Sushi Joa Restaurant

I ordered a sashimi deluxe and a house sake (warm/hot) on a Sat afternoon. The restaurant was empty and I was the only customer. Food quality was good and the dish presentation was great. The sake was mediocre.
The quantity is great and I got 12pc plus a roll. The overall price including tips was ~70. For a Japanese meal in the Seattle area, that'snot bad.

Criticism: the fish (Hamachi, bincho maguro) can be fresher. The salmon roll are not that tasty overall.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A reliable sushi option on MI. Food is good. Lots of special rolls.

Quick service and great food! A reliable dinner spot that my kids love.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Offered me hot tea and then charged for it. Will not be going back.

Food is always fresh and the waitresses are always super nice and hardworking! Strong recommend their crunchy roll, very delicious !

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Outstanding service, great selection of rolls, fresh nigiri, and an intimate space. With access via the new 2Line, I’ll definitely be returning!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Overall very good. A small, crowded, lively place. The sashimi was exquisite, soup is deep in flavor.
There was little consistency to cuts of sushi and sashimi, and the tofu age was pretty great.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

I had an outstanding experience at Sushi Joa on Mercer Island—easily one of the best sushi spots in the area. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between modern and welcoming, making it ideal for both a casual dinner and a more elevated night out.

The quality of the fish is exceptional—fresh, clean, and clearly sourced with care. Every piece of sushi was thoughtfully prepared, with great attention to balance and presentation. The nigiri absolutely stood out, with perfectly seasoned rice and cuts of fish that just melt in your mouth. You can tell the chefs take real pride in their craft.

Service was equally impressive—attentive without being overbearing, and genuinely warm. The staff was knowledgeable, happy to make recommendations, and ensured everything flowed seamlessly throughout the meal.

Sushi Joa delivers on every level: quality, service, and overall experience. If you’re anywhere near Mercer Island and appreciate top-tier sushi, this place is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be coming back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I freaking love this place. I don't live nearby but I drive all the way here when I want really fresh sushi. I think out of all the places I've tried, this is my favorite.

This is a huge pro: They have gluten free soy sauce ready and their eel sauce is naturally gluten free, so I finally got to try eel! (It's so lovely.)

It's always nice and quiet in here, even when busy, which is surprisingly hard to find at sushi restaurants. The staff is always courteous as well.

Try the plum wine!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Rolls were really, really just ok. Not seasoned, balanced, nor a tasty flavor symphony. Despite ordering spicy there was a lack of flavor and no acid, salt to bring these intentional creations to life. Every roll on the menu should bring something special. For $18 that roll should be tasty ykwim? House sake was pretty meh too. Very brightly lit, temperature was very cool inside.

Also based on the young couple next to me - what we're all needing is some inspiration coming to life!

Wednesday night, no wait, but a fair amount of other diners.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 5

Lucky to have this place on MI. Greta service even when they’re busy. Spicy tuna is great, def spicy, I had the uni special and loved it!! Agedashi tofu and the shrimp tempura is always a hit. Chirashi bowl was fine too

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is definitely our local family spot. Solid consistent spot and they have keeping their servers for long time (that also reflect the owner is at least being fair and nice to their employees)
I come here twice a week with my elementary kid. Just too convenient and price is very reasonable with healthy options.
The bento was a great option, sushi rolls are legit in a way off thin rice layer instead feeding you big chunks of rice.
Cooked food menu is also something we go for. Kids menu is a steal, $12 for chicken teriyaki or tonkatsu.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

They have some great vegetarian sushi rolls. The Go Green roll, Buddha roll and Garden roll are all super tasty, well balanced and beautifully presented.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Casual spot, no frills restaurant. Yummy if you’re craving sushi on Mercer Island

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Great sashimi on Mercer Island

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4