Maruta Shoten

"We can’t remember the last $5.45 supermarket California roll we ate. Not because we don’t buy them, but because they’re almost all forgettable. Enter Maruta Shoten, a grab-and-go Japanese deli and market in Georgetown that works wonders with mayo-mushed imitation crab. They also sell buttery salmon, seared albacore, and tuna sashimi that rivals the fish at Seattle’s fanciest omakase operations—but costs a twelfth of the price. And if the refrigerated shelves look bare at any given moment, just wait a few minutes for someone to bring out fresh packs." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley, gabe guarente

"Opened by the Nakamura family in 1992, this Georgetown grocery has a rep for its broad sake selection, beautiful bentos, and brisk sushi business, which sells about as quickly as it is made. There are grab-and-go boxes that far transcend expectations of grocery store sushi in freshness, variety, and portion size. Fan faves include the fried ebi roll, the vivid nigiri and chirashi boxes, and the thick slabs of salmon and hamachi sashimi." - Harry Cheadle

"This grab-and-go Japanese deli and market serves very good sushi for less than $20. They work wonders with mayo-mushed imitation crab and buttery sashimi that rivals the fish at Seattle’s fanciest omakase operations (and costs a twelfth of the price). During the midday rush, you might have to linger in hopes someone will replenish the refrigerated shelves. It's well worth waiting a few minutes for fresh packs." - aimee rizzo, gabe guarente

"Your Order: California Roll Grocery store sushi for under $10 isn’t exactly a groundbreaking discovery, but Maruta Shoten’s version has us rethinking what you can get for the price. That’s because they have one of the best California rolls we have ever had the pleasure of inhaling in our car. The rice is seasoned and fluffy, the avocado is perfectly ripe, and the imitation crab is extra creamy. To make the deal even sweeter, all leftover sushi is half off after 4:30pm—but the real question is, will there be any left?" - kayla sager riley

"Seattle housing prices are getting out of control, and so are sushi prices. If the $175 omakase feels inescapable, recalibrate via the other end of the spectrum at Maruta Shoten. This Japanese grocery store in Georgetown serves inexpensive salmon sashimi that could rough up Sushi Kashiba’s in a bar fight, not to mention mayo-moistened $5.45 california rolls that are somehow fluffier than a high-pile shag rug. If you really want the hots for this city again, skip the fancy counters—here you can sit on the curb, tear a soy sauce packet open with your teeth, and go nuts." - aimee rizzo