Pretty full house for a 7:30 seating on a Wednesday! Parking is pretty easy since it's at the edge of Ballard. Came in to celebrate my friend's birthday, arrived about 5 minutes early for the seating time and were sat at the bar. We were immediately greeted by the hostess/server, given drink menus, etc. the meal itself started promptly at 7:30 with appetizers. The timing of everything is interesting, as it's just 2 chefs serving everyone in the restaurant (maybe 15 people?) so there were some awkward breaks in between bites and the whole meal took 2.5 hours. The chef himself is on the quieter side (which I prefer) and so sweet. The food itself was pretty yummy. Standout items were the sesame tofu thing that was served in the appetizer tray, the king salmon, the soup, the barramundi, and the wagyu. I found the salmon salad to be an interesting choice since it was served with tartar sauce. And the uni had a strong gas-like taste, which was a bit off putting. Everything else was standard fare. Overall, a solid omakase experience! I'll just point out that they didn't ask for allergies in the beginning, so we had to tell them mid-meal. They also didn't do anything special for my friend's birthday which was sad. But service was really smooth and nice, and the food was solid. read more

Migaku - Japanese Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Heard that this place was new so I had to give it a try. There were 3 choices that one could choose from at booking, the season kaiseki for $140/pp, the migaku kaiseki for $170/pp, and the chef's special kaiseki for $300/pp. Since it was my first time, I chose the mid tier hoping to get a good baseline. For $170, the price is was on par with some of the well established omakase/kaiseki locations such as LTD Sushi, Sushi Suzuku, and etc. My overall feeling of the night was a mixture of this is just OK and oh that was different. The food unfortunately didn't leave that memorable of an impression on me. Like another reviewer had already mentioned, because there's a mixture of tables and bar seating and what seemed like lack of staff, the chef had to cut all the fish for everyone dining there that night and leave it sitting out for 30-45 min. He presented it on a nice platter, but it was still just sitting out for a long time before they were served. The only piece of fish that I thought was really good and different was the akami served with a touch of honey mustard. The akami was prepared super well, very soft and the honey mustard added an unexpected flavor that I didn't know was going to hit the way it did. So kudos on that. There were also some weird ones like the orange potato au gratin dish that replaced the chawanmushi. It was oddly sweet...and was just really weird and didn't feel like it was a good addition/replacement on the menu. Service wise, our servers were really attentive in terms of removing finished plates and refilling water, but where it really left a bad taste in our mouths was how it felt like we were treated by the head chef. The couple next to us got the $300/pp kaiseki and it felt like they were treated better than us because they had spent more money. The head chef was on their side the whole time, smiling and exchanging playful banter (as much as he could since he wasn't a fluent English speaker) but didn't look at us once. It was only us and the other couple at the bar so you can imagine how awkward this was. I tried many times to make eye contact but felt like his gaze was somehow averted every time. What really hit home was the fact that the person who served us our nigiri at the bar was their hot foods chef that didn't seem to know what he was doing. He had to ask the head chef numerous times throughout the night on whether or not the nigiri was prepped correctly before serving it to us...and he looked like he had trouble handling the nigiri in general. They turned out fine, but it really felt like we were given second class treatment because we paid less. If this place left a better impression on me with the $170/pp option, I was considering going back for the $300/pp option, but after seeing what the other couple got in terms of food and my experience, I think this place is a one time try for me. read more

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We came here to celebrate my birthday. The place isn't mainstream yet, and since it was a Monday night, it was just the two of us. It felt quiet and nice. My favorites were the cooked dishes: appetizers, steamed egg, soup, and the A5 sukiyaki. The raw fish was very fresh too, though we expected more premium cuts. Some pieces were a bit tough to chew, so raw fish might not be their strong suit. Service was great and very attentive. Migaku, the chef, isn't very fluent in English, but you can tell he really cares. That said, the birthday part felt a little underwhelming. It was just a candle on one of the course desserts, with no handwritten note or personal touch you might expect from a place like this. Overall, it was a great experience. We went with 4 since there's room to improve. We would definitely come back read more

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One of the newest Omakase spot in town and we were glad to experience it before it's hot. Celebrated my husband's birthday here and we loved the exclusive experience since the service was wonderful and the value for the food was amazing. We had the seasonal omakase option and left super full. Our sever was super friendly and paid an outstanding detail to our reservation. He remembered that I noted the occasion was a birthday and he sang happy birthday plus provided us with a Polaroid photo. The only feedback I have is why were they playing jazz music vs maybe traditional Japanese music. Also, usually most omakase experience is when the chef serve you and prepare the food right infront of you but these items seem to be prepared and serve by our waiter. We don't have an issue with it but wish we had a more typical omakase experience where the items are served by the chef. read more

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今回で2度目の訪問です。 今回もとても美味しくいただきました。 シアトルに本格的な日本食が増えるのは本当に嬉しいです。 六人で行ったのですが、カウンターに座れて シェフと会話ができたのは良かったです。 read more

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I never even been to Karaage Setsuna despite living in Belltown for so long, which chef Migaku. Migaku recently opened up this new spot named after him. I've had omakase before but this is the first time getting kaiseki before so I won't have anything to compare it to. We got the "Migaku Kaiseki Course" and the 3-Sake Selection. I was happy that they showed us the same bottles without asking for them too. Unfortunately there were so many items and I forgot to list them all down. But one thing to note is that they said they would constantly change their menus so each month would be a new experience. I left very content and happy. read more

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I discovered Migaku on Google last night and immediately went to their website to make a reservation. The earliest availability online was several days out, so on a whim, I decided to call. I'm so glad I did. The staff was incredibly kind and accommodating, and they graciously fit us into their schedule with less than two hours' notice that same day. Pro tip: if you're hoping for a last-minute reservation, give them a call...you may get lucky with a cancellation. A quick note on logistics, the restaurant offers street parking only. We arrived around 7:15 PM and had no trouble finding a spot nearby. For dinner, we chose the Kaiseki Dinner Course ($170 per person) and initially planned to order the five-sake flight ($80) each. Our waiter thoughtfully suggested that we share the 5 sake flight, as the pours are generous. We truly appreciated his honesty and guidance. It was exactly the right call. By the second sake, I was already feeling a bit Tipsy. Each course was beautifully crafted and thoughtfully presented. The experience felt as authentic as it get. Take it from someone who visits Japan yearly. The chef's attention to detail and quiet dedication to his craft were evident in every dish. At one point, he surprised us with extra toro, and when I mentioned how much I love uni, it seemed he added a little extra just for me. Such a kind and unnecessary gesture, but one that made the evening feel even more special. I've noticed some comments mentioning that the chef isn't very talkative. In my experience, that's quite customary in Japan. Chefs are often fully immersed in preparing each course with precision and prefer to let the food speak for itself, allowing guests to savor the experience without interruption. It's also worth noting that the menu changes every Wednesday, which makes each visit unique. I wholeheartedly recommend Migaku to anyone who appreciates authentic kaiseki/omakase-style dining. It was truly a memorable and heartfelt experience. We would definitely come again. read more

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T.C. just experienced what I experienced. Sorry, T.C! Can T.C. and I help you fellow Yelpers? ASK TO SEE THE KITCHEN. Having seen it myself, I would never EVER go here ever again, as it would make clear exactly how much this team doesn't care about sanitation. We're talking like garbage bins next to the stove, overflowing, right where they cook your 'fresh' dish. We're talking 'fresh' food sitting out next to recycling and garbage bins. And, again, you don't have to believe me and T.C. Just, while you're there, say "Can I take a tour of your kitchen?" and see what happens. There's a reason they have never posted a picture of it. read more

My wife and I have never done kaikeski and came in not sure what to expect but very excited. It did not disappoint! Migaku is a small restaurant with only two tables and a bar fitting maybe 6 people. It was very clean and the staff seemed to be only 3 people. We had ordered the chef special and for the 5 set sake to pair with it. Chef Inaba came out and prepared the food right in front of us. It was a little strange that he seemed to stand back and watch when we ate but it became less awkward the more evident it was that he was very proud of his food and enjoyed seeing others enjoy it. His smile lit up the room. The sake was probably the best sake I've had. The food was some of the best food I have had. The presentation was gorgeous. Things I did not care for at other restaurants (katsu, uni) were somehow amazing here. It was very expensive. The most expensive meal Ive ever purchased...but my wife and I agreed that every bite was worth it. We were sad when it was over, especially knowing it would be awhile before we could return...but we definitely plan to when we can. It was fantastic, I highly recommend it to anyone who loves nigiri and Japanese food. read more

Such a magical dinner experience. So glad this place opened in Bellevue and is still a hidden gem. The food was absolutely amazing, so beautifully plated and presented and also delicious! Will definitely be back for the next special occasion. Definitely make a reservation. Fun fact the owners are the same as karage satsuna in Deltona read more

A lovely experience end to end, and a feast for visual nerds like myself. The place itself might not look like much, but it is only for the better, as all the attention is on the elaborately prepared and artistically plated kaiseki-style food. The chefs and the whole team are extremely attentive and eager to make you feel comfortable and happy. Given the recency of this place, they are still looking for that goldilocks of what works best for the guests (the amount of attention, the amount of food - spoiler alert, it is a very generous amount of both) but they will get there, I am sure. All in all, a charming spot that very well deserves its spot on the Seattle restaurant map. read more

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The best high end set menu/omakase in Seattle by far!! Every course is beautiful and each component is very different with texture out of this world! I think it's pretty impressive when they make the tofu taste even better than the fish... Service is very friendly and attentive (20% gratuity included :)) The restaurant is very small and simple, super great for a small party or special occasion! read more

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Oishii!!!! Most incredible Japanese meal I've had outside of Japan. The 5 course kaiseki is heaven on earth. Each sake pairing matched perfectly. We will be back. read more

I was here for a family celebration, the environment is pretty lovely, only got 12 seats if I'm not wrong. They were short on staff the night we booked, both waiters called sick. So, the service is ok, plus none of the them speaks English. The food is ok, nothing really surprised me except the desert at the end read more

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Just went there for dinner tonight to celebrate my husband's birthday. We were debating going to a different restaurant for omakase or to Migaku for kaiseki, so glad we picked the latter. We chose the $175 set since we wanted the wagyu and I wanted to see how much food that was. We also ordered their 5 sake flight. It was the perfect pairing. My husband was worried it wouldn't be enough food but his worry went away just mid way through. We had a few appetizers, a chawanmushi, a vast variety of nigiri sushi with fish from Japan, a wagyu sukiyaki, and dessert. We actually couldn't finish the sukiyaki and packed it up to go. The couple next to us looked to have ordered the $300 set, and I think they got an item or two more appetizer, cooked salmon, cooked lobster, and an additional item for dessert. Definitely worth the $300 value but you better come extra hungry if you ordered that. The chef was super nice and friendly. He said the menu changes about once a month. The waiter is also very nice and helpful. It's a small place so it feels pretty intimate. The decor is very clean and comfortable. They put so much thought into their dishware as well. They even have a little plant/flower arrangement in the bathroom. Everything from the food to the vibe just felt very thoughtful. I'd recommend getting the bar seat but they also have table options if you prefer. Overall fun and unique experience. If you want to feel like you had a mini getaway to Japan, this would be a great place to visit. P.S. the store front is very unassuming with no obvious signature. If you're driving and looking for a sign, look for Ballard Dental Care. They're right across from it on the same side of the street. read more

Beautiful authentic Kaiseki. My husband is from Japan so we have spent a lot of time there and had kaiseki many times in Japan & here. This is the only Japanese restaurant in Seattle that my husband & I will go to and really enjoy with no complaints about price or quality. Sit at the counter if it's available, the chef is so lovely to talk to & it's nice to see him preparing the food . Highly recommend! read more

went here for a special occasion and it was perfect. We were lucky and got served by the owner, Migakusan!! He was very friendly and informative about his career, stating he makes a new menu every month! Everything was very thoughtful and delicious and how lucky am I to catch this month's offerings! The service was often and very generous. The space was small and intimate. Would love to come here again as the energy was so good! read more

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We were really looking forward to this omakase, especially at $170 per person, which puts it squarely in the same tier as the top sushi experiences in Seattle (LTD, Takai, etc.). Unfortunately, the meal didn't meet the standard that price point sets. The biggest issue was with the sushi itself. Several pieces had clearly been cut well in advance--easily 20-30 minutes before serving--rather than cut to order. At this level, that simply can't happen. Once fish is sliced and sits exposed, oxidation dulls the color, flavor, and texture. The surface starts to dry slightly, the fat changes character, and the overall bite loses the clean, bright quality that defines true omakase. Cutting-to-serve isn't a luxury; it's the baseline expectation when charging premium pricing. There were also some surprising omissions. No uni was included--again, unusual for a menu positioned at this level. And the wagyu course, which should be a highlight, was served buried in a stew-like preparation that overwhelmed the meat rather than showcasing it. Service was another disappointment. The person tending beverages and clearing plates was largely absent, leaving long gaps between courses on the table and empty glasses unnoticed--something that adds to the feeling that the experience just wasn't cared for end-to-end. None of this is written to be harsh; it's just a bummer. We wanted to love this meal, and there were a few bright spots, but overall, it didn't come close to delivering the quality or intentionality you expect from a $170 omakase. There are other spots in the city at the same price point offering a noticeably higher standard. read more

This was a new omakase establishment in Seattle, but the experience was profoundly disappointing. For a restaurant that charges $130, the quality of the ingredients and the overall execution fell far short of expectations. The most glaring issue is the freshness of the fish. The shrimp has an off-putting taste that clearly it was not fresh at all. Honestly it tasted worse than shrimp one find at Costco. The shrimp was not even deveined -- this is a basic standard for any reputable establishment. Overall freshness of other fish in the nigiri sushis are also generally poor, with their outer surfaces slightly dried out -- suggesting that these are cut and refrigerated hours before they were served. The inclusion of cheap surimi in an omakase menu at this price is frankly unacceptable. Save your money for many other sushi options in Seattle. read more

This is arguably the best sushi I've had outside of Japan. I was initially intimidated by the Kaiseki experience since it was only my wife and I at the chef's table. But Chef Migaku and his staff were incredibly warm; him while making the dishes and his server staff while explaining them. The fish, the 3 courses of sake, the A-5 Wagyu were all phenomenal. I will most definitely recommend this experience to my friends. read more

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Truly a genuine Japanese omakase experience! Chef Migaku is extremely talented and takes great care in preparing and presenting each course. All of the dishes were thoughtfully created with the highest quality ingredients. Even the uni was delicious (which can be very off-putting!). The servers were both attentive, and the pacing of the meal was excellent. The sake pairing was also well-selected. Highly recommend! read more

We had a wonderful dinner that made me reminisce of prior travels to Japan. The March menu featured seasonal ingredients and a variety of traditional preparations, including an English pea soup with uni, geoduck sashimi, and a mochi cheesecake wrapped in a sakura leaf. Presentation was spectacular, both the food and the dishware. Staff was friendly and attentive and explained what was being served. Pacing of the courses was excellent. We sat at the counter, which was fun seeing chef at work, anything from slicing sashimi to grating fresh wasabi. read more

It was one of the best dinning experiences in Seattle! "Sushi Kappo"style is getting popular in Japanese cuisine and it was amazing. Food quality and atmosphere are well worth the price in Ballard neighborhood. read more

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Migaku is amazing. We went to Japan a few months ago and this restaurant transported us back there with the food, atmosphere, and hospitality. We ordered the seasonal Kaiseki menu with 3 sake pairing. The presentation of each course was thoughtful and the taste and ingredients were authentic and delicious. Chef Inaba displayed the perfect hospitality that the Japanese are known for by walking us to the door and saying thank you and goodbye as we left. read more

Migaku - Appetizer - Japanese Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Took my wife on a date night here and it was fantastic! Didn't know what to expect as this place replaced Watson's Counter but it did not disappoint. We sat at the bar and it was a very private dining room. The food was beautifully presented and tasted amazing. There was also a great variety. I wouldn't say I'm a big sake fan but I tried the 3-sake tasting and that shocked me how good it was. Didn't realize how nice good sake could taste. Highly recommend if you are looking for a private and fancy meal. read more