"At Pike Place, visitors come far and wide to watch burly fish folks toss around their fresh catches. And yet, our highest nautical achievements can be found at Sushi Kashiba, helmed by famed chef Shiro Kashiba himself. The couple hundred dollars you’ll spend will always be worth it, whether you’re doing table omakase, or trying for seats at the counter. It’s all a blur of sake, soy-brushed tuna, crispy prawn heads, and a sweet egg finale that deserves an extended tribute on our NPR affiliate. If you want a spot at the sushi counter, there are no reservations. For your best shot at a spot, you have to line up outside the restaurant before they open at 5pm (if you want to be first, start waiting at 3:30). Once they open, a host will tell you if you got a spot at the first seating or if you need to come back. For a regular table, Kashiba takes online reservations, with late-night availability starting about two weeks in advance and more flexibility if you book further out." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley, gabe guarente