Takai by Kashiba

Takai by Kashiba, located at 180 Bellevue Way NE in downtown Bellevue, Washington, represents the pinnacle of Japanese fine dining in the Pacific Northwest. Led by Chef Jun Takai, a 2025 James Beard Award nominee, this restaurant continues the legendary legacy of Chef Shiro Kashiba, who introduced Edomae-style sushi to Seattle over 50 years ago. Chef Jun brings over 11 years of experience trained directly under Kashiba, having been recruited from Tokyo where he honed his skills at sushi restaurants in Tokyo and Yokohama. His unique approach combines traditional Japanese techniques with the bountiful seafood of the Pacific Northwest, sourcing directly from his longstanding connections at Japanese fish markets. The restaurant offers two exceptional dining experiences: an intimate Chef's Counter Omakase where guests witness the artistry of sushi preparation up close, and a carefully crafted a la carte menu featuring nigiri, sashimi, and innovative Japanese dishes. The elegant interior design reflects understated Japanese sophistication, with a smart casual dress code that emphasizes the refined atmosphere. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30pm, Takai by Kashiba has earned the 2025 Business of the Year award from Visit Bellevue. Private dining and group reservations for parties of five or more are available, with an automatic 20% surcharge for larger groups. A $60 corkage fee applies for those wishing to bring their own wine, with a two-bottle maximum. USA Today described dining here as "getting a sense of what it must have been to watch Picasso at work."