Bold statement I know. And you can tell I mean it by my excessive. Period. Usage.

Up until now in my Seattlism I’ve completely missed Shiro’s, and what a shame because last night it offered me the best sushi I’ve ever consumed, and possibly the most fresh tasting fish I’ve ever had in a restaurant setting. The chatty and affable proprietor didn’t even wait until my miso soup arrived to proclaim that he was the first sushi chef in Seattle, running the Nikko restaurant for 20 years before creating his namesake dining venture in Belltown. Humble perhaps not, (of course I find that particularly endearing) but Shiro had the fish to back up his bold claims of superiority. The albacore was stunning in texture, and the smelt was so smooth it was shocking.

The space is extremely unimposing and the storefront is downright spartan. It isn’t trendy, ostentatious, or “innovative” sushi—it’s just plain excellent. Ironically smelling the intoxicating aromas of fresh pizza from nearby eateries I almost didn’t head in—don’t make that mistake. With a lively atmosphere, a comprehensive menu, reasonable prices, very friendly waitstaff, and amazingly FRESH. Fish. This is nothing but a Must. Visit. Period. Seriously.