Best Restaurants 2006
Shiro’s Sushi Restaurant
2401 Second Ave, Belltown| 206-443-9844 www.shiros.com
Surgical precision meets soaring creative genius at the sushi bar of Shiro Kashiba, who after four decades has earned his stripes as Seattle’s most venerated sushi chef. That the sashimi will be scrupulously fresh and perfectly cut is a given; the fun is observing the flights of innovation that rule as the glorious norm in this spare, elegant Belltown space.
Order up! Eschew the menu, request to be dazzled, and watch a sly smile creep across the master’s face.
Prime time Whenever you can get one of the 11 seats at the sushi bar—most likely 5:30 or right after Shiro’s opens
Pssssst The list of other sushi chefs Shiro–san has mentored is long and illustrious, including Taichi Kitamura at Chiso in Fremont, Ken Yamamoto at Shiki in Queen Anne, and Ishikura at Hisago in Northgate.
But… Remember Nikko? The overripe scene and limited parking of Belltown sometimes sparks nostalgia for Kashiba’s original spot on humble King Street.
Tamarind Tree
1036 S Jackson St, International District| 206-860-1404 www.tamarindtreerestaurant.com
Banish all notions of authenticity requiring authentically dingy quarters: Tamarind Tree manages exotic elegance—low lights, burbling fountains—and a real–deal Vietnamese menu, from accessible satays and phos to the wilder seafood preparations and not–sure–exactly–what–I’m–eating novelties of Southeast Asia. You will pay very little, yet leave with the feeling of truly having dined out.
Order up! Salad rolls with crispy fried tofu; stuffed squid; lemongrass martini
Prime time Exotic enough to burnish your worldly reputation, cheap enough for a gamble, licensed with a full bar—Tamarind Tree could just be the best first–date venue in town.
Pssssst In winter the best seat in the house is near the indoor fire pit. In summer it’s outside on the patio, near the fountain.
But… Servers, dependably sweet, can also be forgetful or overzealous.
