Hajime Sato Launches Sazanami: A New Omakase Experience in Beaverton

Chef Hajime Sato has officially opened Sazanami, a 14-seat sushi counter located on Nimbus Avenue in Beaverton, Oregon. This reservation-only omakase restaurant marks Sato's return to the Pacific Northwest, where he aims to provide a distinctive sushi experience rooted in sustainability. Sato, who previously made headlines with his commitment to sustainable seafood at his former restaurant Mashiko in Seattle, is bringing that ethos to Sazanami.

Sato's culinary journey began in Utsunomiya, Japan, and has taken him through various experiences, including a pivotal year as an exchange student in Idaho. He opened Mashiko in West Seattle in 1994, becoming one of the first sushi chefs in the U.S. to serve exclusively sustainable seafood. After selling Mashiko in 2019 due to personal circumstances, he opened Sozai in Michigan, which earned accolades including the Eater Award for Best New Suburban Restaurant and the Detroit Free Press's 2022 Restaurant of the Year. Sato's recognition culminated in a James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes in 2024.

At Sazanami, diners can expect a 9-course chef’s choice menu that includes sushi, sashimi, and cooked dishes. Sato offers two pescatarian menus: the Minato for $170 and the more adventurous Chiso for $200, along with a vegan option priced at $140. Sato emphasizes that his omakase experience is not just a set menu but a dynamic interaction with diners, akin to traditional Kappo-style dining found in Japan.

Sazanami's name, meaning "ripples" in Japanese, reflects Sato's hope to create a lasting impact through his sustainable sourcing practices. He collaborates with local suppliers to feature ingredients such as Dungeness crab, spot prawns, and even Oregon-grown wasabi. This focus on local seafood allows Sato to offer a unique experience that distinguishes his restaurant from others that typically rely on fish flown in from Tokyo.

Reservations are mandatory at Sazanami, which is an adults-only establishment, ensuring an intimate dining atmosphere. The restaurant is located at 10053 SW Nimbus Avenue in Beaverton, and guests are encouraged to plan ahead to secure their spots. Sato's innovative approach to sushi and commitment to sustainability promise to make Sazanami a noteworthy addition to the Oregon dining scene.