Old school. They do it up right. I honestly have no direct personal experience with classic sushi places in Japan, but I have some sense of the virtues they embrace, and how they modify them to suit American tastes. Given that this place is in a tilt-up strip mall thousands of miles from Japan, I can't really say it's truly traditional, but they eliminate a lot of the trappings of Americanization and if nothing else, they certainly make the fish the star. You walk in and the fish case commands the space across from the door. Wraparound bar, and plenty of space for Taka to practice his craft. Tables neatly lined up in a grid between the door and the place of sushi. Nice menu with the soups, salads, and apps you would expect. A modest array of hot and cold sakes on offer, alongside Japanese pale lagers and American pops. But there are three pages of fish listings--sushi, sashimi, nigiri, maki, on and on. Platters chosen by Taka, or build your own. Lots of specials--I mean lots, there were at least two dozen sushi, sashimi, and maki specials on the whiteboard last night. The service is very kind and deferential, very thorough, very professional. Very out of the way--it helps when the server can see the entire dining room at a glance. For soup, salad, a beer, two amazing rolls, and close to ten different kinds of sushi and sashimi, it was $62. And they brought out a free dessert--coffee jello and a very gelato like ice cream. Amazing touch. The fish itself, though, is where it's at. Many of the rolls are very narrow, maybe as wide as a quarter. Not a lot of extra rice or other silliness. The "spicy cucumber outside" roll, which was a special, was much wider, and held together with toothpicks in each serving. Worth the awkward bite, though--the cucumber casing gave it incredible flavor and texture, being on the outside. The salmon sashimi was spectacular, with beautiful deep color, firm texture, and that hint of watermelon fragrance from being so fresh. On the mixed platter, it was alone on the rice. As its own dish, it came with a gel-like ribbon laid over it, which was a smoky and toasty-tasting output of some sort of roe, if I understood the server correctly. Really delicious and complex complement to the salmon. Overall, this is the kind of place that focuses on stellar ingredients and masterfully minimalist execution. It's the kind of sushi place you visit again and again. As much as I love the outrageous sauces and especially the roe combinations at another Snohomish County sushi bar I could name, Taka is the overall winner everywhere else across the board--value, approach, ingredients.
(4)
D.J. Y.
Went back recently, it's been a while, because the size of the place. We got lucky on a Friday night and there were plenty of tables. Service was decent, kitchen speed was perfect, granted, there weren't many people there, just two parties, still, things were wonderful. Flavors were solid and our take home order of California roll was super! "Engrish" is still spoken here: engrish.com So you may or may not get everything you order.... Oh, and I forgot to mention, the Udon broth was some of the finest I have had in a VERY long time. Solid bonito stock with hints of kelp, very tasty and not fishy. I'd hit this place up just for the Udon!!
(5)
Aaron L.
This place was really good the first time we went, a five star experience. We were the only customers there just before closing. I believe it is a husband and wife who own and run it, the wife waiting on the tables and husband is the sushi chef. We ordered a variety of rolls and dishes to try different things. The tempura was amazing, a very light and crispy batter. The sushi was also very good, tasted fresh and was delicious. Towards the end of our meal, the chef asked if we would like to try some new creations he was working on. To our surprise he made some hand made deep fried cones filled with Uni (sea urchin). This was very unique. He also served us some fresh made ice cream on chilled spoons for desert with a unique topping. We really enjoyed the tasting, and best of all, there was no charge. We tipped them very well and look forward to trying it again.
(4)
Benjamin K C.
I don't see how this restaurant can be a five star yet. I agree that the sushi was not bad; but it wasn't fresh enough. May be it was just the day I went in particular. I would describe it a little better than Sushiland and not as good as I love sushi. It is not bad for a casual dinner, just don't expect the authentic Japanese style preparation and freshness. I ordered the sushi and sashimi combo last time. I always order this for all sushi restaurant because I can tell how good the sushi chefs are by how they cut the fish. And this one was a so-so for me. I was kind of disappointed actually. My expectation was quite high based on the reviews on here. As you can see on my picture, the sushi roll was in weird shape. That's quite a turn off, as you know presentation is everything in Japanese food. I do like their dessert, which was the coffee pudding. It was quite refreshing for a summer day.
(3)
Jeff M.
This place is sooo good! Its a little bit hidden but for sure a gem. Taka is the actual sushi chef that made our sushi!! Lovely staff and purely Japanese! :)
(5)
Albert P.
I like it but I think there are better deals in Lynnwood. I was impressed by the attention to me and my friends. It was a little pricey for the quality of fish. Albert
(3)
Lei S.
I've been coming to Taka Sushi since I was a kid (so far back in the day that he was still located on Hwy. 99 in Edmonds/Shoreline). This is where my husband and I go for guaranteed sushi satisfaction. Over the 20 or so years I've been coming to Taka-san's restaurant, he has consistently served quality sashimi and his dishes are always fresh and tasty. Over the years he's always kept traditional Japanese offerings on the menu but has included more creative menu items as well. We've taken many friends here and everyone has raved about how good everything is. Service is always friendly and attentive and this is the one place that has both excellent sushi and non-sushi items (the Okinawa soba is the next best thing to my own grandmother's!). Please don't let the location (north end, strip mall) deter you from coming here. It is absolutely worth the drive and energy to make the trek out to Lynnwood!
(5)
Donald E.
First off...let's all agree that we can calm down with the 5 star reviews. To 5 star a place essentially means you can't possibly find a place better than where you are rating... with that said, this restaurant isn't bad. It is a very small location with a limited menu and a wait staff that you have to grab by the arm to get their attention. I had to ask for a menu, and utensils...then ask for my check when I was clearly done. As far as food quality, its good...not great, not phenomenal, for sure not "5 star" but good. The prices were fair, the rolls are about 60/40 rice to meat, but I didnt feel ripped off. Good place probably for lunch or a quick bite, but 5 star??? C'mon...for a region known for seafood, that's either uneducated or flat out biased
(3)
Bob M.
Surprisingly great sushi from this little shop. I highly recommend stopping by. Not the cheapest sushi but good fish isn't free. Give it a shot, you won't be sorry you did.
(5)
Sara M.
If you go here, you will feel terrible about ever eating at a conveyor belt sushi joint again. Consider yourself warned. If you have the opportunity to trek it to Lynnwood, however, Taka Sushi is a must! I love spicy and I love tuna, and the best items on the menu include both! I loved the baked crispy rice with spicy tuna, crispy habanero spicy tuna plate (also comes in spicy salmon), and of course, the sashimi tower with Taka's "special sauce". If you're lucky there will be room to sit at the sushi bar and you can talk with the master himself. And maybe watch him sneak a few swigs of sake like the boss that he is.
(5)
Hunter O.
Good place. thanks fellow yelps we would not have come here other wise. the fish was wonderfully fresh and good and the rolls were outstanding. we ordered a huge run to give the place a good shot. the only thing that was a little off was the samlon was a little fishy. customer service was great. next time i am in lynnhood and need some sushi am here. P.s. dont get weired out buy the building and lack of cars in the lot.
(4)
Lindsay P.
Cam and I went here the other night for dinner and it was pretty good! He ordered one of the bento boxes with some fried shrimp dumpling type things and california rolls. I had the sushi and sashimi plate. There have been times in the past when I have ordered sashimi and gotten it and gone "ugh, what is this crap?" But I decided to take a chance again and get it here at Taka, and it was wonderful! The fish all melted in your mouth, and with a little bit of wasabi and soy sauce, it had the perfect flavor. The menu itself is pretty basic; you get your standard sashimi, sushi, and hand roll choices. But if you look at the white board towards the left side of the restaurant you'll find their fancier specials. I unfortunately missed this until after I ordered, so I didn't get to try and of the specials. Next time though, I will. Pretty average prices for a nice sushi joint; we paid about $45 after tip. I can't stand Sushi Land or Blue C so other than those places, that is pretty standard, if not still inexpensive for a lot of sushi places.
(4)
Erin U.
We heard about this restaurant on NPR a few weekends ago and decided to check it out. We've been looking for a decent sushi place in Snohomish county since moving here from Lake City four years ago. This place is wonderful. It feels a little dated and shabby, but you can tell it's because they channel their profits into the food instead of the decor, which I certainly have no problem with. We had a geoduck and shitake mushroom dish that I could eat every single day, and the nigiri was all wonderfully fresh. The service was great, though that may have partially been due to the fact we were there early on a Thursday. All in all, definitely worth the money.
(4)
Wendy S.
Don't let the depressing strip mall fool you! this is a gem off 99! We were in the area looking for good sushi. A friend recommended this place and yelp solidified our decision. We pulled up and we were pretty unsure - parking lot empty and a business type strip mall. We decided to be brave and headed on in - Boy were we happy we did! The service was great and the chef and fish was amazing and fresh! The chef added special touches to each plate of sushi that was brought out. Extra maguro with our order, extra spicy tuna outside of the roll. There was a large group in the corner but we were the only other couple in the place for most of the dinner (it was a tues night). We had a ton of special roles and nigiri. We also had 2 large beers and a bottle of their nicest sake. Our bill came to $100. It was a date night and we will pay for amazing and fresh sushi. We thought it was all totally worth it! We'll be back with friends next time!
(4)
Odessa T.
We ate here the other night because I saw such good reviews. I had the Sashimi tower and the big roll special. The sashimi tower was pretty good, but nothing amazing. The big roll was actually kind of gross. It tasted like mayonnaise. I tried a couple bites of other people's rolls, and they were good. Service was good, except for they forgot to bring us a roll we ordered and then tried to charge us for it. I'd try it again, but I've definitely had better.
(3)
Clint W.
One of my buddies suggested grabbing a bite here after work and he said it's a place he frequents a lot. He's a lot like me, in that we love to try new places to eat, so off we went. It's hidden in a little strip mall sort of across from Costco and I drove right past it the right time. It's really tucked away and you have to look for it. We walked inside and it's tiny! The entire restaurant must only seat 25 peeps. We grabbed a table in the corner and started to look at the specials on the whiteboard. He started with a tuna roll and I have to try the octopus. For entrees, we both had the sushi and sashimi, Taka's choice. I like my octopus, but was just so so on his tuna roll. When our entrees popped out, we both thought we would still be hungry and we both looked back up at the whiteboard. But after eating for awhile, we really filled up. It was a nice selection and the spicy tuna roll was smokin' good. I was pushing it to finish my meal. All in all, I'll probably be coming back. There's a lot of other items that I'd like to try and I think it's what sets Taka apart from other places. You're not going to just get the standard stuff. He's going to come up with different combinations and flavors. (The uni ice cream was NOT something I tried.)
(4)
Ju K.
Your friendly neighborhood holeinthewall sushi house. Owned and operated by a lovely elderly Japanese couple. Tastes down to earth like home-cookin. Lady even gave us 'cho-jaang', Korean substitute for wasabi/soysauce!
(5)
Diane P.
My fiance and I wanted to try a new sushi place, so given the favorable reviews, we went. When we walked in they were clearly busy - all tables taken, except for one. We patiently waited for 5 minutes to be acknowledged by the busy waitress. Finally she came to us and told us that they are too busy to serve us tonight. We said, 'No problem' as we just wanted to get take out. She went to the back to ask someone else (maybe the manager?) - he came out, looked at us, shook his head, and the waitress told us, 'Sorry, we aren't doing take out tonight' - SERIOUSLY?!?! We got denied service! I have never felt so discriminated on or rejected at an establishment. This place is pathetic.
(1)
Kara T.
Very disappointment with the sushi. My husband and I both ordered the Chirashi Sushi and we wont' be coming back. It was very little sushi for the price, but more importantly the fish was not fresh...it was rubbery, lacked in color and smelled slightly off. We won't be coming back and we are very surprised by all the great yelp reviews. Confused by it actually...yelp usually never leads us astray.
(2)
Roy Y.
We tried this place on a not-so-busy Wednesday night. Their specialty sashimi tower was pretty good. Service was average, we sat there without chopsticks for a while, and they never gave us the hot tea we requested. Sushi meat freshness could improve, and the rice was warm on one of the sushi I had...
(3)
S H.
Delicious!
(5)
Dokdo K.
Charming little sushi joint. One of best sushi places in Lynnwood area. Sushi is fresh, tempura crisp is just right. Rolls are not top notch to look at, but taste fabulous. I want to try the $50 chef special, but always forget to order a day in advance as they require..
(4)
Toby L.
After reading so many positive reviews about this place, I was pretty eager to see if Taka Sushi could live up to the hype. The restaurant is very small, and the waitress was friendly. They serve a complimentary green tea, which was nice (especially on a cold day). My wife and I ordered the Sushi Regular and one of the specials of the day, appropriately named 'the big roll' (it was huge, but consisted mostly of white rice). The little salad was delicious...very flavorful dressing. While the miso soup was also good (standard miso soup), I thought that it was strange that they didn't serve it with a spoon of any type. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to drink it or use my chopsticks...ended up doing a combo of those options. Strange. Is that normal? The food was okay. Honestly, for me, there was nothing worth raving about, and nothing really worth complaining about. I've had much, much better, but I've also had worse. The mayonnaise sauce in the big roll was honestly kind of weird and the sushi meat was right around room temperature. Personally, I prefer it to be a little on the colder side, as I think that preserves freshness. For the two dishes, our bill came to a fairly reasonable $24. We definitely could have gotten more sushi and better sushi around here for that amount of money. I'm not exactly eager to go back, but it's not a place I'd avoid either. It was just kinda so-so for me.
(3)
Kate A.
The food is good, very fresh , high quality fish. Service is also attentive. My one gripe is the linen table cloths( which are covered with glass so the table tops are at least clean) are filthy. There are only five or six tables in the whole restaurant so it shouldn't be too hard to launder the linens.
(4)
Ken C.
Taka has the best sushi in the area. It is a nine table, family run business that I visit as often as possible with my family. I love the sushi and my less adventurous family members enjoy the other dinner options. A must visit for those looking for great Japanese food.
(5)
Jill B.
Yummy Yummy Yummy in my tummy tummy tummy I love sushi and will go to Lynnwood just for the best. I have been here when Japanese people from Bellevue say this is the only place to go. Taka is hilarious and a great sushi master, he has good portions of fish and will make something off the menu if you ask him too. Orgasmic, that's what this place does for me and it's very therapeutic. Yeah baby!!
(5)
shane s.
A small place you might pass by without giving it a second look but this place is well worth the stop. Its a small place inside. With 4 people we shared a assorted sushi boat and everything was great. The miso soups seemed simple and not from scratch but otherwise the sushi was excellent. Tasted very fresh, cut well and presented nicely. The place is Japanese sushi which uses a rice I like better than Korean rice. Not sure whats different about it but its a slightly different texture and taste I think is great.
(4)
Jeff L.
Not even 10 reviews for one of my favorite north end places?!?!?!??! You guys must be hatin' on Aurora Ave or something. Sure the location sucks and the place is about half the size of the Apple store but the foods is DAMN GOOD. As for price, it's slightly higher than I usually expect for something in the north end but the menu is listed on yelp so you know what you're getting into when you go. and no, I didn't see any hookers on Aurora Ave.
(5)
Zack G.
If you're lucky enough to be told about the amazing cuisine - at Taka Sushi... AND also lucky enough to be told EXACTLY where the restaurant is located (which is not visible unless you're directly in front of the restaurant itself) - buy a lottery ticket - luck is on your side! Taka Sushi is tiny and inconspicuous... However, aren't the best eats always found in the proverbial, "hole-in-the-wall"? That said, the food quality and service is worthy of 5 stars. Taka Sushi is the real deal.
(5)
Kilo S.
i came here when i had never tried sushi before. i would say that it was a good experience. i also came with a group of friends who knew the owner well so that helped. taka sushi made me a lover of sashimi! its a reeeally small place but its awesome. the sashimi tower was my favorite.
(3)
Kate B.
I have driven by this spot a million times on Hwy 99 and never even knew it was there. A fellow foodie who is big into sushi gave me the recommendation and I am so glad she did. This place is definitely not about appearances and bring a sweater because I don't think they turn on the heat. But..., even though I was chilly, I loved me some sushi. I am not the most adventurous of fish eaters but the salmon collar, california habanero roll, spider roll and baked crab roll were excellent. The baked crab roll was quite possibly one of the most delicious things I have put in my mouth. The sauce had bits of crab (I think...?) and it was like butter. My date had the wasabi sorbet with uni and he needed a moment alone after eating it. Definitely a must-visit for sushi fans, especially in Lynnwood. Oh, and their menu is huge for such a little place. Great selection.
(5)
Brian H.
Great service and foods. The price may be a bit expansive but it's worth the price to eat these authentic sushi. All the sushi are made by the main chef who has an experience of 20 years in Seattle( without taking into account that he started making sushi at the age of 16). It's a great place to enjoy at least once in a while.
(5)
Curtis L.
We went here on Sunday night because we didn't want to cook and had an inkling for sushi. After some research on Yelp for a sushi joint in the Lynnwood area, we decided on Taka Sushi since the recently opened Hokkaido was closed on Sundays. Plus Taka had good reviews and not too far away. This place is tucked near the back of an industrial/commercial strip mall across from the Lynnwood Costco business center. Keep you eyes out for the sign or you'll miss it. They were the only place open in the building so parking was plentiful although tight given the parking layout. When we arrived, we were promptly seated and greeted. It was almost 7pm and there was just 4 people at the sushi bar. Seemed like regulars. While were were looking over the expansive menu and white board special, three more groups showed up and almost filled up the six tables available. There was just one server so once they arrived, service slowed. We ended up ordering the Big Roll, Baked Crab Roll and Tempura. Each item came separately and nicely space apart. The big roll was good. Four large pieces with fresh tasting salmon and tuna. The baked crab roll, which looked just like the picture of the baked scallop on california roll (i'm guessing they are the same) came out hot but the flavors didn;t jump out and the cali roll underneath was just ho hum. The tempura was very good. About 8 large pieces nicely battered and piping hot. We surely enjoyed each piece. All in all, there was more than enough for the two of us. It did take the waitress, a little while to refill our tea but service is on par for a mom and pop shop. The pricing was average as well. Sushi is from $5 - $12 per roll, entrees were in the $10-$15 and the combos are around $20. They do have a sushi boat for $50 and Omakase for $50 per person. Overall, we had a good experience and would return to try more of their menu.
(4)
Shannon L.
My husband and kids LOVE sushi and they are very picky about where we go for Sushi. This is everyone's favorite sushi bar. Taka is a master sushi chef and it shows. We love everything there, we have eaten here dozens of times and have never had anything bad. The spicy scallop roll is a must have. I am a fan of spider roll. My husband loves everything! We highly recommend it.
(5)
Erik k.
i been comming here for 7years so far i love this place.. im actually visit here every sunday i don want this place getting poupular..oh hell no now this place get packed every on the weekend.. why...why...why..why pretty much similar as real japanese authentic restaurant in japan fresh sashimi nicely presented awsome tast of nigiri sushi so much goodness....the owener taka san he always doing his best same great taste even in the rush time..u guys will become one of his fan.. enjoy
(5)
Diana H.
Yep, we went back tonight, a Sunday, and the place was busy....with many patrons of Japanese heritage. The sushi is fresh, staff is friendly, speedy and accommodating. We thought about going to Ballard for sushi, but why get irritated with the parking hassles and pseudo city vibe when we can get very, very good sushi at a reasonable price, no pretention and just a wee bit closer to home? This time we enjoyed vegetable tempura (my craving along WITH sushi) salmon, albacore, spicy tuna and california roll -- nigiri was really fresh....melt in your mouth.Tempura was very good, not greasy, fresh and hot and delicious. We'll be back again soon.
(4)
J S.
The sushi is perfect here. I grew up eating sushi and prefer the basics like maguro, ebi, ika, etc. It's wonderful stuff. The Okinawa soba is also a favorite. It's like ramen but with a pork flavor base with pieces of tasty pork in the noodles. They sometimes run out of this. I don't know of any other place that makes it in Seattle. The tempura is light and crispy, too. I wonder if the miso soup base is made in-house as it does not taste like it comes out of a package. True, the chef does not always greet us as we enter or when we leave but the staff is friendly, speak English fairly well, and give good service. Taka's is small but has a comfortable atmosphere. I always feel like I'm in Japan when I come here.
(5)
Mei-I F.
So I've been thinking about all the sushi/japanese restaurants in town and I can't believe I completely forgot about this one! If you love sushi, get in your car right now and drive to Lynnwood. This sushi here is flavorful! I know that sounds weird, but they marinate and create their own rolls and specials that are out of this world good! Who doesn't want flavor in their food? Yes there is the traditional stuff, but order their specials because it ridiculously good!!
(5)
e t.
The place is small and it gets crowded quick. I always try to go on a slow weekday or after "rush hour" so I can get the best service and not wait in line. I really liked their unusual off-the menu food that they write up on their white board-try their habanero spicy tuna and the crispy spicy tuna (I think that's what it was called).
(5)
Mark M.
I lived a year in Japan back in high school and developed a strong love for Japanese food. I only wish Taka Sushi was around when I returned home, as finding a true sushi master is very difficult. Now I live down south and only get up to Lynnwood every other month or so. I relish each trip because it means I get to eat at Taka Sushi. I highly suggest you order one of Taka's roll creations to start your visit. Then order a few of your favorites. And then ask Taka to just create stuff for you. He's very adept at learning your palette's desires and his custom creations for your taste buds will keep you coming back. Hands down the best place to eat in Lynnwood, and as sushi goes, on of the best in the state.
(5)
erin m.
awesome fresh and an excellent price. fish was very fresh and presentation was outstanding. the rolls that were put in front of us were enormous and wonderfully flavored. loved the ABC roll and the habenareo spicy tuna roll. will definetly be back. This place is very small and intimate so no big parties or kids would be recommended
(5)
Matthew J.
OK the decor is funky; I particularly like the duct tape on the ceiling. The place makes a shoebox look roomy and phone conversations are like teaching a pig to whistle. It annoys the pig and wastes your time. However if you want some of the best sushi ever, go to taka sushi and order the omakase menu. Omakase basically means you are putting yourself in the chef's hands. Do it. Really. In between standard maki rolls we had an amazing "ahi salsa" with tuna sashimi, cilantro, tomatoes, avocados and soy vinaigrette; a delicate salad with crisp greens and shredded tuna; a spider roll with warm bay scallops and some sort of creamy sauce; a wicked "sashimi tower" that is worth the price of admission alone; and more. My dining companion was put off by the uni on a spoon of green tea sorbet so I had two. Awesome! It was so good it almost overshadowed the traditional food - the hamachi was crazy good and I would live off that tuna - mercury be damned. The tuna is definately graded number 2+, which is about the best you can get without taking a third mortgage. So step up with a nice $50 bill and be prepared to be amazed. I never would have stayed once I walked in and saw the place until I had the food. And then I never wanted to leave. So now, get off your butt and go there. Right now. Go early, as you'll get lost. Its worth it.
(5)
K T.
Read a decent review of Taka Sushi, but I'll have to say I was turned off by their service when I called in to make a reservation. Apparently the owner didn't want to take a reservation for our group of 8 because we would fill up "two" of their tables. Because they were expecting a busy evening, they wouldn't accept our request. What good is a reservation then?
(1)
Luke F.
I've been going to Taka Sushi for over 10 years now. His albacore and Japanese scallop nigiri are to die for! His creative sushi combinations are wonderful. Nice small local feel.
(4)
S C.
I went here a while back because a friend recommended the place. Food wad decent. Service sucked. The owner (behind the sushi bar) didn't even look up to say hi when we walked in. We sat at the sushi bar and every time we tried to order, it was a challenge. If I'm in the neighborhood and dying for sushi, I might go back. Otherwise, I can find comparable quality with much better service closer to home in Seattle.
(3)
Lea D.
This is my first review on yelp, and I figured I'd start with this place since they are a bit off the grid. Based on a random recommendation (since we were in Lynnwood and didn't know of any nearby sushi restaurants(, we headed there in search of some decent sushi. We were in luck. The sushi was delicious and the people working were extremely nice. We had 4 different rolls and hot tea to drink between the two of us, and our bill was only 37 dollars. In the past, we've racked up some pretty huge sushi bills. The Spicy Tuna roll and the Spicy Tuna Habanero roll were excellent. We also had the soft shell crab roll and the bake scallop roll. No complaints. Above all, the best part was what is lurking in the backroom of the restaurant. After being told numerous times "you HAVE to go look at what's in the bathroom", i headed towards the back and discovered a bidet. I didn't try it, but if you visit this restaurant, you have to check it out!
(4)
Shane M.
eww warm rice. sushi moto is better.
(2)
Tee Q.
This place is small, though quite quaint. The service is awesome! The lady that serves us is always so attentive and extremely polite. The food is delicious. I usually venture there with a few of my girlfriends.
(5)
Majsan C.
Nestled in a strip mall, this place seems like it's been there forever. It's got a well-loved interior, and a few tables with a sushi bar and Taka himself working hard behind the bar. My husband and I visited on a date night, and we were very pleasantly surprised by the quality of fish and taste of each dish put before us. We liked it enough to bring our three children (ages 15,3, and 2) with us for a second visit. We sat at the bar on a very busy Friday night and, again, were not disappointed! The servers and Taka interacted with all of the members of our party, and he even treated the youngest ones to complimentary ice cream bars for dessert. We love this place, but would recommend going on a week night and expect to spend some time. Try the spicy scallop California roll - it is amazing!!!!
(4)
H.A. M.
Service was friendly and speedy. Sushi was great. They use brown rice instead of white rice, it looks a bit different, however, it is still very good. I actually wouldn't have known had I not seen it. I look forward to going back.
(4)
Hideaki Z.
I love Taka Sushi, because taste like Okinawa all the food, it's delicious and wonderful
(5)
Ginny M.
There is both good and bad, but given the bad, and the abundance of sushi restaurants in the area, I have no reason to go back. First, the bad: horrible service. Normally I focus on food, but the service was so poor that it was disruptive. For example, while service was slow - nobody seemed interested in getting our order - after the food arrived, things were whisked away, uneaten, if you blinked. The place is very small and at one point, people had come in and were standing in the doorway. The waitress, within a few feet of them, studiously ignored them, and ultimately they left, and if I had been the owner I would've been miffed. Even if she is busy, she should at least have acknowledged them (and there were some empty, though not yet cleared, tables). As to the food - here is the bad. The two nigiri sushi items we ordered - tamago and salmon (sake) - had serious problems. There was so little rice attached to the tamago that it would have been better if there had been none, as it was almost insulting. The salmon was badly cut - it contained not only "pink" material but also brown along the edge - and a string running through it. That is an "F" in my view. I have attached a photo to show the miniscule rice and the brown edge along the sushi. However, there were two items which were quite fine - the tempura appetizer, and the rainbow roll, which was not on the menu (a "minus" as well) but was available when we requested it, and was very well-prepared. This is not the only place in town where I can get a well-prepared rainbow roll and tempura appetizer, so since the problems outweigh the pluses, there is no reason to return.
(2)
Ali R.
Great food, cozy and a very nice staff. I was so happy to find a place that serves Okinawan soba in Seattle, and I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. The menu was simple but they still had a good variety of things. If you want great Okinawan soba and good sushi this is the place to go!
(5)
Keith L.
I still like it here but the switch to brown rice is a turn off. The presentation is such a big part of sushi abs brown rice makes it look dirty. The rice taste fine though. The pprtions seem to have shrunk as well
(4)
Sari G.
This sushi is horribly presented. No wine selection (one white wine option). Looks like something made by a first-grader! Forget about it!
(1)
Christine C.
I make the trek every year on New Year's eve for Okinawa soba. Make sure you call ahead since last year I got the last order :) Was so good!
(4)
Brett J.
Lunch special is awesome.. My Favorite sushi place in Lynnwood.
(5)
Eddie M.
In twenty years, finding a place like this will be like finding an Obama supporter. This is one of the last, truly small mom-n-pop Okinawa-centric Japanese restaurants in the region. This isn't so much "Japanese" cuisine as it is Okinawan-influenced Japanese cuisine. While there is the gratuitous Japanese essentials we come to expect here, like "teriyaki" and generic sushi, the real menu is handwritten and posted on the wall, away from the sushi counter. Look over the listings and you will notice a pattern. And, that pattern is cutting-edge creativity. While all the items on the standard menu are winners, real adventurous diners will go for the "omakase" sushi where Taka-san diverts to two paths. One path, that for the newbies who dare accept the challenge and call a day ahead to place an order, is greatly rewarded with off-the-beaten path sushi and non-sushi concoctions that will test your limits. The other path is dependent of many subtle factors, mostly whether Taka-san has the time and, if you are a regular, does he have the ingredients handy to go all-out and create some museum-quality sushi artwork. I have been to both lands and can tell you with supreme confidence that there is no other current sushi master in this region that can create the quality of sushi that Taka-san can whip up on short notice. But, back to what's extra noteworthy. For lunch, try the sashimi salad. It is a mound of fresh, crisp veggies dressed with cuts of maguro, salmon, and shrimp topped with a sesame/soy dressing that is simply divine. As an alternative, go for the Okinawa soba (sonki soba). The chunk of tender, marinated spare rib swimming in the savory broth will leave you breathless. The beer to order here is Orion (Oh-ree-ohn). It is brewed in Okinawa, unlike the Sapporo bottle that is brewed in Guelph, Ontario. This is the best Japanese beer in large format. And, if you are lucky or can remember, try the dessert that used to be standard at dinnertime. It is a square-cut of dark coffee-and-cream gelatin bathed in condensed milk and is a great finish to a fabulous meal. Highly recommended.
(4)
R H.
Small mom and pop shop. I ordered a few rolls, nigiri, and the sashimi tower. That tower.... nothing but protein for days! The owners were real nice, and they even hooked it up with some salmon belly! Try this restaurant out, even better if you go in on a slow day!
(4)
Mia G.
This is a five star local sushi place. Best I've been to outside of Seattle. The food was amazing, the service was great. We brought our 15 month old and they gave him a sippy cup (we forget ours). The staff was very friendly. Very reasonably priced!!! Will definitely be going back many times in the future!
(5)
Kiana F.
My family and I have gone to Taka Sushi for years. But I most recently went last week, after spending two and a half years in Japan eating authentic Japanese food. My family is Japanese, and I had just returned to the states only to go out to dinner to a Japanese place, I wasn't stoked, but it wasn't my choice (it was for my brother's birthday so it's not like I could request something different). I was pleasantly surprised by how much it tasted like what I had been eating in Japan. This food is the real deal. This time, I had the saba (mackerel), and a spicy tuna roll. The saba was delicious. Their tea is my favorite kind of green tea, genmai (it's green tea mixed with roasted rice). And from what I can tell, their happy hour is a great deal! I will definitely return just to try their sushi at happy hour!
(5)
Florence C.
Good food. Will go back. Sashimi was fresh. Ceviche Salad and Baked Scallop was delicious.
(4)
Barry R.
What a disappointment. The sushi man made us feel like we were doing him a favor by eating at his sushi bar. Four stars on Yelp? It makes you have no faith in this rating system. The sushi was prepared in a sloppy way, we left after ordering our third piece. We really really would love to have a decent sushi place in the north end, but we will continue to drive into Seattle for good sushi.
(1)
Michelle W.
You know the food will be good when you see people eating in an establishment that are actually the ethnicity of the food they serve. The sushi was fresh, well prepared and very efficiently served. The service was kind and welcoming. I only give it 4 stars because the restaurant setting is a little less welcoming than the food and people who run it. I had the sushi lunch and it was fantastic and very reasonably priced.
(4)
Paul M.
This place reminded me of a place in Southern California where I first fell in love with sushi. It is legitimately original sushi. If you are looking for some funky fusion place this isn't it. The only thing they serve here is traditional sushi, beer and Saki. The fish is wonderfully fresh and the service is adequate. Don't be put off by the location in a small strip mall. IT IS GOOD!
(4)
Megan B.
This is my go-to sushi place, partly because it's so close to home, but mostly because it's awesome! Everything I've tried at Taka has been excellent. My favorite thing there would probably be the Big Roll, often on special, which is almost the size of the palm of your hand, and filled with all sorts of deliciousness. The spicy tuna roll, spider roll, and tempura vegetables are also really good. Honestly, I haven't tried anything there that I haven't liked! Taka is the first real sushi restaurant I ever went to, and no matter how many new restaurants I try, Taka remains my favorite.
(5)
Holly W.
I have been longing to find authentic Okinawa soba close to home and I finally found it! I too have missed the flavors of "home" and Taka-San's Okinawa soba filled the void. The noodles, the broth, the pork...it was all perfect! They even had the Okinawa chili sauce made out of Awamori! If only they were closer to home, but then would be dangerous! Definitely can't wait to go back again soon! Thank you Taka-San!
(5)
David Y.
First a bit of background. I am half-Japanese, or more accurately, half-Okinawan. My sister and I went home to Okinawa last spring and the one dish we kept eating over and over was Okinawa soba. We ate it at home and ate it at many restaurants and loved every chewy noodle and drop of savory broth. And, we also liked a hot sauce made from Awamori (Okinawan sake) with chilis soaking in it. Back in Seattle, my sister and I craved the tastes of our homeland and found this little place named Taka Sushi. We ordered the Okinawa soba and were incredibly thrilled to be able to satisfy our craving for authentic down-home Okinawa soba. It was fantastic. The noodles, sourced from Hawaii, were perfectly cooked, nice and firm and a little chewy. The broth was rich and flavorful... so incredibly delicious. The pork was tender and tasty as well. And, to our surprise, a bottle of Awamori hot sauce was provided with our soba! We were delighted to see that little bottle! We had a few appetizers as well - gyoza, chicken karaage and a few pieces of sushi. All were fantastic. I just got home and already can't wait until I can make another trip to Lynwood for more of Taka-san's masterful cooking. I saw Taka-san working behind the counter and chatted with him about his origin, I wondered if he was from Okinawa. Indeed he was! I was so excited! I showed him photos on my phone of the trip my sister and I made to visit our family and Taka-san was so friendly, he looked at every photo I showed him and was happy to talk to me about my background. It's not often you get to talk to the owner and have him be so friendly and warm. Taka-san, thank you very much for making our experience a great one, I can't wait to visit you again! David.
(5)
Michiko Y.
If I lived closer... It would be dangerous. I could never get sick of the Okinawan Soba~ The Okinawan soba was so flavorful that it kept you wanting more of it. Noodles and broth, slurp. Pork, nom nom. Yeah, i said it. Nom nom. I just have absolutely nothing bad to say about this. The flavor was so damn spot-on that I'd say it was the best around. Their noodles were fantastic too.You can't get them in Seattle! If you can, then you must be awesome make your own. Keep in mind, I'm picky. So that says a lot! To be honest, after I ate the last bit of my soba, I was left a little speechless. It made me miss being in Japan so much. No other establishment in this whole state has made me do that before. I also tried their sushi, and I was also not disappointed with it. I loved the hotate. I actually had scallops instead of just rice like I normally get at other restaurants. Plus they had this HUGE roll. I forgot the name, but that looked pretty tasty too. The chicken karaage was so flavorful too... Thinking about this is making me hungry again. If you're reading this, then I highly suggest you pack up and make tracks to Lynnwood as soon as they open. Grab your friends, grab your boss, grab yo wife and show some love for this amazing place. I'll be making an appearance there sometime in the very near future. I can guarantee that!
(5)
Katinka R.
I am new to the sushi thing because my very first sushi experience was awful. This restaurant CURED my fears of sushi. My friends, who are regulars, ordered up a huge variety. Everything was delicious. My personal favorite was the calimari one. Presentation was impeccable. Tiny restaurant, and a bit hidden.
(4)
Jacey S.
My favorite sushi joint in the north. It's teeny-tiny, so time your visit just so. The fish is remarkably fresh and the owners are very friendly once they get to know you. The must-haves are Crispy Rice (spicy tuna and creamy crab salad on top of a hunk of fried rice), Sashimi Tower (delicious sashimi swimming in tangy ponzu), Spicy Tuna Habanero Roll (spicy and colorful), Salmon Sashimi (simplicity is pure perfection.)
(5)
Regie V.
Small, authentic and delicious!! Even their happy hour menu is tasty and plentiful. I only wish they were easier to find. Hard to see from the street so don't give up if u can't find it on the first few passes. They are worth the visit.
(4)
Eric H.
I've been eating here for nearly 5 years and this used to be our favorite place. A year ago, I would have given this place five stars, but then they raised their prices and changed the menu and portion sizes. Taka used to be one of the best values, but now it's high-priced and mediocre at best. Some things haven't changed. Waitstaff is friendly. The place is tiny and take-out is at the owner's discretion, so you're still liable to be turned away. On our last visit, we had an early dinner so we were seated right away. I noticed the menu had changed slightly and the prices had gone up again. My expectations were high since I've been to some great sushi places lately, charging about the same. My wife had the bento with Sabashio Yaki and spicy tuna roll. I had the Chirashi. The first thought we had about the roll was how sloppily it was made. The rice was uneven and the roll loosely wrapped. My wife liked the Saba, but my fish didn't taste very fresh and so many of the pieces I had were stringy and tough. They also used imitation crab, which is horrible in my opinion. The rice was inconsistent in flavor. Some tasted bland and some had a strong vinegary flavor. All in all, we were a bit disappointed in how much the quality of the fish has degraded. I remember when they raised prices the last time, I said we could probably find a better sushi place. Now that we tried it again and found the quality has suffered, it only reinforces that we will be having sushi elsewhere.
(2)
Jena E.
I can't decide if this place deserves a fancier location, or if I prefer it as it is, as a hidden gem in a Lynnwood strip mall off of 99. Although it's only 2 miles from my house, I had to Google Nav us there to make sure we didn't miss it. "Are you sure it's not closed?" my husband asked. "All I see is a State Farm." The location would have put me off, too, except that no matter which site I go to - Yelp, Urbanspoon, Google Maps - people were slavering about how fresh and buttery and authentic everything is, so we had no choice but to check it out. The best part of Taka is the emphasis on omakase. For $19 or $25, you can get a chef's choice combination that will include sushi and a roll, or sushi, nigiri and a roll. It looks like a mini-fig tournament in there, because everyone has a boat on their table. If you can't eat sushi without a Japanese beer, they have Kirin, Asahi, Sapporo, or Orion. We finished off our gorge-fest with mochi ice cream, and were treated to a complimentary house dessert also. Thank you, lovely fish folks.
(5)
Kari L.
Looking for good sushi? This is the place to go! Its a hidden gem in lynnwood. You dont go to this place for the atmosphere or the five star service...you go to this place strictly for the food. Its your typical whole in the wall mom-n-pop restaurant that provides five star food! I highly recommend it.
(5)
Tiffany G.
A great happy hour menu and the sushi was fresh and delicious. I was impressed at the size of the sashimi for the mini-sashimi platter--you definitely get what you pay for! We also ordered the spicy salmon roll and the JJ roll which were both equally delicious. The service was also great--our server was friendly, brought us complimentary edamame and their coffee jello dessert was fantastic. This is a hidden gem, tucked away off 99. During or after happy hour, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Larena H.
A sushi chef needs to do one thing to impress me: GET CREATIVE. At Taka, they succeed. The sashimi looked fresh, but I didn't really go for that stuff. I enjoy the melding of ingredients, sauces, and garnishes. I've had a very hard time finding a favorite sushi joint in Seattle, and so far this place is it. I just wished it wasn't so far north. We'll be back for the Omakase dinner though! We didn't know you have to order it a day in advance, so fair warning to other patrons!
(5)
Charlie L.
First off, I would like to thank yelp for introducing me to Taka... there is no way I could have "happened" on this place on my own. Thank goodness for modern technology, 'cause it's tucked away in the back of an oddly located strip mall (not facing the street at all).... it would have been the death of lesser restaurants, but they managed to survive in their current location due to word of mouth. Man, I have to say, one of the best sushi joints I've been to... it's a little ghetto, but absolutely fabulous! Not sure where to start. So I got a hankering for good food last Sunday. I get on yelp and it points me to Taka. I copy down the address, and my GPS puts me into a dark corner of HWY99 and 188th... I was dubious... there doesn't look like anything could be open in this ally looking place, but I turn the corner, and there it was... a gaggle of cars clustered around a single lit sign in a dark strip mall. I walk in, I didn't know what to think... 6 tables and 5 seats at the sushi bar... I thought to myself, "this is gonna be insanely good or epically bad" (the good yelps not withstanding, I recall that yelp had led me astray before). I want to sit at the sushi bar, the chef rejects me and puts me at a table. I don't care, I like having extra space anyways because I order lots of food and I need the table acreage. I ordered the salmon teriyaki and the taka special roll bento, and a couple of sashimi, 'cause that's how you know how fresh the fish is. It was delivered with cucumber and a ponzu agar slice on top of every piece. So gorgeous and interesting in terms of taste. Not something I would have chosen to eat for myself but it was delicious. Next, the bento. I opted out of the salad, and instead of leaving that space blank or filling it with rice, the chef made me a cucumber dicon to fill its place. It was beyond awesome... just like the sashimi. To finish off, they gave me an espresso and cream flan-like pudding with a smidge of green ice cream... not sure if they give that to everyone, but it was a surprise, and now I feel super special for getting all these things that I wasn't expecting. I rave throughout my meal, conversing across the room to the chef with my complements. Afterwards, I introduced my "new to the neighborhood" self to the chef, who turns out to be THE Taka after which the restaurant is named after... and he apologized for rejecting me from the sushi bar, and promised that I'd be seated at my rightful place amongst regulars. Yey me. And the bonus that tops all other bonuses? The family sitting at the sushi bar (Fred and Diane... or was it Frank? and their son), upon hearing my "new to the neighborhood status" promptly buys me a salmon skin hand roll. Another delicacy I have never tried and probably wouldn't have if it weren't for this place. For $25 total (including tax and a generous tip) I walked away from the best meal in recent memory. So now I'm in love and I want to go there all the time... and you should too! Oh yeah.
(5)
Kelly J.
Very cozy establishment, sushi chef and servers are Japanese. Had some of their house special rolls. Was not too impressed.
(3)
John L.
If quality and authenticity is important to you, this is the place to go in Seattle. The chef is traditional, from the old school. I truly respect this and his craft. His creations are delightful because they fulfill the expectations of what traditional food is supposed to taste like. If you're from Southern California, this place is very similar to Sushi Shibucho in Costa Mesa. Everything is meticulously prepared and evaluated. When you bite into the Uni, you have total confidence it is fresh, melts in your mouth, and delightful. Same with every cut of fish, the tamago, or tako. As close to perfection as I have tasted in Seattle. There are other places that have the fusion. Fusion is nice, and it's very entertaining. But this is the place to go for the purity, the essential. I know there are even more levels beyond this experience. For that, you'd probably want to go to Tokyo though. Worth the trip, whereever you live in the Seattle area if you want the real thing.
(5)
Clark D.
I tried this place based on its Yelp reviews. It was very good, surprisingly expensive and a tad odd - all and all a very good experience. We walked in and took a seat at the bar. My buddy and I kept waiting for the sushi chef to look up and acknowledge us because we both love chatting with our chef behind the bar but he never did. That was odd. About 10 minutes in the chef finally looked our way and said "your order?" ... to this point we have not seen a menu nor any indication of their food other than what we assume might be served at a sushi restaurant. I actually asked the guys next to us what they had since it looked good. Once we ordered and the food started coming, I understood the great ratings. The chef was excellent and the fish was so fresh and delicious. We ordered 1 large saki and probably 5-6 orders of various sushi for $100. That seemed expensive to me but it was very good. For the location, I expected to pay a bit less. It probably would have been the same downtown. Overall, great food, odd service but no complaints. I will probably go back , but not on my next sushi trip.
(4)
Peter L.
After a long working Sunday, I felt the need to decompress at a sushi bar. Many of the Lynnwood restaurants are closed on Sunday but fortunately, I found Taka open. A small place in a strip center, Taka has seating at the bar for about 8, and an additional 6 or 8 tables. Mr Taka's preparation was very nice, the assortment of fish was more than adequate, and everything was fresh. Standard fare as expected at a well stocked sushi bar plus a few surprises including one of my favs, wasabi octopus. As an added bonus, I was served gratis a great salmon cheek. I'll be back the next time I'm in Lynnwood.
(4)
John T.
Food in the north end is really lacking. We are huge sushi fans and have not found anywhere close to home to satisfy our palets. We tried Taka's tonight for the first time and was pleasantly surprised. A little hard to find mom and pop's sushi restaurant with fresh fish and beautifully portrayed artistic creations. Not the best in Seattle but so far the best of the north end!
(4)
Steve L.
Great service and great food. My number one sushi place.
(5)
jenn L.
yup. im a sushi freak. and this place adds up! delish rolls, but weird locations otherwise it woulda got 5 stars.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Tom B.
Old school. They do it up right. I honestly have no direct personal experience with classic sushi places in Japan, but I have some sense of the virtues they embrace, and how they modify them to suit American tastes. Given that this place is in a tilt-up strip mall thousands of miles from Japan, I can't really say it's truly traditional, but they eliminate a lot of the trappings of Americanization and if nothing else, they certainly make the fish the star. You walk in and the fish case commands the space across from the door. Wraparound bar, and plenty of space for Taka to practice his craft. Tables neatly lined up in a grid between the door and the place of sushi. Nice menu with the soups, salads, and apps you would expect. A modest array of hot and cold sakes on offer, alongside Japanese pale lagers and American pops. But there are three pages of fish listings--sushi, sashimi, nigiri, maki, on and on. Platters chosen by Taka, or build your own. Lots of specials--I mean lots, there were at least two dozen sushi, sashimi, and maki specials on the whiteboard last night. The service is very kind and deferential, very thorough, very professional. Very out of the way--it helps when the server can see the entire dining room at a glance. For soup, salad, a beer, two amazing rolls, and close to ten different kinds of sushi and sashimi, it was $62. And they brought out a free dessert--coffee jello and a very gelato like ice cream. Amazing touch. The fish itself, though, is where it's at. Many of the rolls are very narrow, maybe as wide as a quarter. Not a lot of extra rice or other silliness. The "spicy cucumber outside" roll, which was a special, was much wider, and held together with toothpicks in each serving. Worth the awkward bite, though--the cucumber casing gave it incredible flavor and texture, being on the outside. The salmon sashimi was spectacular, with beautiful deep color, firm texture, and that hint of watermelon fragrance from being so fresh. On the mixed platter, it was alone on the rice. As its own dish, it came with a gel-like ribbon laid over it, which was a smoky and toasty-tasting output of some sort of roe, if I understood the server correctly. Really delicious and complex complement to the salmon. Overall, this is the kind of place that focuses on stellar ingredients and masterfully minimalist execution. It's the kind of sushi place you visit again and again. As much as I love the outrageous sauces and especially the roe combinations at another Snohomish County sushi bar I could name, Taka is the overall winner everywhere else across the board--value, approach, ingredients.
(4)D.J. Y.
Went back recently, it's been a while, because the size of the place. We got lucky on a Friday night and there were plenty of tables. Service was decent, kitchen speed was perfect, granted, there weren't many people there, just two parties, still, things were wonderful. Flavors were solid and our take home order of California roll was super! "Engrish" is still spoken here: engrish.com So you may or may not get everything you order.... Oh, and I forgot to mention, the Udon broth was some of the finest I have had in a VERY long time. Solid bonito stock with hints of kelp, very tasty and not fishy. I'd hit this place up just for the Udon!!
(5)Aaron L.
This place was really good the first time we went, a five star experience. We were the only customers there just before closing. I believe it is a husband and wife who own and run it, the wife waiting on the tables and husband is the sushi chef. We ordered a variety of rolls and dishes to try different things. The tempura was amazing, a very light and crispy batter. The sushi was also very good, tasted fresh and was delicious. Towards the end of our meal, the chef asked if we would like to try some new creations he was working on. To our surprise he made some hand made deep fried cones filled with Uni (sea urchin). This was very unique. He also served us some fresh made ice cream on chilled spoons for desert with a unique topping. We really enjoyed the tasting, and best of all, there was no charge. We tipped them very well and look forward to trying it again.
(4)Benjamin K C.
I don't see how this restaurant can be a five star yet. I agree that the sushi was not bad; but it wasn't fresh enough. May be it was just the day I went in particular. I would describe it a little better than Sushiland and not as good as I love sushi. It is not bad for a casual dinner, just don't expect the authentic Japanese style preparation and freshness. I ordered the sushi and sashimi combo last time. I always order this for all sushi restaurant because I can tell how good the sushi chefs are by how they cut the fish. And this one was a so-so for me. I was kind of disappointed actually. My expectation was quite high based on the reviews on here. As you can see on my picture, the sushi roll was in weird shape. That's quite a turn off, as you know presentation is everything in Japanese food. I do like their dessert, which was the coffee pudding. It was quite refreshing for a summer day.
(3)Jeff M.
This place is sooo good! Its a little bit hidden but for sure a gem. Taka is the actual sushi chef that made our sushi!! Lovely staff and purely Japanese! :)
(5)Albert P.
I like it but I think there are better deals in Lynnwood. I was impressed by the attention to me and my friends. It was a little pricey for the quality of fish. Albert
(3)Lei S.
I've been coming to Taka Sushi since I was a kid (so far back in the day that he was still located on Hwy. 99 in Edmonds/Shoreline). This is where my husband and I go for guaranteed sushi satisfaction. Over the 20 or so years I've been coming to Taka-san's restaurant, he has consistently served quality sashimi and his dishes are always fresh and tasty. Over the years he's always kept traditional Japanese offerings on the menu but has included more creative menu items as well. We've taken many friends here and everyone has raved about how good everything is. Service is always friendly and attentive and this is the one place that has both excellent sushi and non-sushi items (the Okinawa soba is the next best thing to my own grandmother's!). Please don't let the location (north end, strip mall) deter you from coming here. It is absolutely worth the drive and energy to make the trek out to Lynnwood!
(5)Donald E.
First off...let's all agree that we can calm down with the 5 star reviews. To 5 star a place essentially means you can't possibly find a place better than where you are rating... with that said, this restaurant isn't bad. It is a very small location with a limited menu and a wait staff that you have to grab by the arm to get their attention. I had to ask for a menu, and utensils...then ask for my check when I was clearly done. As far as food quality, its good...not great, not phenomenal, for sure not "5 star" but good. The prices were fair, the rolls are about 60/40 rice to meat, but I didnt feel ripped off. Good place probably for lunch or a quick bite, but 5 star??? C'mon...for a region known for seafood, that's either uneducated or flat out biased
(3)Bob M.
Surprisingly great sushi from this little shop. I highly recommend stopping by. Not the cheapest sushi but good fish isn't free. Give it a shot, you won't be sorry you did.
(5)Sara M.
If you go here, you will feel terrible about ever eating at a conveyor belt sushi joint again. Consider yourself warned. If you have the opportunity to trek it to Lynnwood, however, Taka Sushi is a must! I love spicy and I love tuna, and the best items on the menu include both! I loved the baked crispy rice with spicy tuna, crispy habanero spicy tuna plate (also comes in spicy salmon), and of course, the sashimi tower with Taka's "special sauce". If you're lucky there will be room to sit at the sushi bar and you can talk with the master himself. And maybe watch him sneak a few swigs of sake like the boss that he is.
(5)Hunter O.
Good place. thanks fellow yelps we would not have come here other wise. the fish was wonderfully fresh and good and the rolls were outstanding. we ordered a huge run to give the place a good shot. the only thing that was a little off was the samlon was a little fishy. customer service was great. next time i am in lynnhood and need some sushi am here. P.s. dont get weired out buy the building and lack of cars in the lot.
(4)Lindsay P.
Cam and I went here the other night for dinner and it was pretty good! He ordered one of the bento boxes with some fried shrimp dumpling type things and california rolls. I had the sushi and sashimi plate. There have been times in the past when I have ordered sashimi and gotten it and gone "ugh, what is this crap?" But I decided to take a chance again and get it here at Taka, and it was wonderful! The fish all melted in your mouth, and with a little bit of wasabi and soy sauce, it had the perfect flavor. The menu itself is pretty basic; you get your standard sashimi, sushi, and hand roll choices. But if you look at the white board towards the left side of the restaurant you'll find their fancier specials. I unfortunately missed this until after I ordered, so I didn't get to try and of the specials. Next time though, I will. Pretty average prices for a nice sushi joint; we paid about $45 after tip. I can't stand Sushi Land or Blue C so other than those places, that is pretty standard, if not still inexpensive for a lot of sushi places.
(4)Erin U.
We heard about this restaurant on NPR a few weekends ago and decided to check it out. We've been looking for a decent sushi place in Snohomish county since moving here from Lake City four years ago. This place is wonderful. It feels a little dated and shabby, but you can tell it's because they channel their profits into the food instead of the decor, which I certainly have no problem with. We had a geoduck and shitake mushroom dish that I could eat every single day, and the nigiri was all wonderfully fresh. The service was great, though that may have partially been due to the fact we were there early on a Thursday. All in all, definitely worth the money.
(4)Wendy S.
Don't let the depressing strip mall fool you! this is a gem off 99! We were in the area looking for good sushi. A friend recommended this place and yelp solidified our decision. We pulled up and we were pretty unsure - parking lot empty and a business type strip mall. We decided to be brave and headed on in - Boy were we happy we did! The service was great and the chef and fish was amazing and fresh! The chef added special touches to each plate of sushi that was brought out. Extra maguro with our order, extra spicy tuna outside of the roll. There was a large group in the corner but we were the only other couple in the place for most of the dinner (it was a tues night). We had a ton of special roles and nigiri. We also had 2 large beers and a bottle of their nicest sake. Our bill came to $100. It was a date night and we will pay for amazing and fresh sushi. We thought it was all totally worth it! We'll be back with friends next time!
(4)Odessa T.
We ate here the other night because I saw such good reviews. I had the Sashimi tower and the big roll special. The sashimi tower was pretty good, but nothing amazing. The big roll was actually kind of gross. It tasted like mayonnaise. I tried a couple bites of other people's rolls, and they were good. Service was good, except for they forgot to bring us a roll we ordered and then tried to charge us for it. I'd try it again, but I've definitely had better.
(3)Clint W.
One of my buddies suggested grabbing a bite here after work and he said it's a place he frequents a lot. He's a lot like me, in that we love to try new places to eat, so off we went. It's hidden in a little strip mall sort of across from Costco and I drove right past it the right time. It's really tucked away and you have to look for it. We walked inside and it's tiny! The entire restaurant must only seat 25 peeps. We grabbed a table in the corner and started to look at the specials on the whiteboard. He started with a tuna roll and I have to try the octopus. For entrees, we both had the sushi and sashimi, Taka's choice. I like my octopus, but was just so so on his tuna roll. When our entrees popped out, we both thought we would still be hungry and we both looked back up at the whiteboard. But after eating for awhile, we really filled up. It was a nice selection and the spicy tuna roll was smokin' good. I was pushing it to finish my meal. All in all, I'll probably be coming back. There's a lot of other items that I'd like to try and I think it's what sets Taka apart from other places. You're not going to just get the standard stuff. He's going to come up with different combinations and flavors. (The uni ice cream was NOT something I tried.)
(4)Ju K.
Your friendly neighborhood holeinthewall sushi house. Owned and operated by a lovely elderly Japanese couple. Tastes down to earth like home-cookin. Lady even gave us 'cho-jaang', Korean substitute for wasabi/soysauce!
(5)Diane P.
My fiance and I wanted to try a new sushi place, so given the favorable reviews, we went. When we walked in they were clearly busy - all tables taken, except for one. We patiently waited for 5 minutes to be acknowledged by the busy waitress. Finally she came to us and told us that they are too busy to serve us tonight. We said, 'No problem' as we just wanted to get take out. She went to the back to ask someone else (maybe the manager?) - he came out, looked at us, shook his head, and the waitress told us, 'Sorry, we aren't doing take out tonight' - SERIOUSLY?!?! We got denied service! I have never felt so discriminated on or rejected at an establishment. This place is pathetic.
(1)Kara T.
Very disappointment with the sushi. My husband and I both ordered the Chirashi Sushi and we wont' be coming back. It was very little sushi for the price, but more importantly the fish was not fresh...it was rubbery, lacked in color and smelled slightly off. We won't be coming back and we are very surprised by all the great yelp reviews. Confused by it actually...yelp usually never leads us astray.
(2)Roy Y.
We tried this place on a not-so-busy Wednesday night. Their specialty sashimi tower was pretty good. Service was average, we sat there without chopsticks for a while, and they never gave us the hot tea we requested. Sushi meat freshness could improve, and the rice was warm on one of the sushi I had...
(3)S H.
Delicious!
(5)Dokdo K.
Charming little sushi joint. One of best sushi places in Lynnwood area. Sushi is fresh, tempura crisp is just right. Rolls are not top notch to look at, but taste fabulous. I want to try the $50 chef special, but always forget to order a day in advance as they require..
(4)Toby L.
After reading so many positive reviews about this place, I was pretty eager to see if Taka Sushi could live up to the hype. The restaurant is very small, and the waitress was friendly. They serve a complimentary green tea, which was nice (especially on a cold day). My wife and I ordered the Sushi Regular and one of the specials of the day, appropriately named 'the big roll' (it was huge, but consisted mostly of white rice). The little salad was delicious...very flavorful dressing. While the miso soup was also good (standard miso soup), I thought that it was strange that they didn't serve it with a spoon of any type. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to drink it or use my chopsticks...ended up doing a combo of those options. Strange. Is that normal? The food was okay. Honestly, for me, there was nothing worth raving about, and nothing really worth complaining about. I've had much, much better, but I've also had worse. The mayonnaise sauce in the big roll was honestly kind of weird and the sushi meat was right around room temperature. Personally, I prefer it to be a little on the colder side, as I think that preserves freshness. For the two dishes, our bill came to a fairly reasonable $24. We definitely could have gotten more sushi and better sushi around here for that amount of money. I'm not exactly eager to go back, but it's not a place I'd avoid either. It was just kinda so-so for me.
(3)Kate A.
The food is good, very fresh , high quality fish. Service is also attentive. My one gripe is the linen table cloths( which are covered with glass so the table tops are at least clean) are filthy. There are only five or six tables in the whole restaurant so it shouldn't be too hard to launder the linens.
(4)Ken C.
Taka has the best sushi in the area. It is a nine table, family run business that I visit as often as possible with my family. I love the sushi and my less adventurous family members enjoy the other dinner options. A must visit for those looking for great Japanese food.
(5)Jill B.
Yummy Yummy Yummy in my tummy tummy tummy I love sushi and will go to Lynnwood just for the best. I have been here when Japanese people from Bellevue say this is the only place to go. Taka is hilarious and a great sushi master, he has good portions of fish and will make something off the menu if you ask him too. Orgasmic, that's what this place does for me and it's very therapeutic. Yeah baby!!
(5)shane s.
A small place you might pass by without giving it a second look but this place is well worth the stop. Its a small place inside. With 4 people we shared a assorted sushi boat and everything was great. The miso soups seemed simple and not from scratch but otherwise the sushi was excellent. Tasted very fresh, cut well and presented nicely. The place is Japanese sushi which uses a rice I like better than Korean rice. Not sure whats different about it but its a slightly different texture and taste I think is great.
(4)Jeff L.
Not even 10 reviews for one of my favorite north end places?!?!?!??! You guys must be hatin' on Aurora Ave or something. Sure the location sucks and the place is about half the size of the Apple store but the foods is DAMN GOOD. As for price, it's slightly higher than I usually expect for something in the north end but the menu is listed on yelp so you know what you're getting into when you go. and no, I didn't see any hookers on Aurora Ave.
(5)Zack G.
If you're lucky enough to be told about the amazing cuisine - at Taka Sushi... AND also lucky enough to be told EXACTLY where the restaurant is located (which is not visible unless you're directly in front of the restaurant itself) - buy a lottery ticket - luck is on your side! Taka Sushi is tiny and inconspicuous... However, aren't the best eats always found in the proverbial, "hole-in-the-wall"? That said, the food quality and service is worthy of 5 stars. Taka Sushi is the real deal.
(5)Kilo S.
i came here when i had never tried sushi before. i would say that it was a good experience. i also came with a group of friends who knew the owner well so that helped. taka sushi made me a lover of sashimi! its a reeeally small place but its awesome. the sashimi tower was my favorite.
(3)Kate B.
I have driven by this spot a million times on Hwy 99 and never even knew it was there. A fellow foodie who is big into sushi gave me the recommendation and I am so glad she did. This place is definitely not about appearances and bring a sweater because I don't think they turn on the heat. But..., even though I was chilly, I loved me some sushi. I am not the most adventurous of fish eaters but the salmon collar, california habanero roll, spider roll and baked crab roll were excellent. The baked crab roll was quite possibly one of the most delicious things I have put in my mouth. The sauce had bits of crab (I think...?) and it was like butter. My date had the wasabi sorbet with uni and he needed a moment alone after eating it. Definitely a must-visit for sushi fans, especially in Lynnwood. Oh, and their menu is huge for such a little place. Great selection.
(5)Brian H.
Great service and foods. The price may be a bit expansive but it's worth the price to eat these authentic sushi. All the sushi are made by the main chef who has an experience of 20 years in Seattle( without taking into account that he started making sushi at the age of 16). It's a great place to enjoy at least once in a while.
(5)Curtis L.
We went here on Sunday night because we didn't want to cook and had an inkling for sushi. After some research on Yelp for a sushi joint in the Lynnwood area, we decided on Taka Sushi since the recently opened Hokkaido was closed on Sundays. Plus Taka had good reviews and not too far away. This place is tucked near the back of an industrial/commercial strip mall across from the Lynnwood Costco business center. Keep you eyes out for the sign or you'll miss it. They were the only place open in the building so parking was plentiful although tight given the parking layout. When we arrived, we were promptly seated and greeted. It was almost 7pm and there was just 4 people at the sushi bar. Seemed like regulars. While were were looking over the expansive menu and white board special, three more groups showed up and almost filled up the six tables available. There was just one server so once they arrived, service slowed. We ended up ordering the Big Roll, Baked Crab Roll and Tempura. Each item came separately and nicely space apart. The big roll was good. Four large pieces with fresh tasting salmon and tuna. The baked crab roll, which looked just like the picture of the baked scallop on california roll (i'm guessing they are the same) came out hot but the flavors didn;t jump out and the cali roll underneath was just ho hum. The tempura was very good. About 8 large pieces nicely battered and piping hot. We surely enjoyed each piece. All in all, there was more than enough for the two of us. It did take the waitress, a little while to refill our tea but service is on par for a mom and pop shop. The pricing was average as well. Sushi is from $5 - $12 per roll, entrees were in the $10-$15 and the combos are around $20. They do have a sushi boat for $50 and Omakase for $50 per person. Overall, we had a good experience and would return to try more of their menu.
(4)Shannon L.
My husband and kids LOVE sushi and they are very picky about where we go for Sushi. This is everyone's favorite sushi bar. Taka is a master sushi chef and it shows. We love everything there, we have eaten here dozens of times and have never had anything bad. The spicy scallop roll is a must have. I am a fan of spider roll. My husband loves everything! We highly recommend it.
(5)Erik k.
i been comming here for 7years so far i love this place.. im actually visit here every sunday i don want this place getting poupular..oh hell no now this place get packed every on the weekend.. why...why...why..why pretty much similar as real japanese authentic restaurant in japan fresh sashimi nicely presented awsome tast of nigiri sushi so much goodness....the owener taka san he always doing his best same great taste even in the rush time..u guys will become one of his fan.. enjoy
(5)Diana H.
Yep, we went back tonight, a Sunday, and the place was busy....with many patrons of Japanese heritage. The sushi is fresh, staff is friendly, speedy and accommodating. We thought about going to Ballard for sushi, but why get irritated with the parking hassles and pseudo city vibe when we can get very, very good sushi at a reasonable price, no pretention and just a wee bit closer to home? This time we enjoyed vegetable tempura (my craving along WITH sushi) salmon, albacore, spicy tuna and california roll -- nigiri was really fresh....melt in your mouth.Tempura was very good, not greasy, fresh and hot and delicious. We'll be back again soon.
(4)J S.
The sushi is perfect here. I grew up eating sushi and prefer the basics like maguro, ebi, ika, etc. It's wonderful stuff. The Okinawa soba is also a favorite. It's like ramen but with a pork flavor base with pieces of tasty pork in the noodles. They sometimes run out of this. I don't know of any other place that makes it in Seattle. The tempura is light and crispy, too. I wonder if the miso soup base is made in-house as it does not taste like it comes out of a package. True, the chef does not always greet us as we enter or when we leave but the staff is friendly, speak English fairly well, and give good service. Taka's is small but has a comfortable atmosphere. I always feel like I'm in Japan when I come here.
(5)Mei-I F.
So I've been thinking about all the sushi/japanese restaurants in town and I can't believe I completely forgot about this one! If you love sushi, get in your car right now and drive to Lynnwood. This sushi here is flavorful! I know that sounds weird, but they marinate and create their own rolls and specials that are out of this world good! Who doesn't want flavor in their food? Yes there is the traditional stuff, but order their specials because it ridiculously good!!
(5)e t.
The place is small and it gets crowded quick. I always try to go on a slow weekday or after "rush hour" so I can get the best service and not wait in line. I really liked their unusual off-the menu food that they write up on their white board-try their habanero spicy tuna and the crispy spicy tuna (I think that's what it was called).
(5)Mark M.
I lived a year in Japan back in high school and developed a strong love for Japanese food. I only wish Taka Sushi was around when I returned home, as finding a true sushi master is very difficult. Now I live down south and only get up to Lynnwood every other month or so. I relish each trip because it means I get to eat at Taka Sushi. I highly suggest you order one of Taka's roll creations to start your visit. Then order a few of your favorites. And then ask Taka to just create stuff for you. He's very adept at learning your palette's desires and his custom creations for your taste buds will keep you coming back. Hands down the best place to eat in Lynnwood, and as sushi goes, on of the best in the state.
(5)erin m.
awesome fresh and an excellent price. fish was very fresh and presentation was outstanding. the rolls that were put in front of us were enormous and wonderfully flavored. loved the ABC roll and the habenareo spicy tuna roll. will definetly be back. This place is very small and intimate so no big parties or kids would be recommended
(5)Matthew J.
OK the decor is funky; I particularly like the duct tape on the ceiling. The place makes a shoebox look roomy and phone conversations are like teaching a pig to whistle. It annoys the pig and wastes your time. However if you want some of the best sushi ever, go to taka sushi and order the omakase menu. Omakase basically means you are putting yourself in the chef's hands. Do it. Really. In between standard maki rolls we had an amazing "ahi salsa" with tuna sashimi, cilantro, tomatoes, avocados and soy vinaigrette; a delicate salad with crisp greens and shredded tuna; a spider roll with warm bay scallops and some sort of creamy sauce; a wicked "sashimi tower" that is worth the price of admission alone; and more. My dining companion was put off by the uni on a spoon of green tea sorbet so I had two. Awesome! It was so good it almost overshadowed the traditional food - the hamachi was crazy good and I would live off that tuna - mercury be damned. The tuna is definately graded number 2+, which is about the best you can get without taking a third mortgage. So step up with a nice $50 bill and be prepared to be amazed. I never would have stayed once I walked in and saw the place until I had the food. And then I never wanted to leave. So now, get off your butt and go there. Right now. Go early, as you'll get lost. Its worth it.
(5)K T.
Read a decent review of Taka Sushi, but I'll have to say I was turned off by their service when I called in to make a reservation. Apparently the owner didn't want to take a reservation for our group of 8 because we would fill up "two" of their tables. Because they were expecting a busy evening, they wouldn't accept our request. What good is a reservation then?
(1)Luke F.
I've been going to Taka Sushi for over 10 years now. His albacore and Japanese scallop nigiri are to die for! His creative sushi combinations are wonderful. Nice small local feel.
(4)S C.
I went here a while back because a friend recommended the place. Food wad decent. Service sucked. The owner (behind the sushi bar) didn't even look up to say hi when we walked in. We sat at the sushi bar and every time we tried to order, it was a challenge. If I'm in the neighborhood and dying for sushi, I might go back. Otherwise, I can find comparable quality with much better service closer to home in Seattle.
(3)Lea D.
This is my first review on yelp, and I figured I'd start with this place since they are a bit off the grid. Based on a random recommendation (since we were in Lynnwood and didn't know of any nearby sushi restaurants(, we headed there in search of some decent sushi. We were in luck. The sushi was delicious and the people working were extremely nice. We had 4 different rolls and hot tea to drink between the two of us, and our bill was only 37 dollars. In the past, we've racked up some pretty huge sushi bills. The Spicy Tuna roll and the Spicy Tuna Habanero roll were excellent. We also had the soft shell crab roll and the bake scallop roll. No complaints. Above all, the best part was what is lurking in the backroom of the restaurant. After being told numerous times "you HAVE to go look at what's in the bathroom", i headed towards the back and discovered a bidet. I didn't try it, but if you visit this restaurant, you have to check it out!
(4)Shane M.
eww warm rice. sushi moto is better.
(2)Tee Q.
This place is small, though quite quaint. The service is awesome! The lady that serves us is always so attentive and extremely polite. The food is delicious. I usually venture there with a few of my girlfriends.
(5)Majsan C.
Nestled in a strip mall, this place seems like it's been there forever. It's got a well-loved interior, and a few tables with a sushi bar and Taka himself working hard behind the bar. My husband and I visited on a date night, and we were very pleasantly surprised by the quality of fish and taste of each dish put before us. We liked it enough to bring our three children (ages 15,3, and 2) with us for a second visit. We sat at the bar on a very busy Friday night and, again, were not disappointed! The servers and Taka interacted with all of the members of our party, and he even treated the youngest ones to complimentary ice cream bars for dessert. We love this place, but would recommend going on a week night and expect to spend some time. Try the spicy scallop California roll - it is amazing!!!!
(4)H.A. M.
Service was friendly and speedy. Sushi was great. They use brown rice instead of white rice, it looks a bit different, however, it is still very good. I actually wouldn't have known had I not seen it. I look forward to going back.
(4)Hideaki Z.
I love Taka Sushi, because taste like Okinawa all the food, it's delicious and wonderful
(5)Ginny M.
There is both good and bad, but given the bad, and the abundance of sushi restaurants in the area, I have no reason to go back. First, the bad: horrible service. Normally I focus on food, but the service was so poor that it was disruptive. For example, while service was slow - nobody seemed interested in getting our order - after the food arrived, things were whisked away, uneaten, if you blinked. The place is very small and at one point, people had come in and were standing in the doorway. The waitress, within a few feet of them, studiously ignored them, and ultimately they left, and if I had been the owner I would've been miffed. Even if she is busy, she should at least have acknowledged them (and there were some empty, though not yet cleared, tables). As to the food - here is the bad. The two nigiri sushi items we ordered - tamago and salmon (sake) - had serious problems. There was so little rice attached to the tamago that it would have been better if there had been none, as it was almost insulting. The salmon was badly cut - it contained not only "pink" material but also brown along the edge - and a string running through it. That is an "F" in my view. I have attached a photo to show the miniscule rice and the brown edge along the sushi. However, there were two items which were quite fine - the tempura appetizer, and the rainbow roll, which was not on the menu (a "minus" as well) but was available when we requested it, and was very well-prepared. This is not the only place in town where I can get a well-prepared rainbow roll and tempura appetizer, so since the problems outweigh the pluses, there is no reason to return.
(2)Ali R.
Great food, cozy and a very nice staff. I was so happy to find a place that serves Okinawan soba in Seattle, and I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. The menu was simple but they still had a good variety of things. If you want great Okinawan soba and good sushi this is the place to go!
(5)Keith L.
I still like it here but the switch to brown rice is a turn off. The presentation is such a big part of sushi abs brown rice makes it look dirty. The rice taste fine though. The pprtions seem to have shrunk as well
(4)Sari G.
This sushi is horribly presented. No wine selection (one white wine option). Looks like something made by a first-grader! Forget about it!
(1)Christine C.
I make the trek every year on New Year's eve for Okinawa soba. Make sure you call ahead since last year I got the last order :) Was so good!
(4)Brett J.
Lunch special is awesome.. My Favorite sushi place in Lynnwood.
(5)Eddie M.
In twenty years, finding a place like this will be like finding an Obama supporter. This is one of the last, truly small mom-n-pop Okinawa-centric Japanese restaurants in the region. This isn't so much "Japanese" cuisine as it is Okinawan-influenced Japanese cuisine. While there is the gratuitous Japanese essentials we come to expect here, like "teriyaki" and generic sushi, the real menu is handwritten and posted on the wall, away from the sushi counter. Look over the listings and you will notice a pattern. And, that pattern is cutting-edge creativity. While all the items on the standard menu are winners, real adventurous diners will go for the "omakase" sushi where Taka-san diverts to two paths. One path, that for the newbies who dare accept the challenge and call a day ahead to place an order, is greatly rewarded with off-the-beaten path sushi and non-sushi concoctions that will test your limits. The other path is dependent of many subtle factors, mostly whether Taka-san has the time and, if you are a regular, does he have the ingredients handy to go all-out and create some museum-quality sushi artwork. I have been to both lands and can tell you with supreme confidence that there is no other current sushi master in this region that can create the quality of sushi that Taka-san can whip up on short notice. But, back to what's extra noteworthy. For lunch, try the sashimi salad. It is a mound of fresh, crisp veggies dressed with cuts of maguro, salmon, and shrimp topped with a sesame/soy dressing that is simply divine. As an alternative, go for the Okinawa soba (sonki soba). The chunk of tender, marinated spare rib swimming in the savory broth will leave you breathless. The beer to order here is Orion (Oh-ree-ohn). It is brewed in Okinawa, unlike the Sapporo bottle that is brewed in Guelph, Ontario. This is the best Japanese beer in large format. And, if you are lucky or can remember, try the dessert that used to be standard at dinnertime. It is a square-cut of dark coffee-and-cream gelatin bathed in condensed milk and is a great finish to a fabulous meal. Highly recommended.
(4)R H.
Small mom and pop shop. I ordered a few rolls, nigiri, and the sashimi tower. That tower.... nothing but protein for days! The owners were real nice, and they even hooked it up with some salmon belly! Try this restaurant out, even better if you go in on a slow day!
(4)Mia G.
This is a five star local sushi place. Best I've been to outside of Seattle. The food was amazing, the service was great. We brought our 15 month old and they gave him a sippy cup (we forget ours). The staff was very friendly. Very reasonably priced!!! Will definitely be going back many times in the future!
(5)Kiana F.
My family and I have gone to Taka Sushi for years. But I most recently went last week, after spending two and a half years in Japan eating authentic Japanese food. My family is Japanese, and I had just returned to the states only to go out to dinner to a Japanese place, I wasn't stoked, but it wasn't my choice (it was for my brother's birthday so it's not like I could request something different). I was pleasantly surprised by how much it tasted like what I had been eating in Japan. This food is the real deal. This time, I had the saba (mackerel), and a spicy tuna roll. The saba was delicious. Their tea is my favorite kind of green tea, genmai (it's green tea mixed with roasted rice). And from what I can tell, their happy hour is a great deal! I will definitely return just to try their sushi at happy hour!
(5)Florence C.
Good food. Will go back. Sashimi was fresh. Ceviche Salad and Baked Scallop was delicious.
(4)Barry R.
What a disappointment. The sushi man made us feel like we were doing him a favor by eating at his sushi bar. Four stars on Yelp? It makes you have no faith in this rating system. The sushi was prepared in a sloppy way, we left after ordering our third piece. We really really would love to have a decent sushi place in the north end, but we will continue to drive into Seattle for good sushi.
(1)Michelle W.
You know the food will be good when you see people eating in an establishment that are actually the ethnicity of the food they serve. The sushi was fresh, well prepared and very efficiently served. The service was kind and welcoming. I only give it 4 stars because the restaurant setting is a little less welcoming than the food and people who run it. I had the sushi lunch and it was fantastic and very reasonably priced.
(4)Paul M.
This place reminded me of a place in Southern California where I first fell in love with sushi. It is legitimately original sushi. If you are looking for some funky fusion place this isn't it. The only thing they serve here is traditional sushi, beer and Saki. The fish is wonderfully fresh and the service is adequate. Don't be put off by the location in a small strip mall. IT IS GOOD!
(4)Megan B.
This is my go-to sushi place, partly because it's so close to home, but mostly because it's awesome! Everything I've tried at Taka has been excellent. My favorite thing there would probably be the Big Roll, often on special, which is almost the size of the palm of your hand, and filled with all sorts of deliciousness. The spicy tuna roll, spider roll, and tempura vegetables are also really good. Honestly, I haven't tried anything there that I haven't liked! Taka is the first real sushi restaurant I ever went to, and no matter how many new restaurants I try, Taka remains my favorite.
(5)Holly W.
I have been longing to find authentic Okinawa soba close to home and I finally found it! I too have missed the flavors of "home" and Taka-San's Okinawa soba filled the void. The noodles, the broth, the pork...it was all perfect! They even had the Okinawa chili sauce made out of Awamori! If only they were closer to home, but then would be dangerous! Definitely can't wait to go back again soon! Thank you Taka-San!
(5)David Y.
First a bit of background. I am half-Japanese, or more accurately, half-Okinawan. My sister and I went home to Okinawa last spring and the one dish we kept eating over and over was Okinawa soba. We ate it at home and ate it at many restaurants and loved every chewy noodle and drop of savory broth. And, we also liked a hot sauce made from Awamori (Okinawan sake) with chilis soaking in it. Back in Seattle, my sister and I craved the tastes of our homeland and found this little place named Taka Sushi. We ordered the Okinawa soba and were incredibly thrilled to be able to satisfy our craving for authentic down-home Okinawa soba. It was fantastic. The noodles, sourced from Hawaii, were perfectly cooked, nice and firm and a little chewy. The broth was rich and flavorful... so incredibly delicious. The pork was tender and tasty as well. And, to our surprise, a bottle of Awamori hot sauce was provided with our soba! We were delighted to see that little bottle! We had a few appetizers as well - gyoza, chicken karaage and a few pieces of sushi. All were fantastic. I just got home and already can't wait until I can make another trip to Lynwood for more of Taka-san's masterful cooking. I saw Taka-san working behind the counter and chatted with him about his origin, I wondered if he was from Okinawa. Indeed he was! I was so excited! I showed him photos on my phone of the trip my sister and I made to visit our family and Taka-san was so friendly, he looked at every photo I showed him and was happy to talk to me about my background. It's not often you get to talk to the owner and have him be so friendly and warm. Taka-san, thank you very much for making our experience a great one, I can't wait to visit you again! David.
(5)Michiko Y.
If I lived closer... It would be dangerous. I could never get sick of the Okinawan Soba~ The Okinawan soba was so flavorful that it kept you wanting more of it. Noodles and broth, slurp. Pork, nom nom. Yeah, i said it. Nom nom. I just have absolutely nothing bad to say about this. The flavor was so damn spot-on that I'd say it was the best around. Their noodles were fantastic too.You can't get them in Seattle! If you can, then you must be awesome make your own. Keep in mind, I'm picky. So that says a lot! To be honest, after I ate the last bit of my soba, I was left a little speechless. It made me miss being in Japan so much. No other establishment in this whole state has made me do that before. I also tried their sushi, and I was also not disappointed with it. I loved the hotate. I actually had scallops instead of just rice like I normally get at other restaurants. Plus they had this HUGE roll. I forgot the name, but that looked pretty tasty too. The chicken karaage was so flavorful too... Thinking about this is making me hungry again. If you're reading this, then I highly suggest you pack up and make tracks to Lynnwood as soon as they open. Grab your friends, grab your boss, grab yo wife and show some love for this amazing place. I'll be making an appearance there sometime in the very near future. I can guarantee that!
(5)Katinka R.
I am new to the sushi thing because my very first sushi experience was awful. This restaurant CURED my fears of sushi. My friends, who are regulars, ordered up a huge variety. Everything was delicious. My personal favorite was the calimari one. Presentation was impeccable. Tiny restaurant, and a bit hidden.
(4)Jacey S.
My favorite sushi joint in the north. It's teeny-tiny, so time your visit just so. The fish is remarkably fresh and the owners are very friendly once they get to know you. The must-haves are Crispy Rice (spicy tuna and creamy crab salad on top of a hunk of fried rice), Sashimi Tower (delicious sashimi swimming in tangy ponzu), Spicy Tuna Habanero Roll (spicy and colorful), Salmon Sashimi (simplicity is pure perfection.)
(5)Regie V.
Small, authentic and delicious!! Even their happy hour menu is tasty and plentiful. I only wish they were easier to find. Hard to see from the street so don't give up if u can't find it on the first few passes. They are worth the visit.
(4)Eric H.
I've been eating here for nearly 5 years and this used to be our favorite place. A year ago, I would have given this place five stars, but then they raised their prices and changed the menu and portion sizes. Taka used to be one of the best values, but now it's high-priced and mediocre at best. Some things haven't changed. Waitstaff is friendly. The place is tiny and take-out is at the owner's discretion, so you're still liable to be turned away. On our last visit, we had an early dinner so we were seated right away. I noticed the menu had changed slightly and the prices had gone up again. My expectations were high since I've been to some great sushi places lately, charging about the same. My wife had the bento with Sabashio Yaki and spicy tuna roll. I had the Chirashi. The first thought we had about the roll was how sloppily it was made. The rice was uneven and the roll loosely wrapped. My wife liked the Saba, but my fish didn't taste very fresh and so many of the pieces I had were stringy and tough. They also used imitation crab, which is horrible in my opinion. The rice was inconsistent in flavor. Some tasted bland and some had a strong vinegary flavor. All in all, we were a bit disappointed in how much the quality of the fish has degraded. I remember when they raised prices the last time, I said we could probably find a better sushi place. Now that we tried it again and found the quality has suffered, it only reinforces that we will be having sushi elsewhere.
(2)Jena E.
I can't decide if this place deserves a fancier location, or if I prefer it as it is, as a hidden gem in a Lynnwood strip mall off of 99. Although it's only 2 miles from my house, I had to Google Nav us there to make sure we didn't miss it. "Are you sure it's not closed?" my husband asked. "All I see is a State Farm." The location would have put me off, too, except that no matter which site I go to - Yelp, Urbanspoon, Google Maps - people were slavering about how fresh and buttery and authentic everything is, so we had no choice but to check it out. The best part of Taka is the emphasis on omakase. For $19 or $25, you can get a chef's choice combination that will include sushi and a roll, or sushi, nigiri and a roll. It looks like a mini-fig tournament in there, because everyone has a boat on their table. If you can't eat sushi without a Japanese beer, they have Kirin, Asahi, Sapporo, or Orion. We finished off our gorge-fest with mochi ice cream, and were treated to a complimentary house dessert also. Thank you, lovely fish folks.
(5)Kari L.
Looking for good sushi? This is the place to go! Its a hidden gem in lynnwood. You dont go to this place for the atmosphere or the five star service...you go to this place strictly for the food. Its your typical whole in the wall mom-n-pop restaurant that provides five star food! I highly recommend it.
(5)Tiffany G.
A great happy hour menu and the sushi was fresh and delicious. I was impressed at the size of the sashimi for the mini-sashimi platter--you definitely get what you pay for! We also ordered the spicy salmon roll and the JJ roll which were both equally delicious. The service was also great--our server was friendly, brought us complimentary edamame and their coffee jello dessert was fantastic. This is a hidden gem, tucked away off 99. During or after happy hour, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Larena H.
A sushi chef needs to do one thing to impress me: GET CREATIVE. At Taka, they succeed. The sashimi looked fresh, but I didn't really go for that stuff. I enjoy the melding of ingredients, sauces, and garnishes. I've had a very hard time finding a favorite sushi joint in Seattle, and so far this place is it. I just wished it wasn't so far north. We'll be back for the Omakase dinner though! We didn't know you have to order it a day in advance, so fair warning to other patrons!
(5)Charlie L.
First off, I would like to thank yelp for introducing me to Taka... there is no way I could have "happened" on this place on my own. Thank goodness for modern technology, 'cause it's tucked away in the back of an oddly located strip mall (not facing the street at all).... it would have been the death of lesser restaurants, but they managed to survive in their current location due to word of mouth. Man, I have to say, one of the best sushi joints I've been to... it's a little ghetto, but absolutely fabulous! Not sure where to start. So I got a hankering for good food last Sunday. I get on yelp and it points me to Taka. I copy down the address, and my GPS puts me into a dark corner of HWY99 and 188th... I was dubious... there doesn't look like anything could be open in this ally looking place, but I turn the corner, and there it was... a gaggle of cars clustered around a single lit sign in a dark strip mall. I walk in, I didn't know what to think... 6 tables and 5 seats at the sushi bar... I thought to myself, "this is gonna be insanely good or epically bad" (the good yelps not withstanding, I recall that yelp had led me astray before). I want to sit at the sushi bar, the chef rejects me and puts me at a table. I don't care, I like having extra space anyways because I order lots of food and I need the table acreage. I ordered the salmon teriyaki and the taka special roll bento, and a couple of sashimi, 'cause that's how you know how fresh the fish is. It was delivered with cucumber and a ponzu agar slice on top of every piece. So gorgeous and interesting in terms of taste. Not something I would have chosen to eat for myself but it was delicious. Next, the bento. I opted out of the salad, and instead of leaving that space blank or filling it with rice, the chef made me a cucumber dicon to fill its place. It was beyond awesome... just like the sashimi. To finish off, they gave me an espresso and cream flan-like pudding with a smidge of green ice cream... not sure if they give that to everyone, but it was a surprise, and now I feel super special for getting all these things that I wasn't expecting. I rave throughout my meal, conversing across the room to the chef with my complements. Afterwards, I introduced my "new to the neighborhood" self to the chef, who turns out to be THE Taka after which the restaurant is named after... and he apologized for rejecting me from the sushi bar, and promised that I'd be seated at my rightful place amongst regulars. Yey me. And the bonus that tops all other bonuses? The family sitting at the sushi bar (Fred and Diane... or was it Frank? and their son), upon hearing my "new to the neighborhood status" promptly buys me a salmon skin hand roll. Another delicacy I have never tried and probably wouldn't have if it weren't for this place. For $25 total (including tax and a generous tip) I walked away from the best meal in recent memory. So now I'm in love and I want to go there all the time... and you should too! Oh yeah.
(5)Kelly J.
Very cozy establishment, sushi chef and servers are Japanese. Had some of their house special rolls. Was not too impressed.
(3)John L.
If quality and authenticity is important to you, this is the place to go in Seattle. The chef is traditional, from the old school. I truly respect this and his craft. His creations are delightful because they fulfill the expectations of what traditional food is supposed to taste like. If you're from Southern California, this place is very similar to Sushi Shibucho in Costa Mesa. Everything is meticulously prepared and evaluated. When you bite into the Uni, you have total confidence it is fresh, melts in your mouth, and delightful. Same with every cut of fish, the tamago, or tako. As close to perfection as I have tasted in Seattle. There are other places that have the fusion. Fusion is nice, and it's very entertaining. But this is the place to go for the purity, the essential. I know there are even more levels beyond this experience. For that, you'd probably want to go to Tokyo though. Worth the trip, whereever you live in the Seattle area if you want the real thing.
(5)Clark D.
I tried this place based on its Yelp reviews. It was very good, surprisingly expensive and a tad odd - all and all a very good experience. We walked in and took a seat at the bar. My buddy and I kept waiting for the sushi chef to look up and acknowledge us because we both love chatting with our chef behind the bar but he never did. That was odd. About 10 minutes in the chef finally looked our way and said "your order?" ... to this point we have not seen a menu nor any indication of their food other than what we assume might be served at a sushi restaurant. I actually asked the guys next to us what they had since it looked good. Once we ordered and the food started coming, I understood the great ratings. The chef was excellent and the fish was so fresh and delicious. We ordered 1 large saki and probably 5-6 orders of various sushi for $100. That seemed expensive to me but it was very good. For the location, I expected to pay a bit less. It probably would have been the same downtown. Overall, great food, odd service but no complaints. I will probably go back , but not on my next sushi trip.
(4)Peter L.
After a long working Sunday, I felt the need to decompress at a sushi bar. Many of the Lynnwood restaurants are closed on Sunday but fortunately, I found Taka open. A small place in a strip center, Taka has seating at the bar for about 8, and an additional 6 or 8 tables. Mr Taka's preparation was very nice, the assortment of fish was more than adequate, and everything was fresh. Standard fare as expected at a well stocked sushi bar plus a few surprises including one of my favs, wasabi octopus. As an added bonus, I was served gratis a great salmon cheek. I'll be back the next time I'm in Lynnwood.
(4)John T.
Food in the north end is really lacking. We are huge sushi fans and have not found anywhere close to home to satisfy our palets. We tried Taka's tonight for the first time and was pleasantly surprised. A little hard to find mom and pop's sushi restaurant with fresh fish and beautifully portrayed artistic creations. Not the best in Seattle but so far the best of the north end!
(4)Steve L.
Great service and great food. My number one sushi place.
(5)jenn L.
yup. im a sushi freak. and this place adds up! delish rolls, but weird locations otherwise it woulda got 5 stars.
(4)