Five minutes out from Lakeside, tucked away from Seattle’s busy metropolitan core, is a rickety old house with yellow siding. Kiriba Sushi & Grill offers a peaceful suburban escape from hyper-expensive spots in the surrounding city. Blending a quaint atmosphere with freshly prepared fish, the restaurant is a perfect hidden gem. Upon entering, I was immediately drawn to the neighborhood-like atmosphere: families and solo diners mingled seamlessly. The hum of quiet chatter filled the dimly lit room, accompanied by the scent of sesame, soy sauce, and earthy dark wood.
The menu itself reflects a delicate balance between simplicity and quality. Kiriba focuses on fresh fish and comforting dishes, and the prices, especially compared to downtown sushi restaurants, remain surprisingly reasonable. Nigiri comes in around $6 per order, while larger sashimi combinations and specialty rolls remain within a reasonable price range of $10 to $15; a sushi dinner that doesn’t break the bank.
If you like fresh flavors and delicate greens, the chirashi bowl, the chef’s choice arrangement of fish over a traditional bed of sushi rice, is a must. It consisted of bright slices of salmon, tuna, and yellowtail, accented with avocado, tobiko, and fresh green onion. The fish tasted clean and delicate, not overly rich. Balanced and intentional, each ingredient stood on its own. However, I do think the sushi rice could have been more seasoned, as I prefer a more vinegary taste.
One specialty roll, the Dragon Roll, paired broiled eel and avocado with tobiko and unagi sauce, blending smoky undertones with creaminess and salt. Another roll, the Poki Roll, layers spicy tuna with crunchy tempura flakes, adding a crisp texture and a kick of flavor. The flavors of these rolls felt less traditional — the additional sweetness overpowering the taste of the actual fish. As someone who prefers traditional fresh fish, these weren’t my favorite. Nevertheless, if you prefer richer flavors and more modern, fusion-style sushi, these rolls might appeal to you!
Yet, Kiriba’s strength may not even be the food itself. The reason I will be coming back to the restaurant, aside from my own love for sushi, is for the sense of comfort. Kiriba feels personal, as if stepping into a home rather than a restaurant. For Lakeside students looking for a peaceful dinner spot after school, a casual venue to catch up with friends, or an escape from Seattle’s commercial dining scene, Kiriba Sushi & Grill is well worth a try.
