Setsuna’s been open a week and already it’s been reviewed on Yelp!
Our family, fans of Japanese food, was eager to check out the cuisine.
The decor is very simple, and comfortable for families; the bar area is spacious and looks to be a comfortable place to sample some of the sakes.
Traditional Japanese appetizer like edamame, karaage (fried chicken pieces)
Along with maki (sushi rolls), Setsuna has tempura, donburi, tofu and noodle dishes. My dining companion enjoyed his tempura udon, and quickly befriended the bartender and our server, who is from the Chiba prefecture, near Tokyo.
I had chicken katsu (breaded chicken cut into strips) with gyoza (dumplings) served with a sauce with a teasing bite to it. Our meals were served with courses of miso soup and rice.
Setsuna offers a menu of imported beverages: a wide range of sake, served chilled or warm. with varying levels of dryness and Japanese favorites like Asahi Extra Dry, Sapporo beers, shochu (distilled indigenous Japanese alcoholic beverage) and cassis soda. Also available are tangy Calpico, made with fermented milk, and Shirley Temples.
We made quick work of our dinners: the portions aren’t very large, but the entrees are very affordable. I’ll be returning often to try out the other menu items. As we were on our way out, our chef and our server bowed to us and bid us thanks and farewell–they are friendly and very tolerant of our attempts to practice the little Japanese we knew.
Like its predecessor, Setsuna has a take-out menu, but it is also open for lunch.
Setsuna is located at 11204 Roosevelt Way N.E., just north of NE Northgate Way. Phone: 206 417-3175.
We're excited to try this place…curiously, the Yelp review thought the entrees were a little pricey. I also think they should rethink sushi – maybe they'll offer it in the future?
Great review! Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been reluctant to go due to the smell of the last place (that you could smell outside). When I drive by the interior looks really nice and simple. I didn’t know they had a take-out menu. Will definitely try now, based on this review!
We had a great meal at Setsuna tonight, our first trip there, and we were very impressed with the quality of the food and offerings. The Albacore Tataki appetizer was fantastic, and there were many other appetizers that looked interesting and appealing. We had a combination platter with katsu, and tempura udon — both tasty. A plate of sashimi arrived at the table as a gift from the chef, a nice gesture. It tasted fresh, but there is no sushi/sashimi on their menu yet. Maybe soon. Dessert was red bean ice cream, again very good. Staff was friendly and service was prompt. Hopefully more people will try this place out. Not over the top, but solid food at reasonable prices.
Brought three friends for happy hour and had a fabulous meal.
The sake was warm and wonderful.
Each dish of food was delicious and satisfying!
And all for a very reasonable price.
I will return, and bring more friends!