Everett's on a Roll - Kai Sushi
Kai Sushi is a shiny gem located in the heart of downtown Everett. It really doesn’t get much better than this. Tucked into an unassuming space on Colby Avenue, this establishment offers a great opportunity for a quick lunch to go or a romantic dinner any night of the week (except Sunday, the hard working owners deserve a break, too).
We visited Kai Sushi on a quiet Tuesday evening. They had just opened their doors for business a few days prior, and already had a few 5-star reviews on Yelp. They weren’t terribly busy, and provided a superb level of customer service without being over-the-top. I get the feeling that their service is always this great. There was no rush and we were able to relax and enjoy our sake and dinner without being systematically scooted out of the door.
The ambiance is noteworthy: violet lights illuminate the modern fixtures and delightful lanterns grace each table with a romantically bright hue.
The owners were there working, and offered a bit of their background. They had a successful business in Seattle previously, sold it, and were looking for a new venture. They chose Everett due to its opportunity for growth and available business space.
What a great sign of the times!
We shared two appetizers: the agedashi tofu and the tuna poke. I am a huge poke fan, and after living in Hawai'i for 5 years I admit I am a bit picky, although raw tuna is a reasonable thing to be picky about. Theirs turned out to be top-notch. It was fresh, inventive, tender, and delicious. It was even sprinkled with a bit of caviar to add to the depth of the dish.
Their presentation, attention to detail and concern for quality matches, if not surpasses, any fine dining restaurant around.
Now for the main dish: my fish loving husband ordered the Black Dragon Roll. The Black Dragon Roll is crab, cucumber, and shrimp tempura inside eel and avocado topped with tobbiko. He proclaimed that this was hands-down the best eel he has ever had.
Black Dragon Roll
I opted for the Veggie Vegas Roll, a spin-off their original deep fried crab roll. The veggie version has mango, cream cheese, avocado, and asparagus, deep fried and topped with the house spicy sauce. What a delight! Another win and refreshingly artistic fusion dish.
Veggie Vegas Roll
We wrapped up the meal with the Mango Mochi. It was refreshingly delicious and very high quality. The dessert menu is enticing, and I look forward to trying their other offerings.
If sushi isn’t your thing, there are lots of other options to choose from. The menu includes an extensive appetizer list, salads, dinner entrees, and noodles. They also have a nice bento box selection for lunch.
I long for this meal from time to time, and that’s how I know it’s a keeper. If this place is an indicator of the current climate for local Everett businesses, we should all pause for a toast to the future, because we are in for even greater things to come.
Editors note: Everyone here at Live in Everett has stopped by Kai Sushi since they opened, and we have all been blown away by the quality and ambiance of their establishment. Lindsey isn't joking about this place. We highly recommend you check 'em out asap.
Kai Sushi
2811 Colby Ave., Suite A
Everett, WA 98201
Here's a map
Hours
Mon-Thurs: 11:00am-9:00pm
Fri-Sat: 11:00am-10:00pm
Sun: Closed
