MoneyINC Logo
25+
Years of
Trust
13,000+
Articles
Written 
10M+
Annual 
Readers
300+
Global
Mentions

The 20 Best Sushi Restaurants in Washington, D.C. 2022

Sushi

On the east bank of the Potomac River is where Washington, D.C is located. The city is divided into 131 communities that are placed in four quadrants that are all centered around the Capitol. With a population of almost 700,000, according to the 2020 Census, it is the 20th most populous city in the country. Surprisingly, the region has about 8,000 acres of parkland, or around a percentile of 20 of the total area of the city. Excellent sushi places abound in Washington, DC. A few of them are regarded as DC's top eateries overall. Sushi restaurants in the DC area offer must-try tasting menus that showcase the great skills of local chefs who specialize in the art of sushi. Several of these cooks have studied under a number of the best sushi chefs in the world, including Jiro Ono, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, and others. They range from classic rolls and inventive creations for takeout to high-end sushi bars. This has been well demonstrated by Thrillist.

20. Sushi Taro (1503 17th St NW)

According to DC Eater, Michelin-starred Sushi Taro is the café that goes all out. Omakase counter samples with standard menu options such as A5 Wagyu beef and lobster start at $250 per person ($350 on Saturdays). There is a daily a la carte menu and particular sushi lunch plates for even further reasonably priced selections. Even before the pandemic, the bar's sushi happy hour would draw a line out the door even before it opened at 5:30 p.m. One of the few Michelin-starred restaurants in Washington, D.C., Sushi Taro is open for super Tuesday through Saturday. Unquestionably, one of the top sushi restaurants in Washington, DC, is Sushi Taro. They have tasting and à la carte menus, but it is advised to get a seat at the counter because it is so popular. Second-generation Japanese-American Nobu Yamazaki moved to Tokyo to achieve his ambition of being a skilled omakase chef. Every evening, he prepares the freshest ingredients from the market, with delicacies that range from unusual vegetables to uncommon fish cuts to an octopus shabu-shabu that is still moving before being dipped in scalding soup.

19. Kintaro (1039 33rd St NW)

A tranquil setting for lunch or dinner may be found at Georgetown's tiny Japanese eatery Kintaro. Anticipate just the best fish to be used in the preparation of your sashimi, nigiri, and chirashi meals. Since rice is typically soaked with rice vinegar, sushi equates to "sour rice" in Japanese. The Japanese terms for "stab" and "flesh," Sashi and mi, are the roots of the English word "sashimi." Due to the way sushi rice is created by hand, the term "nigirizushi," which is short for "gripped sushi," has become popular.

18. O-Ku (1274 5th St NE)

The Union Market District is home to the chic eatery O-Ku. They serve sushi feasts as well as customary mini lunches. Through a menu that places a strong emphasis on novel ingredients and outstanding displays, O-Ku Sushi offers authentic Asian cuisine with a regional perspective. From small meals to sushi specialties, the chefs select the freshest fish from the greatest marketplaces in the globe and locally, sustainable sources. Along with a sizable sushi menu, this Union Market sushi restaurant offers robata-style cuisine, rooftop seating, and stylish furnishings. Combine your rolls with one of the specialty drinks. We suggest the Co-Co-Q'shiki, which combines bitters, palm sugar syrup, and Suntory Toki whisky that has been rinsed in coconut. The chic Japanese restaurant in the O-Ku Union Market neighborhood serves up typical sashimi and sushi banquets as well as sake and small plates like Korean-style wings with Maytag-yuzu blue cheese. O-Ku also offers rooftop seats. They create top-notch modern Japanese cuisine using the freshest ingredients obtained from reliable suppliers in various nations. You can discover traditional sashimi and sushi in addition to creative cuisine.

17. Toryumon Japanese House (1901 Pennsylvania Avenue NW #0001)

The Central Business District of Washington, D.C. is home to Toryumon Japanese House. They offer delicious Southeast Asian cuisine. It's a trendy eatery featuring creative sushi, ramen in the Tokyo style, and Asian fusion food! Every dish on the menu is freshly prepared with a painstaking focus on perhaps the smallest details.

16. Rakuya (1900 Q St NW)

Despite Rakuya's limited selection, the sushi variations are delicious. There is a 12-piece Jo Nigiri variety, a 14-piece deluxe Chirashi selection, and even a 45-piece deluxe sashimi assortment among them (including sea urchin). Rakuya also provides sushi a la carte, though the diverse packages are almost certainly the greatest value.

15. Zeppelin (1544 9th St NW)

Sushi and Japanese charcoal-grilled yakitori are offered at the 2019-opened Zeppelin Cafe & Grill. Chef Minoru Ogawa offers traditional Edomae-style nigiri sushi and an Omakase bar. He trained under his dad, a skilled chef, in Japan. Without a doubt, Zeppelin is one of the top sushi restaurants in Washington, DC. Moreover, at this Shaw hangout, late-night karaoke is once again available with a table reservation. Choose some hamachi carpaccio or seafood shumai dumplings to go with the bar's vibrant maki rolls and straightforward sashimi nibbles. Don't forget to get some drinks, like a quart-sized sharing Zephyr cocktail made with vodka, Pimm's, pandan, cucumber, ginger, lime, and bubbles. Chef Minoru Ogawa also has a flashy namesake restaurant in Adams Morgan. Both his father and brother have accomplished line cooks in Japan.

14. Kofuku Ramen and Sushi (815 7th St NW)

The many sushi options at Kofuko Ramen and Sushi are given their section on the list. They include nigiri and sashimi rolls (containing tuna, eel, avocado, and cucumber), maki rolls, and trademark rolls, among several other items (including a Crazy Roll, Dragon Roll, and Happy Santa Roll). Additionally, they provide appetizers and sushi combos.

13. Sushi Keiko (2309 Wisconsin Ave NW)

Eel and Avocado, Yellowtail and Scallion, and their Asparagus Carrot Roll are just a few examples of the Hoso-Maki (sushi with seaweed on the outside) that Sushi Keiko serves. Salmon Avocado-Cilantro Roll, Tuna Jalapeno Roll, and Crunchy Spicy Scallop Roll are just a few examples of the Ura-Maki (sushi with rice on the outside) that they offer. Nigiri items including Shiitake, Tuna, and Sweet Scallop are also available at Sushi Keiko. Last but not least, their Sashimi options are fantastic. The flounder carpaccio with truffle vinaigrette sauce is another hit. Wash down offerings with hard-to-find Japanese beers like Orion. Plus, owner Ferry Huang recently opened Onkei at Western Market with more small plates, sushi, Japanese sake, and wines on offer.

12. Sushi Ogawa (2100 Connecticut Ave NW #100)

As per family tradition, Ogawa provides edomae (Edo-style) sushi cooked with fish sourced from Tokyo's Tsukiji Market. The chef at Sushi Ogawa carefully prepares each piece of sushi for an amazing omakase encounter. Chef's Selection and Premium Selection are the two choices for dine-in meals offered by the eatery. An appetizer, sashimi, sushi, soup, and dessert are included with both options. Unquestionably one of the top sushi restaurants in Washington, DC, is Sushi Ogawa.

11. Sushi Gakyu (1420 New York Ave NW)

Among the handful (if not the only) sushi restaurants in Washington, DC, that serves FUGU Puffer Fish is Sushi Gakyu. They are renowned, nevertheless, for their Omakase sushi meal, which features four courses, dozen pieces of excellent Nigiri sushi, and a dessert. Additionally, they provide their fixed-price Okimari meal, which includes one maki roll, ten premium nigiri, and multiple appetizers. Japanese delicacies that are unique to this location are what they are recognized for. Some of them include fermented sushi, lobster rolls, spot prawn nigiri, and rare fugu pufferfish. Their seasonal Fugu Puffer Fish dish is even more amazing. They even provide sushi a la carte if you'd prefer something a little more informal. They also offer sushi and sashimi plates. Dinner has a more formal atmosphere than lunch, so one is advised to dress appropriately.

10. Kotobuki (4822 MacArthur Blvd NW)

According to the Eater Washington DC, this popular, reasonably priced sushi shop in the Palisades adheres to standard nigiri and maki and draws a sizable crowd. At Kotobuki, there aren't any enormous dragon rolls. Choose foods like kamameshi (vegetables and meat served in an iron kettle), along with sashimi and tiny meals, as an alternative. Kotobuki's specialties include kamameshi, sashimi, and sushi. Even though the list isn't huge, it has the ideal number of sushi options. They offer sashimi, chirashi, oshizushi, and tekka don in addition to a variety of sushi rolls. For instance, their Japanese cuisine special consists of a salmon roll, California roll, eel, whitefish, and tuna.

9. Nooshi (524 8th St SE)

Nooshi, a complete makeover of their downtown restaurant Oodles Noodles, has fashionable gold-toned walls. The sushi club, which offers a variety of sushi appetizers and entrees including maki rolls and lovely sashimi platters, is managed by a professional cook. You can anticipate seeing elements from their various eateries, such as a half Peking duck served Yanu-style and well-liked enormous noodle meals. A three-course lunch could feature calamari, Peking duck, and ultra-fresh sushi.

8. Sushi Nakazawa (1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW)

The "Omakase" menu at Sushi Nakazawa consists of about twenty pieces of Nigiri-only sushi. They get their fish and shellfish from all over the globe, with Japan receiving special attention. Unfortunately, they are unable to offer rice or raw food diets, vegetarians, or any other dietary needs. However, Sushi Nakazawa is the place to go if you're seeking one of the top sushi restaurants in Washington, DC.

7. Sticky Rice (1224 H St NE)

Whenever a sake bomb is ordered at Sticky Rice, a gong chime. However, what sets them apart is their creative sushi rolls, which feature items like fried sweet potatoes. This sushi restaurant turns routine dining on its head. Furthermore, there are plenty of vegan alternatives open for diners who dislike exceptionally fresh seafood.

6. Sakana Japanese (2026 P St NW)

Sushi, noodles, and other traditional Japanese cuisine are served at this quaint, unassuming eatery. The Dupont Circle area's Sakana Japanese Restaurants offer main meals. The spicy tuna roll, crispy shrimp roll, eel with avocado roll, and yellowtail with scallions are a few of the list's faves.

5. Bluefin Sushi (3073 Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath)

Bluefin Sushi has been proudly serving residents of Washington, D.C., elevated Japanese food since 1996. Chef John takes great satisfaction in using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients in his dishes and has a wealth of experience working in numerous Japanese eateries. Despite not providing an omakase experience, Bluefin's menu selections are fairly vast. They provide distinctive maki sushi, spicy rolls, inside-out rolls with seaweed exterior, and sushi meals.

4. Momiji (505 H St NW)

Momiji is among the top sushi restaurants in the city even if it may not be the fanciest. They provide Japanese restaurant dinners including a Nigiri and Sashimi combination and a Chirashi Dinner in addition to sushi club starters like Tuna Tataki and Pepper White Tuna. Regular and specialized sushi rolls can also be ordered by the roll, such as the Spicy Blue Crab Roll or the Crazy Roll (smoked eel and avocado).

3. Tono Sushi Restaurant (2605 Connecticut Ave NW)

During their happy hour from 5-7 pm, Tono Sushi offers several rolls for just $1 apiece, which is one of their best features. Naturally, they also provide unique rolls like the KimChee Tuna Roll, Volcano Roll, Dragon Fire Roll, and Rainbow Roll. Tono Sushi offers maki and nigiri sushi if you're looking for something more traditional.

2. Hachi (735 8th St SE)

The Eastern Market neighborhood of Washington, D.C. is home to the basic, authentic, and reasonably priced Sushi Hachi restaurant. In Japanese, the name "Hachi" stands for the number 8. Eight is a positive element that is frequently associated with contentment. They are a tribute to their environs since they are likewise on 8th Street.

1. Kaz Sushi Bistro (1915 I St NW)

Visit Kaz Sushi Bistro for a blend of the most sophisticated tastes of Japanese cuisine with a touch of western cuisine and take advantage of everything the night has to provide. Choose from a wide assortment of small dishes, sushi, rolls, and soups. Order their "Omakase" and let the chef decide if you like surprises. Although the costs are a little higher than average, if you're seeking genuine Japanese sushi, this is where you should go. Not only is it renowned for its realism, but the chefs also occasionally like to switch things up and be daring with their menu. Their East-West fusion cuisines reflect this freestyle attitude. They have been a fixture in DC's downtown for 20 years, and many people continue to visit them. They provide rolls, sushi, and other cold and hot small meals for dinner. Additionally, they provide Omakase or their "Kaz Tasting Menu," for which they are most known.

Final Words

As you can see, there are many excellent sushi places in Washington, D.C. Nevertheless, in several of the eateries mentioned above, visit the Omakase bar if you want the whole sushi encounter. Although it is not a cheap trip, the culinary excursion alone will make it worthwhile. D.C has always been a mecca for delectable cuisine and interesting events, and there are several top sushi restaurants there. There are numerous sushi restaurants in Washington, D.C, that offer you the very best. Some of these have appeared in Eater and the Washingtonian. From Michelin-starred restaurants like Sushi Taro to neighborhood faves, we have everything you need. For every event, at varying prices, and from nearby areas.

Liz Flynn

Written by Liz Flynn

Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. Although she spends most of her time writing, she also enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, watching films, cooking, dining out, reading, motorsports, gaming, and walking along the beach next to her house with her dog.

Read more posts by Liz Flynn

Related Articles

Stay ahead of the curve with our most recent guides and articles on , freshly curated by our diligent editorial team for your immediate perusal.
As featured on:

Wealth Insight!
Subscribe to our Exclusive Newsletter

Dive into the world of wealth and extravagance with Money Inc! Discover stock tips, businesses, luxury items, and travel experiences curated for the affluent observer.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram