Hit or Misso? Shiro's Sushi Counter Omakase Review

Sushi is just fish and rice. Sounds simple, right?

Behind every piece is years of dedication, education, and excellence. Every detail—from the fish to the rice to the final shape of each piece—is carefully considered in the pursuit of perfection.

That's why a handful of sushi can command hundreds of dollars at the world's most celebrated omakase counters. Yet at Shiro's Sushi in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood, diners can experience a thoughtfully crafted 19-course omakase for $145—a reminder that exceptional sushi doesn't always require a luxury price tag. But still, $145 is a hefty price for a standard dinner. Was it really worth it?

Meet the Chef

I'm not entirely sure if he was the head chef, but I was fortunate to be seated in front of Chef Taro,"like the potato," he joked with a smile.

Born in Japan, Chef Taro's culinary journey has taken him through Japan, Singapore, Hawaii, and eventually Seattle, where he's called home for the past 17 years. His warmth and easygoing personality immediately put me at ease.

At one point, I mentioned that I had worked at Sugo Hand Roll Bar.

"As a chef?" he asked.

"Yes." I replied.

He paused, looked at me again, and repeated, "As a chef?"

"Yes!"

Only then did he seem convinced, and we both laughed. The exchange was brief but memorable. Throughout the meal, Chef Taro paired his deep expertise with genuine hospitality, making the experience feel less like a formal omakase and more like being welcomed into the hands of someone who truly loves his craft.

Appetizer

The meal opened with wintermelon, crab, and a light uni sauce. A refreshing and clean start—delicate and well-balanced. The sweetness of the snow crab stood out in particular, complimenting the creamy uni perfectly.

Sashimi Course

Next came a plate of sashimi featuring suzuki, botan ebi, and salmon, paired with fresh wasabi. The fish quality was excellent, and the standout was the wasabi ($300 per pound!)—bright heat with that classic sharpness, followed by a subtle, almost sweet finish.

Nigiri Progression

The nigiri selection included isaki, kanpachi, kochi, akami, aji, and more. The garnishing was minimal and intentional, allowing each cut of fish to take center stage without distraction. Chef Taro even brought his own salt from Okinawa - a special topping with mild saltiness and slight sweetness.

The fish quality itself was excellent, but the sushi rice leaned mushy. I tend to prefer a more defined grain structure—slightly firmer and fluffier, almost “al dente,” while it comes together smoothly with the fish.

Shiro's Sushi rotates their menu with the seasons, even updating certain nigiri courses monthly, since some fish are at their peak for only a short window of less than two months. This attention to timing reflects both their expertise and deep respect for ingredient quality and freshness.

Hot Dish #1: Soba Noodles

The green tea soba with shiitake mushrooms and fish tempura was a standout comfort course. The broth was clean and the tempura stayed crisp even as it soaked in the soup. Despite being a more carb-heavy dish, it remained surprisingly light and easy to finish.

Hot Dish #2: Fried Mackerel & Onion Soup

A fried king mackerel in an onion and bonito stock followed, garnished with orange zest for brightness. While the flavor profile was savory and deeply umami, this was the one miss for me—the mackerel felt slightly overcooked, leaning toward a texture reminiscent of overdone salmon.

Final Thoughts

The meal closed with additional premium nigiri, including kinmedai, chutoro, otoro, shima aji belly, uni, and others. Portions were generous for the price point, and the quality remained consistently high through the end.

Not only was the food good in quality, but what stood out most was how Chef Taro guided us through each course, sharing details about every fish and what made each one special—whether it came from Japan, Hawaii, Korea, or elsewhere—and the effort required to source it. It was both educational and a clear reflection of the passion behind every bite.

Food Score: 8.5/10

Service Score: 10/10

Overall Score: 9/10

What do you think—does Shiro's Sushi live up to the hype? And more importantly, where should I review next? Drop your favorite omakase or sushi spot below!

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