Moshi Moshi Sushi is where we had our first Japanese food venture in Seattle’s wonderfully eccentric neighborhood of Ballard. We have our favorite, Nijo Sushi Bar & Grill, in DT Seattle where we’ve eaten in more times than I can count on one hand, and then there’s Kikuya Japanese Restaurant in DT Redmond where we go when we’re in the mood for good udon soup. Given that we have our favorites, it’s a rare occasion when the Hubz and I check out other Japanese restaurants. But one day many weeks ago, while looking at a list of Japanese restaurants in Seattle, Moshi Moshi caught my attention because of its name, which means “hello” (like when you say “hello” when you answer the phone). Really now, doesn’t “Hello Sushi” sound cute. You can disagree all you want, I think it does anyway.
The restaurant is pretty hip, although Nijo is several times “hipper”, but Moshi Moshi is trendy and modern enough that it earns the “hip” description. On the Friday evening (December 17) we dined there, there was a 30 minute wait for a two-person table but there was instant seating for the bar; we weren’t fussy so we took the bar. Within a few minutes of being seated and our order being taken, our orders were laid out in front of us. We had no waiting problem whatsoever, and that was a busy Friday night. The service was quick but not overly friendly. However, that’s fine since we don’t pay to have a chatty waitress, we pay for good food and good service. As for the food, we have no complaints. The sushi tasted clean, the beef was tender, and the kara age and the baby octopus (not pictured) were crunchy and tasty. Overall, it was a pleasant dining experience.
Would we return again? “Yes.” Would I recommend Moshi Moshi Sushi to friends, enemies, frienemies, and strangers? “Yes”.
Head’s up though, the restaurant is on the pricey side so check out the menu first.
Moshi Moshi Sushi: 5324 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA
Seating is weird later in the evening– plenty of unused tables but they close them down to limit the number of open tables it seems. Bar seating wasn’t bad– the sushi chef was friendly and food gets delivered as soon as they’re done making it.