Great change in ownership the food was spot on. Service was excellent and we felt welcome
Lou V.
Popped in for a quick bite early evening. Service was great, rolls were fresh, tasty and well presented. Will definitely be back!
Jingshi Sun
Come here second time for our anniversary.It’s such a special experience. Very high quality Sashimi, Ramen, Rolls.The price is at pre-Covid level.Very few people know this place, since they just changed owner eight month ago. From a Chinese fast food restaurant to an authentic Japanese place.Definitely a hidden gem to experience yourself.
Jinnie W.
Heard they were under new management so we stopped by for dinner! Great food, great service and really quiet ambiance.
Tenicia Y.
I wasn't expecting much but was pleasantly surprised by the prices and quality. I paid only $14 for salmon belly nigiri, yellowtail, and a 4 piece California roll. The waiter (forgot his name) was very friendly as well. The only complaint I have is the outdated decor / seating booths.
Eva M.
At the risk of "taking one for the team," we hesitantly returned to Ken Zaburo after blacklisting them for decades after just one meal. Their previous pan-Asian everything under one roof does not yield good food. I heard they are under new management and have decent buzz. I decided it was time to give them a second chance. The verdict: A passing grade, C. They still have a huge menu - all Japanese now (phew). Their rolls were the better choice. Many are sized as dainty 4 pieces per order at less than $10 per roll. Several are full-sized with price maxed out at $17. The small rolls are great for variety and for the indecisive folks. The nigiri is just ok with too much rice. If there is ever a lesson on you-get-what-you-pay-for, the nigiri is the thinner fish and bigger lump of rice. The udon is equally dainty sized and priced. They somehow made two mistakes on our simple order - one was a wrong order; one was a no-show nigiri. They corrected the wrong order and adjusted our bill for the missing nigiri - after I pointed out the plates on the table. This restaurant appears to be not attracting customers of their own ethnicity. If the Japanese (or even Asians) are not showing up at a Japanese restaurant, there might still be a problem. I do think there is an audience for this approachable-price, entry-level sushi; I am however not in that group.The Food:Seared Salmon Nigiri, $4.00 - 3.0 StarsSalmon Toro Nigiri, $$4.50 - 2.5 StarsTuna Toro Nigiri, $6.50 - 3.0 StarsNot enough fish, too much rice on all three. If they want to keep their prices attractive, I would rather they use less rice to keep the ratio correct. As it is, I call these stomach-filling bites, a tummy full of rice. The fish quality varied. Seared salmon and tuna toro were better. Salmon toro was just ok.Samauri Roll, $4.99 - 3.5 Stars Menu: 4 pieces. Spicy California roll topped with spicy tunaKirkland Roll, $5.99 - 3.5 Stars Menu: 4 pieces. Shrimp, tempura, cucumber, jalapeño topped with salmon, unagi, wasabi tobiko, spicy mayo, and unagi sauceTarantula Roll, $6.99 - 3.5 StarsMenu: 4 pieces. Soft shell crab, spicy crab salad, asparagus, topped with avocado, salmon, tobiko. The size and cost of their rolls vary dramatically so pay attention to photos and descriptions. We purposely chose smaller rolls for sampling purposes. Most rolls are variations of CA roll or has shrimp tempura inside. For what we ordered, they're ok. Shrimp Tempura Curry Udon, $6.49 - 2.5 StarsThe broth in this curry udon is more on the liquid side and could use more curry flavor. I like my curry broth much thicker and with a strong curry flavor. The shrimp tempura is skinny but ok.
Smrithi S.
Every time I have driven past this place I have wanted to try it, and finally got some sushi from here recently. I got the Ken Zaburo roll, and Lava roll. I liked the Lava roll, the Ken Zaburo roll tasted okay but was so large, that I needed atleast 3 bites to eat each piece resulting in the roll falling apart as I was trying to eat it.
Chad Paquette
Do not have enough good things to say about this place. The owner is there every day going above and beyond for patrons. Service is top notch. The food is delicious and a great value. They do half rolls which is great because it allows you to try their many different rolls. May favorites are the lion king roll, Alaska roll and pink lady roll. The tuna toro is maybe the best value you will find anywhere around. Delish.
TheKrizizzy
We live near by and always passed by this spot.Decided to give it a try. Prices very reasonable for Seattle area. We got Nigri combo 2. The fish was awesome and pretty large size. The scallop was mouth watering. Udon, very tasty and size reflecting the price.Very pleasant waitress.Definitely going to come back and bring friends.The only comment to chef is to give a bit more squeeze for the Nigri. The rice was perfect and fluffy but needed a tiny bit more squeeze to stay in shape.Thank you
Huong L.
I heard that this place has new management so we gave it a try. I was here previously for a California roll and it wasn't as good. However, we gave it another try today and it was pretty good. The rice was soft and flavorful. We also got calamari and shrimp kakigae and both was fresh and good flavor. In addition to the California roll, the sushi combo also came with 4 pieces of nigiri: one salmon, tuna, shrimp, and octopus. The tuna and salmon was good and smooth, the shrimp was ok, the octopus was chewy and tough though, so not my favorite.There was only one person doing the front counter so it was a little slow but he seem really nice and sociable Overall, I would come back as pricing was reasonable and food was good
Food was really Good, the service is VERY good, the employees are really friendly and this place makes me feel like home! Very cozy. :)
Jasin Pillow
Service was impeccable! Greeted at the front door, very friendly! I placed a to go order and waited. He brought me a nice warm cup of tea. While my order was being prepared we talked, and had a great conversation. Now on to the sushi; this was so stinking good! My wife and I loved it! We had 4 different kinds today and shared them with each other. So good! We'll be back again
Qiaoxi Yang
We loved the food and service here. Sushi is very fresh, katsu don hits the spot with very generous portion size. Staff very friendly and it was a wonderful dinning experience. Will highly recommend.
N M
BEST SUSHI IN KIRKLAND! ?? Hands down my ultimate comfort spot - I visit here at least once a week and unwind while eating delicious sushi. The menu is expansive, there's something for everyone, but I come here specifically for the fresh sushi. The restaurant is family owned and doesn't feel rushed or chaotic like some other places. I just returned from a long, busy week in New York and the first thing I did was stop by Ken Zaburo and immediately felt at home.
Feby Gouwe
Drove from Vancouver and found this gem in Kirkland!We tried so many of their foods!! My FAVE: Super Bowl (MUST TRY!!)Lava Roll and Ultimate Veggies are really GOOD!Very flavourful and lots of options!Will try more next time!!Place is clean and excellent service!!!Will definitely come back!!
Great change in ownership the food was spot on. Service was excellent and we felt welcome
Popped in for a quick bite early evening. Service was great, rolls were fresh, tasty and well presented. Will definitely be back!
Come here second time for our anniversary.It’s such a special experience. Very high quality Sashimi, Ramen, Rolls.The price is at pre-Covid level.Very few people know this place, since they just changed owner eight month ago. From a Chinese fast food restaurant to an authentic Japanese place.Definitely a hidden gem to experience yourself.
Heard they were under new management so we stopped by for dinner! Great food, great service and really quiet ambiance.
I wasn't expecting much but was pleasantly surprised by the prices and quality. I paid only $14 for salmon belly nigiri, yellowtail, and a 4 piece California roll. The waiter (forgot his name) was very friendly as well. The only complaint I have is the outdated decor / seating booths.
At the risk of "taking one for the team," we hesitantly returned to Ken Zaburo after blacklisting them for decades after just one meal. Their previous pan-Asian everything under one roof does not yield good food. I heard they are under new management and have decent buzz. I decided it was time to give them a second chance. The verdict: A passing grade, C. They still have a huge menu - all Japanese now (phew). Their rolls were the better choice. Many are sized as dainty 4 pieces per order at less than $10 per roll. Several are full-sized with price maxed out at $17. The small rolls are great for variety and for the indecisive folks. The nigiri is just ok with too much rice. If there is ever a lesson on you-get-what-you-pay-for, the nigiri is the thinner fish and bigger lump of rice. The udon is equally dainty sized and priced. They somehow made two mistakes on our simple order - one was a wrong order; one was a no-show nigiri. They corrected the wrong order and adjusted our bill for the missing nigiri - after I pointed out the plates on the table. This restaurant appears to be not attracting customers of their own ethnicity. If the Japanese (or even Asians) are not showing up at a Japanese restaurant, there might still be a problem. I do think there is an audience for this approachable-price, entry-level sushi; I am however not in that group.The Food:Seared Salmon Nigiri, $4.00 - 3.0 StarsSalmon Toro Nigiri, $$4.50 - 2.5 StarsTuna Toro Nigiri, $6.50 - 3.0 StarsNot enough fish, too much rice on all three. If they want to keep their prices attractive, I would rather they use less rice to keep the ratio correct. As it is, I call these stomach-filling bites, a tummy full of rice. The fish quality varied. Seared salmon and tuna toro were better. Salmon toro was just ok.Samauri Roll, $4.99 - 3.5 Stars Menu: 4 pieces. Spicy California roll topped with spicy tunaKirkland Roll, $5.99 - 3.5 Stars Menu: 4 pieces. Shrimp, tempura, cucumber, jalapeño topped with salmon, unagi, wasabi tobiko, spicy mayo, and unagi sauceTarantula Roll, $6.99 - 3.5 StarsMenu: 4 pieces. Soft shell crab, spicy crab salad, asparagus, topped with avocado, salmon, tobiko. The size and cost of their rolls vary dramatically so pay attention to photos and descriptions. We purposely chose smaller rolls for sampling purposes. Most rolls are variations of CA roll or has shrimp tempura inside. For what we ordered, they're ok. Shrimp Tempura Curry Udon, $6.49 - 2.5 StarsThe broth in this curry udon is more on the liquid side and could use more curry flavor. I like my curry broth much thicker and with a strong curry flavor. The shrimp tempura is skinny but ok.
Every time I have driven past this place I have wanted to try it, and finally got some sushi from here recently. I got the Ken Zaburo roll, and Lava roll. I liked the Lava roll, the Ken Zaburo roll tasted okay but was so large, that I needed atleast 3 bites to eat each piece resulting in the roll falling apart as I was trying to eat it.
Do not have enough good things to say about this place. The owner is there every day going above and beyond for patrons. Service is top notch. The food is delicious and a great value. They do half rolls which is great because it allows you to try their many different rolls. May favorites are the lion king roll, Alaska roll and pink lady roll. The tuna toro is maybe the best value you will find anywhere around. Delish.
We live near by and always passed by this spot.Decided to give it a try. Prices very reasonable for Seattle area. We got Nigri combo 2. The fish was awesome and pretty large size. The scallop was mouth watering. Udon, very tasty and size reflecting the price.Very pleasant waitress.Definitely going to come back and bring friends.The only comment to chef is to give a bit more squeeze for the Nigri. The rice was perfect and fluffy but needed a tiny bit more squeeze to stay in shape.Thank you
I heard that this place has new management so we gave it a try. I was here previously for a California roll and it wasn't as good. However, we gave it another try today and it was pretty good. The rice was soft and flavorful. We also got calamari and shrimp kakigae and both was fresh and good flavor. In addition to the California roll, the sushi combo also came with 4 pieces of nigiri: one salmon, tuna, shrimp, and octopus. The tuna and salmon was good and smooth, the shrimp was ok, the octopus was chewy and tough though, so not my favorite.There was only one person doing the front counter so it was a little slow but he seem really nice and sociable Overall, I would come back as pricing was reasonable and food was good
Restaurantji Recommends
Food was really Good, the service is VERY good, the employees are really friendly and this place makes me feel like home! Very cozy. :)
Service was impeccable! Greeted at the front door, very friendly! I placed a to go order and waited. He brought me a nice warm cup of tea. While my order was being prepared we talked, and had a great conversation. Now on to the sushi; this was so stinking good! My wife and I loved it! We had 4 different kinds today and shared them with each other. So good! We'll be back again
We loved the food and service here. Sushi is very fresh, katsu don hits the spot with very generous portion size. Staff very friendly and it was a wonderful dinning experience. Will highly recommend.
BEST SUSHI IN KIRKLAND! ?? Hands down my ultimate comfort spot - I visit here at least once a week and unwind while eating delicious sushi. The menu is expansive, there's something for everyone, but I come here specifically for the fresh sushi. The restaurant is family owned and doesn't feel rushed or chaotic like some other places. I just returned from a long, busy week in New York and the first thing I did was stop by Ken Zaburo and immediately felt at home.
Drove from Vancouver and found this gem in Kirkland!We tried so many of their foods!! My FAVE: Super Bowl (MUST TRY!!)Lava Roll and Ultimate Veggies are really GOOD!Very flavourful and lots of options!Will try more next time!!Place is clean and excellent service!!!Will definitely come back!!