Seemor
Moontree Sushi And TapasA-Worth Trying
516 1st Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
· Sushi restaurant, Asian restaurant, Authentic Japanese restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (1058 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Creative sushi with strong fish quality and friendly service near Climate Pledge; lively vibe, inventive rolls, prices on the higher side, occasional service hiccups and loud nights.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Moontree Sushi And Tapas earns its A- grade through exceptional food quality and strong service attentiveness that make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants. Solid consistency and quick pacing support its reputation as an ideal pre-event destination, though occasional execution gaps and a compact footprint prevent it from reaching grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
A cozy spot in Lower Queen Anne where pre-show buzz meets neighborhood regulars, Moontree blends friendly service with a lively room and quick pacing when concerts are on. Diners highlight bright, fresh fish and shareables, noting, "The fish quality was superb and the rice felt light." Expect a lively atmosphere that can turn loud on event nights. In the kitchen, the approach is contemporary Japanese with creative twists: jalapeno ponzu on hamachi, truffle-dressed tuna, and even salmon with burrata. Rolls like Fancy Seattle and the namesake Moontree win repeat fans, while crispy rice is a crowd-pleaser. Most find the premium pricing justified by quality, though a few dishes or saucy rolls can miss the mark. Families fare well earlier in the evening. Kid-accessible options include California rolls, shrimp tempura, and udon, plus simple veggie rolls. The menu is broad enough for selective eaters, but the more inventive crudos suit adventurous diners best.
At a Glance
- Fresh fish and inventive crudos/rolls draw repeat locals
- Friendly, fast service ideal for pre-event dining
- Can be loud and crowded around arena events
- Portions can run small on some rolls/combos
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- creative_crudo_fusion
- pre_event_convenience
- neighborhood_regulars
What People Love
- Bright, fresh fish that tastes clean
- Clever sauces and cross-cultural touches
- Quick pacing when time is tight
- Genuine warmth from staff and chefs
- Reliable neighborhood feel
Points of Concern
- Noise and crowding spike on event nights; reservations advised
- Occasional off nights reported for specific fish or sauced rolls
- A few guests felt rushed after paying or during busy periods
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$48-72 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For clean flavors: Nigiri Combination or Sashimi Sampler with sauce on the side
- For fusion fans: Salmon Burrata or Truffle Bluefin
- Value path: Lunch Bento ($23) plus a standard roll ($8-12)
Perfect For
- Pre-concert dinner near Climate Pledge
- Date night with creative sushi
- Sharing small plates with friends
- Solo bite at the sushi bar
Location Insights
Area: Lively arts and events district by Climate Pledge, mix of locals and pre-show crowds; casual-upscale dining.
Safety: Generally safe, high foot traffic on event nights, well-lit main corridors.
Nearby: Steps from Climate Pledge Arena, theaters, bars, and hotels; convenient pre/post-event stop.
South Lake UnionSouth Lake Union offers a dynamic dining scene with a mix of upscale restaurants, casual eateries, and trendy cafes catering primarily to tech workers and residents. The area is characterized by a modern, fast-paced atmosphere with a focus on innovation and convenience, attracting a crowd that values quality and contemporary dining experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–21:00
Tuesday11:30–21:00
Wednesday11:30–21:00
Thursday11:30–21:00
Friday11:30–22:00
Saturday12:00–22:00
Sunday12:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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