Shiro’s is Seattle’s most iconic sushi restaurant. Chef Shiro Kashiba is a legend, and if you’re a serious sushi eater, you must sit at the counter and order omakase—whether served by Shiro or one of his colleagues, it’ll be good. Shiro’s omakase isn’t the most traditional; it stands out for its pairings. A raw piece of salmon may be accompanied by a fattier piece aburi-style (quickly seared with a blowtorch). A crunchy local clam may be paired with a silky scallop.

Away from the sushi bar, you’ll miss salient advice like when to forgo soy sauce, but the standard menu is very strong. Shiro’s has amazing unagi, and fried oysters with a sweet dipping sauce are also a must-order. Otoro is fatty and delicious, as expected, melting across your tongue. Amaebi, too, are divine, and they’ll fry up the heads for you. Sweet, rich uni hits all the right notes. But don’t miss out on the less commonly seen fishes that are sometimes available, like gizzard shad (a member of the herring family).

Although the restaurant occupies a prime Belltown corner, the space within is nothing special—it actually has a bit of a strip-mall sushi feel. But the service is great, and the vibe is largely driven by customer happiness.