- This place is famous for their Japanese food. It's one of the most popular in the city!
- Japanese food
- good for dates
- healthy food
- trendy
- beef tongue
- (15 more)
- Popular
- Recent
- 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 GonzalezMarch 20, 2023Ask 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 AndrophyDecember 9, 2014The quality of the fish on the sashimi omakase was fantastic. Make sure to take advantage of the 3 for $11 vegetable sides too.
- Alex SimonJanuary 31, 2015Honestly 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 LageraMay 28, 2016Cozy & 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 WuAugust 5, 2012It'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 TJanuary 7, 2013Get a bunch of dishes for the table to share: mero miso, baby octopus, watercress salad, fried oysters, rice balls, and of course sake!
- David KellyJune 12, 2013As others have stated, get the Mero. It is ridiculously delicious. Of course, everything is great. You can't go wrong.
- Liz TaylorJune 10, 2014The 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 AllonNovember 6, 2017We loved this place. Creative delicious food. Authentic izakaya. We sat downstairs at the sushi bar and loved it.
- Zac NAugust 2, 2016Authentic Japanese cuisine. Changing menu and good sake selection. Often packed so plan accordingly. Very busy on this Monday night.
- Noah BrierDecember 28, 2013Eat it all. Cold soba + whole squid for sure. Great Japanese whiskey selection for dessert.
- Washington PostOctober 16, 2013With its small plates and fresh fish, this serene Japanese restaurant, just 40 seats on two floors, attracts Japanese speakers in droves.
- Leandro LageraAugust 7, 2012Mero grilled with miso - Great flavor, creamy and smoky. Will be dreaming about this dish for a very long time. Read more
- Matt BernsteinMay 31, 2015Really good authentic Japanese food. The mero is worth the hype. The tuna sashimi is delicious and melts in your mouth.
- Marta D.March 23, 2014Try the mero - it's sea bass! We never would have gotten it w/I waitress rec, but it was our favorite!
- Noel ColemanOctober 23, 2013First, sit at the bar if possible. Second, get the hamachi kama; it makes the list of Best Things I Ever Ate.
- The always changing specials means it's worth coming often just to try something new.
- Leandro LageraAugust 7, 2012
- Roy SuttonNovember 8, 2013Everyone else touched on the big items so I'll just mention that the agedashi tofu was the best I've ever had.
- Anne HenochowiczJune 9, 2016You can buy a bottle of soju and store it on their shelves upstairs for your next visit.
- Kat LAugust 25, 2013Get the Kalbi. The Mero was pretty tasty too. Sashimi was fresh but small portions - but still a good deal.
- Andy AmendolaAugust 18, 2013Great authentic sushi spot. So fresh! And waitress was great, totally helpful!
- Order the Pig's Foot; super rich, amazing flavor and texture, absolutely delicious!
- eli sheehyNovember 9, 2014Kelp rice ball, BBQ eel and mushrooms. End the night with a sesame glazed flan
- Stephanie PhillippySeptember 27, 2012Their Mero dish ruined me for all other fish. It might have changed my life. Get it.
- Joey MarburgerAugust 10, 2012Sashimi special, beef tongue, pork belly, monkfish liver, cold soba noodles. And oh, sake.
- Bonnie BogleFebruary 15, 2013Sit at the bar, talk to the chef, and most importantly get the scallop carpaccio
- Brett WallaceMay 17, 2013According to the Jedi Seki, the perfect temperature to cook an egg is 60.5 degrees. Awesome food.
- Best Japanese in DC methinks. Ask the server what they're most proud to offer.
- R GNovember 7, 2013Ummm maybe I'm not cultured enough to appreciate stuff... But these portions are hella small... Wouldn't even really call them tapas
- David FuJuly 19, 2012Opening soon! According to the owners, "you'll know we're open when you see our red lantern hanging."