Bellevue's master sushi chef Jun Takai has been named a semifinalist in the 35th Anniversary of the James Beard Award,  for the category of "Best Chef: Pacific Northwest & Pacific." Chef Jun Takai was first recruited from Tokyo, Japan by the "godfather of Seattle sushi" Shiro Kashiba in 2010. After apprenticing under Shiro for 10 years, the duo opened the highly acclaimed Takai by Kashiba in downtown Bellevue. Focusing on Edo-mae style omakase, chef Jun enjoys focusing on the aging of fish with a bounty of ingredients sourced locally and internationally. 

Considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors, the James Beard Awards® recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to equity, sustainability, and creating a culture where all can thrive. The Restaurant and Chef Awards—established in 1990, with the first Awards given in 1991—celebrate excellence across all types of dining experiences, from fine dining to casual establishments, and are one of several recognition programs of the Awards.

Nominees will be announced on Wednesday, April 2, and winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Omakase at Takai by Kashiba is an intimate sushi legacy

Mar 06, 2024

Last updated: Feb. 3, 2025 A Japanese Culinary Affair in Bellevue Japanese immigrants in the early...