Restaurant Washington DC Reviews

Its well-deserved reputation as a "best kept secret" within Union Market provides a sense of discovery for D.C. Residents, allowing them to experience truly high-quality ramen and other Japanese comfort foods without venturing far from the city's vibrant core. In Japan, the ability of a chef authentic ramen washington dc to make fine soba is considered practically an art form. Umai nori, offering guests a unique sushi dining experience with a casual temaki bar specializing in open-style sushi hand rolls in DC.
The walk-in-only establishment serves up Sapporo-style ramen, highlighted by its clear stock made from pork, beef and chicken, and cooked for more than 16 hours. From its staple Shio Ramen to the Super-Spicy Shoyu, ramen lovers will no doubt find what they’re looking for. Just be warned, there is usually a wait due to popularity and the small space, however, take-out is available. Chef Darren Norris knows his way around Japanese food, and earned notoriety in DC for his skills at Kushi in the mid-2000s. He’s back in the game at Shibuya Eatery, which specializes in small plates and grilled skewers along with plenty of noodle options. The hot options swim in a bowl of dashi broth with combinations like roasted vegetables, sugar-cured kurobota pork belly, or wagyu beef.

The area is well-served by public transportation, including metro (the NoMa-Gallaudet U station on the Red Line is a walkable distance) and various bus routes, making it easy for D.C. For those driving, Union Market offers designated parking lots, though as with any popular D.C. Destination, it's always advisable to consider peak hours. The vibrant energy of Union Market itself contributes to the overall experience, allowing diners to enjoy their ramen and then explore other vendors, shops, and art installations. This prime location within a community hotspot ensures that RAMEN BY UZU is not just a place to eat, but a part of a larger, engaging outing for Washingtonians looking for a dynamic urban experience.
Apart from their classic ramens and dumplings, it’s specials like the mole ramen—mole broth served with grilled pineapple, chicken, corn, lime, and cilantro—that keeps us coming back. You’ll feel right at home at this Dupon den, where the omakase experience is the wisest choice. Grab one of seven seats at chef Minoru Ogawa’s counter and allow him to wow you with the freshest cuts of the day, often flown in from Japan. Owned by the same all-star team as Sushi Capitol, Sushi Ogawa offers a more elevated, gourmet experience. If chef’s dishes don’t transport you, the interior certainly will.

Tucked away in DC’s dining scene but worth the hunt, this Japanese spot glows with more sleek pendant lights than a minimalist gallery opening. It’s the kind of space that demands a sharp outfit and people-watching from a polished banquette. Courses feature everything from Japanese barracuda to fatty tuna, but your first visit needs to be for the omakase with that chawanmushi that reminds us of edible silk. We offer an extensive selection of seasonal snacks and refreshing beverages, ensuring there's something to delight every taste and preference.
Their flavorful bowls will warm up the soul, featuring the freshest ingredients, delicious noodles, and some standout toppings. You can expect a calming and welcoming atmosphere that’ll make you feel like you’re eating at an enchanting restaurant in the heartlands of Japan. As well as the ramen, we recommend getting something from the sushi menu, from avocado and tuna rolls to nigiri and sensational sashimi. At Ichiban, a mix of traditional Chinese and Japanese cuisine are prepared and served — alongside fresh, innovative sushi rolls — in a bright, modern space.
The staff was friendly, the restaurant was cozy, and the menu was really interesting. We split the poutine and both really enjoyed the quality of the cook on the fries and the Japanese curry. My wife had the pho, which she gave a very positive rating. I had a ramen with a coconut curry broth that was exactly what I wanted on a cold day. Having no expectations going in, I really enjoyed the meal and will be happy to return. Your choice of protein with baby spinach, bean sprout, broccoli, carrot, red onion, scallion, cilantro and crispy ramen.

If you’ve been on the hunt for authentic Japanese cuisine in Washington D.C., then look no further than Sakana. Continuously accumulating a loyal local fan base, customers love the clean and traditional setting that contrasts with those unparalleled dishes, transporting us back in time for some much-needed Japanese soul food. The fresh sushi rolls are to die for, but we’re a sucker for their Zaru Soba noodles, which are delivered to your table with superb service – one of the restaurant’s many charming characteristics. For a delightful trip to Asia via the taste buds, head to Rakuya in Dupont Circle. Promising an exciting culinary experience, the restaurant offers a fantastic menu with Japanese favorites, as well as a fusion of other treats from other parts of the continent. You can expect sushi and bento, ramen, plus so much more!
In and among the range of Asian-inspired noodle dishes at DC Noodles is the Sosu Yakisoba — buckwheat soba noodles with grilled salmon, a mix of veggies and some toasted nori. Toki Underground bills itself as D.C.’s original ramen house. It serves one of the most famous bowls of ramens in town, a Taipei curry bowl with fried chicken, among more classic dishes. This basement restaurant in Adams Morgan has become a staple known for melding different styles of ramen. Sakuramen has a whopping 12 ramen bowl options, including a vegetable-broth variety, a Korean bowl with bulgogi, and a spicy red tonkotsu — and optional toppings like bacon, kimchi, and cheese. With long-running noodle bars, newcomers making a name for themselves, and global chains touching down, the area has a bit of everything.

We are a chef driven restaurant sourcing the highest quality of ingredients and creative dishes to our clients in a friendly environment. They say you can’t have it all, but Umai Nori comes remarkably close. During lunch, this welcoming Adams Morgan spot is a reliable retreat that spoils you with attentive service, fresh sashimi sets, and incredible sushi rolls bursting with unique flavors like the Lava Roll. In the evenings, Umai Nori’s warm, inviting dining room is ideal for celebrating that special occasion you’ve been planning since last New Year’s. The Connecticut-based chain brings their pho vs. ramen battle to Union Market, and trying to decide between the two soups is the best dining problem you’ll have in the city. There are two bars with plenty of seating, but when you walk in for either lunch or dinner, opt for a table so you can spread out a little more.
However, if you’re looking for one of the best sushi places in Washington DC, Sushi Nakazawa is your place. Sushi Nakazawa offers a Nigiri-sushi-only “Omakase” menu that includes around twenty pieces of Nigiri. They get their fish and shellfish from worldwide, with a particular emphasis on Japan. Long-standing mainstay with traditional & creative sushi & cooked Japanese dishes plus a happy hour. TACHIBANA is a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar located in the heart of McLean VA. Our Master Sushi Chef and owner Eiji Yahashi opened TACHIBANA in 1982 in Arlington, and the restaurant moved to its current location in McLean in 1996.

Friends share complimentary add-ons like miso soup and seared salmon while savoring expertly crafted dishes like the Alligator Roll and Hamachi Kama. You can plan ahead for Umai Nori, but spontaneous visits work beautifully, too. If there’s a Japanese dining situation this versatile restaurant doesn’t handle with grace, we certainly haven’t encountered it. Start with a nutty, buttery peanut butter coffee and the mita club while watching friendly regulars at the counter, then add the delicate, made-to-order sushi or the savory, gluten-free injera with ful. Expect a few cafe touches—a communal work table with outlets, a chalkboard menu, and the option to add miso soup to any meal—but Mita is a restaurant first.
Find classics like tantanmen and tonkatsu, riffs like truffle shoyu and a “triple threat” with three broths blended, and two vegetarian options (one is vegan). Hours are somewhat limited; lunch on Tuesdays (a lone tsukemen special), dinner Wednesday-Friday. Almost every dish showcases authentic preparation, from the unique fried calamari with two delicious sauces to the crispy duck ga prao presented with aromatic herbs to a spectacular mixed vegetable red curry. The space is intimate, so expect to see sake-sipping couples at the sushi bar waiting for their Samurai Roll while soft jazz plays inside.