Seattle · Izakaya · a la carte
Issian
Japanese stone grill izakayaOsaka corporate ownershipWallingfordStone grillSafari Group
Owned by Yuta Sugimoto, Japan-born president of Osaka-based Safari Group, Issian has been Wallingford's go-to Japanese izakaya since 2008. The restaurant specializes in Japanese stone grill cuisine alongside traditional izakaya dishes.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- Wallingford
- Since
- 2008
- Owner
- Yuta Sugimoto
Plate № 50
About
Issian opened in 2008 as part of the Wallingford restaurant row anchored by several Japan-owned dining spots. Owner Yuta Sugimoto, a Japan-born restaurateur who serves as president of Safari USA — the U.S. arm of Safari Group, headquartered in Osaka — has maintained an authentically Japanese izakaya operation for over 15 years. The stone grill concept allows guests to cook premium meats and seafood at the table in the traditional Japanese style, accompanied by sake, Japanese whisky, and a full izakaya menu. Issian has become a neighborhood institution on the 45th Street corridor.
Neighborhood & visiting
Issian sits in Wallingford, one of Seattle's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- 15+ year Wallingford institution owned by an Osaka-based Japanese restaurant group
- Japanese stone grill experience — cook premium meats tableside in authentic style
- One of several Japan-owned restaurants on Wallingford's unique Japanese restaurant row
- Welcoming neighborhood izakaya atmosphere with a full sake and Japanese whisky selection
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Frequently asked
About Issian
- Is Issian an authentic japanese stone grill izakaya restaurant in Seattle?
- Yes — Issian is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese stone grill izakaya in Seattle: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is Issian located?
- Issian is located at 1618 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103, Seattle, USA in the Wallingford neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Issian?
- Issian does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular izakaya restaurants in Seattle we recommend calling ahead.
- What is the price range at Issian?
- Issian sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese stone grill izakaya of this format in Seattle.
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