Best Sea Urchin Sushi Restaurants in Seattle – 2025 Guide
What is Sea Urchin (Uni)?
Sea urchin, known as “uni” in Japanese, is a luxurious seafood delicacy prized for its buttery texture, ocean-fresh brininess, and natural sweetness. This bright orange or golden-colored roe is sourced from different sea urchin species, with Santa Barbara uni (USA), Hokkaido uni (Japan), and Maine uni (USA) being some of the highest-quality varieties.
Types of Sea Urchin (Uni) Used in Sushi:
- Hokkaido Uni (Japan): Rich, sweet, and creamy – considered the best in the world.
- Santa Barbara Uni (USA): Slightly firmer with a deep, ocean-like taste.
- Maine Uni (USA): Mild and delicate with a hint of sweetness.
- Canadian Uni: Fresh, briny, and commonly used in high-end sushi restaurants.
- Chilean Uni: Affordable yet delicious with a lighter taste.
Uni is commonly served as nigiri sushi, gunkan-maki (wrapped in seaweed with rice), uni sashimi, or as part of an omakase sushi experience in high-end Japanese restaurants.
Top 10 Sea Urchin Sushi Restaurants in Seattle
Seattle is one of the best places in the U.S. to enjoy fresh sea urchin sushi. Below, we list the top 10 sushi spots offering the highest-quality uni dishes in 2025.
1. Shiro’s Sushi Restaurant
📍 Address: 2401 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
📞 Phone: (206) 443-9844
💲 Price: $$$$
Shiro’s is one of Seattle’s most famous sushi spots, known for its Hokkaido uni sushi imported directly from Japan. Their melt-in-your-mouth uni nigiri is a must-try.
➡️ Want to try fresh uni at home? Buy Sea Urchin Uni Online
2. Sushi Kashiba
📍 Address: 86 Pine St Suite 1, Seattle, WA 98101
📞 Phone: (206) 441-8844
💲 Price: $$$$
Owned by sushi master Shiro Kashiba, this upscale sushi restaurant serves some of the best Santa Barbara and Hokkaido uni sushi in Seattle.
➡️ Order premium uni for home dining: Fresh Uni Sea Urchin
3. Wataru
📍 Address: 2400 NE 65th St, Seattle, WA 98115
📞 Phone: (206) 525-2073
💲 Price: $$$
A hidden gem for authentic omakase sushi, Wataru serves locally sourced Washington uni alongside Japanese-imported Hokkaido sea urchin for an unforgettable experience.
➡️ Get high-quality live seafood: Live Seafood Collection
4. Sushi Kappo Tamura
📍 Address: 2968 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102
📞 Phone: (206) 547-0937
💲 Price: $$$
A sustainable sushi restaurant featuring locally harvested Washington uni, known for its creamy texture and bold ocean flavor.
➡️ Find fresh seafood delicacies: Gooseneck Barnacles & More
5. Maneki
📍 Address: 304 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
📞 Phone: (206) 622-2631
💲 Price: $$
Seattle’s oldest Japanese restaurant, serving traditional uni nigiri, uni donburi, and uni sashimi for over 100 years!
➡️ Watch sushi preparation videos: Global Seafoods YouTube
Health Benefits of Sea Urchin (Uni)
Sea urchin is more than just a delicacy – it’s also packed with nutritional benefits:
✅ Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Promotes heart and brain health.
✅ High in Protein – Helps with muscle growth and repair.
✅ Contains Zinc & Selenium – Boosts immunity and overall well-being.
✅ Low in Calories – A healthy, guilt-free indulgence.
✅ Aphrodisiac Properties – Some claim that uni has libido-boosting effects!
How to Enjoy Uni Sushi Like a Pro
1️⃣ Eat it fresh – Uni has a short shelf life, so enjoy it as fresh as possible.
2️⃣ Pair it with sake – A smooth sake enhances the natural sweetness of uni.
3️⃣ Avoid overpowering sauces – A light soy sauce or citrus ponzu complements its flavor.
4️⃣ Try it on sushi rice – Nigiri sushi is the best way to appreciate uni’s creamy texture.
FAQs About Sea Urchin Sushi
Is sea urchin sushi expensive?
Yes! Hokkaido uni and Santa Barbara uni can cost $50–$200 per serving due to their rarity and high quality.
What does sea urchin sushi taste like?
Uni has a buttery, custard-like texture with a sweet and briny ocean flavor that melts in your mouth.
Can I buy fresh sea urchin online?
Yes! You can order sushi-grade sea urchin online from trusted seafood suppliers.
➡️ Get high-quality fresh uni delivered to your home:
✔️ Buy Sea Urchin Uni
✔️ Order Live Sea Urchin
Conclusion
Seattle is a top destination for uni sushi lovers, with world-class sushi restaurants serving high-quality sea urchin from Japan, California, and the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re trying Hokkaido uni nigiri, Santa Barbara uni donburi, or a creative uni sushi roll, these top 10 sushi spots in Seattle will satisfy your cravings.
➡️ Want to enjoy fresh uni at home? Order sushi-grade sea urchin online and create gourmet sushi in your own kitchen!
