Shigoku Fever

Shigoku oysters have swiftly become the hottest bivalves in Seattle. Raised in Willapa and Samish Bays by Taylor Shellfish Farms, the attraction of this new oyster is partly its unique shape—a super-smooth shell with a deep, rounded cup (thanks to tumbling four times every 24 hours by the tide, which chips away the rough outer edges of the shells). But it’s also the oyster’s depth of flavor: a clean, firm, briny bite with a taste similar to cucumbers and melon.

Since a winter storm wiped out the Shigoku harvest in November, diners—and chefs—are even more obsessed, and far more restaurants want the oysters than can be supplied. But we’ve found the five spots in the city almost guaranteed to have a stash. (Do call in advance, though, just to be sure.)

5 Seattle spots for slurpin’ 

Old-fashioned style: Elliott’s Oyster House is the Northwest’s go-to place for oysters, serving them no nonsense and plain, but impeccably shucked. Elliott’s made sure to be on Taylor’s Shigoku priority list. Try them at the famed 21-foot-long oyster bar—along, if you like, with about 30 other varieties from around the world. Elliott’s recommends pairing Shigokus with Stellar Bays, a plump oyster from Deep Bay, B.C. $$$; 1201 Alaskan Way; 206/623-4340.

Four-star style: Canlis, the elegant restaurant known for its water views and attentive waitstaff, serves Shigokus with seasonal flourishes like white asparagus mousse and grapefruit gelée. Slurp them while sipping Champagne or wines from the restaurant’s 18,000-bottle cellar; there are—count ’em—five sommeliers to help you create the perfect pairing. $$$$; closed Sun; 2576 Aurora Ave. N.; 206/283-3313. 

International style: Fresh Bistro had its origins in a catering company, but the new West Seattle restaurant serves food that’s as far as it gets from rubber chicken. Here, chef-owner Dalis Chea tweaks traditional oyster pairings by topping his Shigokus with a frozen Champagne mignonette and a shallot “caviar.” $$; 4725 42nd Ave. S.W.; 206/935-3733.

Sushi style: Casual Chiso serves Shigokus on the half-shell with ponzu, spicy grated daikon, and chile sauce. We enjoyed iced Shigokus as a bracing appetizer to grilled duck breast. $$; 3520 Fremont Ave. N.; 206/632-3430.

Affordable style: At Anchovies & Olives, chef Ethan Stowell’s newest hot spot, you’ll find Shigokus on a bed of ice, dolled up with fruity Spanish olive oil and squeezes of lemon. Mix them in an attractive platter with other Northwest stars like Totten Virginicas, Kusshis, and Kumamotos, each adorned with a different topping: say, red wine ice or a touch of pickled beets. Hit oyster “Power Hour” at the bar (daily from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and again from 10 p.m. to closing) and they’re $1 a pop. $$; 1550 15th Ave.; 206/838-8080.