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Izakaya Seki

Japanese Restaurant$$$$
U-Street, Washington
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8.7/10
188
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    This place is famous for their Japanese food. It's one of the most popular in the city!
  • Tips
    Ashley R.
    "One of the most authentic Japanese spots in the city."(6 Tips)
    Leandro L.
    "Ankimo - Monkfish liver with a great yuzu vinaigrette."(3 Tips)
    Liz T.
    "The Mero is a must, and the sashimi is fresh and delicious."(6 Tips)
    Michael
    "BBQ Eel."(2 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon60 Tips and reviews
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  • Eater
    EaterJanuary 17, 2017
    Under the direction of chef and co-owner Hiroshi Seki, the restaurant features adventurous dishes like beef tongue, classics like kara-age and a number of accompaniments to its fine sake selection. Read more
    Upvoted Mar 15
  • William S.heart icon on user image
    William ShriverNovember 11, 2019
    Been here 5+ times
    Off a residential street in U Street corridor, this is a super cozy spot for Japanese izakaya. A bit pricey but the food is fresh and tasty. Sit downstairs to watch the kitchen or get a table upstairs
  • Eduardo G.
    Eduardo GonzalezMarch 20, 2023
    Ask questions, close your eyes and feel the different textures and flavors. Savor the ocean and care taken to serve you this food. Every recommendation is fantastic because everything is good here.
  • Steven A.heart icon on user image
    Steven AndrophyDecember 9, 2014
    The quality of the fish on the sashimi omakase was fantastic. Make sure to take advantage of the 3 for $11 vegetable sides too.
  • Alex S.heart icon on user image
    Alex SimonJanuary 31, 2015
    Honestly one of my favorite places in Dc. Short ribs, scallops, whatever they have as specials. Most "Japanese" place in Dc IMHO. Soba is nice, whole squid, meatballs.
  • Leandro L.heart icon on user image
    Leandro LageraMay 28, 2016
    Cozy & date worthy authentic Japanese joint. Don't be afraid to try all parts of the menu. That Mero with Miso haunts my soul. Or taste buds. Or both.
  • Mykl W.
    Mykl WuAugust 5, 2012
    It's worth the wait (and only acceptable way) to sit at the kitchen/bar. Order the naughty bits: tongue, trotters, and hamachi jaw. Fried thighs and monk fish liver also amazing.
  • K T.
    K TJanuary 7, 2013
    Get a bunch of dishes for the table to share: mero miso, baby octopus, watercress salad, fried oysters, rice balls, and of course sake!
  • David K.
    David KellyJune 12, 2013
    As others have stated, get the Mero. It is ridiculously delicious. Of course, everything is great. You can't go wrong.
  • Liz T.
    Liz TaylorJune 10, 2014
    The Mero is a must, and the sashimi is fresh and delicious. But those mushrooms were so good I almost smoked a cigarette when I was done.
  • Aaron A.heart icon on user image
    Aaron AllonNovember 6, 2017
    We loved this place. Creative delicious food. Authentic izakaya. We sat downstairs at the sushi bar and loved it.
  • Zac N.heart icon on user image
    Zac NAugust 2, 2016
    Authentic Japanese cuisine. Changing menu and good sake selection. Often packed so plan accordingly. Very busy on this Monday night.
  • Noah B.heart icon on user image
    Noah BrierDecember 28, 2013
    Eat it all. Cold soba + whole squid for sure. Great Japanese whiskey selection for dessert.
  • Washington Post
    Washington PostOctober 16, 2013
    With its small plates and fresh fish, this serene Japanese restaurant, just 40 seats on two floors, attracts Japanese speakers in droves.
  • Nicholasheart icon on user image
    NicholasJuly 24, 2017
    Everything is good. Everything.
  • Leandro L.heart icon on user image
    Leandro LageraAugust 7, 2012
    Mero grilled with miso - Great flavor, creamy and smoky. Will be dreaming about this dish for a very long time. Read more
  • Matt B.heart icon on user image
    Matt BernsteinMay 31, 2015
    Really good authentic Japanese food. The mero is worth the hype. The tuna sashimi is delicious and melts in your mouth.
  • Marta D.heart icon on user image
    Marta D.March 23, 2014
    Try the mero - it's sea bass! We never would have gotten it w/I waitress rec, but it was our favorite!
  • Noel C.
    Noel ColemanOctober 23, 2013
    First, sit at the bar if possible. Second, get the hamachi kama; it makes the list of Best Things I Ever Ate.
  • Lis R.heart icon on user image
    Lis ROctober 26, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    The always changing specials means it's worth coming often just to try something new.
  • Behrad Eatsheart icon on user image
    Behrad EatsMay 9, 2015
    The braised Porkbelly Kakuni is heaven on a plate!
  • Leandro L.heart icon on user image
    Leandro LageraAugust 7, 2012
    Ankimo - Monkfish liver with a great yuzu vinaigrette. Such a nicely balanced dish. Read more
  • Roy S.
    Roy SuttonNovember 8, 2013
    Everyone else touched on the big items so I'll just mention that the agedashi tofu was the best I've ever had.
  • Kryofroyoheart icon on user image
    KryofroyoJuly 6, 2015
    Matsu is the way to go. Let the chef work his way to an exquisite meal
  • Anne H.heart icon on user image
    Anne HenochowiczJune 9, 2016
    You can buy a bottle of soju and store it on their shelves upstairs for your next visit.
  • Ashley R.
    Ashley RJanuary 13, 2014
    One of the most authentic Japanese spots in the city. The Mero is delish!
  • Maxheart icon on user image
    MaxOctober 8, 2015
    Ask for the fermented firefly squid (now off menu) for a treat.
  • Kat L.
    Kat LAugust 25, 2013
    Get the Kalbi. The Mero was pretty tasty too. Sashimi was fresh but small portions - but still a good deal.
  • Greg D.heart icon on user image
    Greg DiamondApril 15, 2016
    Kara-age (Japanese fried chicken), sashimi, the salads, everything really
  • Andy A.
    Andy AmendolaAugust 18, 2013
    Great authentic sushi spot. So fresh! And waitress was great, totally helpful!
  • Christopher M.heart icon on user image
    Christopher MartinoJanuary 1, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    Order the Pig's Foot; super rich, amazing flavor and texture, absolutely delicious!
  • eli s.heart icon on user image
    eli sheehyNovember 9, 2014
    Kelp rice ball, BBQ eel and mushrooms. End the night with a sesame glazed flan
  • Stephanie P.
    Stephanie PhillippySeptember 27, 2012
    Their Mero dish ruined me for all other fish. It might have changed my life. Get it.
  • Joey M.
    Joey MarburgerAugust 10, 2012
    Sashimi special, beef tongue, pork belly, monkfish liver, cold soba noodles. And oh, sake.
  • Lizzie R.heart icon on user image
    Lizzie RubenfieldSeptember 14, 2014
    Amazing fresh fish. The rice balls are fun. Great service.
  • Bonnie B.
    Bonnie BogleFebruary 15, 2013
    Sit at the bar, talk to the chef, and most importantly get the scallop carpaccio
  • Brett W.
    Brett WallaceMay 17, 2013
    According to the Jedi Seki, the perfect temperature to cook an egg is 60.5 degrees. Awesome food.
  • Toby C.heart icon on user image
    Toby ChaudhuriSeptember 23, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    Best Japanese in DC methinks. Ask the server what they're most proud to offer.
  • Allison
    AllisonFebruary 2, 2013
    Cute little place. Food is a bit salty. Get the Kalbi and rice ball :)
  • Catherine
    CatherineOctober 11, 2012
    Mero. Get the Mero. You can thank me later.
  • R G.
    R GNovember 7, 2013
    Ummm maybe I'm not cultured enough to appreciate stuff... But these portions are hella small... Wouldn't even really call them tapas
  • Sueli M.heart icon on user image
    Sueli Machado ViudesSeptember 10, 2023
    excellent food and very pleasant atmosphere
  • Laurence B.heart icon on user image
    Laurence BOctober 29, 2015
    The beets were amazing.
  • Matt B.heart icon on user image
    Matt BernsteinJuly 3, 2015
    Seriously the mero is freakin amazing
  • Nikoheart icon on user image
    NikoFebruary 19, 2016
    The fried chicken is to die for.
  • Leandro L.heart icon on user image
    Leandro LageraAugust 7, 2012
    Assorted Roast Mushrooms - So good.... Read more
  • Leandro L.heart icon on user image
    Leandro LageraAugust 7, 2012
    Order some unfiltered sake cold. You won't regret it. Read more
  • David F.
    David FuJuly 19, 2012
    Opening soon! According to the owners, "you'll know we're open when you see our red lantern hanging."
  • Mark M.heart icon on user image
    Mark McGowanJanuary 20, 2016
    Excellent authentic Japanese cuisine.
  • Josh N.
    Josh NadasDecember 23, 2012
    Holy cow, the rice balls are awesome.
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