Nomadicus
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If you’re posted up in Kalispell, Columbia Falls, or Whitefish and find yourself craving sushi, Saketome makes a convincing case for the drive, especially on a clear Montana day when Bigfork feels like an excuse rather than a destination.
We visited in October, when the restaurant had shifted to walk-in only service. No reservations, no safety net. It added a bit of tension at the door especially since we were driving from a distance out.
The space feels like a city neighborhood sushi bar airlifted into a mountain town with modern lines, moody lighting, and design-forward touches without feeling precious. It works equally well for a laid-back date night or a long overdue catch up with friends over drinks.
The menu leans confidently into sushi, cocktails, and pan-Asian-inspired plates, and several dishes stood out. The seared scallop was excellent, and the tempura hamachi collar was the undeniable star, rich, crisp, and deeply satisfying. Cocktail offerings were solid, thoughtfully composed, and well suited to the menu.
The sushi itself is, without question in my opinion, the best you’ll find in this part of Montana. Technique, fish quality, and presentation are all handled with care. In the broader sushi universe, though, it lands squarely in the “good, not transcendent” category. The biggest drawback was the rice, which skewed slightly al dente and a touch dry, pulling focus away from otherwise well-executed fish.
Service was friendly and well-intentioned, though it visibly strained as more walk-in diners arrived.
Saketome absolutely worth the drive when the craving hits.