Ed Laine

Managing Broker and Team Leader
The Ed Laine Team

eXplore Kirkland

Kirkland, WA Community

Downtown’s culinary scene welcomed an exciting new addition last week with the grand opening of Sushi Haru, a unique dining concept that pairs premium sushi with carefully selected craft beers. The restaurant has quickly generated buzz among local food enthusiasts, introducing the innovative “Sushi ‘n Spirits” concept to the neighborhood, creating what many patrons are already describing as a seamless connection between Japanese cuisine and artisanal brewing.

Where Sushi Meets Craft Beer: A Flavor Fusion Like No Other

Owner and head chef Kenji Tanaka, a 15-year veteran of the culinary world, developed the concept after noticing the complementary flavor profiles between certain sushi preparations and craft beer varieties. “We wanted to create something that wasn’t available elsewhere in the community,” Tanaka explained during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “The umami flavors of fresh fish paired with the complex notes in craft beers create taste combinations that truly enhance both experiences.”

Welcome to Sushi Haru: Curated Pairings, Unforgettable Dining

Sushi Haru distinguishes itself in the competitive local dining market by focusing on what they call an “unforgettable experience driven by delightful tastes & sips.” The restaurant’s interior reflects this fusion concept, blending traditional Japanese design with the industrial aesthetic often associated with craft breweries. Large communal tables encourage a social dining atmosphere, while the sushi bar offers a more intimate setting where guests can watch master chefs prepare their orders with precision and artistic flair.

Food critics who attended the soft opening praised Sushi Haru’s innovative approach. Local reviewer Maria Sanchez noted, “What makes this place special isn’t just the quality of either the sushi or the beer—it’s how thoughtfully they’ve been paired together. The staff provides recommendations for specific beer styles that enhance the flavors of each sushi selection, creating a curated dining experience rather than simply offering two separate menus under one roof.”

Sushi Haru: Where Precision Meets Pints

Tech-savvy diners will appreciate Sushi Haru’s convenient online ordering system powered by Clover. The streamlined platform allows customers to browse the full menu, place orders for pickup or delivery, and even schedule orders in advance for special occasions. Restaurant management reports that the system has already proven popular among lunch crowds from nearby office buildings who can order ahead and minimize wait times during their limited breaks.

Particularly noteworthy for craft beer enthusiasts is Sushi Haru’s commitment to maintaining an up-to-date tap list accessible through their website. The rotating selection features both local breweries and notable national craft brands, with detailed descriptions of flavor profiles and brewing methods.

“We take our beer program as seriously as our sushi,” explained beverage director Alex Chen. “We’ve developed relationships with brewers throughout the region to secure limited releases and seasonal specialties that are often hard to find at most restaurants.”

Header Image Source: thirstyhop.com