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This Unlikely Bento Pairing Hits the Mark

Burgers + sushi = the ultimate in international comfort food

By Chelsea Lin October 31, 2018

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This article originally appeared in the November 2018 issue of Seattle magazine.

This article appears in print in the November 2018 issue. Click here to subscribe.

We love an unlikely pairing. Katsu Burger—the Japanese-influenced burger empire launched from a Georgetown strip mall in 2011—opened a Ballard location in July in the former home of Skillet. The restaurant looks remarkably the same, save for the faux tree full of blossoms in the middle of the dining room. Where other locations focus on burgers, here sushi (from executive sushi chef Masahiro Shida) has been added to the mix. Try a little of everything in the Ichiban Bento ($18): a breaded Wagyu beef slider, nigiri, California roll, nori-dusted fries, salad and Japanese pickles. Consider it a grown-up version of the Happy Meal. Ballard, 2034 NW 56th St.; 206.898.5050

 

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