MIGAKU
Restaurant · Ballard ·

MIGAKU

Restaurant · Ballard ·

Authentic Japanese kaiseki by chef Migaku; fresh seafood, imported ingredients

kaiseki
attentive service
beautiful presentation
quality ingredients
sake pairing
omakase
intimate atmosphere
japanese cuisine
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by Kayla Sager-Riley
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null
MIGAKU by null

Information

6201 15th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 Get directions

$100+

Reserve a table
See Menu
Restroom
Popular for dinner
Dinner reservations recommended
Cozy
Trendy

Information

Static Map

6201 15th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 Get directions

+1 206 373 1570
migaku-seattle.com
@migaku.sushi_kaiseki.seattle

$100+ · Menu

Reserve a table

Features

•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for dinner
•Dinner reservations recommended
•Cozy
•Trendy
•Good for solo dining
•Credit card accepted

Last updated

Dec 21, 2025

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@infatuation
132,817 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

Seattle’s New Restaurant Openings

"Taking over the former Watson’s Counter space is Migaku, a Japanese kaiseki counter with two seatings per night. Pre-set menu options here range from $170 to $300 and include dishes like chawanmushi, seasonal sashimi, and charcoal-grilled wagyu." - kayla sager riley, aimee rizzo, gabe guarente

https://www.theinfatuation.com/seattle/guides/seattles-new-restaurant-openings
MIGAKU
@infatuation
132,817 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

The kaiseki falls flat at Migaku - Review - Seattle - The Infatuation

"A new kaiseki spot has emerged in Ballard. But even with a couple of eye-catching visuals, it doesn't get the multi-course feast quite right. The smaller dishes that make kaiseki so special are total misses here, like a bland chawan-mushi and the beautiful-but-underwhelming zensai platter. Unless you prioritize style over substance, this place can be skipped. Taking over the old Watson’s Counter location, the small dining room is pleasant enough. Just know that the later 7:30pm seating has more energy, while the 5pm could be just you—which is less of a private dining experience and more of an awkward staring contest with the chef and server. (They’re very kind and attentive, but also… right there. Expect to squirm a bit.) Migaku offers different kaiseki tiers, ranging up to $300 per person. That means some flexibility on the number of courses and high-end ingredient add-ons, but it doesn’t really matter when the plates are mainly forgettable.  And with other fantastic omakase and kaiseki spots in Seattle actually worth such a steep cost, it’s tough to justify a splurge on this one. Food Rundown The menu at Migaku changes frequently, but here’s an idea of what you can expect. Zensai The watermelon radish cured in miso is a nice bite and the presentation is exciting. But that can't make up for a lackluster milk custard, unagi with stiff rice, and a scallop in egg yolk glaze that has a fridge taste. photo credit: Kayla Sager-Riley Sushi The nigiri is a bit heavy on the swipe of soy sauce, but overall enjoyable. Otoro gets stacked on top of more otoro, and the king salmon is lovely. photo credit: Kayla Sager-Riley Mushi-Mono We usually rejoice when a small dish of savory egg custard comes our way. This one, however, is watery and bland. photo credit: Kayla Sager-Riley Wan-Mono The broth in this dashi course has lots of flavor, but the large seafood dumpling has the consistency of wet sand. photo credit: Kayla Sager-Riley Dessert This lemon cheesecake with fresh fruit is tasty, and a decent end to an otherwise disappointing meal. photo credit: Kayla Sager-Riley" - Kayla Sager-Riley

https://www.theinfatuation.com/seattle/reviews/migaku
Kayla Sager-Riley
MIGAKU
@eater
391,495 Postcards · 10,994 Cities

13 Seattle Restaurants and Bars That Opened in December and January | Eater Seattle

"A high-end restaurant doing kaiseki — an elegant, traditional style of Japanese cuisine that’s relatively uncommon in Seattle. The chef-owner is Migaku Inaba, from Shizuoka, Japan, and set-menu prices range from $130 to $300." - Harry Cheadle

https://seattle.eater.com/2025/2/3/24357814/seattle-restaurant-openings-december-january
MIGAKU
@eater
391,495 Postcards · 10,994 Cities

ReelHouse Opens in Quincy’s Marina Bay | Eater Boston

"In Brookline Village, I observed Migaku opened at 238 Washington St. as a Japanese restaurant featuring several types of ramen along with a few rice bowls and snacks." - Dana Hatic

https://boston.eater.com/2019/3/20/18274102/restaurants-boston-suburbs-news-spring-2019
MIGAKU

Eleana K (Nora’s M.

Google
Ever since my husband and I experienced the chef’s food here, we made it our tradition to visit every month to taste the best quality Japanese food here at Migaku. The ingredients are always fresh, preparation of the ingredients are always perfect, presentation of food is beautiful, the course menu/flow of the course is well thought out. The dessert is all house-made and beyond amazing. The inspirations the chef transforms into his foods/cooking are extraordinary. Maybe he is so skilled and talented. Ever since we moved to Seattle, we were a bit depressed from all other “not so good” restaurants in the city. Now we are so happy that we have a restaurant like Migaku to visit every month. To the people who are foodies like us will fall in love with the restaurant. We are just so excited to discover his monthly menu and it is our joy to visit and have amazing experience every time. It is my biggest happiness to have a restaurant like this here in Seattle Thank you Chef!

David B.

Google
Very cool experience! Food: The presentation of each dish is as impressive as its taste – it's edible art, arranged with an almost meditative precision. You can feel the dedication and passion poured into every single element, from the delicate garnishes to the thoughtful progression of flavors across the entire meal. Staff: Is incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely welcoming, guiding you through each course with insightful explanations and a friendly demeanor. It feels less like a restaurant and more like being invited into a private culinary performance, with a private chef of the highest caliber. Looking forward to eating here again soon!

Seattle G.

Google
I don't usually write this kind of lengthy review, but this spot is a genuine gem that absolutely deserves more recognition. I’ve been a loyal customer here ever since I found it. Hands down, this is the best food I’ve ever had. The chef’s focus on every single detail in the dishes is simply better than what you get at a lot of those so-called high-end restaurants. The place might not be as flashy as some other ones, but the real quality is in the careful preparation and the plating of everything they serve. The ingredients are obviously top-tier, but the real genius here is how they consistently nail the perfect balance of temperature, texture, and flavor. The more you know and enjoy food, the more you will appreciate the level of skill and care involved. Moreover, I always appreciate the warm welcoming from the chefs and the staff.

Amy W.

Google
Every year treat ourselves to a kaiseki or omakase for our anniversary, and out of all of the places that we’ve tried so far in Seattle, this one is easily one of the best! The presentation for each course is stunning, every dish was thoughtfully prepared, and the quality is top notch. I’d say it’s very worth the price. Hope they get the recognition they deserve and their business continues to thrive 😊💯

Tania U.

Google
We came here to celebrate my birthday. The place isn’t mainstream yet, and since it was a Monday night, it was just the two of us. It felt quiet and nice. My favorites were the cooked dishes: appetizers, steamed egg, soup, and the A5 sukiyaki. The raw fish was very fresh too, though we expected more premium cuts. Some pieces were a bit tough to chew, so raw fish might not be their strong suit. Service was great and very attentive. Migaku, the chef, isn’t very fluent in English, but you can tell he really cares. That said, the birthday part felt a little underwhelming. It was just a candle on one of the course desserts, with no handwritten note or personal touch you might expect from a place like this. Overall, it was a great experience. We went with 4 since there’s room to improve. We would definitely come back.

Todd L.

Google
I had what was probably the best sushi experience of my life at Migaku in Seattle. I did the $170 chef’s kaiseki tasting at the counter, and every single dish was exceptional. It’s hard to put into words how well-executed this was—not just the food, but the entire experience. The atmosphere is small and intimate, with a kind of calm, minimalist warmth that immediately makes you feel like you’ve stepped out of Seattle and into Japan. Everything is quiet, precise, and intentional. There’s no flash or showmanship—just deep skill, restraint, and care. The fish was pristine. Easily some of the best I’ve ever tasted, not just in terms of freshness but in the way it was handled and presented. Perfect cuts, perfect temperature, nothing drowned in sauces or overdone. Just exactly what it needed to be. And the wagyu. I’m not exaggerating when I say it stopped me in my tracks. One of the richest, most memorable bites I’ve had in any restaurant, anywhere. The service was outstanding. The staff was genuinely kind and attentive, with a quiet confidence that made the whole evening feel special without being stuffy. They explained each course without over-talking it, gave space where it was needed, and made sure the pacing was just right. For a meal at this level, the portions were surprisingly generous. It’s a high-end experience, yes, but by the end I felt like I got every bit of value out of the price. This is one of the rare places I’d give six stars if I could. It deserves serious recognition—this is the kind of restaurant that should be on Michelin’s radar.

Sabrina T.

Google
We had the seasonal course. It was a wonderful kaiseki experience. Great value for the amazing quality of ingredients and seafood. Really enjoyed our dinner here!

Patti T.

Google
We loved the cozy atmosphere and the warm and attentive service by the chef and staff. The kaiseki menu was delicious and quite filling. We enjoyed the variety and beauty of each dish. The sake pairing was perfect. Even though this restaurant just opened a few weekends ago, everything was done so well. We also appreciated the fact they wanted feedback at the end of the meal. It made us feel like we could contribute to making this amazing new restaurant even better. We are looking forward to coming back. 美味しい

Toshi N.

Yelp
It was one of the best dinning experiences in Seattle! "Sushi Kappo"style is getting popular in Japanese cuisine and it was amazing. Food quality and atmosphere are well worth the price in Ballard neighborhood.
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Lindsey N.

Yelp
Such a magical dinner experience. So glad this place opened in Bellevue and is still a hidden gem. The food was absolutely amazing, so beautifully plated and presented and also delicious! Will definitely be back for the next special occasion. Definitely make a reservation. Fun fact the owners are the same as karage satsuna in Deltona
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Trong N.

Yelp
I never even been to Karaage Setsuna despite living in Belltown for so long, which chef Migaku. Migaku recently opened up this new spot named after him. I've had omakase before but this is the first time getting kaiseki before so I won't have anything to compare it to. We got the "Migaku Kaiseki Course" and the 3-Sake Selection. I was happy that they showed us the same bottles without asking for them too. Unfortunately there were so many items and I forgot to list them all down. But one thing to note is that they said they would constantly change their menus so each month would be a new experience. I left very content and happy.
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Rosi A.

Yelp
A lovely experience end to end, and a feast for visual nerds like myself. The place itself might not look like much, but it is only for the better, as all the attention is on the elaborately prepared and artistically plated kaiseki-style food. The chefs and the whole team are extremely attentive and eager to make you feel comfortable and happy. Given the recency of this place, they are still looking for that goldilocks of what works best for the guests (the amount of attention, the amount of food - spoiler alert, it is a very generous amount of both) but they will get there, I am sure. All in all, a charming spot that very well deserves its spot on the Seattle restaurant map.
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Calista C.

Yelp
The best high end set menu/omakase in Seattle by far!! Every course is beautiful and each component is very different with texture out of this world! I think it's pretty impressive when they make the tofu taste even better than the fish... Service is very friendly and attentive (20% gratuity included :)) The restaurant is very small and simple, super great for a small party or special occasion!

Jessica S.

Yelp
Migaku is amazing. We went to Japan a few months ago and this restaurant transported us back there with the food, atmosphere, and hospitality. We ordered the seasonal Kaiseki menu with 3 sake pairing. The presentation of each course was thoughtful and the taste and ingredients were authentic and delicious. Chef Inaba displayed the perfect hospitality that the Japanese are known for by walking us to the door and saying thank you and goodbye as we left.

Mark Z.

Yelp
Took my wife on a date night here and it was fantastic! Didn't know what to expect as this place replaced Watson's Counter but it did not disappoint. We sat at the bar and it was a very private dining room. The food was beautifully presented and tasted amazing. There was also a great variety. I wouldn't say I'm a big sake fan but I tried the 3-sake tasting and that shocked me how good it was. Didn't realize how nice good sake could taste. Highly recommend if you are looking for a private and fancy meal.