50 Best Japanese Restaurants in Washington

“Sushi Taro used to be considered one of the top Japanese restaurants in the city, but it is not surprising they no longer are on the Michelin guide in 2025. The table service was good, but the rest of the service was mediocre. The food itself does feel overpriced for the quality, only a few select items were notable. Really not a destination for sushi or sashimi. Nothing they are doing terribly wrong per se, just nothing to write home about.“

“Booked here because of the Michelin star rating but will go back for the service. After a bit of bumpy start, the Manager was quite accommodating and what an excellence recovery. Enjoyed the premium omakase, sake and whiskey. Never felt rushed even though the restaurant filled quickly. We were visiting from Texas but will make this a regular stop next time in town.“

“Amazing! The sushi tasting menu was exceptional and filling! Delicious and whimsical cocktails. Bar in the back, very hip and chic workout being pretentious. Wagyu beef skewers from the bar was one of the best things I’ve ever had. All the skewers were amazing and the fried chicken and other bar snacks are classic bar foods, but way elevated- can not wait for the rest of the space to open!“

“on point!! don't shy away from the menu, everything we had was delicious.“

“Went there to celebrate my birthday. Sushi was very fresh and perfectly prepared. The slices were excellent, which made the fish delicate, tender and without too much dark pieces which have more fishy taste, no tendons/skin/muscle to make it difficult to chew. It was a delightful experience! The amount of different fish/seafood species was surprising. A special place to go to celebrate, if you love sushi. We paired it with a nice bottle of Italian Sparkling, which was an excellent recommendation by our server.“

“The best meal I’ve had in my entire life. It’s a small, intimate environment; I’d recommend the chef’s counter. The wait staff was terrific; explaining every dish and answering questions. (The chef is also happy to talk too.) Every dish in the tasting was terrific, particular highlights were the wagyu two-ways entree, the ravioli with uni butter, and the soup at the end. Of course, it’s a seasonal menu, so you’ll probably be seeing something different—but I’m confident it’ll be excellent. Also, the cocktails were terrific.

We didn’t add the caviar, as it felt kind of like a hat on a hat, but hey… live your best life.

I will also say, with omakase menus, we often worry that we won’t be full at the end. That was not an issue. It was the perfect amount of food for us.“

“Outstanding performers and great food!“

“Had a really nice time upstairs with Ash as our bartender! Sooo sweet! My best friend andnI had a blast. 🩷🙌🏽“

“We tried a few different types of kamameshi, all of which were flavorful and came with four tasty side dishes that complemented the meal nicely.

The staff was warm and welcoming, adding to the overall experience. The dining area is cute but small, but we had no trouble getting seats around 6:30 on a Saturday. A solid spot for a casual Japanese meal.“

“I would like to give a huge shoutout to Ryan and James, the dynamic duo behind the bar at Moonraker. Their energy, professionalism, and seamless teamwork create such an enjoyable atmosphere every time I visit. Not only are their drinks consistently excellent, but the genuine warmth and attentiveness they bring to their service truly stand out.
Ryan and James have a natural rhythm together that makes the bar feel welcoming and fun... whether it is remembering preferences, offering great recommendations, or just sparking good conversation. They go above and beyond to make guests feel at home, and it is clear they take pride in creating a memorable experience.
Moonraker is lucky to have them both!“

“Easily one of the best bars in the city, hands down“

“❤️ Oku. hits everytime. every 🍾 celebration we (my fam) head straightforward there.“

“The best sushi (to go) I’ve ever eaten...and I’ve eaten a lot of sushi 😅“

“Had a Great time celebrating a friend’s birthday! Food is amazing, sushi is fresh! Good atmosphere! Owners are Super cool and really knows how to make their guests feel special. Kudos to the entire staff for the Great service. Highly recommend!“

“We had an incredible dining experience at Kyojin Sushi in Georgetown. From start to finish, everything was top notch.

The atmosphere is chic and intimate, with a modern bar setup that makes you want to linger. Our server, Somvilav was attentive, friendly, and helped guide us through the menu without ever rushing us.
Every dish was beautifully presented and tasted just as good as it looked. Highlights for us were:
- Butter Garlic Miso Scallops – rich, delicate, and perfectly seared with just the right touch of garlic.
- Yellowtail Belly Nigiri – melt-in-your-mouth fresh with clean, balanced flavor.
- A5 Wagyu Roll – absolutely decadent, one of the best rolls we’ve ever had.
- Create Your Own Roll (Yellowtail) – simple, fresh, and delicious.“

“Reservations only for dinner and walk in only for lunch, atmosphere was ok, since it’s shared space with a few other restaurants, the music and ambiance is hard to control. But the food is soooo good, you’ll forget all about it. Photos don’t do it justice, so I’ll just post 1. The whole omasake is very well crafted in terms of flavor profile and texture.“

“A favorite neighborhood spot“

““My experience at brunch was excellent. Everything on the menu was well-cooked, perfectly seasoned, and delivered promptly. The ambience was warm and inviting, with a moderate noise level that still allowed for comfortable conversation.”“

“How does this place only have 4 stars? Do you all have covid still? Best sushi in town for the price point, even if they're not so used to customer service or the place isn't made for a nice sit down experience (it's Western Market, which is a great upscale food court worth going out of your way for).“

“Absolutely amazing.
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I went here after a job acceptance and got the chef's selection special thing (I cannot remember the name unfortunately) but it was absolutely stellar.
I brought some art supplies and relaxed while I ate delicious food like Miso, and well prepared sashimi.
The waitress/hostess seemed to be a bit new, but I completely understand.
The place is a bit small though so I don't reccomend talking politics or anything private as it's very likely someone could accidentally eavesdrop. (Like me, unfortunately hearing about a man's family disasters.)
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Definitely take your time here if you do eat, savor the flavors and get chef reccomendations, also try the seabream! It's phenomenal and my new favorite fish.“

“We have enjoyed several lunches here and have always felt satisfied. The quality is top-tier and great service.“

“My family loves Sushi Hachi. Most of our celebrations are here.“

“Love this place immensely. Service was top notch and food is SO GOOD. I got the spicy salmon roll and the Ninja Turtle specialty roll and neither disappointed. Probably the best spicy salmon roll i’ve had, ever. Period hands down, no competition. Ambiance is great-standard sushi bar spot.
Will 1000% be back! I’m currently typing this as I finish my food. It’s that good—I couldn’t wait!“

“Great selection of vinyls. Their drinks are from another world so don't expect generic cocktails. Maitake mushrooms tempura and wagyu flank steak were perfectly cooked. Had the pleasure of opening one of their fine Armagnac with Will. I appreciate the passion they put into giving us such a unique experience through sight, sound, and taste.“

“Yes, this restaurant is highly recommended for a casual dining experience.“

“EXCELLENCE“

“A small sushi & Reman shop, clean and fresh, only one person cook and serve. I tried the poke with tuna, Not only I tasted the freshness and abundance nutrition to the body but also was touched by the sincerity and dedication to the food from the owner! He must made tremendous efforts to prepare such healthy food with fresh ingredients at very affordable price! In such a profit driven business environment, it is so precious to have such a germ shop to make you feel happy and surprise in life! Thanks for the great food! Appreciated and Strong recommendation!

One thing I’d like to point out is that the ordering machine does not provide picture nor the detail ingredients of the dishes (I understand that it is only one man in charge of everything it would be great to have the ingredients shows in the ordering menu) but you can easily refer to the menu from google map it provides clear information.“

“Great food and fantastic staff“

“Hands-down best ramen I have ever had.“

“I chose Akeno Sushi to celebrate my bachelorette weekend, and I couldn’t have made a better choice! It’s my absolute favorite restaurant in DC, and this experience just confirmed why it’s one of my top spots. From start to finish, the staff was incredibly warm, accommodating, and genuinely thrilled to help us celebrate. Nadia, in particular, was a joy to work with and supported me every step of the way in planning. The food was phenomenal, with each dish beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The drinks were equally impressive, featuring thoughtful details like fresh flowers that added a special touch to the celebration. The ambiance was perfect, with lovely decorations that made the night feel even more festive. Whether you’re planning a special event, a casual dinner, or a date night, Akeno Sushi is versatile, delicious, and always delivers a memorable experience. I highly recommend it!“

“This little place is a hidden gem!! It is not a Michelin star affair. It is a mom and pop place that offers simple, delicious food. It will be on my list everytime I'm in the city! If you're expecting fancy, this isn't it. It's straight up comfort food!“

“Very Nice atmosphere customer service was great and the food was superb“

“I’ve been ordering from Umi almost every week for the past 2 years, and each order has been consistently delicious. This is my go-to sushi takeout spot in DC given its quality, price, and large variety. Exceptional service when ordering - the staff takes the time to label each item in a group order by name and pairs items ordered by the same person together! I also love how you can make all the rolls with brown rice.“

“Yosaku Sushi is a hidden gem! I recently had the chicken katsu, and it was absolutely delicious – perfectly crispy and flavorful. But what truly sets Yosaku apart is the exceptional kindness of the staff. They made me feel so welcome and went above and beyond to ensure I had a wonderful dining experience. I can't wait to come back and try more of their menu. If you're looking for delicious food and top-notch service, Yosaku Sushi is the place to be!“

“I stopped in with friends before a event Sunday evening. The staff was warm and welcoming. I had the lentil sambusas and a peanut-infused coffee at the staff’s recommendation. The food was fast and delicious- the sambusas were warm and spicy, and the peanut coffee was delicious! In a kind gesture, the chef sent over a sampling of sushi to our table. Fresh and refreshing, the sushi was a nice complement to my sambusas and hot beverage. I’m not on this side of town often, but now I have a reason to come back.“

“GREAT value— 50% off sushi after 7pm (from $10.5 to $5.25)!!! The tuna and salmon avocado rolls are delish and $10.5 or 50% off before closing (if there are any left).
The stickers are SUPER CUTE and $1 each!

They also offer great drinks (craft yuzu soda, topo chico, boba tea etc.)

♿️ Union Market’s entrance is accessible, but tables are mostly high top (low tables by the window and outside) and the aisles are crowded most of the day. Also good lighting. Very loud.

Wheelchair accessibility: Union Market’s entrance is accessible, but tables are mostly high top (low tables by the window and outside) and the aisles are crowded most of the day. Also good lighting. Very loud.“

“Enjoyed delicious sushi and curry coconut udon! The service was great and the atmosphere perfect!“

“Legit Japanese food. I’ve visited 6 cities in Japan and this is exactly the type of food I’ve had there. 🍱 🍜 🍣“

“AWESOME experience and food. Customer service and food quality is always on point. SOO much food based on the price! My family was very impressed.

Vegetarian options: Tofu hibachi, Vegetable hibachi, Avocado Cucumber sushi roll, 4 piece spring rolls

Dietary restrictions: If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, ask or let them know ahead of your order. Easy.

Parking: Easy

Kid-friendliness: No problems

Wheelchair accessibility: No problems“

“It was a great experience.. food was good and customer service was even better and fast.“

“Great service, good sushi, delicious mochi, and great location.“

“The absolute best sushi 🍣 I have had ever! So worth it! Mango madness/capital roll yum just soooo goooood!!!“

“incredibly delicious pho! I've been living in the US for 2 years, and only now have I eaten real and delicious pho! I've tried it in different cities, but this is the best. The most authentic, rich broth, elastic noodles. I recommend it to everyone!“

“Great friendly welcoming service and the food was delicious- I would HIGHLY recommend 🤩“

“Absolutely delicious sushi for a great price! The decoration is so cute and this little place is family owned. The owner Ms. Khin is the sweetest and always greet you with a smile! I absolutely love this place and am definitely coming here whenever I’m in Georgetown area!“

“Excellent food temperature and taste. Ended up getting a combo, however their vegetables were mostly just onion, very few broccoli or carrots, showing that lack of vegetable variety. Otherwise, great quality for the speed, convenience, and price.“

“The food is always excellent“

“The dish that I ordered was great!!!“

“(This review is for a delivery order, so it's only about the food, not the service or ambiance).

Solid takeout sushi. I was desperately craving sushi on evening and, after perusing Uber Eats for a bit, settled on Toku after receiving a recommendation from a friend. I got their sushi combo, which came with ten assorted pieces of nigiri and a California roll, as well as my choice of miso soup or salad. The sushi was super fresh, and I appreciated the variety of fish chosen for the nigiri; I didn't care much for the California roll and would have loved the option to switch it out with a different roll, but it's perfectly reasonable for them to not allow those types of swaps. It was a solid meal and absolutely satisfied by sushi craving.“

“Their sushi rolls are AMAZING!! I didn’t think they would be ‘out of this world’ but wow, the taste of their rolls tasted better than most of what I tried in Tokyo or Osaka! Definitely worth trying if you’re staying at the Grand Hyatt or in the area!“