Mori Japanese Restaurant
Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese [Edit]
Neighborhood: Greenwood101 N 85th St Ste 100
Seattle, WA 98103 (206) 783-7708
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Tue-Fri 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun 5:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street, Private Lot
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: Yes
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
67 reviews
Seattle, WA
"MAN!!! I need to move out of the boonies---if only, for the opportunity to have great sushi. I forgot how much I love really good sushi.…" read more »
19 Reviews for Mori Japanese Restaurant
I was excited to go to Mori after reading all of the reviews, but I can't agree with the community here. People who know me, know I'm all about the the family run restaurants. There's just something about the homey feel and authenticity you can find at a family restaurant. This place didn't have either for me. We had maki rolls and nigiri which were below average in my opinion. I knew hole in the wall sushi was a bad idea today.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I love this place, it's close to my place,but also serves some of the best sushi that I've had so far up here in Seattle. Mori gets his fish fresh, and you can really taste it. I've never had a bad piece of fish so far. Sometimes the atmosphere lacks but it's ok the food makes up for it. I've had most of their sushi, my personal favorites are the Spicy Alaska Maki, Toro, and all of their sashimi. Their teriyaki chicken, and salmon are pretty good too, the Curry Udon is alright, but the curry tasted like curry in the pouch, that you would get at Asian stores. Service can be slow at times, depending on the dinner rush. I've never been for lunch so I can't vouch for that . Give it a try and see for yourself!
Being a relative newcomer to Seattle, I'm still looking for "my" sushi bar - the place where I go regularly enough that the owner recognizes me on sight, remembers my preferences, and maybe sends over some complimentary tidbits now and then. From what I'd heard, Mori Japanese Restaurant is that kind of place, but maybe that potential for a long-term relationship isn't something you can sense from just one dinner together.
We actually went here because it was close to the Taproot Theater, where we were seeing a show, and thought it would be a convenient dinner spot beforehand. They do offer free delivery with a minimum $15 order, but I'm assuming there's a limited delivery area and it probably doesn't include West Seattle, where I live.
The restaurant doesn't look all that fancy from the outside - it seems to be a repurposed office building or something - and the layout is a bit funky on the inside. An odd little foyer when you first come in holds a splashy little fountain and rock arrangement, with a second set of doors that leads to the actual restaurant, but it has a sort of tacked-on feel. Inside, the restaurant is spacious and brightly lit, with warm wooden tables and fixtures. It doesn't have a lot of ambience and would not be a romantic place for a date.
The prices seem pretty typical - nigiri sushi runs from $3-6, with maki rolls from $4-12 and combos from $12-19. Noodles and other entrees range from $7-24. They offer bento combos, tempura and teriyaki, udon and yakisoba - all the usuals, at typical prices. We were feeling wild and ordered a special-of-the-day combo with something like 13 kinds of sushi ($45 for two), to try a bunch of different things. The miso was fine but not remarkable; the rice was just okay, and I never like the green salad that accompanies sushi (or more specifically, the icky mayo dressing), so I avoid it. The unagi was good, as was the tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and shrimp. The spicy tuna roll was good, and we especially liked an unusual inside-out maki roll that used cucumber slices as the "rice" outside the nori.
On a midweek evening, only a few other tables were occupied, and service was quick and friendly. Aside from the kind of blah atmosphere, there was nothing wrong with the place, and yet I feel strangely indifferent about it. I guess it just didn't do anything different or special that really made me want to go to the trouble of driving across town just to go there. For the same price, I'd rather get the amazing five-course "chef's choice" meal at Mashiko and enjoy their slick urban decor and tongue-in-cheek sushi-snobbery - and be just a few minutes away from home afterward. Sorry, Mori, I just don't think we're right for each other.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (4)
Cool (3)
DELIVERY SUSHI IS THE BEST INVENTION EVER!
One of the only things I've missed since moving here from Chicago has been the availability of sushi-by-delivery. My recent discovery of Mori has alleviated my grief.
I should note now that I haven't actually ever BEEN to Mori, I have only had their delivery. As such, please consider this review with that in mind.
As for delivery, you really can't beat Mori.
I will acknowledge that it isn't the best sushi I have ever had, but it is certainly quite good, and WAY more than reasonably priced for the quality.
Consider: good sushi at $5-9 per roll!
You can (I have) order a fully acceptable sushi dinner for 2 at little more cost than ordering a pizza!
Moreover? They're constantly tossing in extra little bowls of miso...tasty, tasty miso, and their delivery is muy, muy rapido!
Really, I can't say enough good things about Mori. Order, order, order from Mori!
Eat more Mori!
Om-nom-nom-nom-nom!!
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (1)
I've only ate at Mori's once. It is a pretty decent laid back place though. I'd recommend it if you are near by.
Japanese food has been pretty lacking in our stint here in Seattle. So, when we came across Mori's, we were pleased to not be disappointed. In fact, we gobbled up dinner, licked our lips, patted our bellies and thought...finally, a tasty Japanese restaurant we can call our own!
Yes, yes, the atmosphere is...blah, BUT, it is clean, and the food is really tasty. I will say, I have not explored the menu fully. I am loyal to tuna, chicken, and that oh so yummy ginger dressing they put on the salad. The best thing, is seeing the chef / owner take pride and joy when considering the food that is made along with making sure it is up to excellent standards.
It all translates to a love of food and respect for the Mori customers. Wow - imagine that.
I am SO happy to have sushi delivery. I mean, I love Thai...but let's face it, getting that wasabi rush at home without having to slave over a hot bamboo mat for hours is nice.
The only disappointments were that (1) the rice has been very mushy twice. I don't think this should EVER happen with sushi (the rolls tasted good, maybe they got the best of the batch for them, but the mound of rice under some teriyaki was unforgiveably pasty. Sad).
(2) the tempura when delivered was tasty, but texture was awful. This I should add, is my fault. I knew that would happen.
Chirashi sushi is lovely when delivered, all the fish nice and fresh. Presentation of delivered items is very nice.
I love having lunch here, in every little bento you get an orange which has been nicely carved into four perfect bites and placed back in its skin so it looks like art. Perhaps this is done with a ceremonial sword. Whatever, little things like this are impressive to me.
Their delivery is always quick, polite, and tasty.
I can't imagine why they aren't busier in the restaurant, esp at lunch. Three times I've been there in the last couple months and was the ONLY diner there twice. Weird! I think their location sucks. I'm glad they're still there!
Yay Mori for giving us sushi at home!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
it's not the MOST amazing japanese food in town by a long shot, but it's in walking distance, the food is good, comforting, plenty of beer and sake, and i always know what to expect. usually i know what i'm going to order before i arrive. some nights that's perfect.
You should go here for the sushi. It isn't fancy but it sure is tasty. The setting is unpretentious and feels down home. Sit at the bar and watch Mori skillfully create your meal. Or sit at a table and stay as long as you like, chatting with friends or reading your book.
Unlike Sam's Sushi in Ballard which I think is great, there's never a wait here and this place is anything but a scene. It's just good food without any pretense. Also, they deliver which I love when I'm feeling lazy. My favorites are the spicy tuna roll (which isn't spicy), every last morsel of their vegetable/shrimp tempera and the beef sukiyaki.
Though you probably shouldn't order tempera to go. Some things were meant to be devoured immediately.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (1)
Got delivery from Mori's the other day, and ultimately was pretty disappointed.
I've been fiending some traditional ramen, and ordered the vegetable ramen from this place. Vegetable ramen in Japan usually has bamboo shoots (pickled or not), bean sprouts, mushrooms, sometimes snow peas, sometimes egg, etc.
This ramen arrived absolutely covered in cabbage and carrots, with a few stray pieces of broccoli.
....what?!
Absolutely NOT ramen in every way possible. I removed all of the offending cabbage and carrots and ended up with good broth with noodles, but that doesn't warrant the cost.
Also got two pieces of tamago sushi (egg), but for some reason Mori's is cut differently than anywhere else: the egg is folded over in half, with a TINY TINY bit of rice shoved between. It's basically like eating a piece of egg, with no normal amount of rice to go with it. The husband got a vegetarian roll, which he considered just "ok". Green salad had very very oily dressing which was ok, but nothing special.
I'd give a 2.5 star rating if I could. I'll try this place again and get the salmon teriyaki bento, but definitely not impressed so far.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
Well on the advice of other Yelp'ers we tried Mori's tonight. And, well, it wasn't half bad. We all liked certain aspects of our meals and weighed things like friendly servers, price, portions, and flavor.
While Matsu Sushi is still my fav, this is a very close second. And that's a good thing.
Deluxe Sashimi plate was outstanding, not presented on a huge wooden boat, but that's fine with me, the selection and freshness was out of this world. Miso soup was lukewarm but I'll forgive them on that minor part.
Tempura was fresh, and deeeeeelish! I sneaked a piece from my Dad's plate! We had several apps, a fried tofu, octopus salad, and Japanese pot stickers, all get high marks on flavor.
Starch-boy liked the Pork katsu better than the chicken one, I tasted both, they seemed good to me, but the breading on the pork was bit better.
A bit cheaper than our fav in Lynnwood but that's because of the size of the portions here are a bit smaller. Side dishes, i.e. the cucumber salad and dinner salad were, just okay.
I think the Mrs. served us, she seemed VERY hurried and she wasn't very talkative. Kinda cold actually. On the way out Mori-san gave Snake-girl, our youngest, a Japanese rice cracker dessert, she thought that was pretty special!
I can see why folks like this place, it was pretty darn good. We'll be back that's for sure.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (2)
I'm only giving this place 4 stars because if you eat there, it's pretty lacking in ambience. However the sushi is 5-stars and I've never been disappointed. This isn't the kind of place where you order $50 worth of stuff and leave hungry. They have several different combo meals which are reasonably priced and delicious! Last week I ordered takeout - I think it was the sushi and sashimi combo for one person. It was more than enough for my husband and I for dinner. It's always been really fresh and yummy! I'm glad we discovered it. It doesn't look like much from the outside but it's soooo yummy!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
This place is okay. The sushi is pretty meh-- not bad, but certainly not great. For a much better price (and food), go to Bento Sushi down the road.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Mori is great. I've been going here infrequently (as it is way not in my neighborhood... wow... it would be great if it was in my neighborhood... I would go here every week!) for 7 years.
One thing that I like is that they really tolerate kids well here.
The food/sushi is always good.
And the service is sweet.
I especially like the Japanese cooking shows that are on the television!
It is not fancy fancy inside but very comfortable.
A definite great, relaxed place to eat!
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (2)
Simply put, they offer consistently good service and great sushi. It's not the fanciest place in town but it's busy enough not to make you wonder and empty enough so you never have to wait. Now, I don't normally order anything other than sushi but sushi is great so why would I?
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
This little neighborhood place may have the freshest and best sushi in Seattle. If you're looking for cool atmosphere, go to one of the trendy spots downtown like Wasabi Bistro or Shiro's. If you want amazing sushi at reasonable prices without all the fuss, go to Mori.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
We've been going here for ten years or more. Ain't much for atmosphere but the food is consistently good, sometimes great. The bentos are always a good choice if you want sushi+; the tonkatsu is particularly good and the tempura ranges from competent to awesome, ditto the teriyaki. My beloved isn't much of a beef eater but he's addicted to their sukiyaki.
Hot tip for ya: save money and go for lunch. The same bentos (minus a very undistinguished iceberg lettuce salad) are $3 off! And, y'know, it's healthier to eat your biggest meal of the day midday rather than evening. I'm told.
I am charmed by this place. Although I haven't been going every month in the past year as I used to do, my memories of my experiences as a loyal customer for the past 10 years are as fresh as the daily catch.
Mori is family-owned and run. I have seen a couple of the owner's kids grow up from rug rats to teenagers. Although I don't go as often as I'd like, I am still recognized immediately when I walk in and the waitress or waiter can pretty much order for me.
There is always a warm and friendly atmosphere at Mori, but it can sometimes can get a little chaotic during early weekend dinner time due to it's popularity with families. It comes as no surprise that Seattle parents would try to initiate their high-chair bound kids into the wonderful world of sushi. You can usually avoid the bit of weekend chaos by having dinner at opening time, a bit later, during the week, or by choosing seating in the area in front of the sushi bar. Just ask.
As far as the food goes, Mori's menu has exploded to a nearly overwhelming size and something great can be found for even the fussiest kid or adult. Add that menu, which already includes a great dinner special list, to the daily special menu that has at least 4 or 5 different dishes to offer, including sushi, sashimi, and combination plates/bento boxes. Yes, prepare to spend a little time trying to figure out what you want. Have some tea. Have some sake. Relax.
This mom-n-pop operation is by no means a mom-n-pop shop. Sushi Master Mori prepares his fresh food with friendliness, creativity, and flair. Try his own interpretations on the standards, but make sure to try his own creations on the menu and daily special menu, notably the sushi rolls and maki. Sushi standouts are Mori's Maki, Rainbow Maki, Spider Maki, and Dragon Maki. The ginger and rice vinegar salad dressing is truly the best I have ever had. The sashimi is fabulously fresh and well-presented. Combos and dinner specials may send you home with a person bag (aka "doggie bag"). You will not leave hungry.
Don't be afraid to ask questions, express concerns and talk to Mori himself. Don't be surprised if he slips you a freebie, such as a new roll or appetizer he's trying out.
Parking can be found right in front of the restaurant, but also on the street, and the Fred Meyer lot just accross from Mori. Buses stop both in front and a block away from the restaurant.
Hours and more information can be found on their site at:
http://www.morijapanes....
Mori also delivers to your home! Check it out!
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (3)
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
Top Restaurants
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the… -
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,… -
Delivery to 98117
When I don't want to go to the food, I make the… -
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,… -
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
Hot and New
- Taqueria Tequila Authentic…
20 reviews
Neighborhood: Greenwood
- Nishino
69 reviews
Neighborhood: Madison Park
- Full Throttle Bottles
11 reviews
Neighborhood: Georgetown
- Cafe Presse
136 reviews
Seattle, WA
- Maneki Restaurant
121 reviews
Neighborhood: International District