Curated by our executive culinary team, top ramen restaurant washington dc our brunch features a generous selection of Japanese and western delights. Enjoy with friends and family on a journey of unlimited Nobu favorites, sushi, salads, pastries & desserts, as well as Chef stations. Don't forget to check out our brunch cocktail specials to complete your experience.
The team behind outer Arlington’s raw fish hit Yume Sushi sauntered into D.C. With the anticipated opening of a flashy flagship that was named Eater DC’s 2023 restaurant of the year. Tucked inside the tony mixed-use cluster of Cady’s Alley, the striking sushi cave from Bangkok-born chef Saran “Peter” Kannasute and co-owner Jeff King breathes fresh life into the old home of L2 lounge. Kannasute’s calling cards like truffle wasabi, monkfish liver, uni with torched wagyu, and widespread use of edible flowers show up across a lengthy list of rolls. 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 from Nakazawa alum Johnny Yi.

The 21-course menu, which features sushi, hand rolls, and specialties, runs $180 per person. Row sits on the second and third floors above Han Palace, with 14 seats across each. Small bites are followed by a nigiri tasting of 15-plus pieces of sushi; think otoro, hay-smoked Spanish mackerel, and other rare delicacies like Japanese barracuda and uni from Rishiri Island in Northern Japan.
Mecha is different, as it’s one of the most casual places in the district, where it’s easy to pop in for a quick lunch or a low-key dinner. The best seats in the house are at the bar, underneath an installation of wooden beams that look like ramen noodles. We like to start with the roasted mushroom dumplings and the small but satisfying unagi handroll, followed by the vegan Kinoko ramen or the classic spicy beef loaded with vegetables. If the bowls don’t fill you up, try the General Tso’s shrimp, coated in coconut flakes and sweet chili. This small, busy Upshur Street spot puts new flair on classic ramen preparations.

As you can see, Washington, DC, is full of fantastic sushi restaurants. Rakuya has a relatively small menu, but the sushi combinations are delectable. They include a 14-piece deluxe Chirashi assortment, a 12-piece Jo Nigiri variety, and even a 45-piece deluxe sashimi assortment (including sea urchin). Join KAZ Sushi Bistro for a mix of the most refined flavors from Japanese cuisine with a western touch, and enjoy what the night has to offer. Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, Sushi Taro is one of the few restaurants in D.C.
Apéritifs have a low alcohol content and are meant to whet the appetite before a meal. The food was fantastic, the staff were super kind, and the atmosphere was awesome! To help us find the best table for you, select the preferred party size, date, and time of your reservation. Click the link below for venue information and inquire today.
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.

Priced at $145 per guest, this thoughtfully composed experience is perfect for both first-time and returning guests. Carefully composed bowls feature thin, chewy, house-made noodles accompanied by delicate broths with nuance and depth. The signature bowl is a smoky, triple-threat combination of tonkotsu, chicken chintan and dashi. The soy-sauce-based truffle shoyu, which also features meaty cuts of pork belly, spinach and bamboo shoots, warrants slurping. Hand-rolled sushi burritos are assembled with precision and layered with fresh fish, seasoned rice, crisp vegetables, and creamy sauces that blend like a dream. One sushi burrito plus a couple of $7 rolls (we love the spicy tuna) costs about $20 and can satisfy one—or leave you with a happy takeout container.
Sushi Gakyu is one of the few (If not only) sushi restaurants in D.C. However, they are known for their Omakase sushi course, which includes four appetizers and twelve premium Nigiri sushi and dessert pieces. Sushi, Sashimi, and Kamameshi are Kotobuki’s specialties.

Traditional and authentic Japanese Restaurant in Glover Park, North Georgetown area. We serve Sake, Japanese Beers, Wine along with Ramen and Sushi. Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable. No, Chaplin does not list private dining rooms, but it does accept and accommodate large parties. Guests report successful large-group bookings (parties of 12–20) and staff support for celebrations, so you can likely host a big gathering with advance notice even without a private room.
Bluefin, for example, arrives with a touch of soy and wasabi in the more traditional version, and “burnt” miso and foie gras in a modern interpretation. Diners can order optional upgrades like prized cuts of tuna, caviar, and wagyu. The restaurant recently introduced a generously portioned lunch omakase express option for $42.

Rice Market - your one-stop-shop for Thai cooking and living. In addition to our selection of Asian inspired ingredients, we offer both pre-cooked and meal packages (ready-to-cook). Domestic and international beer and wine are available for purchase. You will also find a variety of fresh produce, housewares, select kitchen utensils and cookbooks. Stop by at Rice Market - our staff is always eager to help and answer any questions you may have regarding ingredients and preparation. Is no stranger to the popularity of noodle dish, soba noodles haven’t enjoyed the same boom here as such other varieties as ramen and pho.
Was the first time in my life eating sushi but it was really an amazing experience. We had reservations and got sat immediately and had awesome service! Our server was super attentive and everything came out very timely. ZumoThai is the reborn version of the beloved Thai spot that narrowly survived the pandemic and reopened in early 2026.

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 japanese food 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.
We use some organic fresh vegetables, and with healthy cooking style to serve you delicious, healthy and tasteful meal. Fresh and delicious is our commitment and your satisfaction is our priority. Tucked inside downtown’s Square food hall, master sushi chef Masaaki “Uchi” Uchino works behind a small counter to send out 15-course omakase menus.

Roasted pork, beansprout, bamboo shoot, scallion, seaweed and hot sesame oil. Sliced marinated rib-eye steak in soy broth with baby spinach, scallions and fresh ginger strings. Thai basil, red bell pepper, cherry tomato, onion, and bird eye chili. Stir fry with bird eye chili-garlic-basil sauce, cherry tomatoes, onion with your choice of protein. Lightly battered fried with tempura tsuyu grated ginger, and daikon radish.
Perfect for special occasions or a casual meal, Nooshi is a must-visit spot for Asian cuisine lovers. The happy hour, held from Monday to Friday from 4 to 7 p.m., features affordable drinks and sushi rolls, making it an extremely convenient choice after work. The restaurant may get busy during lunch hours, but the quick service and attentive staff ensure a pleasant dining experience. Residents are known for their discerning tastes and their love for culinary discoveries, and RAMEN BY UZU fits perfectly into this landscape. What began as a small pop-up in 2016, driven by a desire to bring beloved Japanese home-style flavors to the DMV area, has blossomed into a permanent fixture within one of D.C.'s most dynamic food halls.

Each izakaya in Japan puts its own touch on its menu items. The plates are typically small so that one can sample many different items. Toki Underground is unique in that, as mentioned above, it wouldn’t technically qualify as Japanese ramen.
The popular Hokkaido-style ramen restaurant, Santouka, is open at The Boro in Tysons Corner, Virginia. This is the first authentic Japanese ramen restaurant to open in the state of Virginia. Despite its fierce competition in serving a mainstay of Japanese cuisine, Santouka has remained one of the most popular ramen chains in Japan. In 1999, Chef Kaz Okochi opened the doors to what turned out to be one of Washington, DC’s most coveted seats and exceptional Japanese dining experiences, KAZ Sushi Bistro. This modern Japanese restaurant is Chef Kaz’s window into creativity, where he pushes boundaries, and creates some of the most authentic yet groundbreaking Japanese dishes ever imagined. The menu at Gaijin Ramen Shop is simply a result of what its owners love.
Customers enjoy delicious sushi, the chicken and rice dish, and sushi platters with miso soup. The restaurant offers high-quality sushi and food at very affordable prices, especially during discounted hours from 5-7. The presentation of sushi is great, and the decor creates a fun and pleasant atmosphere. The place is known for prompt service, and staff are very polite and welcoming.

Priced at $145 per guest, this thoughtfully composed experience is perfect for both first-time and returning guests. Carefully composed bowls feature thin, chewy, house-made noodles accompanied by delicate broths with nuance and depth. The signature bowl is a smoky, triple-threat combination of tonkotsu, chicken chintan and dashi. The soy-sauce-based truffle shoyu, which also features meaty cuts of pork belly, spinach and bamboo shoots, warrants slurping. Hand-rolled sushi burritos are assembled with precision and layered with fresh fish, seasoned rice, crisp vegetables, and creamy sauces that blend like a dream. One sushi burrito plus a couple of $7 rolls (we love the spicy tuna) costs about $20 and can satisfy one—or leave you with a happy takeout container.
Sushi Gakyu is one of the few (If not only) sushi restaurants in D.C. However, they are known for their Omakase sushi course, which includes four appetizers and twelve premium Nigiri sushi and dessert pieces. Sushi, Sashimi, and Kamameshi are Kotobuki’s specialties.

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.
Sushi Hachi is located in Washington, D.C.’s historic and charming Eastern Market area, and promises simple food, loyal to its origins, and affordable. They offer à la carte and tasting menus, but it is recommended to grab a seat at the highly-coveted counter. Quick, casual, and healthy temaki “filled with the freshest catch, placed on the finest rice pillow and wrapped in premium roasted seaweed sheets.” They give every guest small opportunities to savor the present moment.

From the rich and savory bowls at “Get Your Slurp On” to the innovative offerings at Toki Underground, these restaurants serve experiences that extend beyond just food. Paired with a side of exquisite sushi, your next ramen adventure in DC promises to be a truly sublime experience. Remember, good ramen is all about balance – the harmony of flavors between the noodles, broth, and toppings. So, go forth and discover these culinary masterpieces and savor the joy of that perfect slurp. Union Market has exploded in the last couple of years with ultra-buzzy restaurants run by celebrity chefs with impossible-to-get tables.
He has since gone on to be named the DMV’s best cheap Japanese restaurant by Washingtonian Magazine. Daikaya Ramen offers Sapporo-style ramen, which is widely considered one of Japan’s most prominent and influential ramen styles. There’s no formal waiting-list policy listed, but Chaplin gets busy, especially weekend brunch and weekend nights, and guests report lines and crowded seating. Reservations are recommended; walk-ins may face waits or be asked to limit table time. Call ahead if you’re concerned about availability or need special timing.

Expect to see some aspects from their other restaurants, such as a half Peking duck served Yanu-style and popular huge noodle dishes. A three-course meal might include ultra-fresh sushi, Peking duck, and calamari. Set within a two-level townhouse in a residential area, Izakaya Seki delivers a simple, yet spot-on experience. With just 40 seats and a no-reservation policy, you may have to wait for your seat—either at japanese noodle restaurant washington dc the sushi bar on the first floor or upstairs where exposed beams and shelves lined with sake bottles make for a Kyoto-chic ambience. The father-daughter team ventures beyond sushi and sashimi to impress diners with authentic Japanese dishes, and it is evident the chef loves what he does.
Elegant touches include Monkfish liver with shaved black truffle, hotaru ika with Maine uni, glistening slices of chu-toro and otoro, caviar, and wagyu. Seasonal menus wrap up with dessert for $115 per person. Reservations only for dinner, and lunch is walk-ins only.

Fresh salmon, spicy crunchy salmon, topped with corn salsa and eel sauce. Jumbo lump crab, shrimp, avocado, roasted bell pepper, Old Bay and spicy mayonnaise. Tuna, salmon, avocado, eel, masago topped with cayenne pepper hot sauce and eel sauce.
Reren’s makes its Lamen daily in house with high-gluten, whole wheat flour to offer the perfect chewy, flavor soaking noodle. Uzu’s ramen stand in Union Market delivers an authentically flavorful ramen experience on-the-go. Set up as a take-out only shop, Uzu provides everything from steaming hot, ready-to-eat bowls of ramen to uncooked ramen kits that allow you to dabble in your own noodle making magic from the comfort of home. Aside from the paired down menu, an heir of exclusivity exists with limited hours of operation. Tuesdays, for instance, are only for lunch and feature one menu option—Tsukemen of the Day. So, if you want to experience Menya Hosaki, sign up for the waitlist via the website, and get in virtual queue next time you’re in the DMV area.

You don’t have to be a political underdog to know where to find the best hot dog in Washington, DC. It turns out that the nation’s capital is also a hot dog capital. Summertime just screams hot dogs and we’re here to gelp you find the best. Get ready to cast for your vote for chili, relish, mustard, and other fixings. Here’s your look at the eight best hot dog spots in Washington, DC.
Rice Restaurant - a minimalist urban chic space in asian-style, Rice serves up imaginative and innovative Thai cuisine. The menu features a varied selection of in-house specialties, authentic Thai and vegetarian dishes, including gluten free choices. A full service bar features a selection of unique specialty drinks and martinis. If you are dining at Nobu for the first time, the chef recommends trying 3 or more of the menu's "Eight Highlights." The best way to enjoy this experience is to start with 2 or 3 cold dishes; then move on to 2 or 3 hot ones. Haikan’s Sapporo-style ramen is a cornerstone of Shaw’s hip Atlantic Plumbing building, and for good reason.
The noodles are perfectly chewy and the charred veggies are a perfect combo. Service is fast and friendly, and the small, eccentric restaurant has a cozy vibe with everyone sitting across from each other at two long tables. Prices are slightly high, but the food and service are consistently amazing, providing a memorable dining experience. The restaurant is also appreciated for its vegetarian options, like the avocado roll and dessert pudding, which received high praise from diners. Overall, Daikaya remains a top spot for ramen and Japanese-inspired dishes, ideal for future visits. Nooshi is a welcoming Asian-Fusion restaurant that offers delicious food at relatively affordable prices.

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!
We like coming to this casual spot, located on the first floor of the fancier Daikaya, for a quick dinner before a show at Capital One Arena or one of the many theaters nearby. This is the perfect place to dine solo because the communal tables are wide enough to not feel intimate. Start with fried gyoza before moving on to one of their Sapporo-style ramens with thick noodles and juicy marinated eggs. They don’t take reservations, so arrive early if you want a seat in the small dining room, or brace yourself for a wait.

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.
Their chefs bring years of experience to our kitchen and combine traditional cooking methods with only the freshest ingredients to create beautiful, inspired meals just for you, our wonderful guests. From their beautifully plated sushi to their traditional pork belly ramen, every dish served is the start of a cultural and culinary adventure you won’t soon forget. For health-conscious individuals, the option of flavorful vegan ramen is a significant draw. Furthermore, the consistently friendly and helpful staff, who actively contribute to a positive dining experience, make every visit feel welcoming and personal. Its strategic location within Union Market means that a trip to RAMEN BY UZU can easily be integrated into a larger outing, whether for shopping, exploring, or socializing.

BBQ spare ribs with lomain, stir-fried with bird-eye-chilli, bean sprout, carrot, basil, red bell pepper and onion. Roasted chicken breast, rice noodle, peanut, bean sprout, carrot, cabbage, cilantro, in tom kha style coconut soup. Glass noodle in tom yum soup with minced chicken, shrimp, bean sprout, scallions, cilantro and peanut.
Hana Market allows you to elevate your home cooking with a variety of authentic Japanese ingredients straight from Japan. This ramen bar with a 1930s vibe has an option for gluten-free noodles and sources pork from Catoctin Mountain Farm in Maryland. The patio here is packed with outdoor diners, even in the winter. Although George Washington University doesn’t have a defined “campus”, it certainly has its own feel.

Absolute Noodle and Sushi Bar is a small, cozy spot that serves tasty food. The menu features a variety of options, including sushi rolls, fried rice, and noodle dishes like ramen. japanese noodle soup washington dc Popular choices include the Poke Nacho and ramen bowls such as tonkatsu ramen.
We use some organic fresh vegetables, and with healthy cooking style to serve you delicious, healthy and tasteful meal. Fresh and delicious is our commitment and your satisfaction is our priority. Tucked inside downtown’s Square food hall, master sushi chef Masaaki “Uchi” Uchino works behind a small counter to send out 15-course omakase menus.

The 21-course menu, which features sushi, hand rolls, and specialties, runs $180 per person. Row sits on the second and third floors above Han Palace, with 14 seats across each. Small bites are followed by a nigiri tasting of 15-plus pieces of sushi; think otoro, hay-smoked Spanish mackerel, and other rare delicacies like Japanese barracuda and uni from Rishiri Island in Northern Japan.
Expect a pleasant wait, with entertainment provided by a crowd that seems ready for a relaxing meal. Expect more to come, with strong cocktails already flowing, and new signature dishes likely planned for next season. If you are looking for amazing techniques to market your restaurants only then this is your go-to blog. Read everything about digital marketing for restaurants. Area are “Get Your Slurp On”, Sakuramen, Haikan, Bantam King, and Toki Underground.

Each izakaya in Japan puts its own touch on its menu items. The plates are typically small so that one can sample many different items. Toki Underground is unique in that, as mentioned above, it wouldn’t technically qualify as Japanese ramen.
We have more than 50 variations of Asia signature dishes in our menu. For this latest map refresh we add Sushi Gaku, a recent Georgetown revival of the dearly missed downtown original; and Umai Nori, Dupont’s promising hangout for hand rolls. Hiyashi soba, a dish at brunch here, is made with with chilled buckwheat noodle, kumato tomato, avocado, ponzu, and white soy. With that in mind, let's take stock (!) of the major players in the local ramen scene, and talk about where things are and where they're going (including an exciting yet-to-open spot you'll surely want to know about).
Stir fry with bird eye chili garlic basil sauce, cherry tomatoes, onion and Thai basil. Clear body fragrance and delightful everyday choice vegan and gluten free. Peanut curry with broccoli, carrot, bamboo, string bean, bell pepper and basil. With broccoli, carrot, bamboo, string bean, bell pepper and basil. Romaine hearts, baby spinach, roasted bell pepper, edamame, soft tofu and sesame dressing. Mesclun, romaine hearts, cherry tomato, fried tofu, wonton chips and peanut dressing.

Darren Norris offers several specialties at Shibuya Eatery. Fresh sushi, ramen, kushiyaki (grilled over 975-degree binchotan charcoal), and small meals such as Japanese potato salad are all on the menu at Shibuya Eatery. The restaurant offers two different options for dine-in- Chef’s Selection or their Premium Selection. Both choices include an appetizer, sashimi, sushi, soup, and dessert. Sushi Ogawa is most definitely one of the best sushi places in Washington DC.
Kamameshi is meat (or vegetables) cooked in a traditional iron kettle. While the menu isn’t extensive, it offers just the right amount of sushi items. Sticky Rice has a gong that rings with every order of a sake bomb. But most notably, they have inventive sushi rolls with ingredients like fried sweet potato.

For now, the standard all-you-can-eat runs a reasonable $35 per person, with even heartier $45 and $55 options available. DC has its share of polished sushi counters, but Chaplin’s, a rustic Japanese spot that’s been a neighborhood favorite for over ten years, stands out for its laid-back charm. Even if you’re not planning a late dinner, this place is worth visiting just for the vibe. Like the best local haunts, Chaplin’s is heavy on atmosphere and light on pretense. Start by sharing a few of their tasty, well-sized small plates—maybe the crispy vegetable tempura, some savory gyoza, and a plate of tender yakitori.
Choose from various small plates, sushi, and many types of rolls and soups. If you enjoy surprises, order their “Omakase” and leave it to the chef to decide. Nama Sushi Bar is one of two locations in D.C.; the other is on 14th St. inside TICO.

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.
It’s a bit of strategy for a weeknight meal, but completely worthwhile once you taste the perfectly presented sushi or hear the satisfying slurp of their tonkatsu ramen. The spicy salmon roll is crafted with precision until it’s a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, and the Superman roll is layered with vibrant ingredients and sliced with care—order both. If it weren’t for the DC crowd of quick lunch breaks and casual date nights, you’d think you checked into a cozy Tokyo neighborhood joint. Try it customized with extra salmon, served on a traditional wooden platter. The Japanese cuisine here isn’t revolutionary, but focusing on udon and dashi-driven dishes makes for a fantastic meal.

Toki Underground, a hip eatery which serves up some of the most delectable ramen in DC. Their signature offering, the red miso ramen, features a rich, umami-packed broth enveloping a bed of springy noodles. In addition to their stunning ramen, they also serve an array of sushi that perfectly complements their noodle dishes. Their vibrant decor and energetic atmosphere make every dining experience a memorable one. Daikaya Ramen (1F) offers Sapporo-style ramen, japanese noodle soup washington dc which is widely considered one of Japan’s most prominent and influential ramen styles.
The team behind outer Arlington’s raw fish hit Yume Sushi sauntered into D.C. With the anticipated opening of a flashy flagship that was named Eater DC’s 2023 restaurant of the year. Tucked inside the tony mixed-use cluster of Cady’s Alley, the striking sushi cave from Bangkok-born chef Saran “Peter” Kannasute and co-owner Jeff King breathes fresh life into the old home of L2 lounge. Kannasute’s calling cards like truffle wasabi, monkfish liver, uni with torched wagyu, and widespread use of edible flowers show up across a lengthy list of rolls. 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 from Nakazawa alum Johnny Yi.

Expect friendly servers, soft jazz in the background, and creative side dishes that belong at a neighborhood gem. This venerable Japanese restaurant, led by creative director Daisuke Utagawa and executive chef Piter Tjan, is a Chevy Chase standby. This place has plenty to explore on the regular menu, including a sweet and spicy roll, soft shell crab roll, and crunchy shrimp roll.
Portions are generous and well-suited for sharing small plates or enjoying a full bowl of ramen. Guests frequently mention hearty, satisfying ramen bowls and shareable appetizers (bao, gyoza, wings) that make for a good starter-to-entree flow. If visiting with a group, order a few apps to share and then individual ramen, that’s a common approach guests enjoy here. There are plenty of ramen options in the District nowadays.

As you can see, Washington, DC, is full of fantastic sushi restaurants. Rakuya has a relatively small menu, but the sushi combinations are delectable. They include a 14-piece deluxe Chirashi assortment, a 12-piece Jo Nigiri variety, and even a 45-piece deluxe sashimi assortment (including sea urchin). Join KAZ Sushi Bistro for a mix of the most refined flavors from Japanese cuisine with a western touch, and enjoy what the night has to offer. Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, Sushi Taro is one of the few restaurants in D.C.
We have more than 50 variations of Asia signature dishes in our menu. For this latest map refresh we add Sushi Gaku, a recent Georgetown revival of the dearly missed downtown original; and Umai Nori, Dupont’s promising hangout for hand rolls. Hiyashi soba, a dish at brunch here, is made with with chilled buckwheat noodle, kumato tomato, avocado, ponzu, and white soy. With that in mind, let's take stock (!) of the major players in the local ramen scene, and talk about where things are and where they're going (including an exciting yet-to-open spot you'll surely want to know about).
Wang pays special attention to the rice, blending multiple kinds of koshihikari rice from Japan. 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. The ramen at this small Petworth spot has a cult following. The meat-based ramens are delicious, but the vegetarian and vegan options really stand out here thanks to the use of almond milk-based broth, which is creamy and light yet full of flavor.

When Japanese restaurants open in DC, we check them out. We’ve endured the good, the bad, and the perfectly fine sushi. And every once in a while, a spot makes us feel like we’ve discovered a hidden gem in Georgetown. When that happens, we add it here—to this definitive list of DC’s best. Assorted vegetables in kelp extract sauce stir fried with tofu and shiitake mushroom. The chefs procure the freshest fish from the world’s finest markets and local, sustainable sources, from petite plates to sushi specialties.
Chef Minoru Ogawa, who studied under his master-chef father in Japan, serves traditional Edomae-style nigiri sushi and an Omakase bar. Zeppelin is one of the best sushi places in Washington DC, hands down. Of course, they also offer specialty rolls such as the Rainbow Roll, Volcano Roll, Dragon Fire Roll, and KimChee Tuna Roll.

Roasted chicken breast, rice noodle, peanut, bean sprout, carrot, cabbage, cilantro in tom-kha style coconut soup. Thinly-sliced beef, bean sprouts, onion, Thai basil, fresh jalapeno peppers, scallion and cilantro. Choice of protein with baby spinach, bean sprout, broccoli, carrot, red onion, scallion, cilantro, and crispy ramen. Shrimp, flounder and fish balls in veggie broth with scallion, cilantro, young celery, bean sprouts and roasted garlic.
Sushi restaurants are usually a safe bet for those seeking soba, though there are some exceptions. Izakaya Seki on V Street, for example, serves simple, traditional Ojiya soba cold with a dipping sauce and in a warm soup. A few blocks away, DC Noodles does yakisoba with grilled salmon and a rich sauce. And even Peruvian Chinese restaurant China Chilcano serves a hiyashi soba dish at brunch. Without further ado, here are several places to find soba in D.C. The aforementioned Daikaya is similar to the far-flung Ren’s Ramen (in the suburban purgatory of Wheaton, MD) in that both specialize in Sapporo-style ramen from the Hokkaido region of northern Japan.

From the rich and savory bowls at “Get Your Slurp On” to the innovative offerings at Toki Underground, these restaurants serve experiences that extend beyond just food. Paired with a side of exquisite sushi, your next ramen adventure in DC promises to be a truly sublime experience. Remember, good ramen is all about balance – the harmony of flavors between the noodles, broth, and toppings. So, go forth and discover these culinary masterpieces and savor the joy of that perfect slurp. Union Market has exploded in the last couple of years with ultra-buzzy restaurants run by celebrity chefs with impossible-to-get tables.
Momiji may not be the fanciest Sushi restaurant in D.C., but it’s still one of the best in the city. They offer sushi bar appetizers such as Tuna Tataki and Pepper White Tuna and sushi bar entrees like a Nigiri and Sashimi combo and a Chirashi Dinner. Ogawa serves edomae (Edo-style) sushi, made with fish imported from Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, Japan, as per family custom. For a spectacular omakase experience, the Chef at Sushi Ogawa meticulously crafts each piece of sushi.