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!“

“Best Ramen I've ever eaten“

“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.“

“Took my husband here for his birthday and he loved it! We chose from the a la carte menu and every bite was phenomenal. Service was impeccable, elite fine dining kind of Service. The atmosphere really tied everything together. From the decor and low lighting to the excellent selection of music, we were really blown away. Highly recommend this spoy“

“Outstanding performers and great food!“

“The staff and service was impeccable. This is hands down the best sushi restaurant I've ever experienced. The seafood is incredibly fresh, and every dish is visually stunning. The creativity behind the sauces truly sets this place apart, and I even heard the chef makes his own soy sauce—which absolutely shows in the depth of flavor. The Japanese uni was beautifully presented, and the tuna was a deep, rich red that melted in my mouth, finished perfectly with a delicate sprinkle of truffle oil. Every bite felt intentional and expertly crafted. I only wish I lived closer—this would easily be my daily go-to restaurant.“

“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.“

“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“

“Great sushi place to try!“

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

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

“Dining at Koryou Urara was one of the most exquisite culinary experiences I’ve had in DC! The food was beautifully simple but the freshness was unreal. It felt like each ingredient had just landed from Japan (pretty sure it did) and Chef Urara’s take on every dish was so thoughtful and unexpected, I found myself genuinely excited for what was coming next.

There was a quiet confidence in the way everything was presented from the plating to the pacing to the atmosphere. Nothing felt overdone but everything felt intentional and authentic.“

“This place is a little gem; it felt like I was transported to Japan. The atmosphere and food had a casual, intimate, and authentic feeling. We got the house dinner special eel kamameshi, which comes with miso soup, sashimi, and three sides for a great deal. Everything was fresh and delicious. Service was friendly and quick. I will be back to try more of their menu!“

“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.“

“Love this place! It’s absolutely beautiful and the staff is incredibly friendly. I came once and sat at the bar, and now it’s become my weekly spot for fresh sushi and handcrafted cocktails!
Helen is amazing—always smiling and giving off such positive, welcoming energy. She really makes you feel invited and appreciated. And Vanessa is SO sweet! She always checks in to make sure I’m doing okay.
Highly recommend!“

“I never write reviews but our anniversary dinner yesterday was amazing. The food was outstanding and the service was impeccable. The pre-fixe menu is worth it, especially for a first time diner. We're planning our next reservation already.“

“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.“

“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!“

“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!“

“Went in celebration for our anniversary and the chef was extremely helpful with fantastic recommendations. Mackerel became our favorite with the scallop being hers. We got a little carried away with the Al La Carte menu but having the selection of fish in front of you is a no brainer.“

“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“

“I really enjoy with with Matcha drink tonight“

“Fresh and interesting sushi items. Extensive menu. Good service. I like what I’m eating :)“

“We had a wonderful experience here last night for our anniversary :) the tuna flight was a standout. We let them know it was a special occasion and the server treated us with great care, which did not go unnoticed. Between the quality of fish and quality of service, we'll definitely be back!“

“Great price great eats inside of 99 grocery store.“

“I love hole-in-the-walls, and it's rare you find a reasonably priced non-chain restaurant this close to the mall. And filling too!

Tucked down 2nd St NW, in an unassuming townhouse behind the Department of Labor, this is a cosy spot to dine-in. Unpretentious, this atmosphere is inviting to solo dinners. I had my eye on it for a while when working nearby, and am glad I got the chance to stop by. If you're in the area, it's worth a visit.

Had the vegetable bibimbap, but the boxes looked just as good. Will bring a friend next time to split.“

“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.“

“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“

“A favorite neighborhood spot“

“Great food and fantastic staff“

“Great food and excellent service.“

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

“Great food and fresh ingredients“

“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!!!!“

“Great food......................“

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

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

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

“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.“

“The pork shoulder, eggplant and harissa sweet potato fries were all fantastic-knocked out of the park. Great seasoning on all. My girlfriend doesn't usually like sweet potato fries and would have probably liked a second order. Really nice quiet ambience and great service.“

“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“

“Just amazing. You can see why they are Michelin. We sat at the counter and had the complete experience. We felt like we were the only two in the restaurant and learned so much about each carefully curated delicious dish. They spared no expense and cut no corners. Exquisite.“

“This place surprised me greatly. I've tried Japanese food, but this one has a delicious flavor. I loved it. The place is small and very clean, which is an important detail to note if you're going to eat there. The service was very good. I liked it a lot. Highly recommended!“

“First time coming here and wow! The broth tastes very authentic and really enjoyed the sushi taco. The seaweed was crispy and wrapped nicely with the food that was inside. They also have udon as an option for noodles but you’ll have to pay extra, not by much though. The atmosphere is also very lovely!“

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

“My family has been coming here for a couple decades and we love them! Always kind service, food and cuts of sushi great as well as cooked foods for reasonable prices over the years we’ve celebrated many a birthday and casual weekend dinners here . 💙💙💙“