This place has really gone downhill. The sushi is definitely not the quality to merit the prices.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
Rouse
I’ve dined at Nobu in Tokyo, New York, and Budapest, so I came to Nobu Washington DC with high expectations — and it did not disappoint.
The food quality was outstanding, and the service was attentive. Our first table wasn’t ideal, but the staff kindly moved us to a quieter area, which we really appreciated.
It’s a fantastic spot for birthdays or special occasions though a bit lively for a romantic dinner unless you have the right table.
Highly recommend the Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño, Tuna Tataki, and the chef’s sushi selection. We’ll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Didn’t Ger
We made reservations then we waited at the bar because our table wasn't ready.
It was our 2 year anniversary and our first time, Kim and I were very excited to celebrate here at Nobu.
We had drinks at the bar. Great Japanese beer on tap. Kim had a cocktail she enjoyed.
Then we had sat at our table. I was already impressed.
The server has greeted us that he sees we already had drinks from the bar.
Kim loves sushi, but was hesitant to try anything raw or uncooked. I reassured her we're in the presence of the best quality ingredients that a chef can produce.
We let our server know that it was our first time. He quickly explain to us about the menu. But he didn't mention any specials for that day.
We got the nagiri sushi, Japanese eel 2pc and bluefin toro 2pc. Sushi cut roll, spicy tuna and shrimp tempura. Then the famous black cod with miso.
Kim loved the nagiri, sushi roll and black cod. We shared them family style.
Another server brought our black cod. She was very elegant and poise describing our dish.
Only negative thing I can say, it's a hit or miss. Food was wonderful. But getting the nagiri which was surprise that the price was per piece. For $4 more, our server could have made a suggestion to do sushi selection or sashimi selection. The service felt rushed.
Kim ask me to wave down the server. Kim says do you remember his name. I don't, he never mentioned it. We didn't get dessert.
They surprised us with a dessert for the table that another brought to the table singing happy birthday. He says it's your birthday. We both had a laugh and said no it's our anniversary. Our original server came back told us it's a mochi vanilla ice cream. He was surprised to find out it's out Anniversary.
The Host didn't mention to the server it's our anniversary.
Finally, no manager came to our table to ask us about our experience.
On our way out. No thank you or come see us again.
Only person who gave us a warm farewell was the valet
Kim cried outside for 15 minutes because our special day was ruined.
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Nitin Pillai
Decent food, but felt it's a bit overpriced. Ambience is great though.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Massy Khan
I rarely leave negative reviews because I understand how hard the hospitality industry works. But this experience has been so disappointing that I feel compelled to share it.
My husband and I are new parents and don’t get out to DC for date nights anymore. Our generous friends gifted us a $250 gift card to Nobu DC so we could enjoy a special evening out. We paid for an expensive Uber into the city and ordered dinner, even adding additional items beyond the gift card amount because we were enjoying ourselves.
When it came time to pay, we were told the gift card “wasn’t working” and that we would need to use another form of payment. We were confused but didn’t want to create a scene, so we paid the $360+ bill with our credit card.
After getting home, we contacted our friend, who confirmed she purchased the gift card in person directly from Nobu DC. This was not a third-party retailer purchase. It appears to have been an activation error on the restaurant’s end.
We called Nobu to resolve the issue and provided proof of purchase. Instead of correcting what was clearly an internal error, we were told their gift cards are handled by a third party and that we needed to contact them ourselves. We did. The third-party representative requested detailed purchase information (what card was used to buy it, where it was purchased, etc.), which we promptly provided. He stated the issue would need to be escalated to Nobu headquarters.
Our dinner was on November 22nd. It has now been months with no resolution despite weekly follow-ups.
At this point: • Our friend is out $250 • We are out $360+ • Nobu has effectively been paid twice
Beyond the financial aspect, it’s incredibly disappointing that no one has taken ownership of what appears to be a clear activation mistake at the point of sale. Instead, the burden has fallen entirely on the customer to chase down a resolution.
For a restaurant of this caliber and price point, the service recovery has been extremely underwhelming.
Until this is resolved, I cannot recommend supporting a business that fails to stand behind its own gift cards.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
ChuckIT82
We’ve been to Nobu DC several times now, but after our last visit, I finally felt like I had to leave a review. It was a freezing night in DC, and the warm, inviting atmosphere was the perfect escape from the cold. The service was exceptionally attentive as always—they really have a way of making the evening feel special without being stuffy. We kicked things off with lychee martinis and a bottle of Chablis, which were great leads into the meal. The toro and caviar was a total standout, and the fluke appetizer was incredibly delicate. For the main event, the King Salmon and Yellowtail sushi were as fresh as it gets, but the Wagyu sushi and Wagyu tacos are what we’ll be dreaming about until next time. We finished the night with a crisp glass of dry sake, which was the perfect palate cleanser. It’s consistently one of our favorite spots in the city. If you're looking for incredible food and a vibe that feels both high-end and welcoming, this is it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Selena Nguyen
The quality and taste of the food isn’t bad. Some are subpar and some are really good. I did the omakase twice and I was hoping that the chef would switch up the menu but it was mostly the same. The service however is great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Emanuele Ciccone
I've been to Nobu several times, for different occasions, including my birthday, and every time has been a fantastic experience. It's one of those places where you return knowing exactly what you want to eat, because certain dishes become part of your memory. It's like returning to a place where you enjoyed yourself and wanting to relive that exact feeling.
The food is always top-notch. There are iconic dishes that I now directly associate with Nobu. The Wagyu tacos, tiny, a single bite, last two seconds and you could eat ten without stopping. The same goes for the Wagyu dumplings, soft, intense, and extremely satisfying.
The sushi is incredible. The otoro, or fatty tuna, is of the highest quality. The salmon is clean and balanced. Then there are pieces with a more pronounced flavor that may not be for everyone, but are incredibly satisfying. I'm thinking of the uni, or sea urchins, and the scallops. Full, distinct flavors that linger.
One thing I really appreciate is how the menu manages to break up the meal. Vegetarian dishes, with sesame and vegetables, refresh the palate and prepare you for the next course. This balance allows you to transition from fish to meat without ever feeling heavy.
Last time, we had the miso black cod, and it was truly excellent. A dish that perfectly represents the Nobu style. Simple on the surface, but impeccably executed.
The drinks are also thoughtful. My favorite is the passion fruit or mango one, slightly tart, refreshing, and perfect with the meal. It's exactly the kind of drink I like.
The service deserves a special mention. The waiters are always present, kind, and attentive to the table. They consistently take care of the experience. It's a different service than in Italy, even down to the tipping system, but the difference is noticeable. The atmosphere is incredible, very refined, with an aesthetic that truly recalls Japan. Just watch a documentary about Nobu Matsuhisa to understand where this vision comes from.
It's high-end cuisine, also visually refined. Obviously the price is important; it's not an everyday place, but it's a place worth returning to. Every time you discover or rediscover something new.
A final note on dessert. The caramelized banana, the Banana Toban Yaki, with pecans and caramel, is incredible. You leave the meal completely satisfied and with a smile.
For me, Nobu is a must. Every time I come to America, especially Washington, I can't miss at least one evening at Nobu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
TJ Song
I rather go somewhere for Sunday brunch. Sushi is not sushi. I thought Nobu sushi was the BEST OF ALL SUSHI. Worst sushi ever.. anywhere can be better than this. Sorry Nobu..sushi???
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Ana Carolina
The food was amazing, the service stunning and the atmosphere very nice!! I would recommend it for anyone who wants good japonese cuisine and doesn't matter to spend a little more than normal.
We had a wonderful timefful experience at brunch! Yes, brunch! Great variety, always replenished, and at a really good price!
Eirianwen
We went for the bottomless Sunday Brunch, which was a great experience! Lots of food options ranging from sushi rolls to different types of meat, and a dessert table. Service was attentive. We really enjoyed ourselves!
Morgan
My stay here was great! The food was of course 10/10; and I love that there's a driver available to take you places around the Buckhead area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lea
Great food and service. The atmosphere and design were also very nice (dark light / quiet music / trendy vibes).
Denny
We were sat promptly for our Sunday brunch. Our server was personable and attentive! The food was wonderful, especially the sirloin and salmon. Highly recommend the teriyaki truffle for the sirloin!
This place has really gone downhill. The sushi is definitely not the quality to merit the prices.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
I’ve dined at Nobu in Tokyo, New York, and Budapest, so I came to Nobu Washington DC with high expectations — and it did not disappoint.
The food quality was outstanding, and the service was attentive. Our first table wasn’t ideal, but the staff kindly moved us to a quieter area, which we really appreciated.
It’s a fantastic spot for birthdays or special occasions though a bit lively for a romantic dinner unless you have the right table.
Highly recommend the Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño, Tuna Tataki, and the chef’s sushi selection. We’ll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
We made reservations then we waited at the bar because our table wasn't ready.
It was our 2 year anniversary and our first time, Kim and I were very excited to celebrate here at Nobu.
We had drinks at the bar. Great Japanese beer on tap. Kim had a cocktail she enjoyed.
Then we had sat at our table. I was already impressed.
The server has greeted us that he sees we already had drinks from the bar.
Kim loves sushi, but was hesitant to try anything raw or uncooked. I reassured her we're in the presence of the best quality ingredients that a chef can produce.
We let our server know that it was our first time. He quickly explain to us about the menu. But he didn't mention any specials for that day.
We got the nagiri sushi, Japanese eel 2pc and bluefin toro 2pc. Sushi cut roll, spicy tuna and shrimp tempura. Then the famous black cod with miso.
Kim loved the nagiri, sushi roll and black cod. We shared them family style.
Another server brought our black cod. She was very elegant and poise describing our dish.
Only negative thing I can say, it's a hit or miss. Food was wonderful. But getting the nagiri which was surprise that the price was per piece. For $4 more, our server could have made a suggestion to do sushi selection or sashimi selection. The service felt rushed.
Kim ask me to wave down the server. Kim says do you remember his name. I don't, he never mentioned it. We didn't get dessert.
They surprised us with a dessert for the table that another brought to the table singing happy birthday. He says it's your birthday. We both had a laugh and said no it's our anniversary. Our original server came back told us it's a mochi vanilla ice cream. He was surprised to find out it's out Anniversary.
The Host didn't mention to the server it's our anniversary.
Finally, no manager came to our table to ask us about our experience.
On our way out. No thank you or come see us again.
Only person who gave us a warm farewell was the valet
Kim cried outside for 15 minutes because our special day was ruined.
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Decent food, but felt it's a bit overpriced. Ambience is great though.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
I rarely leave negative reviews because I understand how hard the hospitality industry works. But this experience has been so disappointing that I feel compelled to share it.
My husband and I are new parents and don’t get out to DC for date nights anymore. Our generous friends gifted us a $250 gift card to Nobu DC so we could enjoy a special evening out. We paid for an expensive Uber into the city and ordered dinner, even adding additional items beyond the gift card amount because we were enjoying ourselves.
When it came time to pay, we were told the gift card “wasn’t working” and that we would need to use another form of payment. We were confused but didn’t want to create a scene, so we paid the $360+ bill with our credit card.
After getting home, we contacted our friend, who confirmed she purchased the gift card in person directly from Nobu DC. This was not a third-party retailer purchase. It appears to have been an activation error on the restaurant’s end.
We called Nobu to resolve the issue and provided proof of purchase. Instead of correcting what was clearly an internal error, we were told their gift cards are handled by a third party and that we needed to contact them ourselves. We did. The third-party representative requested detailed purchase information (what card was used to buy it, where it was purchased, etc.), which we promptly provided. He stated the issue would need to be escalated to Nobu headquarters.
Our dinner was on November 22nd. It has now been months with no resolution despite weekly follow-ups.
At this point:
• Our friend is out $250
• We are out $360+
• Nobu has effectively been paid twice
Beyond the financial aspect, it’s incredibly disappointing that no one has taken ownership of what appears to be a clear activation mistake at the point of sale. Instead, the burden has fallen entirely on the customer to chase down a resolution.
For a restaurant of this caliber and price point, the service recovery has been extremely underwhelming.
Until this is resolved, I cannot recommend supporting a business that fails to stand behind its own gift cards.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
We’ve been to Nobu DC several times now, but after our last visit, I finally felt like I had to leave a review. It was a freezing night in DC, and the warm, inviting atmosphere was the perfect escape from the cold.
The service was exceptionally attentive as always—they really have a way of making the evening feel special without being stuffy. We kicked things off with lychee martinis and a bottle of Chablis, which were great leads into the meal.
The toro and caviar was a total standout, and the fluke appetizer was incredibly delicate. For the main event, the King Salmon and Yellowtail sushi were as fresh as it gets, but the Wagyu sushi and Wagyu tacos are what we’ll be dreaming about until next time. We finished the night with a crisp glass of dry sake, which was the perfect palate cleanser.
It’s consistently one of our favorite spots in the city. If you're looking for incredible food and a vibe that feels both high-end and welcoming, this is it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The quality and taste of the food isn’t bad. Some are subpar and some are really good. I did the omakase twice and I was hoping that the chef would switch up the menu but it was mostly the same. The service however is great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
I've been to Nobu several times, for different occasions, including my birthday, and every time has been a fantastic experience. It's one of those places where you return knowing exactly what you want to eat, because certain dishes become part of your memory. It's like returning to a place where you enjoyed yourself and wanting to relive that exact feeling.
The food is always top-notch. There are iconic dishes that I now directly associate with Nobu. The Wagyu tacos, tiny, a single bite, last two seconds and you could eat ten without stopping. The same goes for the Wagyu dumplings, soft, intense, and extremely satisfying.
The sushi is incredible. The otoro, or fatty tuna, is of the highest quality. The salmon is clean and balanced. Then there are pieces with a more pronounced flavor that may not be for everyone, but are incredibly satisfying. I'm thinking of the uni, or sea urchins, and the scallops. Full, distinct flavors that linger.
One thing I really appreciate is how the menu manages to break up the meal. Vegetarian dishes, with sesame and vegetables, refresh the palate and prepare you for the next course. This balance allows you to transition from fish to meat without ever feeling heavy.
Last time, we had the miso black cod, and it was truly excellent. A dish that perfectly represents the Nobu style. Simple on the surface, but impeccably executed.
The drinks are also thoughtful. My favorite is the passion fruit or mango one, slightly tart, refreshing, and perfect with the meal. It's exactly the kind of drink I like.
The service deserves a special mention. The waiters are always present, kind, and attentive to the table. They consistently take care of the experience. It's a different service than in Italy, even down to the tipping system, but the difference is noticeable. The atmosphere is incredible, very refined, with an aesthetic that truly recalls Japan. Just watch a documentary about Nobu Matsuhisa to understand where this vision comes from.
It's high-end cuisine, also visually refined. Obviously the price is important; it's not an everyday place, but it's a place worth returning to. Every time you discover or rediscover something new.
A final note on dessert. The caramelized banana, the Banana Toban Yaki, with pecans and caramel, is incredible. You leave the meal completely satisfied and with a smile.
For me, Nobu is a must. Every time I come to America, especially Washington, I can't miss at least one evening at Nobu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I rather go somewhere for Sunday brunch. Sushi is not sushi. I thought Nobu sushi was the BEST OF ALL SUSHI. Worst sushi ever.. anywhere can be better than this. Sorry Nobu..sushi???
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
The food was amazing, the service stunning and the atmosphere very nice!! I would recommend it for anyone who wants good japonese cuisine and doesn't matter to spend a little more than normal.
Restaurantji Recommends
We had a wonderful timefful experience at brunch! Yes, brunch! Great variety, always replenished, and at a really good price!
We went for the bottomless Sunday Brunch, which was a great experience! Lots of food options ranging from sushi rolls to different types of meat, and a dessert table. Service was attentive. We really enjoyed ourselves!
My stay here was great! The food was of course 10/10; and I love that there's a driver available to take you places around the Buckhead area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food and service. The atmosphere and design were also very nice (dark light / quiet music / trendy vibes).
We were sat promptly for our Sunday brunch. Our server was personable and attentive! The food was wonderful, especially the sirloin and salmon. Highly recommend the teriyaki truffle for the sirloin!
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