Washington's 4 best spots for fancy Japanese food

Washington's 4 best spots for fancy Japanese foodSushi Hachi | Photo: Carol K./Yelp
Hoodline
Published on June 01, 2020

Looking to satisfy your appetite for Japanese fare?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best high-end Japanese restaurants around Washington, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to venture when cravings strike.

1. Sushi Hachi

photo: may d./yelp

Topping the list is Sushi Hachi. Located at 735 Eighth St. SE in Capitol Hill, it is the highest-rated high-end Japanese restaurant in Washington, boasting 4.5 stars out of 385 reviews on Yelp. 

If you're curious for more, we found these details about Sushi Hachi.

"When owner, chef and restaurateur Steve Yoon took over Sushi Rock in Arlington, Va., he had a vision in mind: to bring together the high quality of fish he experienced in Asia with the modernity of the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area," the business notes on its Yelp profile. "Nine years later, he is bringing his vision to fruition with Sushi Hachi."

Regarding signature items, the restaurant features nigiri and sashimi, shrimp tempura, crispy tofu and vegetables, an array of sushi rolls, including scallops, yellowtail and eel, as well as many other menu items.

2. O-Ku Sushi

Photo: Bronislav N./Yelp

Next up is O-Ku Sushi  situated at 1274 Fifth St. NE, near Union Market. With 4.5 stars out of 225 reviews on Yelp, it has proved to be a local favorite for those looking to indulge. 

We looked there to learn more about O-Ku Sushi.

"From traditional sashimi and sushi rolls, to innovative Japanese specialties and wood-fired robata-style dishes, there is a flavor for any and all tastes," it states on its Yelp page. "All of our dishes are complemented by our sophisticated specialty cocktails, premium sake, wine and local beer selections."

3. Sushi Nakazawa

Photo: Joanne T./Yelp

Downtown's Sushi Nakazawa, located at 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the Japanese restaurant 4.5 stars out of 153 reviews. 

We turned there for more about Sushi Nakazawa.

"Only wild fish, nigiri only omakase," it notes on its Yelp page. 

"Omakase means, 'selected by the chef," the restaurant's website states. Sushi Nakazawa serves the omakase of chef Daisuke Nakazawa. Sourcing fish from both local and international waters daily means that our menu is subject to change."

4. Izakaya Seki

Photo: michelle p./Yelp

Izakaya Seki in the U Street Corridor, is another pricey go-to, with four stars out of 415 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1117 V St. NW to see for yourself. 

Yelper Kathy T., who reviewed Izakaya Seki on Feb. 29, wrote, "I think the one dish that wowed me the most was the baby squid. My cousin also ordered the beef tartare and beef tongue, both of which I never tried before. The beef tartare also had a raw egg in it, and after mixing it with the beef, gave it a creamy taste. After that meal, I learned that I really like beef tongue, which was very buttery and soft."

Alex C. noted, "What a gem. Everything was delicious. The omelet was delicious, with ponzu and radish, then we ordered fried rice with seaweed, and then uni. Itt was delicious."


This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.