Seattle · Sushi · a la carte
Maneki
Traditional Japanese sushiOldest Japanese restaurant North AmericaJapantownCommunity institution
Established in 1904, Maneki is the oldest Japanese restaurant in North America, anchoring Seattle's Japantown for over 120 years. Successive Japanese-American stewards — from the Sato to Nakayama families — have kept its traditional menu and tatami rooms intact.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- Chinatown-International District / Japantown
- Since
- 1904
Plate № 35
About
Maneki opened in 1904 and has operated continuously in Seattle's Japantown through generations of Japanese-American ownership, including the Sato family (1923–1960s) and the Nakayama family (1978–1998), before passing to community stewardship. The restaurant occupies a historic building and features traditional tatami private dining rooms alongside a main dining area serving classic Japanese fare — sushi, sashimi, nabemono, and izakaya dishes. Maneki is both a culinary destination and a living artifact of Seattle's Japanese-American heritage, having weathered the internment era and the neighborhood's many transformations.
Neighborhood & visiting
Maneki sits in Chinatown-International District / Japantown, one of Seattle's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused sushi counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional sushi restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- The oldest Japanese restaurant in North America, open since 1904 — a true living landmark
- Historic tatami private dining rooms that transport guests to pre-war Japanese dining culture
- Over 120 years of continuous Japanese-American community ownership and stewardship
- One of the few remaining anchors of Seattle's historic Japantown
Reservations by text only to 503-662-2814. No bar seating.
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Frequently asked
About Maneki
- Is Maneki an authentic traditional japanese sushi restaurant in Seattle?
- Yes — Maneki is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for traditional japanese sushi in Seattle: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused sushi format.
- Where is Maneki located?
- Maneki is located at 304 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104, Seattle, USA in the Chinatown-International District / Japantown neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Maneki?
- Maneki accepts reservations online. For an authentic sushi experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Maneki?
- Maneki sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for traditional japanese sushi of this format in Seattle.
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