Looking to try the best izakayas in town?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top izakayas — casual Japanese pubs — in D.C., using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to fulfill your urges.
1. Daikaya Izakaya
Topping the list is Daikaya Izakaya, a casual restaurant serving Japanese comfort food accompanied by a diverse selection of cocktails and spirits. Located at 705 Sixth St. NW, Floor 2, in downtown D.C., this spot is the highest rated izakaya in Washington, boasting four stars out of 656 reviews on Yelp.
On the menu, look for a selection of small plates such as Padron-style fried shishito peppers and flame-grilled Aomori scallops with dashi, apple and soy. Standout seafood dishes include grilled octopus with potatoes, pimentón and olive oil, and salmon marinated with sweet miso and served with brown-butter carrot purée. (You can view the dinner menu here.)
2. Jinya Ramen Bar
Next up is Logan Circle's Jinya Ramen Bar, situated at 1336 14th St. NW (at Rhode Island Avenue). With four stars out of 343 reviews on Yelp, this national chain, with locations from Canada to California, has proven to be a local favorite.
Jinya Ramen Bar's philosophy is simple: "Real Japanese ramen isn't about the noodles, it's about the broth." With this in mind, the restaurant uses only Fuji water to create the rich broth for its ramen dishes. Menu offerings include a selection of small plates and rice bowls as well as notable ramen specialties like spicy umami miso, Lobster Me Happy and wonton chicken. (You can view the full menu here.)
3. Sakerum
Sakerum, located at 2204 14th St. NW (between North Florida Avenue and North W Street), is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the sushi bar and izakaya four stars out of 316 reviews.
This fusion spot combines the rich flavors of Latin and Asian cuisine to create unique menu items and cocktails. Try fried plantains with guacamole, grilled corn salsa and wasabi peas; sliced short rib with sushi rice and chimichurri salsa; or scorched salmon belly with pickled jalapeño, furikake, hari nori, trout roe, quail egg, uni and fresh wasabi. (Check out the full menu here.)
4. Umaya Izakaya
Umaya Izakaya, a cocktail and sushi bar offering sashimi, drinks, small plates and more downtown, is another go-to, with four stars out of 306 Yelp reviews. Head over to 733 10th St. NW (between North H Street and North G Place) to see for yourself.
Not only does Umaya Izakaya provide a Western-style beer garden — the establishment serves up traditional Asian plates and Japanese-style street food with seasoned chefs adding their own twists on classic dishes. Sushi and ramen grace the menu as well as specialty cocktails like the Geisha — Tanqueray gin with mint, elderflower, lemon juice and plum-infused saké. (You can view the drink and dining menu here.)
5. Nagomi Izakaya
Last (but not least), check out family-owned Nagomi Izakaya, which has earned four stars out of 222 reviews on Yelp. You can find the izakaya in the heart of D.C. at 1990 M St. NW, Suite 100 (between North 19th and North 20th streets).
On the menu, get ready for an assortment of Japanese tapas like salt-preserved squid, pan-fried pork gyoza and spicy cod roe udon topped with green onions and seaweed. To drink, try the Ruby Red Slipper — a specialty cocktail made with Deep Eddy’s ruby red grapefruit vodka, elderflower liqueur and soda. (See the full menu here.)
