Rain Sushi on 45th has closed, but last we heard, there were two bidders still vying to take it over. Yesterday, we discovered who was the winner:
Hi, my name is Mutsuko Soma.
We got Rain spot. Our Restaurant name will be Miyabi on 45th. This is second restaurant of Miyabi at Tukwila*. Also collaboration with Kamonegi.
We will be open Nov 4th 2012. It will be North west Japanese. Not much sushi, but good hand made buckwheat noodle (aka soba).
相馬 睦子
Well, we’re bummed to hear there won’t be much sushi, but a peek at Miyabi and Kamonegi’s listings on Yelp suggest we’ve got some good dining in our future.
Welcome to the neighborhood Matusko and Miyabi!
On a related note, our favorite spot for sushi in Wallingford is Musashi, hands down: fresh fish, great price. But honestly, we haven’t been to Kozue and Ai in a long time, Issian was tasty but puzzling and we haven’t even tried Hawaiian Breeze or Shima. What’s the word, Wallingford? Where’s the best roll? Where’s the best nigiri?
* Warning: web site has embedded music.
(Photo of soba noodles by Sifu Renka.)
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Soba sounds great — I’ll look forward to the opening of Miyabi. We have enough sushi places on 45th that the drop in the sushi quotient is by no means alarming.
I agree with Wallyhood — Musashi’s is our favorite local sushi place (plus, we’ve been eating there for over 25 years — brand loyalty!) Tasty quality sushi at a reasonable price.
If we’re feeling more upscale, we’ll head up to Kisaku in Tangletown; wonderful place, with more variety in choices (including more non-sushi dishes.) One of the best sushi places in Seattle (2nd only to Shiro’s, IMO.)
Def agree with Ffej…. we have enough sushi, so a noodle place sounds awesome.
Any news on what is going into Joule’s location?
It would be great to have an Italian place like Panevino on Cap Hill in the Joule space. Or a brunch spot that’s a little more fancy than Rusty Pelican or Julia’s.
Issian is a Japanese tavern more than a sushi joint. It feels the most authentically Japanese to me of all the places on 45th. Their speciality is the stone grilled food, and it is all so yummy. I am thrilled that this is a soba restaurant. 45th needs more sushi like it needs more Thai.
Kozue is excellent! I heard Musashi’s went down in quality after change of ownership – is that not true? And yes, Kisaku is the best for a special night out. We need a good teriyaki place in Wallingford!
I love soba and have been following Kamonegi on Facebook for a while now. I’m thrilled to have them in Wallingford!
We have been to Kozue (used to be Ai) and Shima quite a bit. They’re both great, though we have been going to Shima more lately.The staff is friendly and I like their roll combinations. The menu at Kozue is vast, so good for those who have non-sushi eaters joining them.
Wow – I know this is suppose to be about Wallingford but if you can step out of the hood you should try Nishino at the top of the Arboretum. The downside is once you’ve had sushi there you’ll never accept the frozen sushi from Musashi again.
Issian is not a sushi restaurant. It is a Japanese restaurant. Japanese food offers more than just nigiri or rolls. The owner of Issian added sushi after opening only because Americans expect sushi as the only food a Japanese restaurant would offer. Try going to Issian and asking for recommendations of grilled items, salads, and other small dishes. Get a variety.
Also, take a look at how many Japanese customers are at Issian. We’ve been there when over half the clientele were Japanese, many from far outside the Wallingford area. That means it’s authentic, but it’s still up to you whether you like it or not. Just don’t expect sushi.
Interesting tidbit about Miyabi from their website: one of their owners is former MLB pitcher Masao Kida.
Good riddance for Rain, their food was terrible!
Welcome Miyabi!
Issan reminds me of one of my favorite DC-area restaurants, Bethesda’s Tako Grill: rural tavern food. It’s very different from what most people expect from Japanese food, but go there with an open mind and order off their grilled menu.
Are soba noodles gluten free? That will help sell this to my friends.
Hawaiian Breeze has the best teriaki…. Its just listed on the menu as bbq.
Shima (Hawaiian Breeze) is the best since Musashi changed management A Soba noodle place sounds like a terrific alternative for a light meal.
love Hawaiian breeze…
Soba noodles can be made entirely of buckwheat – reportedly – which doesn’t have gluten. If you shop for buckwheat soba noodles, though, most will actually be wheat noodles with some buckwheat mixed in. So in short, maybe, but you have to check.
Things not to order at Issian: sushi
Things to order: everything else
It’s one of my favorite places in the neighborhood. They have a great happy hour with $1 grilled meat skewers.
Sad that Rain closed, it was a sweet place. Looking forward to Miyabi! Soba is delicious! I really can’t wait to try them out!
Issian is Japanese-owned and based in Japan. I’m very picky, having grown up with home cooked Japanese food, but I think Issian does everything well. The food is great – including their sushi – and they also have wonderful service and a beautiful design aesthetic.
Hmmm…what’s puzzling about Issian? If any one has questions regarding that place I can gladly help!