: Available
  • Beer: Available
  • Cocktails: Available
  • Healthy options: Available
  • Spirits: Available
  • Wine: Available
Dining options
  • Dinner: Available
  • Dessert: Available
Amenities
  • Toilets: Available
Atmosphere
  • Cosy: Available
  • Trendy: Available
Planning
  • Reservations required: Available
  • Dinner reservations recommended: Available
  • Accepts reservations: Available
Payments
  • Credit cards: Available
  • Debit cards: Available
  • NFC mobile payments: Available
  • Credit cards: Available