Nishino

Nishino Restaurant Review:

Just blocks from the Arboretum's Japanese garden, chef Tatsu Nishino offers Japanese dishes showcasing Northwest products and sushi. The omakase might open with a single mussel garnished with finely-chopped albacore tuna and surf clams, while squid is sautéed with asparagus and morels in saké butter. The avocado-wrapped Arboretum roll encircles hamachi and tobiko plus a fiery slice of jalapeño pepper, while toro tartare is tipped in gold leaf and served with caviar in a cut-glass bowl. Anyone not smitten with sushi may order the fragrant stir-fried lemon grass-roasted chicken with mint and papaya salad. Another option is amaebi, which are small shrimp plucked live from the display tank and presented seconds later on a bed of rice spiked with tangy vinegar. A thoughtful selection of wine and premium sakés is available.