Ko Japanese Dining

It’s my first time seeing tariff fee on receipt. I understand people are upset about this and I personally disagree with nonsensical tariffs. But this fee should be included in menu price so that consumers can have accurate and correct expectation for price. If the owner wants to indicate his/her frustration with tariff fees, feel free to adjust up the menu price and have a statement there saying the price adjustment is due to tariffs. Adding this at the end without being included in menu makes me feel BEING MISLEAD.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 5

Cute place in DuPont w some niche Japanese dishes that were quite good. Pretty limited selection and lack of hot sake was a bit of a bummer, but what they did serve was quite delish and very filling.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Phenomenal food every single time! This place has become a favorite for my friends and me. The authentic, home-style cooking is incredible, and their chicken karaage is a must-try!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We had a fantastic experience from start to finish. The food was authentic, beautifully presented, and full of real Japanese flavor. Every dish felt carefully prepared and balanced, from the simple miso tomatoes to perfectly grilled mackerel set to the flavorful oyakodon.

The atmosphere was warm and calm, perfect for our anniversary dinner. Our server was excellent, very attentive, kind, and genuinely thoughtful.

Thank you to the Ko team for making our night so special. We will absolutely be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Oyakodon Set

Kaiseki craving satisfied! Ko Japanese Dining, a family-owned restaurant serving authentic Japanese fare in Dupont Circle might just be our new favorite. Mom Mikki is head chef, her daughter is sous chef, her older son is the bartender, and her younger son runs the front of the house. 🥹💕Exquisite food and impeccable service!

🍽 Six-course kaiseki menu:
▪︎ Platter of small plates (tamago with unagi, caramelized pork belly, shrimp dumpling with lotus root, braised beef with potatoes and veggies, squid salad, and pickled veggies)
▪︎ Assorted sashimi (tuna, fatty tuna, yellowtail, and seafood bream)
▪︎ Chawan mushi (savory egg custard)
▪︎ Melt-in-your-mouth grilled wagyu
▪︎ Tempura shrimp, squid and seasonal veggies served with rice and miso soup
▪︎ Vanilla ice cream with macha sauce

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food and great service!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

We loved their authentic tasty Japanese cuisine, plus our time chatting with Eric and Miki, the owners. Eric met his Japanese wife, Miki, when he was stationed in Japan in the Air Force. (hope I spelled her name correctly). Fast forward many years, they opened Ko with the help of her brother, a Japanese chef, and their kids (who are all college graduates). Wonderful food, wonderful service by their son Joe and wonderful ambiance. We left with smiles on our faces!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing food! Lovely owners. Family-run, authentic Japanese menu. Had an amazing evening with my family.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This restaurant was such a treat! Their food is authentic and delicious. On top of that, we met the co-owner and owner who were very friendly and added to our experience more. If anyone is craving authentic Japanese food, you must check this place out!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I was really surprised to find a teishoku (Japanese set meal) restaurant in DC, let alone one that has a sukiyaki set. New York has one but it never caught on in DC. This style of food feels more like the food I ate in Japan. Really authentic and comforting food. I can’t wait to try different menu items and plan to visit again! Eyeing that tempura set next :)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The ONLY truly authentic Japanese restaurant I could find in DC! Will be back — worth the price.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Yummy oyakodon and tempura taiyaki dessert. Got a very homely vibe, I'll be back to try the other dishes!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The sashimi didn't taste fresh. The rice was not marinated sushi rice. I could tell it was not prepared by a professional sushi chef. The server forgot my sake and I had to remind her. I spent over $100, and I don't think I am being unreasonable to expect better food and service. There are better restaurants in DC for the same price range.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 2

Nice servers. Food was far too salty, just go to the Greek place next-door.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 5

A very cozy vibe !

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5