There is no shortage of quality seafood in the DMV area, but if you’re hoping to find some high-quality fresh sashimi or expertly crafted sushi rolls, these seven spots below are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’d rather dine at an authentic old-school Japanese eatery or want to try a new modern sushi spot that doesn’t shy away from incorporating global ingredients into simple sushi recipes.
1. Perry’s Restaurant – Adams Morgan
Chef Masako Morishita recently was announced as a finalist for the 2024 James Beard Emerging Chef Award, an incredible achievement indicative of how well she has developed the menu at Perry’s Restaurant. This place is perfect if your objective is to find a sushi spot with incredible value, here you can primo quality without paying an arm and a leg.
Location: 1811 Columbia Rd NW
2. Sushi Keiko – Glover Park
Sushi Keiko first came on our radar when (then Vice-President) Biden often frequented this Glover Park sushi spot not too far from the official VP residence at Naval Observatory. Since then, we believe its consistent quality, the fact that it isn’t difficult to get a table, and its laid-back atmosphere make this sushi spot one of our favorite in town!
Location: 2309 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States
3. Sushi Taro – Dupont Circle
Famous for its “Omakase Counter”, this sushi spot gives diners a traditional interactive tasting menu consisting of 4 – 6 small dishes, followed by seasonal sushi and sashimi that are prepared by the expert chef.
That being said, if you prefer to order off of their menu and eat at your own pace, that’s an option as well.
The menu at Sushi Taro naturally includes high-quality sushi and sashimi, but also offers some of the most delicious noodles you can order in town and some delicious Waygu that you should try at least once.
Location: 1503 17th St NW
4. O-Ku – Union Market
O-Ku at Union Market is the perfect spot for a quality sushi dinner, whether it be for date night or a meal with friends, the modern decor and high-quality hand-crafted rolls make the space a consistent crowd-pleaser!
Location: 1274 5th St NE
5. Sushi Gakyu – Penn Quarter
Practically across the street from the White House, Sushi Gakyu is not a tourist trap that you might typically find in this area. Instead, if you come to this sushi spot you’ll be served perfectly hand-prepared rolls crafted by Sushi master Yoshi Ota, who is even skilled enough to prepare a famous fugu (pufferfish) platter for those interested in trying it!
Location: 1420 New York Ave NW
6. Sushi Nakazawa – Federal Triangle
One of the premier formal sushi restaurants in the capital city, Sushi Nakazawa is home to one of the most famous traditional “Omakase” testing menus in all of Washington, D.C.! To take part in the omakase at their famous sushi counter, where you can watch the rolls be crafted right in front of you, the menu costs $190, whereas the same omakase menu costs only $160 while in the standard dining area.
Location: 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
7. Kotobuki – The Palisades
If you are in the mood for a low-cost, high-value option for some quality sushi in the capital but aren’t afraid of a little trek, Kotobuki in the Palisades is an incredible sushi spot that does the simple things incredibly well.
Very much one of those “Don’t judge a book by it’s covered” hole-in-the-wall type places, this spot is super casual and authentic but serves sushi that is far above what you may suspect in terms of quality!
Location: 4822 MacArthur Blvd NW