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An avocado-wrapped roll at Shōtō neatly stacks salmon, tuna, and hamachi.

Where to Find Standout Sushi Around D.C.

No matter the budget or taste, D.C. has a sushi experience to match

by Eater Staff Updated Sep 23, 2022, 3:31pm EDT

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An avocado-wrapped roll at Shōtō neatly stacks salmon, tuna, and hamachi.

| Rey Lopez for Shōtō

by Eater Staff Updated Sep 23, 2022, 3:31pm EDT

D.C. has long had a respectable mix of neighborhood sushi restaurants, affordable roll stops, and higher-end, special occasion places offering omakase menus.

This map runs the gamut from O.G. spots like decades-old Kaz Sushi Bistro (finish with green tea tiramisu) to newer arrivals like Takara 14 and Shōtō in D.C. Navy Yard’s tiny takeout Sukuta is currently on a fall break.

Don’t see a personal favorite on the list? Sound off in the comments or shoot us an email (dc@eater.com).

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Hinata Sushi Carry Out

This cozy, family-run carryout in Bethesda is a local favorite for made-to-order rolls and fresh sashimi at an affordable price point. Call ahead or shop for grocery items from Japan while waiting for takeout orders.

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4947 St Elmo Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

Visit Website

Sushi Keiko

Glover Park’s tried-and-true place (Joe Biden was a regular here while he lived nearby in the Vice President’s residence) for raw fish is known for its Butterfly Roll, a generous lineup of shrimp tempura, crabmeat, and eel topped with spicy mayo. 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 also runs Onkei at Western Market with more small plates, sushi, Japanese sake, and wines on offer.

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2309 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sushi Keiko (@sushikeiko)

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Shibuya Eatery

Sushi is but one speciality for this restaurant from Darren Norris, formerly of Kushi and Perry’s. The menu brings together ramen, kushiyaki grilled over binchotan charcoal that reaches temps of 975 degrees, small plates like the lauded Japanese potato salad, and fresh sushi.

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2321 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

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A variety of items from Shibuya. — A temari sushi box set from Shibuya

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Kotobuki

Many people flock to this affordable sushi restaurant in the Palisades that sticks to basic nigiri and maki. There are no monstrous dragon rolls at Kotobuki. Instead, find items like kamameshi (vegetables and meat serve in an iron kettle) accompanied by sashimi and small dishes.

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4822 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

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Various dishes from Kotobuki — Kotobuki is closed on Mondays.

Zeppelin

Late-night karaoke is back at this Shaw hangout with a table reservation. Pick out some seafood shumai dumplings or hamachi carpaccio to pair with the bar’s colorful maki rolls and simple sashimi bites. Remember to get cocktails, too, like a shareable quart of the Zephyr, with vodka, Pimms, pandan, cucumber, ginger, lime, and bubbles. Chef Minoru Ogawa, whose father and brother are master sushi chefs in Japan, also has a showy namesake restaurant in Adams Morgan.

1544 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

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Large platter with several pieces of various nigiri — Sushi platter from Zeppelin

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Sushi Taro

Tucked above a CVS in Dupont, Sushi Taro is a pull-out-all-the-stops kind of a restaurant. The omakase counter tasting starts at $250 per person ($350 on Saturdays) with regular menu items including A5 wagyu beef and lobster. For more affordable options, there is a daily a la carte menu and special sushi lunch dishes.

1503 17th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

Visit Website

A sampler box from Sushi Taro — A sampler box from Sushi Taro.

Also featured in:

O-Ku

Union Market district’s sleek Japanese spot satisfies with traditional sashimi and sushi feasts, as well as small plates like Korean-style wings with Maytag-yuzu blue cheese, meats and fish cooked over a robata grill, and sake. O-Ku has rooftop seating, too.

Open in Google Maps

1274 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by O-Ku DC (@okusushidc)

Also featured in:

Takara 14

Situated one floor above Ammathar Thai in Logan Circle, this pandemic-era arrival serves superb sushi and nigiri in a cheery space covered in florals. A section of hot and cold small plates joins an array of creative rolls and affordable omakase from a Nakazawa alum.

Open in Google Maps

1326 14th St NW 2nd floor, Washington, DC 20005

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Takara14_DC (@takara14_dc)

Kintaro

This pocket-size Japanese restaurant makes for a serene lunch or dinner destination in busy Georgetown. Expect precise preparations of the standard sashimi, nigiri, and chirashi, all with the highest quality fish.

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1039 33rd St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Visit Website

A chirashi bowl at Kintaro — Chirashi at Kintaro.

Also featured in:

Where to Eat and Drink in D.C.’s Historic Georgetown Neighborhood

SHŌTŌ Washington DC

At Midtown Center’s showy Japanese izakaya, executive sushi chef Kwang Kim (also of Morimoto and Nobu fame) works with seafood vendors at Japan’s renowned Toyosu Market to fly in amberjack, A5 wagyu, fatty O toro tuna, mackerel, uni (sea urchin), amberjack, scallops, and even tamago (egg). Omakase menus starting at $95 per person join a la carte options.

Open in Google Maps

1100 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

Shōtō’s sushi counter offers diners a direct vantage point to watch the meticulous knife work on delicacies flown in from Japan.

Also featured in:

Nama Sushi Bar & Restaurant (Multiple locations)

Chefs selections of nigiri and sashimi go for $30 and $35, respectively, at restaurateur Michael Schlow’s foray into sushi. One crunchy hand roll folds in salmon skin, cucumber, tempura flakes, red roe, and eel sauce. Vegetarian nigiri (spicy eggplant, beet tartare) are not to be missed. It’s also worth deviating from sushi for small plates like pork gyoza in a velvety soy-truffle broth or a kobe beef slider. Schlow just flipped Tico on 14th Street NW into Nama Ko, an ambitious Japanese restaurant and sushi bar with dozens of nigiri and sashimi options like Kumamoto oysters and monkfish liver.

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465 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Sushi from Nama

Also featured in:

Kaz Sushi Bistro

One of the city's sushi pioneers, Kaz Sushi Bistro serves omakase, chef's choice selections, lunch specials, and more. Despite being open for more than 20 years downtown, chef Kaz Okochi still shakes things up on the menu. Try the sea bass napoleon with cilantro, peanuts, and fried wonton skin.

1915 I St NW, Washington, D.C. 20006

Visit Website

Kaz Okochi, owner and chef at Kaz Sushi Bistro in Washington, DC. — Kaz Okochi is one of the pioneers on D.C.’s sushi scene.

Also featured in:

Sticky Rice

This punky, party-ready sushi dive turns stuffy dining on its head with a gong that rings with every order of a sake bomb, creative rolls with fillings like tempura-fried sweet potato, and buckets of tater tots. For those not into the super-fresh fish, the menu includes lots of vegan options.

1224 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

nori-wrapped sushi roll filled with veggies on a white plate — A vegan sushi roll at Sticky Rice

Also featured in:

Sushi Gakyu

The streets near the White House are lined with tourist traps: Sushi Gakyu is not one. On a menu that offers pristine fish and intricate rolls, find lobster rolls, spot prawn nigiri, and even rare fugu, or blowfish.

Open in Google Maps

1420 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

Sushi from Sushi Gakyu

Sushi Nakazawa

The Michelin-rated NYC import offers a 20-course nigiri-sushi omakase that stuns in the expert hands of “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” chef Masaaki Uchino. There’s no dinner menu, which leaves more time to linger over an impressive list of Japanese whiskey and sake. The most coveted seats are at the 10-seat sushi bar that offers the best view of the action.

Open in Google Maps

1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sushi Nakazawa DC (@sushinakazawadc)

Also featured in:

Yume Sushi

Bangkok-born chef Saran Kannasute fulfilled his dream of opening his first restaurant on the outskirts of Arlington in 2018. Holding court behind a sleek sushi counter framed with a graffiti-splashed geisha mural, he’s not afraid to play with offbeat flavors like lavender-smoked salmon, monkfish liver, and uni with torched wagyu.

Open in Google Maps

2121 N Westmoreland St A-2, Arlington, VA 22213

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by YUME SUSHI (@yumesushiva)

Also featured in:

Takumi

Takumi draws raves from the suburban set for dishes like seared scallop with yuzu and a delicate chirashi bowl. Don't be turned off by the unassuming strip mall location and neon signage. Chef Jay Yu is a veteran of Kaz Sushi Bistro who worked his way up from a start at Safeway.

310B S Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046

Visit Website

Chirashi plus seared scallop negiri — Sushi from Takumi in Falls Church

Also featured in:

Sushi Hachi

At this Barracks Row sushi spot, pieces of fish dwarf the rice portions for nigiri. Owner Steve Yoon is also behind Arlington’s Sushi Rock.

Open in Google Maps

735 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sushi Hachi (@sushihachi)

AKO by KENAKI

This sushi counter at the Roost food hall is from brother-sister duo Ken and Aki Ballogdajan (the former spent several years at Raku). Look for elaborate rolls like the White Tiger, with seared scallop, salmon, eel, granny smith apple, avocado, puffed rice, and sauce. Customers at Shelter beer hall can order sushi via QR code.

Open in Google Maps

1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

A plate of sushi rolls from Ako by Kenaki

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Hinata Sushi Carry Out

4947 St Elmo Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

This cozy, family-run carryout in Bethesda is a local favorite for made-to-order rolls and fresh sashimi at an affordable price point. Call ahead or shop for grocery items from Japan while waiting for takeout orders.

Open in Google Maps

4947 St Elmo Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

Visit Website

Sushi Keiko

2309 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

Glover Park’s tried-and-true place (Joe Biden was a regular here while he lived nearby in the Vice President’s residence) for raw fish is known for its Butterfly Roll, a generous lineup of shrimp tempura, crabmeat, and eel topped with spicy mayo. 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 also runs Onkei at Western Market with more small plates, sushi, Japanese sake, and wines on offer.

Open in Google Maps

2309 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sushi Keiko (@sushikeiko)

Shibuya Eatery

2321 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Sushi is but one speciality for this restaurant from Darren Norris, formerly of Kushi and Perry’s. The menu brings together ramen, kushiyaki grilled over binchotan charcoal that reaches temps of 975 degrees, small plates like the lauded Japanese potato salad, and fresh sushi.

Open in Google Maps

2321 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

A variety of items from Shibuya. — A temari sushi box set from Shibuya

Kotobuki

4822 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Many people flock to this affordable sushi restaurant in the Palisades that sticks to basic nigiri and maki. There are no monstrous dragon rolls at Kotobuki. Instead, find items like kamameshi (vegetables and meat serve in an iron kettle) accompanied by sashimi and small dishes.

Open in Google Maps

4822 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Visit Website

Various dishes from Kotobuki — Kotobuki is closed on Mondays.

Zeppelin

1544 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Late-night karaoke is back at this Shaw hangout with a table reservation. Pick out some seafood shumai dumplings or hamachi carpaccio to pair with the bar’s colorful maki rolls and simple sashimi bites. Remember to get cocktails, too, like a shareable quart of the Zephyr, with vodka, Pimms, pandan, cucumber, ginger, lime, and bubbles. Chef Minoru Ogawa, whose father and brother are master sushi chefs in Japan, also has a showy namesake restaurant in Adams Morgan.

1544 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Large platter with several pieces of various nigiri — Sushi platter from Zeppelin

Sushi Taro

1503 17th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

Tucked above a CVS in Dupont, Sushi Taro is a pull-out-all-the-stops kind of a restaurant. The omakase counter tasting starts at $250 per person ($350 on Saturdays) with regular menu items including A5 wagyu beef and lobster. For more affordable options, there is a daily a la carte menu and special sushi lunch dishes.

1503 17th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

Visit Website

A sampler box from Sushi Taro — A sampler box from Sushi Taro.

O-Ku

1274 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Union Market district’s sleek Japanese spot satisfies with traditional sashimi and sushi feasts, as well as small plates like Korean-style wings with Maytag-yuzu blue cheese, meats and fish cooked over a robata grill, and sake. O-Ku has rooftop seating, too.

Open in Google Maps

1274 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by O-Ku DC (@okusushidc)

Takara 14

1326 14th St NW 2nd floor, Washington, DC 20005

Situated one floor above Ammathar Thai in Logan Circle, this pandemic-era arrival serves superb sushi and nigiri in a cheery space covered in florals. A section of hot and cold small plates joins an array of creative rolls and affordable omakase from a Nakazawa alum.

Open in Google Maps

1326 14th St NW 2nd floor, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Takara14_DC (@takara14_dc)

Kintaro

1039 33rd St NW, Washington, DC 20007

This pocket-size Japanese restaurant makes for a serene lunch or dinner destination in busy Georgetown. Expect precise preparations of the standard sashimi, nigiri, and chirashi, all with the highest quality fish.

Open in Google Maps

1039 33rd St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Visit Website

A chirashi bowl at Kintaro — Chirashi at Kintaro.

SHŌTŌ Washington DC

1100 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

At Midtown Center’s showy Japanese izakaya, executive sushi chef Kwang Kim (also of Morimoto and Nobu fame) works with seafood vendors at Japan’s renowned Toyosu Market to fly in amberjack, A5 wagyu, fatty O toro tuna, mackerel, uni (sea urchin), amberjack, scallops, and even tamago (egg). Omakase menus starting at $95 per person join a la carte options.

Open in Google Maps

1100 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

Shōtō’s sushi counter offers diners a direct vantage point to watch the meticulous knife work on delicacies flown in from Japan.

Nama Sushi Bar & Restaurant (Multiple locations)

465 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Chefs selections of nigiri and sashimi go for $30 and $35, respectively, at restaurateur Michael Schlow’s foray into sushi. One crunchy hand roll folds in salmon skin, cucumber, tempura flakes, red roe, and eel sauce. Vegetarian nigiri (spicy eggplant, beet tartare) are not to be missed. It’s also worth deviating from sushi for small plates like pork gyoza in a velvety soy-truffle broth or a kobe beef slider. Schlow just flipped Tico on 14th Street NW into Nama Ko, an ambitious Japanese restaurant and sushi bar with dozens of nigiri and sashimi options like Kumamoto oysters and monkfish liver.

Open in Google Maps

465 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Sushi from Nama

Kaz Sushi Bistro

1915 I St NW, Washington, D.C. 20006

One of the city's sushi pioneers, Kaz Sushi Bistro serves omakase, chef's choice selections, lunch specials, and more. Despite being open for more than 20 years downtown, chef Kaz Okochi still shakes things up on the menu. Try the sea bass napoleon with cilantro, peanuts, and fried wonton skin.

1915 I St NW, Washington, D.C. 20006

Visit Website

Kaz Okochi, owner and chef at Kaz Sushi Bistro in Washington, DC. — Kaz Okochi is one of the pioneers on D.C.’s sushi scene.

Sticky Rice

1224 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

This punky, party-ready sushi dive turns stuffy dining on its head with a gong that rings with every order of a sake bomb, creative rolls with fillings like tempura-fried sweet potato, and buckets of tater tots. For those not into the super-fresh fish, the menu includes lots of vegan options.

1224 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

nori-wrapped sushi roll filled with veggies on a white plate — A vegan sushi roll at Sticky Rice

Sushi Gakyu

1420 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005

The streets near the White House are lined with tourist traps: Sushi Gakyu is not one. On a menu that offers pristine fish and intricate rolls, find lobster rolls, spot prawn nigiri, and even rare fugu, or blowfish.

Open in Google Maps

1420 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

Sushi from Sushi Gakyu

Sushi Nakazawa

1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

The Michelin-rated NYC import offers a 20-course nigiri-sushi omakase that stuns in the expert hands of “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” chef Masaaki Uchino. There’s no dinner menu, which leaves more time to linger over an impressive list of Japanese whiskey and sake. The most coveted seats are at the 10-seat sushi bar that offers the best view of the action.

Open in Google Maps

1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sushi Nakazawa DC (@sushinakazawadc)

Related Maps

Yume Sushi

2121 N Westmoreland St A-2, Arlington, VA 22213

Bangkok-born chef Saran Kannasute fulfilled his dream of opening his first restaurant on the outskirts of Arlington in 2018. Holding court behind a sleek sushi counter framed with a graffiti-splashed geisha mural, he’s not afraid to play with offbeat flavors like lavender-smoked salmon, monkfish liver, and uni with torched wagyu.

Open in Google Maps

2121 N Westmoreland St A-2, Arlington, VA 22213

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by YUME SUSHI (@yumesushiva)

Takumi

310B S Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046

Takumi draws raves from the suburban set for dishes like seared scallop with yuzu and a delicate chirashi bowl. Don't be turned off by the unassuming strip mall location and neon signage. Chef Jay Yu is a veteran of Kaz Sushi Bistro who worked his way up from a start at Safeway.

310B S Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046

Visit Website

Chirashi plus seared scallop negiri — Sushi from Takumi in Falls Church

Sushi Hachi

735 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

At this Barracks Row sushi spot, pieces of fish dwarf the rice portions for nigiri. Owner Steve Yoon is also behind Arlington’s Sushi Rock.

Open in Google Maps

735 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sushi Hachi (@sushihachi)

AKO by KENAKI

1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003

This sushi counter at the Roost food hall is from brother-sister duo Ken and Aki Ballogdajan (the former spent several years at Raku). Look for elaborate rolls like the White Tiger, with seared scallop, salmon, eel, granny smith apple, avocado, puffed rice, and sauce. Customers at Shelter beer hall can order sushi via QR code.

Open in Google Maps

1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

A plate of sushi rolls from Ako by Kenaki

Related Maps