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Azuma Sushi
Categories: Restaurants Sushi Bars Restaurants Japanese Sushi Bars, Japanese [Edit]
4533 California Ave SWSeattle, WA 98116
Neighborhood: West Seattle
(206) 937-1148
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 2:30 pm
Mon-Sat 4:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Sun 4:30 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
91 reviews for Azuma Sushi
Review Highlights
"I especially like the Dynamite Roll."
(in 5 reviews)
"Bento boxes are awesome value and very tasty."
(in 4 reviews)
"The service was fast and thorough, but not engaging."
(in 4 reviews)
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91 reviews in English
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Review from Eve P.
Seattle, WA
2/3/2012
This place had good sushi -- not the best I've ever had but better than average. Their rolls tended to be on the large end, and it was sometimes difficult to eat a piece in one bite. I particularly enjoyed the salmon skin roll.
The ambiance was nice enough, but when we went, it was busy, and it did feel a little cramped. The wait staff were courteous. They started out pretty prompt, but the service dropped off toward the end of our meal, and we had to wait awhile to get the check.
I'd go here again if I were in the area, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it. -
Review from Erin C.
Seattle, WA
2/1/2012
This is my family's go-to sushi place--we go probably more than we should! We only eat the sushi, so this review is based on nigiri only. It's consistently delicious and fresh. Some days it's outstanding. The Crunchy Maki is wonderful--a butterfish roll rolled in crisp tempura crumbs--YUM. Sake (salmon) nigiri is fatty and yummy. Caterpillar Roll is fun and delicious.
Service is attentive and friendly; often they've brought my young son a bowl of tofu for free. Once they brought him pens and paper to write on when the waitress noticed he was especially fidgety. Two pet peeves: one particular waitress always tries to upsell us, and they always bring the rolls out well after the nigiri. I like to have to all on the table at once.
This place isn't fancy, but if you want a great sushi experience at a good price, go here. -
Review from Dennis D.
12/5/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Decent sushi.
Not the best you can get in west Seattle, but FAR from the worst.
They have pretty good miso and Gyoza, but I'd steer clear of the sea-urchin nigiri. X-p -
Review from Jennifer L.
Seattle, WA
2/6/2012
I really can't say enough good things about Azuma sushi. They have good food, are amazingly kid friendly, and their service is kind and fast. Your needs change when you have a toddler and they completely fit the bill. I highly recommend them!
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Review from Sovannary O.
Seattle, WA
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
I would give this place more stars but they didn't have sriracha sauce. I know it sounds petty, but I need my sauce! Other than that, everything else was amazing. I was very surprised that the sushi was so cheap yet fresh and dericious! Our service was great too, she never forgot about us.
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Review from George C.
Seattle, WA
11/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here for some rolls and they were good. Not the best but far from the worst I've had. Our server was nice and the prices were reasonable. Not bad overall.
I might end up at Azuma again some day. -
Review from Brent L.
Seattle, WA
11/10/2011
When I walked into the restaurant I loved the relaxed vibe I got. Everyone was laid back, including the chef and servers. I sat down at the sushi bar and the chef was super friendly and joked with me a bit. He seemed genuine too, it wasn't gimmicky to me which I could really appreciate.
I ordered the Love Boat #A. When it came out it was much bigger then I thought haha. Needless to say, it was very, very good. I accidentally put too much wasabi on a piece and began to abruptly cough. The chef asked if I was O.K. and after explaining the mistake I had made, we laughed about it a bit. The fish was fresh and prepared right in front of me. I was still hungry and ordered a spicy Tuna roll. Again, it was delicious. After finishing my 2nd Sapporo ( I love japanese beer for some reason) I paid my check and left.
Overall, it was a great experience. Really nice to come here after a long day of work and relax. The chef, and wait staff was friendly. The food was fresh, and the atmosphere was super chill. -
Review from John A.
Seattle, WA
10/17/2011
The interior is a bit cramped with furniture and it lacks a posh style but...
Service was good, attentive, and quick. Wait for food was short. Well staffed for a Monday night.
Sushi was good quality for the price.
If you're on California and decide you want sushi all of a sudden, but don't want to pay a lot for it, this is your place. -
Review from seattle m.
Seattle, WA
12/15/2011
We were waiting in the cold and rain for 8 minutes after the opening time, one of the servers waved and smiled but left us in the cold. Doesn't seem long but it was cold and they were serving two customers so they were clearly ready to go.
Once inside the service was marginal at best. All could have been forgiven if the sushi was superb but alas it was not. The salmon looked waxy and old. I told the waitress who just said it was fresh...clearly it wasn't. I ate one piece, a big mistake. I also ate some less than appetizing tuna, again not a great decision but it was expensive and I was starved. Do not order the shrimp, all I can say is yuck.
Well I have been really sick for hours. Sushi must be fresh or people get sick, $50 to get really sick is not OK. I ate at Azuma a year ago and it was great...tonight it was AWFUL! -
Review from Kaston G.
Seattle, WA
12/8/2011
Very fast, has a great atmosphere, and is pretty darn delicious. Great place to stop for a quick and yummy lunch!
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Review from Stevie C.
Seattle, WA
10/7/2011
I went here on a Monday evening around 7pm. My partner and I were greeted right away, sat and ordered.
We shared the Maki, Tropicana, and Tempura Maki roll. The rolls were between $5-$6, which was a nice price because they were very tasty, larger, portioned, and fresh. My partner ordered Agedashi Tofu at the end. It was not as crispy as we expected, and was kind of soggy.
Overall, excellent dining experience! For the price, atmosphere, and service, we will definitely be returning. -
Review from Kayan L.
8/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ahi poke was okay, could've used more sauce.
Spicy tuna roll was not good, too fishy.
Seafood yakisoba was delicious.
Salmon nigiri was yummy.
Albacore nigiri didn't taste fresh.
Service was good and super fast. Not bad for a local joint. -
Review from Narnia P.
Seattle, WA
7/25/2011
Delicious food, but service was horrible.
The waitress didn't bring out 3 of the 5 things I ordered: tea, rice, and miso soup never showed. The sashimi and roll did show.
I had to ask 3 times for tea.
The menu says the sashimi platter comes with miso soup and rice. I never got the miso soup. When the sashimi and roll I ordered arrived, she asked if I wanted the rice, like it would be a bother. I said no. After not getting my tea or miso soup, I was done with this place.
I will give them credit: They were quick at preparing the sushi.
But 3 strikes and your out...I will not be returning. -
Review from Chase W.
Seattle, WA
4/18/2011
I've been a regular at Azuma for the past 8 years. Yes, there are many bizarrely creative and wildly bold sushi houses in Seattle. I'm not saying that's bad or that I oppose.
Sometimes though, I want low-key, clean, mellow atmosphere, consistently good food that isn't all jacked up in price because the restaurant thinks they have made the first and one and only original sushi roll.
This is precisely what Azuma Sushi is. Eights years, dozens of avocado rolls, noodles, gyoza, many pots of warm tea later, I can still go in there, know I will get excellent food, mindful portions, and fairly fair pricing, and my favorite, generous blobs of fresh wasabi.
The servers are always friendly, never a sneer or underhand remark, not once, even at peak hour Friday evening. The sushi chef, he is almost always there, his white jacket always pristine and not wrinkled, and the "fish tank" always clean. If you are a frequent patron, he certainly makes an effort to remember what sushi you regularly order, or better yet, he will make amiable jokes with you.
The place is comfortable, clean, reliable, and when you are super hungry and worried that the new fancy sushi place might not live up to its hype, leave the hard decision for tomorrow, and grab a table at Azuma's. -
Review from Liz W.
Seattle, WA
7/8/2011
Tasty. Basic. Affordable. Check your take-away bags before heading out the door, however, because they've pretty consistently forgotten an item I've ordered. No biggie.
I'd recommend it for a run-of-the-mill sushi experience. -
Review from Daniel P.
Seattle, WA
10/26/2011
My wife and I took my mother there for our first visit and my mothers first sushi experience. It started off a little rough, very busy and only one person serving, it seemed really unorganized, but we were not in a hurry and feeling pretty mellow, so it didnt really phase us. ( had I been in a hurry or in a "mood" it probably would have bothered me). Eventually the food started coming out and it was worth the wait. Very good, beautifully prepared and the nice woman serving us spent some time chatting with us, which I really like. My mother was really impressed and is now an official member of the sushi club! Thanks Azuma! One little negative, I personally found the green tea a little smelly and not very tasty, but no big deal as far as I am concerned.
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Review from Jacquie P.
Seattle, WA
5/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Positively "A-OK."
It's more of a "traditional, imitation crab" experience versus the "trendy, sustainable" experience down the street. And the prices and ambience reflect that.
Chicken yakisoba was fine. Chicken was a bit dry but not greasy. Unagi roll was a big hit, and we would order the gyoza and salmon roll again.
I'm sure I'll be hitting up Azuma again when I'm hungry and can't afford a more expensive alternative. A good middle-of-the-road option. -
Review from Aivanett N.
Seattle, WA
9/24/2011
After living in West Seattle for almost 3 years, I visited Azuma about two weeks ago for the very first time with a few friends. I found the environment quite laid back and casual which I loved. Instead of a snobby stuck up feel, it had a great friendly atmosphere and the service was fast and accurate. I have a thing about seaweed and a low quality one makes me want to barf so when I ordered the Shrimp Tempura Roll, I was worried. The battered shrimp was sweet and crunchy and the seaweed just melted away. It was amazingly smooth! I also ordered the Tuna, Salmon and the Butter-fish Nigiri, all three of them were delicious. I could live without the Banana Tempura, it wasn't terrible but I much rather have the Tempura Ice Cream and the Green Tea Ice Cream. They were heavenly!
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Review from Jen X.
Seattle, WA
8/24/2011
I have been to too many places in West Seattle that have snobby, hoity-toity service. NOT HERE! these ladies are adorable and love when we bring out kids in. great prices, good sushi, free parking(plus a nice entrance in the back), chill environment.... it's legit. check it out.
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Review from Robert B.
Seattle, WA
2/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
The best way to describe Azuma Sushi is 'Solid Sushi'. Solid as in what you would expect from a traditional Japanese restaurant. You see, down the street you have Mashiko, which is quite good, but is a bit more creative, emphasizing sustainable seafoods, etc. All well and good, but Azuma is unapologetically traditional. No 'Asian Fusion' silliness here, just traditional Japanese cuisine prepared traditionally, and this is not a bad thing, when it's done right. No 'rock star' sushi chef here, just a hard-working bloke who does the sushi proper with a minimum of flourish. But all the same, everything is as it should be: fresh, tasty, reasonably priced.
Not spectacular, but CONSISTENTLY good, and authentic; and that in itself can be worth four stars in this business. This is a real 'blue chip' establishment; by all means check them out! -
Review from Patrick L.
Renton, WA
11/17/2010
My friend brought me here recently, and I'm so glad she did! I've been wanting to find a quality alternative to that trendy over-hyped joint down the street.
Azuma is fantastic. It's not expensive, and all the fresh fish was great. I tried smoked sake nigiri for the first time here, and fell in love. I'll def be trying that at other sushi joints from now on, along with my other favs. I liked that the spicy tuna had big chunks, but could've used a bit more spice. I can't comment on their entrees or rolls, as I don't usually order that stuff. Unless I'm really starving, I stick to nigiri and maybe handrolls.
This place reminds me of a very typical Japanese restaurant in decor/style, and being quiet inside and very unassuming whether you're walking by or seated inside. I'll be back soon, I promise! -
Review from Christine Z.
Seattle, WA
1/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I decided to leave the comforts of my Ballard 'hood one Sunday afternoon to hang out with a gf of mine.
I stopped into this West Seattle hole in the wall after my gf (who lives right around the corner) raved about the place. I was going to head over to Mashiko's for some takeout, but my gf said that Azuma's was her and her BF's go-to sushi place because it was really good and not as over-priced as Mashiko's.
While I wanted sushi, I got really excited when I saw curry on their menu. Japanese curry is something I fell in love with when I lived in Japan during my foreign exchange student stint in HS. There aren't many Japanese places in the States that offer curry, so I was super excited when I saw Azuma's offered it.
I ordered takeout... I was pleased that I was able to phone in my order, walk around the corner and pick up my order in less than 10 minutes.
I was bummed when I got home, though... the curry I had ordered was far from traditional Japanese curry and closer to Vietnamese curry. I should have just stuck with my original craving and gone with my gf's raving reviews on their sushi. STOOPS ON ME!
While the meal was good, it wasn't great! I am still interested in hitting up this place in the future... for sushi, though, not the curry, just to see if it's as great as my gf says it is! -
Review from Colleen W.
Seattle, WA
10/17/2010 2 Check-ins Here
First, two positives: delicious seaweed salad and miso soup.
Overall: Our appetizers were great but the sushi was disappointing. Although it wasn't the best sushi I've ever had, it wasn't the worst.
The rolls:
Poki Roll- It was cubed tuna with scallions and a dry seasoning added to it. The dry seasoning was odd and did little to add any flavor to the boring fish.
Spicy Tuna Roll- I thought it would be a hit due to the positive yelp reviews...lies. I think I've ordered enough of these rolls to have a good base to compare them to. None have been this boring. I actually questioned if it was a mistake and if they had sent me another "poki" roll.
It looked the same: large chunks of the dull tuna with little to no flavor. I prefer more of a spicy tuna tartare texture or at least a smaller dice for this roll. The spicy chili flavor was lacking and I'm sorry, but I place a heavy importance on the "spicy" adjective of the roll. -
Review from Diego S.
8/31/2010
Wow! I really enjoyed there presentation of the sushi, was more of a traditional sushi bar/ restaurant!
Service was impeccable!
Sake was great!
We made it for lunch had crunchy tofu.. and some other great sushi dishes..Listed in: Sushi
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Review from James S.
Santa Barbara, CA
8/6/2011
The salmon teriyaki is great. My partner said the sushi was good. And the service was prompt and cheerful.
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Review from K H.
Seattle, WA
It's not bad, but with all the other Japanese restaurants in Seattle, I don't see why one would come here... unless you live nearby and don't own a car. The food isn't bad. The sushi is edible.
The ramen is pretty bad though -- I wouldn't even call it ramen -- I'd call it chunky pho -- not bad, but definitely not ramen as I know and love it.
I will say that I like the semi-diverse menu: ramen, udon, dinners, bento, etc.Listed in: 100+ Seattle Japanese Joints, Ramen
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Review from Peter A.
3/8/2009
Azuma is definitely my favorite sushi restaurant in Seattle. I had never eaten sushi before moving to Seattle so I was definitely a "sushi virgin." After going to a couple places around town I began to love sushi, not only for the flavor but for the experience. Having lived in West Seattle, I was told that I had to try Azuma because it was the best- that was NO lie.
When I go to Azuma I am always greeted with a smile and a warm welcome. The service is amazing (just like the food). On a weekend, I will usually pony-up to the sushi bar with a paper and an appetite and I am never left unsatisfied. They have great rolls but my favorite is the eel- the flavor and texture is perfect.
So look no further if you want to try some great sushi. You won't be disappointed by the experience. -
Review from Me H.
Seattle, WA
1/8/2007
On Saturday afternoons when I'm craving sushi this is where I go. It's always fresh and full of flavor. Their Tropicana roll made spicy is delightful I can't get enough.
Their bento meals are also very tasty I've never had a bad meal here. A few years ago my brother was in town and I took him here he still talks about their teriyaki beef he claims it is by far the best he's ever had (I don't eat beef so I can't confirm this), I will mention my brother also loves Taco Bell. -
Review from Monica S.
Seattle, WA
6/6/2007
Azuma isn't the kind of spectacular sushi restaurant that will wow you at every turn. There's no perfectly maintained salt water fish tank or fancy decor. The staff isn't going to make a big fuss over you. There's no tatami room. You won't find a billion yuppies here disussing their most recent scuba adventures. It's not the place that will bring you the most exotic fish or the most avant garde rolls.
Despite all that, Azuma is by far my favorite sushi place on the planet.
The sushi is consistantly delicious and fresh, served up by one of the friendliest sushi chefs around. Watching his hands work miracles with fish, seaweed and rice is poetry at high speeds. (Sit at the bar to get the full effect.) Your sushi will never be fishy or otherwise unpleasant. The edamame is always fresh and tasty. The miso soup is sublime.
The staff are friendly and efficient. You never go long without having your drink refilled.
Sure you could go someplace fancy and spend a lot of money, but if you're like me you'll love the balance of price, quality and service you get from the most unpretentious purveyors of raw fish in West Seattle.
There's no one to impress here but your tastebuds.Listed in: A Foodie's Survival Guide to…
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Review from Gabriel A.
Seattle, WA
7/10/2009
a big resounding MEH.
When I spend this much money on food, I expect it to be a treat. But I walked in at 9 when they were closing at 9:30 and they were clearly in a hurry to get me out the door. The waitress was asking me what i wanted before I could even put down the menu.
I had some spectacularly unremarkable chicken curry with rice, some miso soup, and a pretty tasty but absolutely tiny side salad.
the best part of my meal-- the Andes Candy they gave me with my bill. -
Review from Sara H.
Seattle, WA
11/25/2006
Need a recommendation on Saki (face it...it takes some experience to even begin to understand the stuff), or perhaps even how it is best served? Looking for a kick-ass any kind of traditional roll or nigiri?
Look no further - this is your place!! Forget the trendy sushi "clubs" and/or bars. These guys have been doing it forever. THESE GUYS have the knowledge and experience!
And it doesn't end there. I have never had to wait and their wait staff is very attentive and friendly. Prices are quite reasonable and take-out service is fast.
Look no further...whether sushi virgin or connoisseur...you are HOME! -
Review from Joe V.
Seattle, WA
7/19/2011
Had lunch today with my daughter. Sushi plate was just ok in terms of freshness and quality. I'd give the rest of the menu four stars and 4.5 for friendliness of staff. Overall i like this place a lot and will continue to come back.
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Review from Ray I.
Seattle, WA
3/28/2007
Sushi was a highlight of my weekend...again.
Any time of the week Azuma is my prefered sushi in West Seattle. The service is great, owner & chef is polite & present contributing to the experience with his fabulous sense of humor. Everything is fresh & it can not be said enough the Bento box is solid, especially for the Japanese neophite or anytime you want a little of everything.
I love bringing my friends here to show them that West Seattle has great sushi too. -
Review from Guy M.
Seattle, WA
10/5/2008
mmm.... eating their sushi makes me want to close my eyes
Azuma is the place in Seattle for sushi! It has a relaxed atmosphere with friendly and accommodating staff. The sushi man, Harry, is excellent and always has time to crack a few jokes.
And lets not forget the sushi which is to DIE FOR. You must try the Dynamite, Spider, and Dragon Rolls. Again, I close my eyes every time to savor the flavor.
I've quickly become a regular with their great value on bento boxes. Five Stars! -
Review from Dan M.
King, WA
5/28/2011
This place may not have the cachet of Mashiko, just down the street, but the sushi is outstanding. I especially like the Dynamite Roll. Service is always nice, and the value is good.
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Review from Sean C.
12/25/2007
The first time I tried to go here, instead of being greeted with sushi, I was greeted with a sign on the door that indicated they were mysteriously closed for the day. I'm not sure how often this occurs, but it was a bit odd as it did not state any reason for the closure.
The second time a few weeks later, I succeeded in dining here. The best adjective I can use to summarize this place is ok - it describes both the chirashi I had and the "love boat" sushi combination my dining companion had. Service was fine, decor is decent but I don't have particularly high standards for that.
It might be unfair to compare it to Mashiko down the street as opposed to standing on its own, but with their excellence a block away, it was hard not to be disappointed by their average fish. It is cheaper than Mashiko though, but I'd rather go to there once than here twice.Listed in: Overrated
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Review from Daren D.
9/30/2009 3 photos
Azuma Sushi... uh-zoo-muh sue-she... cool phrase.
After meandering through burien and west seattle on the 560, finally i get off at the junction...
i like this place. great wood use and jpn art. is it just me, or are they chinese? it just made me wonder out of curiosity, since i'm used to hispanic, japanese, or korean. a first if they are chinese. the waitress seemed like she had that aged-pleasantness about her. idk, kind of like, "oh just another customer" but also, "welcome, thank you for coming," if that makes sense. a rather homey atmosphere.
thee sushi was great. the dynamite was satisfying (although izakaya's seemed better) and sake had put-in-your-mouth-but-sticks-out sized slices which were amazing salmon (it's one of those simply beautiful nigiris). i just wanted to start ordering more left and right.
the b-room wasn't anything special, and overall, i wouldn't mind going back. -
Review from Caroline H.
Seattle, WA
1/20/2008
I love Azuma when I have had a long week and I want sushi, but I don't want to deal with the hustle and bustle of going to Belltown with having to find parking and dealing with crowds.
It's only a few blocks away from where I live and the staff is always friendly. Sitting at the sushi bar is always the best seat in the house and the sushi chef is always funny and is always willing to give you suggestions when you don't know what to eat. The rolls are alright, nothing mind blowing. Its just a place that is simple and good. -
Review from Josh C.
King, WA
7/15/2009
Love this place. Bento boxes are awesome value and very tasty.
Great service, nice friendly people. -
Review from dawn h.
WA
2/18/2007
My choice for sushi in West Seattle. The staff is friendly and helpful, the sushi is delicious and they've got some nice Saki and good beers.
What's not to love??Listed in: Top Restaurants, My Neighborhood
