How do I make a reservation?

Dine-in reservations are made by texting 503.662.2814. You should include your full name, date, time, number of guests in the party, and any celebration details.

What is the history of the restaurant?

Established in 1904, Maneki was Japantown's only restaurant to survive the anti-Japanese discrimination of World War II. Its original three-story building was designed to look like a Japanese castle, and after wartime damage, it reopened a block south at 6th and Main.

Is there bar seating available?

No, the restaurant does not offer bar seating.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Maneki in Seattle

Name: Maneki
Address: 304 6th Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98104, Seattle, Washington, US

Maneki

Established in 1904, Maneki is Seattle's first sushi bar and a resilient pillar of the International District, celebrated as one of America's Classics by the James Beard Foundation.

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What is Maneki known for?

Maneki is a traditional Japanese restaurant in Seattle's International District known for serving homestyle, family-style Japanese food and sushi for over a century. It is recognized as Seattle's first sushi bar and was celebrated as one of "America's Classics" by the James Beard Foundation in 2008.

What to know

Maneki is a traditional Japanese restaurant located in Seattle’s International District that has served the community for over a century. Established in 1904, it holds the distinction of being the first sushi bar in Seattle. For generations, the establishment has provided homestyle Japanese food and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere for guests of all ages. The restaurant's history is a testament to resilience. Its original building was a three-story white structure at 6th Avenue and Washington Street, designed to look like a Japanese castle. During World War II, the forced removal and incarceration of the Japanese American community left the castle building ransacked and inoperable. Maneki was the only restaurant in Japantown to survive the fierce anti-Japanese racism and discrimination of that era. Following the war, the "Welcome Cat"—the meaning of the name Maneki—lived on by reopening just one block south at 6th Avenue and Main Street. Historically, the venue served as a vital community hub, hosting theatrical plays, weddings, and funerals for the local Japanese population. This enduring legacy was formally recognized in 2008 when the James Beard Foundation named Maneki one of "America’s Classics." Today, the restaurant continues to honor its roots through family-style dining and the influence of longtime figures like caretaker Jean Nakayama, known affectionately as "Mom." While it remains a cornerstone of the historic Nihonmachi, it operates with a modern touch for reservations, requiring guests to text their party details to secure a table.

Visitor tips

Make dine-in reservations by texting 503.662.2814 with your name, date, and party size.
Note that there is no bar seating available for those looking for a quick drink or snack.
Allow ample time for a meal, as the restaurant emphasizes a traditional, welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.

Nearby context

Maneki is situated in the heart of Seattle's International District, specifically within the historic area known as Nihonmachi or Japantown. Its location at 6th Avenue and Main Street places it at the center of a neighborhood defined by its enduring immigrant heritage and cultural resilience.

Quick facts