Sushi Kaunta Photos
Business Info
Sushi Kaunta Popular Dishes
SUSHI KAUNTA ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
More like Sushi Kaunta
Recommended Reviews - Sushi Kaunta
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
Incredibly fresh and tasty combinations sushi/nigiri. Very small operation with reservations necessary. Some preordering. We had 23 different types of global fish. The worst thing was trying to remember each plate. Wish we could have had a paper menu to know what we throughly enjoying. Personalized service. Only one seating per half hour.
Always delicious, always joyful -- this tiny sushi spot is packed with the chef's passion. I've been coming here for years, and somehow the sushi keeps getting better. Yesterday I even had striped beakfish for the first time in decades, and it instantly brought back childhood memories with my grandfather. The uni melts, the halibut and aji are perfect, and the saba is the best in Seattle -- truly unmatched. The chef carefully selects every fish, and you can taste that dedication in every bite. Great sake and beer pairings too. The space is small, but the quality is top-tier and the chef-owner is incredibly kind. A true gem.
TLDR: Great sushi in a one man operated restaurant. Get reservations a few weeks in advance and order while making your reservation Food: We had 2 orders of the 14 piece omakase plate. All the pieces were fresh and tasted amazing with a variety of flavors, textures, and styles. The chef clearly explained each piece from the fish to how it was prepared. We also had the real crab california roll and the scallop crudo Price: Amazing value for the quality of fish. I believe the menu and prices were updated coming into 2026 but for the 14pc plate it was $65. We spent about $100 per person after tax and tip Service: Despite being a one man restaurant, chef does everything from bussing, greeting new customers, serving, refilling drinks, etc.. because the restaurant is in a historical building in an older neighborhood the ambiance is rustic and simple. Note: Reservations are done via Tock. Check the Sushi Kaunta instagram for when reservations will become available and for what dates
What a great spot $69 for a 14pc nigiri omakase, $88 for 18pc, with a great variety of in season fish sourced from Japan and many other places (tuna from mexico, ocean trout from Japan, king salmon from Norway, from hawaii, etc). Chef spaces out groups so he can dedicate time to carefully prep each order
Worth the drive and worth the careful monitoring for reservations! I have been lucky enough to visit a couple of times for a few special occasions. The price point is high but the quality reflects the price very well. The restaurant itself is very small and may not have the proper space to fit a party larger than 4. It may also not be a great space for long dinning stays because of how quickly it would fill up if people stayed for a while. One thing to also note is to make sure you know what you want before making your reservation because you pre-order everything you want before submitting your reservation. You also pay for half your order total during your reservation as well. This is likely so the chef is able to prep well for you when you arrive which makes the dining experience quite seamless! This is a one man show and it done quite well! I highly recommend ordering the chef nigiri special as it highlights fish from all over the country. Chef Sean goes into depth about what is on your plate and is attentive to needs throughout your experience. The fish quality is INCREDIBLE! I am blown away every time I take a bite. The rice is always seasoned perfectly and each bite is a pleasant and consistent experience. You won't be disappointed in this spot at all!
The fish was imported from Greece, Japan, and Mexico to name a few.. I chose the chef's choice nigiri every piece of fish was so fresh and some were topped with a unique wasabi or yuzu touch that exploded in your mouth.. absolutely amazing also ordered the uni which is imported from Japan so it was pricey but worth it!! definite must try
Super unassuming and casual sushi spot that just serves delicious fresh sushi. No frills. The small place is operated by chef Sean, so service isn't as attentive if you were to have a waiter. This didn't bother me at all because the great meal in front of me made up for that. There was not a bad piece on the nigiri place. The flavors were simple, yet refreshing and left me exited for the next piece. To get a reservation I checked the Instagram everyday. It was a 2 hour drive from north Seattle during dinner time but dare I say worth it? If I were to compare to other sushi places in similar price point, it is better than Shiro's. Plenty of street parking the day I went if you're just willing to walk 1-2 blocks.
Only the chef is working, no waitstaff, so you can't enter until the exact minute of your reservation. There's also no ice. The sushi is okay, but not worth the price. For what you're paying, omakase should be served piece by piece. Instead, everything just comes out on a plate, and the plating isn't anything special either. I've had better presentation at cheaper restaurants. Ambiance is okay but a bit cramped. Customer service from the chef was mid. Went once to check out the hype and won't be coming back.
To my surprise chef Sean opened the restaurant on a Sunday for the first time in three years. He had the place closed while he was in vacation. So it made sense to open it for one day. Sunday he's normally closed. As soon as I saw the post on Instagram, I went to his reservation system on his website. Which is Tock...since it was Labor Day weekend, sure why not splurge. As one of Chef Sean's regulars I realized I've been here 48 times since he's been opened. Whoa!!! Food is amazing as always. Wet get the chefs choice 10 piece nigiri, unagi Don, chef Sean gave us a mall order of maguro Don, then we got the caterpillar roll, and I had one piece Kani gunkan(real crab meat) Met lovely couples that dined before us, and after us. Both couples had their infants with them. Both couples only been to sushi Kaunta twice. I'm telling you, it's not easy to get in. But if you're diligent enough, you'll eventually get a reservation. It's worth the wait. Last month I brought a sushi chef from Palm Springs to try Sean's sushi. She was very impressed not only with his food and how fresh, but his business style. The way he runs the place in order to give the best to his patrons. The place is always spotless! Thanks chef Sean for always making us feel like family for the past three years, almost 50 times!!!
Chefs Choice Nigiri 14 pcs $54 Bara Chirashi Don (full size) $45 Crudo Special-Seabass $19 Uni (Canada/Hokkaido) M.P. One man operated private sushi spot in Kent, WA. A true hidden gem in Kent open only 4 days a week. They release reservation time-slots every two weeks and is based on reservations only. They also only take one group at a time which makes it a super unique sushi experience whether it's with your significant other, family or a group of friends! No need to travel all the way to Seattle for good sushi anymore We got the 14 pcs chefs choice and each piece was so delicious and some nigiris had pickled wasabi on top! Not the best at fish names so I couldn't remember all the pieces when Chef Sean kindly explained it to us but regardless each piece was amazing. Most chirashi dons are about the same here and there but this bara chirashi don was definitely different was blown away with the flavor. Even the tamagoyaki on top is made by Chef Sean and isn't overly sweet like most but more savory which I loved. we also tried a uni from Canada and some from Hokkaido. Personally loved the uni from Canada-much sweeter and superr creamy not too much ocean flavor.
My husband and I made reservations to visit on a Saturday night at 7pm. Kent is quite a drive away from us, but for good sushi - it's always worth it! As everyone says, you need to keep your eyes open for the reservations to open up 2-3 weeks prior. There's an IG post that comes out when you can go and book! Overall, the experience was great and perfectly timed. We didn't get to sit at the bar, but Sean was attentive all evening. We walked in at 7pm, got seated and he repeated our order for us. Since we weren't at the bar, we got all 14 pieces of our omakase at once. He walked us through each fish and where it was from! I loved the variety and everything tasted great and fresh! I also think the fish to rice ratio was perfect and good sampling of everything. We also ordered uni (from Hokaido) for $15 pp extra and an additional miso soup. Oh! And we got a bottle of sake to share. I rate this 5/5 because I would definitely come back if it wasn't so far (and not easy to always get the reservation time and date you want). However for just the service and food alone, you can't beat it. We spent less than $200 including tax and tip so we left satisfied and happy =)
Sushi Kaunta absolutely BLEW ME AWAY. I've never had such fancy sushi in my entire life, and for a relatively affordable price. It was featured in the Seattle Times in February 2024 (https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/this-hidden-gem-in-kent-serves-superior-sushi-at-non-seattle-prices/), and I get the hype. My co-worker has been here before and wanted to take me out for lunch to celebrate a job promotion. Sushi Kaunta releases reservation slots every week. We were lucky to grab a 3:30pm slot on a Thursday afternoon as reservations fill up quickly. What's interesting about this restaurant is that you place your order when you make your reservation rather than when you arrive. However, you can order more nigiri or other sides when you get there if you wish. Sushi Kaunta is a very small restaurant with three small tables and a small sushi bar that sits five people. The interior is nothing fancy (which is probably how they are able to keep prices low), but it's clean and well-lit. Sushi Kaunta is truly a one man show as the guy running it, Sean Hyun, is your chef, server, and host. My co-worker pre-ordered a 14-PIECE NIGIRI OMAKASE (+$54), a LARGE SASHIMI OMAKASE (+$54), an UME SHISO ROLL (+$6), two CHUTORO (medium fat tuna) NIGIRI (+$6 each), two SPICY CREAMY SCALLOP GUNKAN SUSHI (+$4 each), and a HOTATE (scallop) NIGIRI (+$4 each). The 14 piece nigiri omakase came with unagi, salmon, sockeye salmon, trout, tuna, yellowtail, and more. The large sashimi omakase came with salmon, sockeye salmon with shiso, sea bass, yellow fin, and tuna. All fish were super fresh and melted in your mouth- I'm a sushiholic, and I've never had sushi like this before! With each bite, I was hit with an instant rush of dopamine! My favorites were the sockeye salmon with shiso, the sea bass, uni, and the hotate. The shiso really added a nice umami touch to the fish. Even without the extra side orders of nigiri and roll, we were stuffed and had leftovers to bring home. The sushi presentation and taste alone is remarkable. However, what's even more remarkable about the experience is that when the chef brought each dish out, he pointed at each piece of sushi and told us what type of fish it was and what country it was from. It probably took at least 2 minutes for him to describe all fourteen pieces of nigiri and he had it all memorized whether the fish was from Iceland, Mexico, Japan, or elsewhere! I've never had such a unique and personalized and cosmopolitan sushi experience before. Service was fantastic, especially given that it was just the one guy doing everything. Upon seating, he pours you complimentary hot tea which was super comforting on a cold winter day. He also checked in on us multiple times even when he had other customers eating at the bar. Overall, all I can say is WOW. I can't wait to be back - thank you, Sushi Kaunta, for a memorable experience and for opening my tastebuds to what real sushi should taste like! 6/5 for food, 6/5 for service, 4/5 atmosphere
1 year ago
This is a very special little shop. The space is not big and can only accommodate 8 people, but it is full of warmth and unique atmosphere. There is only one "employee" in the shop, the boss. He does everything from reception, production to service, but he does not seem flustered at all. Instead, he gives people a friendly and focused feeling. The dishes here are even more amazing! The sashimi rice in the photo is full of various fresh sashimi. The salmon is bright orange-red and melts in the mouth; the tuna has clear texture and firm meat without losing tenderness; and the fish roe that is dotted, the moment it bursts in the mouth, the delicious taste overflows. Another plate of sashimi platter is also excellent. Each piece is cut evenly and the freshness is simply unspeakable. It is paired with fresh wasabi and pickled ginger slices, and the taste is rich. The crab meat snack is also not to be missed. The crab meat is cleverly combined with the sauce, and then sprinkled with sesame and chopped green onions, and the aroma is fragrant. One bite, the crispy bread bottom is matched with the delicate crab meat, and the taste of the sauce is just right, which makes people unable to stop. During the meal, you can have a drink with your friends. The drinks provided by the store are also very suitable for your taste, refreshing and refreshing, and complement the food. At Sushi Kaunta, you can feel the owner's dedication to ingredients and love for cooking. Every dish is like his carefully crafted work. Although the store is small, it can bring full surprises and excellent dining experience read more
This sushi place is a hidden gem! I went with my friend on a Saturday night. We had to reserve a spot over Instagram and tell the chef what we planned on ordering. It's a tiny spot - maybe 10 seats, if that? We both got the chef's selection of nigiri. It was incredibly fresh and well-prepared. Also very fairly priced for the quality of fish. Kent is a drive from Seattle but this place is worth a visit! read more
Did a walk in for lunch. The restaurant was amazingly adorable and, small but intimate. The chef does it all. He takes the order, makes your food and buses tables. I highly suggest getting a reservation. The portion of my chef special sashi was quiet small. Get the Unagi Don if you love Eel. They give you a lot! read more
Amazing! This place is tucked away in Kent but absolutely worth the drive from Seattle. The place is very small so reservations are crucial, but since it's so small the service is exceptional and he is very attentive. The food itself is incredible and at the same level as top tier sushi I've had in Seattle and New York where the prices are 3x more expensive. The quality is exceptional and there was such a large variety of different items that were unique and interesting. I would definitely come back! read more
Nestled in a somewhat sketchy neighborhood, Sushi Kaunta is hidden gem in Kent. The unassuming 12 seat place is cozy with thoughtful design. Chef is a one man show and does it all by himself fantastically. Althought the fish wasn't exactly local, some of the fish was from Greece! It was delicious and so fresh. I had the chefs choice nigiri and the lobster bake roll. I would probably skip the lobster bake roll next time as the lobster was overcooked and chewy. Overall great spot and will be back if I can snag a reservation. read more
9 months ago
2 years ago
My boyfriend expressed how much he LOVED this hole-in-the-wall restaurant when he went with a friend. So we decided to celebrate our anniversary here for me to try. It's located on the first floor of an old building with other small local stores across of two parks (Kherson and Rosebed) on W Gowe St in Kent. There's only street parking around the area and luckily, my boyfriend and I were able to park right in front of the restaurant! Reservations only! Call or DM the restaurant via IG to make a reservation as this is a one man show. When we arrived, my boyfriend mentioned he already ordered some sashimi and sashimi donburis over the phone as he made the reservation.The one and only chef working at the restaurant mentioned that we could order more if we were still hungry which we did. The donburis that we ordered were the Special Meguro Don and Sake & Maguro Don. The sashimi were Sockeye Salmon with Yuzu, Otoro with Wasabi, and Salmon. The fishes were veeerry fresh. The otoro were both our favorites as it literally melted in our mouths, SO GOOD YUM. The yuzu with the sockeye salmon was also a combination I would not have thought of - sooo good. We added a roll - Flamingo Roll with Scallops inside and Tuna on top. The spicy mayo on top of the roll was VERY good. It wasn't overwhelming, bringing out the taste of the scallop and tuna for them to shine as they were the main proteins in the roll. Everything was really fresh and sooo good! Overall, my boyfriend did not lie - the quality of the fishes were high tier for a reasonable price (in my opinion). I definitely enjoyed my meal and would love to come again in the future! read more
9 months ago
Came back with my husband and this place never disappoints. Everything here tastes so fresh. Sake had a fruity note. Everything just paired very well. We love coming back to this place read more
So I've been wanting to try Sushi Kaunta for a long time. I'm really happy I was able to finally make it happen. This is a one man establishment, so a level of patience is definitely required. If you're in a rush or expect fast service, this is not the place for you. The chef works hard to serve and prepare your meal from start to finish. This is in addition to phone calls and takeout orders that he also handles. The ambiance is very cozy and it feels like the chef/owner customizes each individual experience. The counter, aka "Kaunta" seats 5, and two small tables that seat 2-3 people. Reservations are definitely recommend as the chef/owner seems to really value the overall experience with quality over quantity. Several walk-ins were told that the wait would be 1.5-2hrs. Onto the food and quality of the sushi. We ordered a couple variations of the Sashimi Donburi (chirashi) along with the Chef's choice (Omakasa) Nigiri. Fish quality deserves high marks. You can tell the attention to detail of fish that is sourced from all across the world (Japan, Greece, Mexico, Baja CA, Hawaii, etc.) - really premium quality! There were so many favorites otoro, chutoro, and Columbia River trout were standouts. All of the Nigiri selections were amazing. Will definitely be back to continue exploring the different options and variety of high quality sashimi. read more
3 years ago
This place is worth driving to in peak traffic hours from Seattle. Great value for delicious and fresh fish in an intimate setting. We ordered a 12 piece chefs choice nigiri which is basically omakase all served at once for only $45! Fish served from all over the world (Greece, Canada, Mexico, Alaska, to name a few). Chef Shawn was also very accommodating of my party that had a shellfish allergy. We were able to mod some rolls to satisfy our sushi cravings. Highly recommend shooting chef Shawn a DM on their Instagram for a reservation. You're able to check out the menu and order what you want before hand. We saw a couple people being turned away without a res so def get ahead by doing so. read more
Whooo hoo. Only took me forever to get reservations but I got one haha. This place is harder to get seats at than a Saturday shoe release. Chef Sean is a one man show but he does it very well! When I arrived on Saturday it was me and another person until a couple showed up 15min later. It does help him prep everything since he runs his place alone. I had pre ordered the chefs choice nigiri and added sweet shrimp, otoro, and two pieces of uni nigiri. I was really blown away by each fish from the chefs choice. Some were so buttery and delicious. Love the sauce and fresh wasabi he had on certain pieces. It was a quiet lunch but so amazing. I was trying not to do the happy dance in the chair cus I was scared to fall over but that's how great the quality of fish is here. I would love to tell you some of my favorite bites but I honestly wasn't listening when he was explaining the pieces to me cus I was heavily staring at the fish and being so excited to eat haha. I do know that the trout which looks like salmon was probably the best thing because chutoro on that place. Who knew trout could be so delicious! I was really surprised by that because it literally just melted in your mouth. Anyways lunch was great and now I need to somehow get reservations for 3 haha. Wish me luck! read more
I've been craving sushi and didn't really feel like driving too far. Luckily, I discovered this place! Seriously, this is such a gem in the Kent area! We ordered the Seared Spicy Scallop, Urban Roll, and Spicy Creamy Scallop Inari. There was only one guy working there so I knew that it would take a while to get our food, but I was in a good mood so I didn't mind the wait. When we got our food, the presentation was so beautiful that we were surprised because I didn't expect that from a guy who's working alone in a small sushi spot like that. Mind you, the entrance to this restaurant is inside this building with a bunch of other stores so it's easy to miss. I loved all the flavors, the seafood/fish was fresh, and the portions are decent. We loved everything but my fave was the seared spicy scallop roll! Now that I know there's this spot in Kent, I wouldn't be driving to Seattle that often for sushi anymore! read more
I was excited to try this place as it made it on the Yelp Top 100 in Greater Seattle. But I was disappointed the first time when we wanted to take our toddler who needs a high chair and there was none available. Finally, another opportunity arised when my friend agreed to have a quick lunch on a raining Fridsy. When two of us arrived, it was only the sushi chef that was taking order and making sushi. We were told there will be a 30-minute wait as there is another table before us. We sat at one of two tables (there are also a few bar seats available). The ambience is very casual. The chef told us to scan the barcode for the menu, abd came to take our order about 25 minutes after. Our food arrived quickly, as is expected for sushi. I want to try a variety of fish, so I ordered a half serving of Sashimi Donburi - Premium Kaison Don $30. My friend got a Spicy Salmon Roll with cream cheese. The fish in my sashimi bowl was fresh and tasty, but nothing really stood out. Taking into consideration the service, ambience, and food, I'd say try it if you are in the area. I also wouldn't recommend coming when you are starving. read more
Ho chef sean really be out here gatekeeping his fish. This dude legit eats sushi everyday and i wouldn't blame him considering the freshness of this place. Hands down best spot in WA and even better than some places in HI. Like dam I don't think the fish even knows that it died. Sean is a funny guy and i respect the man's hustle i wish him continued success in his business. But dam this man's restaurant is harder to get into than a nun's panties. But well worth it, my ass was silent enjoying every dam bite. Def worth the trip down. Bulk approved! read more
Lovely, intimate space with delicious sushi! The restaurant is just one friendly chef behind a sushi bar with 5 stools total. (Four along the front and one on the side.) There are two small tables off to the side, but seating is very limited. The process: I ordered from the website and followed the instructions to add "dine in" to the comment box. I immediately received confirmation emails with the time our food would be ready (90 mins later). But a few minutes later, I received a call from the chef that he already had a reservation for my time; he offered the next opening which actually worked out just fine. The experience: When we arrived, we were greeted warmly and served hot tea. He had already started on our order, and the dishes came out beautifully prepared! We ordered: - Chef Choice Nigiri - Shooting Star roll - Geisha roll - Miso Soup - Seaweed Salad Every bite was delicious! My favorites from the Chef Choice Nigiri were the Black Sebring and Trout. The rolls were so good, but there was definitely too much food for two people. Parking was easy at night. The tiny restaurant is actually inside of a small old-timey mall. Very cool. Despite the quirky reservation process, we were very impressed with the food, ambiance, and service. Can't wait to go back! read more
2 years ago
10000/10 would recommend this place if you are looking for a really intimate experience with sushi!! Sushi Kaunta is a one man show, he is your chef, server, and busser so give him some grace and be kind!! If you're lucky enough to snag a reservation you won't regret it. I ordered myself the 10 pc chefs choice nigiri and half order of the premium kaisen don. I was honestly stuffed at the end but I really wish I had more room to try some other items on the menu, but that's ok cause I'll just come back again regardless to try the other fishes he offers :) he explains where his fish sources are from and what he plates them with (toppings or sauces). I also love that he does half orders of the rice bowls! He is pretty punctual with timing (I arrived about 10 min before my reservation and he politely asked that I come back right on the dot) there's only two tables that seem to be best for a 2 top and the bar with about 6-8 seats? So plan your party accordingly. Been living in Seattle for 3 years and this is the best sushi I've had since moving I can't say that enough lol Such a great experience and great quality. I hope to be back soon! read more
Read up the reviews and made a reservation as recommended at 12:30pm Friday for lunch. We arrived on time for a party of just 2 but the restaurant has another 4 persons already halfway through their meals. Disappointing enough, didn't get served until 1:15pm. I understand a restaurant can't seat us right on the dot but 45minutes of waiting with a reservation is unacceptable. Food-wise, it's good but definitely felt rushed by the chef. There's no one else in the restaurant other than my party of two. I pick up a sushi, haven't put in my mouth and the chef is already serving the next piece. All in all, my whole lunch took only 15minutes from being served the first piece to finishing the last piece. I understand it's a one man show, but I'm sorry, 45mins of wait for lunch on a weekday with a reservation on hand is too much. We were not given any freebies for the loooong wait, not even a cup of free tea that might set the restaurant back by $0.10 as an apology... Quality of food is important to have returning customers, but the service is equally important too. read more
Stumbled upon this restaurant when I was looking for lunch last week. I saw that you should make reservations so I was super hesitant to try walking in but I did it anyway. The restaurant is small and intimate. There's like two or three tables and the bar area so it makes sense that reservations are mostly required. The sushi chef was able to seat me if I waited like 20 minutes for him to prepare the table that was present. So I waited. And it was worth it. The food was so delicious! I ordered the sake and an unagi don. So delicious, though if you don't like wasabi I would mention it since there's some wasabi on the sake. If you follow on IG, you can make reservations by sending him a DM. I did ask if I'd be able to bring a stroller in and he said yes depending on how many other people are in the restaurant but he did say there would be more seating options if we had the car seat. So I'll be back, but I'll bring my plus ones so they can see how tasty it is. read more
Absolutely loved Sushi Kaunta. By far the best sushi I've had in Seattle area. It's very intimate, there were only 5 people in the restaurant the day we went, and there was only 1 person working. Reservations are done through Tock, and you have to preorder your items. The premium kaisen don was definitely a favorite! The fish was slightly sweet, and each piece melted in our mouths! read more
Came here this after with friends after a recommendation from another friend. It's a small space five seats at the sushi bar and a couple of tables. Made for an intimate lunch celebrating friendsgiving. We made sure to give the chef a heads up since there were for of us and we would be taking up most of the sushi bar. An affordable omakase and Chef and owner Sean was so gracious and engaging. We all live in the north end, it's not far from Wild Wheat which I have been with my family for breakfast. In a building that holds a few other businesses. Fish was fresh I hadn't been to sushi in ages made want to go some more. For the cost one of the better deals around chef's choice is $45 for 12 pieces. Some of us purchased a few other items. One of my friends had four piece of Hokkaido Uni and I had one piece probably one of mu favorites of the day as it was my first time having it. We had a couple of sea bass in different preparations, hamachi, scallop, unagi, otoro, chutoro, madai - sea bream in a couple preparations and lightly seared albacore think I may or may have not covered everything. Definitely an experience my friends and I will always treasure. read more
OK..... this was a recommendation by a friend when I was visiting my hometown annnnnnnnnnnnnnd I would say .... ABSOLUTELY YES! EXCELLENT little "hidden gem" as some would say. I was visitng my hometown and this was a friend's recommendation for our meetup. I passed it on the road a couple times! lol ... whoops! It's very modest on the outside and verrrrry intimate on the inside. CUTE decor and very intimate, only two tables that maybe could hold up to 7 or 8 people total. No liquor license yet but the food quality is reason enough to patron! My friend and I shared three different specialty rolls. The Sunrise, Seared Spicy Scallops and the Baked Baby Lobster were the three we shared. All three were presented extremely well with lots of little added flourishes on top while sitting amidst unique plating. I could't begin to critique each roll individually other than simply stating AINT NO SUSHI LIKE SEATTLE SUSHIIIIII! SO good ! Prices were also very fair and portions were great! I really hope that this unique little place flourishes and continues to grow in success because the establishment has an overall good feel and the food was reallllllly good! read more
1 year ago
Very small, hole on a wall kind of sushi restaurant. Took multiple times to see online if any reservation came up so we were very happy that we were able to get a lunchtime reservation. My husband and I enjoyed the Omakase 14 piece nigiri. Some of the fishes were from Mexico. 1 star removed as the rolls we got contained imitation crab instead of real crab as I thought the menu originally depicted use of real crab. Otherwise still a lovely experience, just didn't live up to the expectations in the end after the rolls were lastly delivered. read more
For a humble counter all the way in Kent, I didn't know what exactly to expect - I only knew that it had a strong following of loyal patrons. Now, I know why. Make your reservation in advance by messaging their account on Instagram and prepare for an incredible meal. I think I can say it was the best sushi I've ever had. We got a roll as well which was tasty, but just skip it and go all in on the nigiri. It'll change your life. The rice is perfectly cooked and seasoned, and the fish quality is out of this world. The salmon had a delicious firmness to the meat while being so tender, especially with the skillful scoring. The uni and salmon were so good we had to go for seconds. Uni was $8 a piece and filled the gunkan to the brim. Incredibly sweet! The chutoro was quite close to otoro, very fatty. The most expensive piece is otoro at $7 a nigiri, and the salmon (which was belly) is only $3.5. Contrast this with omakase pricing which is around $10 a piece. I've been to a few Seattle omakase places, like Takai ($200) and Sushi by Scratch ($165). Omakase is a bit different, but for ~$80 a person (after tax and tip!), I had an even more satisfying meal at Sushi Kaunta. I might say I even enjoy this more than omakase - you have full control over what fish you're served, can customize to your liking (sear/sauce, I added jalapeno to a roll, etc), and is similarly intimate as Sushi Kaunta only takes 1 party at a time. I haven't found more delicious sushi in Seattle. Run, don't walk to find a time to dine here. Can't wait to come back! read more
I was craving sushi, but Izumi still has not reopened their sushi counter for omakase, and a seat at Ltd Sushi was 6 weeks out.... so my wife suggested a trip out to Kent! I was initially a bit skeptical - a tiny place with only 10 seats, a Korean chef, and a 25mile trek from where we were. But what a find this place is! Most of the menu consisted of what I would consider to be American sushi. Mayo'ed and dusted and sauced. Trepidation....... but we had already driven all the way here, so there was no turning back now. I ordered the Chefs Choice Nigiri and the Premium Kaisen Donburi. And on popping the first piece into my mouth, I knew we had found another winner. I picked the snapper nigiri as the first piece to try. That can make or break the chef depending on how fresh the fish is, and how it is sliced. It was perfect! The fish to rice ratio finely balanced; the rice was still barely warm, and the rice held together well but broke up nicely the moment I started to chew. This, to me, is the most important part of a perfect piece of nigiri. The rice being the foundation, presenting that piece of fish to the palate. The omakase was perfect, each piece presenting a different taste and texture. I ended up with the seared chutoro, and then the sweet tamago. My wife, in the meantime devoured her half portion of the chirachi. However, be prepared to wait. Chef Shawn is a one man operation and he does everything from bussing the tables to slicing your sashimi. We had a 10 minute wait while he served the couple who was ahead of us. But the table that was just behind us had a half hour wait to get their orders taken, and another couple were turned away. They have applied for a liquor license, so I am expecting sake (or may be soju) to be on the menu soon. Totally unexpected.. Fantastic value sushi. Five stars! read more
Hole in the wall gem in Kent. Intimate small group setting. Had a group of 5 around the bar. Enjoyed the chef's choice and added a few more items from the menu to try (and be considered full). Decently price for the quality read more
1 year ago
Excellent sushi, lovely host, and a very personalized dining experience. Highly recommended! read more
Such a lovely little spot with high quality, reasonably-priced sushi! I'm so glad we got to try this place right before it got featured in the Seattle Times. I made reservations over Instagram DM and was able to try the Chef's Choice Nigiri at the sushi bar. It looks like usually you get it all together on a plate but since we were at the bar, we were served each piece one by one. All the fish were fresh and delicious! We were given soy sauce and wasabi but each piece was already well-seasoned so I didn't end up using it. We got a total of 14 pieces plus a bonus 15th piece for only $48. Definitely the most affordable omakase-style sushi in the Seattle area. read more
Worth it. This is a gem of a restaurant with a chef who takes great care in his craft. The food is truly premium, fresh, and dangerously delicious. The service is also attentive and warm. It's a small, cozy spot that reminds me of the small sushi bars in Japan. I will definitely come back and encourage you to give this place a try! read more
3 years ago
If you want an intimate sushi experience this is THE SPOT! As you're the only one there with Chef Sean who kindly goes over the orders and attentively checks in to ensure full service, he is a superstar especially running solo! Each piece was very tender and fresh-- definitely get your money's worth! There's an option for everyone- sashimi, Nigiri and rolls you name it! Just make sure you make a reservation via Instagram!!! It's not easy to walk in as they seem consistently booked out for the night! read more
Came here first thing with my sister and we ordered scallop crudo, urban roll, kaizen donburi, otoro seared and not seared nigiri, unagi nigiri, and salmon nigiri. Chef was awesome and gave us 2 scallop sushi pieces and they were really yummy. This restaurant is intimate and clean and inviting. I've never heard of this place cuz its on a street I never take but I'm so glad I found it. The menu offers the option to sear and/or sear with sauce which I've never seen on other sushi menus so take advantage of that! read more
4 years ago
This place is a cute small restaurant right in downtown Kent. My husband and I were looking for somewhere to eat for dinner. Randomly came across this sushi place. Didn't really think much of it and wanted to give it a try. The restaurant fits maybe 7 people max so you might want to call ahead to make reservations, but we got lucky they had a soft opening so Chef Shawn was able to get us in. From the unagi melting in your mouth to the refreshing Mediterranean Sea bass. This was our first time there and chef Shawn made a really great impression and the food was great. Can't wait to try all his other items on the menu! No alcohol yet, but they should be getting that soon :) read more
2 years ago
Food is excellent. I highly recommend the Omakase - Chef's Choice Nigiri. My Husband & I always orders uni. The wasabi that comes with the food is the best wasabi I've had. My Husband is half Japanese and even he agrees. Service - It's only Sean providing both, as your server & your Chef. If you're patient, the food is worth the wait. He's so nice! So don't be rude just because you're impatient. Ambiance isn't fancy but it is cozy & the food is great. read more
We had heard of Sushi Kaunta from our good friends and immediately reached out about a month prior to when we were hoping to dine in (via instagram). We ending up making a reservation and having to reschedule a couple times but the owner is super accommodating. It's requested that you place your order in advance so we picked out items to have in-restaurant and some to go for some family members. I'm pretty sure you can change your order when you arrive as the owner confirms your order prior to preparation. We found parking right across the street. Reservations ensure that you have the dining experience to yourself. There were a couple walk ins who were turned away while we were dining (by either asking if they could come back at a later time or make a reservation prior). The restaurant itself is small and you have the option to sit at a round table or at the sushi bar. There is music playing in the background and the overall ambiance is quite nice and relaxed. We ordered crudo, moriawase, half of the premium kaisen don, the mangoster, baby lobster roll, and tuna roll. Everything tasted so fresh and was prepared with beautiful presentation - even the takeout (not pictured). Took us back to Japan! I thought we ordered a good amount but I also know I could have eaten much more. For such high quality food, the prices are very reasonable. My favorites were the premium kaisen don and mangoster (SO refreshing). Nothing tasted too "fishy". The wasabi was the creamiest and freshest I've ever had before and I don't typically like wasabi. Highly recommend and can't wait to go back! read more
Absolutely amazing omakase experience. The 12-piece chef's choice was incredible, not to mention you watch and interact with the chef the entire time. A small, humble location, Sushi Kaunta is a fabulous hidden gem in the city. If you love uni, get yourself a serving from the Hokkaido option. read more
This is a one man show. And he is very efficient and I give him a lot of credit for how he runs his little restaurant. He takes reservations, is the sushi chef and your server as well. He is friendly and very professional. This little restaurant is small and cozy. Very intimate. It seats 12 people at most but no walk ins allowed. A reservation must be made through his instagram account. And he also takes your order as well. I am assuming just to make sure he has what is needed and is well prepared. It also cuts the time of ordering. He only caters to one party at a time, we had the restaurant to ourselves. Once he finished making our food, the next reservation came in while we finished up. He timed it perfectly. As for the food. The fish is so fresh and delicious. The nigiri, each peice is sauced and garnished the way he wants you to eat. No need for soy sauce or wasabi unless you like more of it or spicy. This is the true Japanese way. You can tell he keeps the integrity for a true sushi lover. For the rolls they were a good size but I prefer my toro roll smaller. He doesn't have fresh wasabi but he does have grated wasabi which I love, the regular wasabi I am not a fan of for my sushi in general. And for the price of everything, it was cheaper than any sushi place I have been to. The 12 piecies of nigir was 50$. This blew my mind for how good the quality of the fish was. Definitely would recommend this place! read more
3 years ago
This place is worth the drive from Seattle! The fish was incredibly fresh, I loved the variety and hearing chef share about all the places fish was sourced from. We added toro and uni at the end and I am glad we did - the price is better than anywhere you pay in Seattle and the quality is superb! read more
More info about Sushi Kaunta
202 W Gowe St
ste E
Kent, WA 98032
Directions
(253) 246-8918
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.sushikaunta.com
Full menu
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
More Info
Health Score
Ask the Community - Sushi Kaunta
How far in advance can you make a reservation? day of? week ahead? a month ahead?
On his IG he announces when he will open dates to reserve your spot. It's usually one-two weeks prior. Then you have to go to his website, then reserve via Tock. Normally 3-4 seaters are sold out. Sometimes you can get 2 seaters. You can always find… Read more
Is there a beer/wine selection?
Yes, but very limited selection of beer and sake.
Are reservations available for parties of 2?
First come first serve, there's only 1 person so it can take some time to be seated and then to get your food but it's worth it.
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
6 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
2 years ago
4 years ago
3 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
Sushi Kaunta - japanese - Updated July 2026
Best of Kent
People found Sushi Kaunta by searching for…
Restaurants in Kent, Washington
Conveyor Belt Sushi in Kent, Washington
Hawaiian Food in Kent, Washington
Omakase Sushi in Kent, Washington
Revolving Sushi in Kent, Washington
Chicken Katsu Curry in Kent, Washington
Oyster Happy Hour in Kent, Washington
Fish Market Restaurant in Kent, Washington
Udon Noodles in Kent, Washington
Lunch to Go in Kent, Washington
Sushi Class in Kent, Washington
Trending Searches in Kent, WA
All You Can Eat Sushi Buffet near Sushi Kaunta
Asian Dinner near Sushi Kaunta
Bento Box Lunch near Sushi Kaunta
Black Owned Restaurants near Sushi Kaunta
Chicken Teriyaki near Sushi Kaunta
Fresh Produce near Sushi Kaunta
Gluten Free Sushi near Sushi Kaunta
Ice Cream Truck near Sushi Kaunta
Liquor Stores Open Late near Sushi Kaunta
Lychee Martini near Sushi Kaunta
Soba Noodles near Sushi Kaunta
Sports Bar With Tv near Sushi Kaunta
Steamed Crabs near Sushi Kaunta
Sushi Grade Fish Market near Sushi Kaunta
Sushi Happy Hour near Sushi Kaunta
Sushi Lunch Special near Sushi Kaunta
Sushi Open Late near Sushi Kaunta
Browse Articles
Browse Nearby
BEST of Kent, Washington Coffee near Sushi Kaunta
BEST of Kent, Washington Desserts near Sushi Kaunta
BEST of Kent, Washington Sushi near Sushi Kaunta
BEST of Kent, Washington Restaurants near Sushi Kaunta
BEST of Kent, Washington Things to Do near Sushi Kaunta
BEST of Kent, Washington Ramen near Sushi Kaunta
BEST of Kent, Washington Parking near Sushi Kaunta
BEST of Kent, Washington Omakase near Sushi Kaunta
Browse Brands
Related Searches in Kent, WA
All You Can Eat Sushi Buffet Deals in Kent, Washington
Authentic Izakaya Dining Experiences in Kent, Washington
Best Clam Chowder Options in Kent, Washington
Best Crawfish Restaurants and Vendors in Kent, Washington
Best Oyster Bars to Visit in Kent, Washington
Best Places for Tsukemen in Kent, Washington
Best Places to Enjoy Curry in Kent, Washington
Best Shabu Dining Options in Kent, Washington
Best Sushi All You Can Eat in Kent, Washington
Best Teriyaki Chicken Meals in Kent, Washington
Delicious Onigiri Options to Try in Kent, Washington
Delicious Soup Spots to Try in Kent, Washington
Discover All You Can Eat Sushi Spots in Kent, Washington
Discover Authentic Filipino Food in Kent, Washington
Discover Delicious Handroll Options in Kent, Washington
Discover Delicious Noodle Soup Options in Kent, Washington
Discover Fresh Vegan Sushi Near Kent, Washington
Discover Top-Rated Noodle Dishes in Kent, Washington
Discover the Best Rice Dishes in Kent, Washington
Discover the Best Sushi Spots in Kent, Washington
Enjoy Authentic Gyoza Dishes in Kent, Washington
Enjoy Authentic Tempura Dishes in Kent, Washington
Enjoy Conveyor Belt Sushi Dining in Kent, Washington
Enjoy Crispy Rice With Spicy Tuna in Kent, Washington
Enjoy Fresh Soba Noodles Near You in Kent, Washington
Enjoy Sushi Lunch Special Deals in Kent, Washington
Experience Authentic Omakase Dining in Kent, Washington
Explore Delicious Vegetarian Food in Kent, Washington
Explore Popular Foodie Restaurants in Kent, Washington
Explore Sushi Party Platters Offered in Kent, Washington
Explore Top Taiwanese Food Choices Around Kent, Washington
Fast and Fresh Sushi Delivery in Kent, Washington
Fast and Fresh Sushi Takeout in Kent, Washington
Find Bento Boxes Available in Kent, Washington
Find Delicious Rice Bowl Options in Kent, Washington
Find Delicious Vegetarian Sushi Options in Kent, Washington
Find Fresh Salmon Dishes in Kent, Washington
Find Top-Rated Sushi Buffet Spots in Kent, Washington
Find the Best Sushi Lunch Options in Kent, Washington
Find the Best Sushi Rolls in Kent, Washington Today
Find the Best Teriyaki Dishes in Kent, Washington
Find the Best Tonkatsu Dishes in Kent, Washington
Find the Best Udon Noodles in Kent, Washington
Fresh Ceviche Options Available in Kent, Washington
Fresh Sashimi Options in Kent, Washington
Get Authentic Miso Soup in Kent, Washington
Highly Rated Japanese Restaurant Locations in Kent, Washington
Order Bento Box Lunch Specials in Kent, Washington
