Finding My Anchor at aa Sushi: Freshness and Familiarity in Seattle

I was in Seattle last week, stretching a road trip up the coast into a long weekend. After a brisk morning walk through the Olympic Sculpture Park, enjoying the crisp air and the views of Puget Sound, my stomach started rumbling. I’d spent a good hour contemplating art against the urban and natural backdrop, and now I needed something grounding. I wasn’t looking for anything fancy, just good food that felt honest. That’s how I ended up at aa Sushi, tucked away just a short walk from the park.

The place itself is unassuming – no flashy décor or overly loud music, just a clean, bright space that immediately felt welcoming. It’s the kind of spot where you can settle in, watch the sushi chefs work with quiet precision, and just enjoy the moment. For someone like me, who appreciates understanding the craft, seeing their hands move with such confidence was a good sign.

My first order of business was to explore their salmon offerings. It’s a fish I cook with often at home, and I always appreciate seeing how restaurants handle it. I started with the Atlantic Salmon nigiri ($3.50). Simple, straightforward, and a great benchmark. The fish was buttery, melting on the tongue, with just the right amount of sticky rice. It’s a testament to quality when the simplest presentation shines so brightly.

Next, I tried the Seared Salmon (Garlic) nigiri ($3.95). That hint of searing brought out a different depth of flavor, a gentle caramelization that complemented the natural richness of the salmon. The garlic added a subtle, savory warmth without overpowering the delicate fish – a smart touch that showed thought in execution. It’s a prime example of how a slight modification can transform a familiar ingredient.

Moving up the ladder, the King Salmon nigiri ($3.95) was next. There’s a distinct richness to King Salmon, a more pronounced oiliness that feels luxurious. For a mere $3.95, it felt like a steal for such a quality piece. It had that deep, satisfying flavor that you only get from truly fresh fish.

You can’t go to a sushi place without trying a classic, so I picked the Bluefin Tuna nigiri ($5.95). This was beautiful – vibrant red, firm yet yielding, with that clean, oceanic taste that bluefin delivers. It was expertly sliced, a testament to the chef's skill.

I also branched out a bit with the Yellow Tail / Hamachi nigiri ($4.95). Its delicate texture and slightly sweet, clean flavor offered a nice contrast to the salmon and tuna. It was perfectly fresh, with that subtle nuttiness that makes hamachi so enjoyable.

For something a little different, I couldn't resist the Salmon Bomb ($6.50). This was a playful, yet well-balanced bite – a generous mound of chopped salmon, perhaps mixed with a subtle creamy or spicy dressing, crowning a rice ball, garnished with roe. It was savory, textural, and undeniably satisfying, a fantastic example of a house special done right without being over-the-top.

Finally, I rounded out my meal with the Eel nigiri ($4.95). The sweet and savory tare glaze was perfectly balanced with the tender, slightly smoky eel. It was warm, comforting, and a satisfying close to the meal.

As I ate, I thought about the rest of my day. Maybe a drive up to Kerry Park for those iconic city views, or a long walk through Discovery Park later in the afternoon, stretching my legs before heading home. aa Sushi sits comfortably in this part of Seattle, a reliable spot where you can fuel up without fuss, amidst a city full of stunning natural and urban beauty.

What stood out about aa Sushi wasn't just the freshness of the fish – which was undeniable – but the consistency and care in every piece. It's the kind of place where you feel like you're getting excellent value for truly good food, prepared by people who respect their ingredients. If you find yourself in the Belltown area, perhaps after taking in some art or planning a walk by the water, and you're looking for a meal that hits all the right notes without any pretense, aa Sushi is well worth your time. It’s a solid, dependable choice that delivers simple, delicious sushi, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.