Location: 8011 20th St SE, Lake Stevens, WA 98258
Parking: Free paved parking lot
Cost: $30 – $40 (without alcohol) Less if you take advantage of happy hour
An unexpected find with exceptional sushi, handcrafted cocktails, warm hospitality, and prices that make you want to come back.
Sometimes the best dining experiences are the ones you stumble upon unexpectedly. That was exactly the case when Bo and I discovered Kiyama Sushi & Bar – Lake Stevens tucked away in Trestle Station in Lake Stevens, Washington.
We were looking for somewhere to enjoy good sushi and a proper whiskey cocktail, and Kiyama checked both boxes. What we didn’t expect was to find such a welcoming little spot with a beautiful atmosphere, excellent service, and food that exceeded our expectations.
From the moment we walked in, we had a feeling we’d found something special. And by the time we finished our meal, we were already thinking about coming back.
A Cozy, Modern Atmosphere with Just the Right Vibe
There’s something about a softly lit restaurant that immediately makes an evening feel a little more special, and Kiyama gets the atmosphere just right.
The interior has a warm, contemporary feel, with rich wood-grain details, comfortable seating, and dim lighting that creates an inviting, almost intimate setting. It’s stylish without being pretentious, and relaxed enough that you can settle in, order another drink, and enjoy the evening without feeling rushed.
The menu offered an impressive number of choices, from traditional sushi and specialty rolls to appetizers and other Japanese favorites. It was one of those menus where narrowing down what to order was the hardest part.
But what really made an impression was the service. Everyone we encountered was exceptionally polite, respectful, and welcoming. The hospitality felt genuine, and it added something special to the entire experience.
Happy Hour Finds: Pork Gyoza & Spicy Tuna Hand Roll
As luck would have it, we arrived just before happy hour ended. During our visit, the restaurant offered weekday happy hour Monday through Friday, from 2–5 PM, so naturally, we decided to take advantage of it.
We started with two selections from the happy hour menu: Pork Gyoza and a Spicy Tuna Hand Roll.
Pork Gyoza
The pork gyoza arrived beautifully golden, with a crisp, bubbly exterior and a dipping sauce alongside. I’m always a fan of starting a sushi dinner with something warm and savory, and these were an excellent way to begin.
Spicy Tuna Hand Roll
The spicy tuna hand roll was another appealing choice, with seasoned tuna tucked into a cone of nori, sushi rice, and fresh greens. The vibrant colors and generous presentation made it look especially tempting.
These were exactly the kind of happy hour options we love discovering—something interesting and satisfying to enjoy while deciding what else to order.
Whiskey & Cocktails: An Old Fashioned and Maker’s Mark
One of the reasons Kiyama caught our attention in the first place was its whiskey selection.
While I love a good sushi restaurant, I also appreciate having the option to order a proper cocktail instead of being limited to beer, wine, and sake.
I ordered an Old Fashioned, while Bo went with a double Maker’s Mark.
My Old Fashioned arrived in a lovely rocks glass with a cherry garnish, and the presentation fit the restaurant’s understated, polished atmosphere perfectly.
Bo was equally happy to find his whiskey of choice.
It’s a detail that might not matter to everyone, but for us, having a full bar alongside a quality sushi menu makes a restaurant that much more appealing—especially for an evening out together.
The Main Event: Spicy Albacore Fusion Roll & Shrimp Tempura
For our main selections, we decided on the Spicy Albacore Fusion Roll, vegetable and shrimp tempura, and a side of sushi rice.
Spicy Albacore Fusion Roll
The Spicy Albacore Fusion Roll was beautifully presented, with slices of lightly seared fish draped over the sushi roll, vibrant orange sauce, a darker savory drizzle, and a crispy topping.
It was the kind of presentation that makes you reach for your camera before picking up your chopsticks.
The attention to detail was impressive, and the quality was exactly what we’d hoped to find.
Vegetable & Shrimp Tempura
The tempura arrived as a generous assortment of shrimp and vegetables, all coated in a light golden batter.
I particularly loved the variety on the plate, with shrimp nestled among beautifully battered vegetables. It was a substantial addition to our sushi selections and made the meal feel complete.
We also ordered sushi rice on the side, which rounded everything out nicely.
Between the appetizers, sushi, tempura, and drinks, we had a wonderful assortment of flavors and dishes to enjoy.
Exceptional Quality Without an Exceptional Price Tag
One of the biggest surprises of our visit was the value.
Good sushi isn’t always inexpensive, and when you add appetizers, specialty rolls, cocktails, and whiskey, a dinner for two can become surprisingly expensive.
But at Kiyama, we felt the price was more than reasonable for the quality of the food, the presentation, and the service we received.
Everything about the experience felt thoughtfully done, from the comfortable atmosphere to the way the food was served.
And when a restaurant manages to combine quality, hospitality, and a fair price, that’s something worth talking about.
Make It At Home Salty Style
Related Recipes | Bring the Flavors Home
Loved the flavors of Kiyama Sushi & Bar? Keep the inspiration going with a few seriously good recipes from The Salty Owl Co. From bold Thai-inspired beef bowls to fresh coastal seafood favorites, these dishes bring a delicious mix of Asian-inspired flavors and Pacific Northwest ingredients right into your own kitchen.
Thai Grilled Beef Bowls – Tender grilled steak marinated in flavorful Pad Thai sauce, served with a colorful combination of crisp cabbage, red bell pepper, crunchy sugar snap peas, and fresh radish. These vibrant bowls deliver the perfect balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and fresh flavors in every bite.
Salmon Banh Mi Sandwich – A delicious West Coast-meets-Vietnamese fusion featuring flavorful salmon layered into a crusty baguette with tangy pickled carrots, daikon radish, spicy sriracha mayo, and plenty of fresh herbs. It’s a bright, crunchy, flavor-packed twist on the classic Vietnamese sandwich with a little Pacific Northwest coastal flair.
Seafood Fried Rice – A coastal-inspired take on a classic favorite, bringing together sweet Dungeness crab, tender sea scallops, and succulent shrimp, all tossed with fluffy rice, savory seasonings, and fresh herbs. Quick enough for a busy weeknight but special enough for company, this seafood-packed dish turns simple fried rice into something seriously delicious.
Whether you’re craving a fresh and colorful bowl, a sandwich with a little kick, or a comforting seafood dinner, these recipes prove you don’t have to leave home to enjoy restaurant-inspired flavors.
Good food, fresh ingredients, and a little coastal inspiration. That’s The Salty Owl way.
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