Izakaya Seki

Name: Izakaya Seki
Address: 1117 V St NW, Washington, DC, 20009, US
Telephone: (202) 588-5841
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.3

$$$ • Japanese, Noodles, Izakaya

Hours:
1117 V St NW, Washington
(202) 588-5841

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About Izakaya Seki

Izakaya Seki offers a cozy atmosphere and exceptional Japanese food like toro sashimi and black cod. The knowledgeable server provides great recommendations for dishes such as steak fried rice and udon noodles with pork belly. Many customers enjoy the authentic bar food, noting the freshness of sashimi and Aji tataki, which remind some of good izakayas in Tokyo. The downstairs has that genuine izakaya feel, with simple, unpretentious dishes like grilled mackerel, still smoky and rich with flavor, demanding sake and good company. The upstairs offers a more traditional table restaurant experience, where the focus is on fresh ingredients and straightforward preparation. While some find the portion sizes small and the prices high—like the $20 grilled sardine served without sides—most agree the quality justifies the cost. Service has been described as lovely and helpful, with staff offering excellent sake suggestions. Tucked away on V Street, Izakaya Seki doesn’t need flash or fanfare; its warm, lived-in environment shows respect for tradition without fossilizing it. It’s a place to come for good food, drinks, and relaxed conversations, where the honest flavors and simple pleasures make diners feel at home, even in a city obsessed with shiny new spots.