50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Kensington

“So there is a level of precision in presentation, with generous portions-delicious is a given,

The Women at the register are happy and efficient.

There is an unmistakable tension between the hispanic sous chefs and the main guy back there (Friday) which some may not care about. I am not trying to sound too woke and liberal. I am a foodie. In the style of nothing being hidden, somebody needs to take a joy class, or at least see it as good for business IMHO. I used to serve food in a monastery so I realize the bar is set high for me, but we would let the Donny and Debby Downers take the night off if they brought this energy into the kitchen.

Not the review you thought would happen. The food is amazing! I am not exagerating though. If I come to the door again and see the same tension-to include proximity scowls, then I’ll probably wait until another night and get a 5 Guys burger next door.

Otherwise it is a welcome change to quick food at night, on your way home, with a high quality to the brand ❤️“

“Amazing sushi! I've tried Kusshi, kura Sushi, and Uzu Sushi in the Rockville area and was not impressed with their quality at all. However, Sushi Toro is always consistent with their quality especially for their price. The sushi tastes amazing and fresh, the service is wonderful, and the atmosphere is perfect for a date night or a casual dinner with friends. Easily the best sushi I've had in Rockville. Highly recommend!“

“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!“

“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.“

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

“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.“

“every time i come here, i have the best sushi of my life, if you want a life changing sushi experience, come here! the kevin bacon sushi was insane 😵‍💫 & stg, soup is fire too!! they also gave my bf something for his birthday & that was so sweet & unexpected ❤️ every one was so sweet“

“Sat at the sushi bar, so had dinner and a show. The show was good, the dinner was great. Yume is in an interesting space, open with lots of windows, a high ceiling, and very high energy, read LOUD. This is not your sedate, high-end, reverent sushi restaurant, but a vibrant lively place, which doesn't mean the sushi is in any way inferior. Even at the sushi bar the ordering is through a waitress/waiter not directly with the sushi chefs. That was a slight disappointment, having no interaction with the chefs, but perhaps to be expected with the size of the crowd that was there on Friday night. We ordered in stages because, this being the first time, we did not know how much would be enough. In the end what we ordered was just right. The service was paced just right, never rushed but available when needed. The baby octopus salad was bright and citrusy, and slightly chewy, in a good way. The simple nigiri in the Sushi Dinner, 10 pieces, were very fresh and tasty. The special nigiri we had, Otoro, was imaginative and excellent - wasabi and truffle make a great pairing and the bit of caviar was just the right touch. The Yume roll was top flight, spicy but, to coin a phrase, not too spicy, and the fish did shine through. We will definitely be going back.“

“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.“

“I happily got my sushi fix here. The Dynamite Crunch roll was great! The eel avocado roll was good, but after splurging on the Dynamite, it seemed plain in comparison.
Very nice couple working there and quiet classical music playing in the background was good.“

“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!“

“Outstanding performers and great food!“

“I recently dined at Koryouri Urara with my college-aged son, and it was a culinary experience we’ll never forget. The omakase was masterfully prepared—each bite delivered a depth of umami that lingered beautifully on the palate.

Premium ingredients like wagyu and gindara were impeccably fresh, and the sauces paired with each course were exceptionally well-balanced and flavorful. Our server was equally impressive: attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely dedicated to guiding us through the meal, explaining each dish and how best to enjoy it.

At $200 per person, it was certainly a splurge—but one we both felt was worth every penny. We’re already planning to return with my wife and daughter so they can share in the experience.“

“Go to restaurant for celebration sushi! We loved the creative takes on classics like duck gyoza and their spicy chirashi. All the sushi was exceptional—particularly the omikase assortments—our group had both the sushi assortment and the sashimi. They looked and tasted fantastic! Service was very friendly and incredibly efficient despite being in the middle of a very busy Friday evening. The manager came and checked in on us mid-meal and it definitely made us feel cared for! Thank you Sushiko for always being a fun and delicious place to celebrate!“

“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.“

“i had the best experience here, its my second time & this time i dined in rather than the bar. i had the best and sweetest experience with my server, Ina. She gave the best service and had the best personality. 10/10!!!!“

“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.“

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

“We have been to TaiPei Tokyo Cafe several times and have enjoyed the meal and the service from Flora and Kylie. They and the way our food was prepared and served always makes the visit enjoyable. I have tried many items on their menu and never disappointed. We will certainly go back. John“

“I really enjoy with with Matcha drink tonight“

“tengo 15 años de venir aqui sin dudarlo se lo recomiendo la mejor comida“

“Great food and fantastic staff“

“This is my favorite poke bowl place! The food and toppings are fresh and delicious! The fried tofu is so good. They have a small staff, so if it’s at all busy, you might have to wait a while. But it’s so worth it!

Vegetarian options: Fried tofu is a protein option“

“The food here is the best. It's one of our DC favorites, and 100% of the time, I get the golden pork bun ,shio ramen ，city ridge roll,petite sashimi . Service quality is just as high as the food quality. I'll continue visiting as often as I can.“

“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.“

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

“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!“

“We visited for the first time this evening, on the recommendation of a friend who’s been dining at Temari for years. Just as she told us it would be, the atmosphere was warm and cozy. Business was steady. When we left, there were two parties waiting to be seated, which for a small establishment speaks volumes. Despite being busy, the servers were engaging and attentive (always offering to clear debris and empty dishes from the table, too). The food presentation was timely and appealing. When seated, we ordered tea, which was lovely, and served in the most beautiful - possibly handmade? - mugs. I look forward to returning.“

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

“Perfect place for a great deal of healthy food with great taste and reasonable price! We had two bento boxes $21.25 and $21.75, respectively, the two most expensive ones on the list. Every table is provided with a small but free salad and an miso soup. Served quickly.“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“Excellent presentation in hibachi food tossing around and amazing our sights and senses!“

“What a pleasure it is to dine here. The DMV has never known an omakase experience until the arrival of Two Nine. The care and attention that’s taken into each bite is an out of body experience. As someone who was lucky enough to experience omakase dinners in Tokyo, this is an authentic and memorable experience as it gets in the US. Everything moves so fast in this world, I encourage anyone to come here and slow down and savor each and every bite. Drink lots of sake too, their menu is outstanding!!“

“I rarely go out to restaurants anymore, partly because of my gluten and dairy intolerance, and partly because I am tired of so many artificial ingredients or too much sugar in food. Tonight was my first visit and I was really blown away. I ordered a Bronzino dish on the specials menu and it was served on some kind of crispy rice. It was so delicious and clean and fresh. The skin was perfectly cooked so I ate it as well. The rice and the special sauce that was dabbled on the side was not too sweet. The Genmaicha (sp?) tea was perfect. And I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the price given restaurant prices these days for food of this quality. The atmosphere was lovely and the utensils were particularly impressive. Son loved the lobster mac & cheese, as well as the Matcha tea and white chocolate mousse. We’ll definitely be coming back!“

“Just had an awesome meal at Kusshi Sushi last week with my friend. She is a sushi lover and mentioned the sashimi was fresh and perfect. The sweet shrimp was sweet, dedicate, and tasty. She loved the crispy shrimp head too. The vibe was chill and the staff were super nice. She said the price was only half of what she would pay in New York. If you love sushi, do yourself a favor and hit up Kusshi.“

“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.“

“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.“

“A favorite neighborhood spot“

“yummmmmm bento box did not disappoint“

“it was great especially the music, if like Anime.“

“This is literally the best Japanese restaurant. They have the best shrimp shuma. The service and atmosphere is awesome too! Little pricey but totally worth every penny. Awesome place in DC if you're looking for some authentic Japanese food! 💖“

“This quiet little spot was something we weren't expecting. It's got amazing quality ramen, you can watch them make it. the atmosphere is something of classic Japanese but has a modern little flair. Me & my girlfriend really enjoyed this. We randomly found it while working & are not disappointed one bit. The staff is super friendly it's a little spot so it's not overwhelming or stiming just a perfect little ramen experience ❤️“

“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!“

“Great food......................“

“Great service and great food. Place always is clean. Good portions of food.“

“The chicken teriyaki and the sauce were so good. I got a bento box. The chicken dumplings were amazing too - so flavorful and very gingery, perfectly crisp without being overly chewy. The option for adding green onions and sesame seeds at the end is a huge bonus too“

“It is a good place to eat and have fun.“