If you've got Japanese fare on the brain, you're in luck: we've found the freshest Seattle eateries to quell your cravings. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in the mood for Japanese food.
Noren
320 E. Pike St., Broadway
Noren is a sushi bar, lounge and Asian fusion spot that is named for a traditional Japanese fabric divider "often hung up in front of an entrance to a business or restaurant," according to the business's website. The new eatery says it offers diners a welcoming, at-home atmosphere.
Look for small plates like seafood carpaccio and diablo shrimp; large plates such as the po'boy sandwich or sizzling pork belly with rice; and sushi and sashimi samplers. Soups, appetizers and salads round out this spot's menu.
Yelpers are excited about Noren, which currently holds 4.5 stars out of seven reviews.
Lisa M. wrote, "We love Noren! We went for the first time tonight and boy are we glad we did. We got the chicken karaage, gyoza, and agedashi tofu to start and all were delicious."
Ju A. added, "This is the best sushi place in Capitol Hill. I had a lovely meal here. First off, the food and service was excellent. Perfect music. Wasn't too loud for conversation. Quality fish, beautifully made sushi ... Definitely will come back."
Noren is open from 3 p.m.–midnight on Monday–Thursday and Sunday and 3 p.m.–1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Katsu Burger & Sushi
2034 N.W. 56th St., Ballard
Katsu Burger & Sushi now has five locations in the Seattle metropolitan area. The restaurant group is known for its deep-fried Japanese katsu burgers. In contrast to other locations around the city, this outpost features a full bar and adds a sushi menu to the burger lineup.
Burger options include the Godzilla Attack (made with wagyu beef, jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, tonkatsu sauce and spicy mayo), with sides like matcha milkshakes and nori fries.
Katsu Burger & Sushi is off to a promising start with a current Yelp rating of four stars out of 57 reviews.
Yelper Rachel W., who reviewed the eatery on Oct. 9, wrote, "Love that this location in Ballard also offers sushi! My boyfriend and I split the Niban bento box and it's a good size for sharing if neither of you are super hungry."
Yelper Shipali R. wrote, "Absolutely love the burgers here. Don't forget to try all their dipping sauces! The service was extremely good and the decor is pretty cute too."
Katsu Burger & Sushi is open from 4–9:30 p.m. on Monday-Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. on Thursday, 11:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. on Sunday.
Koku Cafe + Market
1417 Queen Anne Ave. North, Lower Queen Anne
Koku Cafe + Market is a cafe and Japanese spot that aims to combine rich, fermented tastes with fresh and local ingredients.
Look for both sweet and savory options, like The Forager sandwich with goat cheese spread, sautéed mushrooms, green tomatoes and arugula. There are also cookies, tea cakes and biscuits. Here's the full menu.
Caffeinated beverages include espresso, americano, white mocha red, red latte, chai latte, matcha and more.
Koku Cafe + Market, which currently holds five stars out of 13 reviews, appears to be a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
Yelper Richard S. wrote, "Tasty and eclectic Japanese-inspired cafe on Queen Anne hill. They still carry the excellent Rooibus tea from when the years it was the Cederberg Tea House, but now it's a creative selection of Japanese-style teas and light dishes."
Holly Q. added, "Loved the black sesame fudge! Tasty with bits of coarse salt are mixed in to offset the sweetness. Service was quick and friendly."
Koku Cafe + Market is open from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. on Tuesday-Sunday. (It's closed on Monday.)
