50 Best Sushi Bars in Washington

“Sushi Taro used to be considered one of the top Japanese restaurants in the city, but it is not surprising they no longer are on the Michelin guide in 2025. The table service was good, but the rest of the service was mediocre. The food itself does feel overpriced for the quality, only a few select items were notable. Really not a destination for sushi or sashimi. Nothing they are doing terribly wrong per se, just nothing to write home about.“

“Went there to celebrate my birthday. Sushi was very fresh and perfectly prepared. The slices were excellent, which made the fish delicate, tender and without too much dark pieces which have more fishy taste, no tendons/skin/muscle to make it difficult to chew. It was a delightful experience! The amount of different fish/seafood species was surprising. A special place to go to celebrate, if you love sushi. We paired it with a nice bottle of Italian Sparkling, which was an excellent recommendation by our server.“

“Booked here because of the Michelin star rating but will go back for the service. After a bit of bumpy start, the Manager was quite accommodating and what an excellence recovery. Enjoyed the premium omakase, sake and whiskey. Never felt rushed even though the restaurant filled quickly. We were visiting from Texas but will make this a regular stop next time in town.“

“Our visit to Zeppelin was absolutely breathtaking! From the moment we walked through the doors, we were greeted with the most exceptional hospitality by Ari and the rest of the staff. The atmosphere of the restaurant is truly one-of-a-kind, paying tribute to the Golden Age of the Great Passenger Airships. But the real standout of our experience was the food. It was absolutely divine. We began our meal with the Edamame and Miso Soup, both of which were the perfect starters and set the stage for the rest of the meal. The Seaweed Salad and Cucumber Sunomono were also refreshing and bursting with flavor. For our main course, we decided to indulge in a variety of dishes from the KushiYaki (Japanese Charcoal Grill) menu. The Ebi Shumai and Beef Harumaki were both cooked to perfection, while the Takoyaki was a fun and tasty snack. But the standout dish was the Okonomiyaki, with its tempura, red ginger, okonomiyaki sauce, and mayo creating a truly unique and flavor-packed experience. From the sushi bar, we sampled a variety of rolls including the Negitoro Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, and Rainbow Roll. Each one was expertly crafted and perfectly balanced in flavor. We also tried the Sashimi Sampler, which was a fantastic way to try a range of different fish. For dessert, we couldn't resist trying the Green Tea Ice Cream, which was the perfect way to end the meal on a sweet note. Our experience at Zeppelin was truly extraordinary! The food was delicious and the hospitality we received from Ari and the rest of the staff was top-notch. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a truly unique and memorable dining experience.“

“The best sushi (to go) I’ve ever eaten...and I’ve eaten a lot of sushi 😅“

“I never write reviews but our anniversary dinner yesterday was amazing. The food was outstanding and the service was impeccable. The pre-fixe menu is worth it, especially for a first time diner. We're planning our next reservation already.“

“Outstanding performers and great food!“

“It’s tough to find a vegan restaurant that really elevates vegetables instead of just giving you reheated Gardein items but Planta does it. The ambience is very sleek and modern (great for a date night) the bar is well-stocked and there are a ton of different vegetable-centered food options that are done really well. My wife also has a gluten allergy and they went through the menu with her to discuss what options were safest for her. We’ll be back for sure.“

“This place is a little gem; it felt like I was transported to Japan. The atmosphere and food had a casual, intimate, and authentic feeling. We got the house dinner special eel kamameshi, which comes with miso soup, sashimi, and three sides for a great deal. Everything was fresh and delicious. Service was friendly and quick. I will be back to try more of their menu!“

“Easily one of the best bars in the city, hands down“

“I had an amazing experience. I had reservations for a table, but decided to sit at the bar instead. Great food, great service and an appropriately diverse atmosphere. The crab fried rice was delicious and I added chicken at the bartenders suggestion. It was perfect!“

“The night before the Marine Corps Marathon, we celebrated our anniversary dinner with family and relatives at Satay Club, a cozy Malaysian restaurant tucked in the heart of Washington DC. I’m always on the lookout for authentic flavors — and this place truly impressed us with every bite.

We started our feast with their signature Satay — both chicken and lamb. Perfectly grilled with smoky charred edges, the skewers were tender and flavorful, complemented beautifully by the rich, nutty peanut sauce. It felt like a taste of Kuala Lumpur in DC!

Next came the salted fish fried rice, aromatic and full of wok hei (that irresistible smoky aroma). The balance of savory salted fish, soft egg, and crisp vegetables made it comfort food at its best. The calamari dish was crispy on the outside and tender inside, served with colorful bell peppers and crunchy shallots — a delightful mix of texture and spice.

We also loved the tofu and eggplant stir-fry, which came in a deliciously savory sauce — rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. To end the evening, we indulged in ice chendol and fried banana, a sweet and refreshing finish that brought nostalgic memories of Southeast Asia.

Satay Club is a gem — family-run, warm, and truly authentic. A perfect place for Malaysian food lovers and a wonderful way to celebrate before marathon day! 🇲🇾🍢🍚💛“

“Incredible fresh, tasty, huge poke bowl with awesome flavor blends!!! I highly recommend this place!! They’re awesome!! Treat yourself & check them out!!“

“I reserved omakase through Resy. My husband and I got seated right when we arrived. Our lunch omakase had 10 pieces and we ordered a la carte because the skip jack and uni were so delicious. Each fish was so flavorful and the texture was perfect. I will definitely be back for their dinner omakase one day. The Brooklyn Kura sake paired well with the fish.“

“We have enjoyed several lunches here and have always felt satisfied. The quality is top-tier and great service.“

“EXCELLENCE“

“Sushi Hachi is the best sushi restaurant I have ever been to; it was so good that my boyfriend and I went back two nights in a row. Their cocktails are great, and my personal favourite was the 8th street specialty sushi. The atmosphere and mood is calm and pleasant, and the staff and service is top notch. I have to mention our waitress too from the second time, Soko. She remembered us from the previous night, she even remembered which drink she had made me! And she took the time to make some recommendations for us, and brought us some miso on the house and was just the most pleasant and friendly waitress I have had in a while. Thank you!!! We will definitely be back again for as long as we are in/near DC.“

“❤️ Oku. hits everytime. every 🍾 celebration we (my fam) head straightforward there.“

“My homegirl and I went to dinner here after exploring Union market and had such an amazing time! Our waiter, Cierra, was phenomenal! My Bestie has a seafood allergy and she was so accommodating. She even made a special roll to accommodate her allergy. The food was delicious, the aesthetic was so cozy, and it’s the perfect place to have an intimate dinner with friends and family!“

“Such a nice place right at the start of china town. The sushi is so fresh, recommend the salmon roll, salmon avocado and tuna avocado. The crispy tuna rice was so yummy. Miso soup always hits the spot, the chicken teriyaki was also yummy. The prices are so good for happy hour. Perfect lunch spot!“

“Fun and enjoyable with good food and a great atmosphere. I suggest taking a kid with you. They will enjoy it as much as you. Robots deliver your drinks, food arrives on 1 of 2 conveyor belt systems. A unique and fun experience!“

“Had a Great time celebrating a friend’s birthday! Food is amazing, sushi is fresh! Good atmosphere! Owners are Super cool and really knows how to make their guests feel special. Kudos to the entire staff for the Great service. Highly recommend!“

“I was so sad when Planta Queen Ft Lauderdale closed down. Imagine my glee when I found a Planta Queen around the corner from my hotel in Washington D.C.!!! Just as I remembered, amazing sushi and menu of course, gorgeous decor, chic ambience and welcoming staff. They even had a kids menu and a “happy hour” drinks and sushi menu! Lots of GF options which I appreciate! I will obviously be dining there every night I’m here lol“

“This has become our go to place not just for Thai, but for comfort food. Dine in or take out- always delicious. Pad Thai, Green Curry, and pork curry are our tops.

One thing that would make this place a 6/5 is if they can officially say their sushi is gluten free— which feels like a really small ask 🙏🏼“

“I stopped in with friends before a event Sunday evening. The staff was warm and welcoming. I had the lentil sambusas and a peanut-infused coffee at the staff’s recommendation. The food was fast and delicious- the sambusas were warm and spicy, and the peanut coffee was delicious! In a kind gesture, the chef sent over a sampling of sushi to our table. Fresh and refreshing, the sushi was a nice complement to my sambusas and hot beverage. I’m not on this side of town often, but now I have a reason to come back.“

“Kata DID NOT disappoint!

I did not make a reservation but was pleasantly greeted and immediately seated by Haywood. He was extremely welcoming and made me feel like a regular, although it was my first visit.

I sat at the bar and Anabel & Facundo were
friendly, energetic, and very attentive. I enjoyed conversation and did not feel awkward at all being a solo diner. Anabel prepared my cocktail beautifully and made sure it was picture ready!

Food was delicious! I had the beef dumpling, the filet mignon, and cheesecake. Temperature was good, wait was not long, and presentation was beautiful.

I can’t wait to come back and experience the live entertainment with my Besties!“

“How does this place only have 4 stars? Do you all have covid still? Best sushi in town for the price point, even if they're not so used to customer service or the place isn't made for a nice sit down experience (it's Western Market, which is a great upscale food court worth going out of your way for).“

“Saturday was my first time at Tokyo Pearl and it was excellent!!! The food, the service, and drinks were excellent. I will come back!!!“

“I chose Akeno Sushi to celebrate my bachelorette weekend, and I couldn’t have made a better choice! It’s my absolute favorite restaurant in DC, and this experience just confirmed why it’s one of my top spots. From start to finish, the staff was incredibly warm, accommodating, and genuinely thrilled to help us celebrate. Nadia, in particular, was a joy to work with and supported me every step of the way in planning. The food was phenomenal, with each dish beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The drinks were equally impressive, featuring thoughtful details like fresh flowers that added a special touch to the celebration. The ambiance was perfect, with lovely decorations that made the night feel even more festive. Whether you’re planning a special event, a casual dinner, or a date night, Akeno Sushi is versatile, delicious, and always delivers a memorable experience. I highly recommend it!“

“Absolutely delicious sushi for a great price! The decoration is so cute and this little place is family owned. The owner Ms. Khin is the sweetest and always greet you with a smile! I absolutely love this place and am definitely coming here whenever I’m in Georgetown area!“

“I've visited Sushi By Bou at least 5 times in the past year. Each experience has been phenomenal. This was my first omakase experience and I keep coming back. I have interacted with several of the team members and each time it is a great experience. Whether it is Fino, Alvaro, Alexis, or Sean, no matter who the team members are that work that night, the staff always makes sure each experience is special! Can't wait to return!“

“Great friendly welcoming service and the food was delicious- I would HIGHLY recommend 🤩“

“Excellent bento boxes! So good that I will come back for more.“

“First time visiting DC and was looking for a spot to celebrate an anniversary dinner with my boyfriend. We both love sushi and this place showed up on the list. Got there early for dinner and was seated right away. I love that they offered the Japanese skewers. We ordered pork belly, beef, and shrimp. All were amazing! We wish we ordered more of them. Also ordered the Gyoza that had pork and chicken in them. They were good but the ponzu sauce wasn’t the best. I ordered the Sake Don which was raw salmon with seasoned sushi rice. It was really good and filling. This restaurant makes a great date night and the staff were nice.“

“It's good. Go there...“

“Best sushi in town. Don't waste your money anywhere else. Quality and price come together.“

“Beatiful place! Sushi is tasty and fresh.“

“(This review is for a delivery order, so it's only about the food, not the service or ambiance).

Solid takeout sushi. I was desperately craving sushi on evening and, after perusing Uber Eats for a bit, settled on Toku after receiving a recommendation from a friend. I got their sushi combo, which came with ten assorted pieces of nigiri and a California roll, as well as my choice of miso soup or salad. The sushi was super fresh, and I appreciated the variety of fish chosen for the nigiri; I didn't care much for the California roll and would have loved the option to switch it out with a different roll, but it's perfectly reasonable for them to not allow those types of swaps. It was a solid meal and absolutely satisfied by sushi craving.“

“every time i come here, i have the best sushi of my life, if you want a life changing sushi experience, come here! the kevin bacon sushi was insane 😵‍💫 & stg, soup is fire too!! they also gave my bf something for his birthday & that was so sweet & unexpected ❤️ every one was so sweet“

“As someone that grew up in Tokyo, this place serves great quality sushi that’s very authentic! This will be my go to spot from now. I really appreciate that they serve traditional rolls like the Ume and kanpyo which are seen at every sushi place in Japan, but rarely found in America. The price point is also unbeatable! The portions are not huge, but they don’t need to be when the quality is this good. Thank you for a wonderful meal!“

“You can’t go wrong at Raku, their food is fantastic, well cooked and fresh!“

“Little charming sushi restaurant in the heart of Georgetown, wonderful, taste and fresh food. Excellent service, highly recommend. 👏👏👏“

“Love this place! It’s absolutely beautiful and the staff is incredibly friendly. I came once and sat at the bar, and now it’s become my weekly spot for fresh sushi and handcrafted cocktails!
Helen is amazing—always smiling and giving off such positive, welcoming energy. She really makes you feel invited and appreciated. And Vanessa is SO sweet! She always checks in to make sure I’m doing okay.
Highly recommend!“

“Food: food was great, only deduction was the chicken appetizer was extremely small for the price paid. The pineapple frid rice was really good but pricy at almost $23. About 5 pieces of juicy shrimp were in the dish as well. Kruba cashew chicken was good.

Service: got there as soon as they opened for lunch so seated right away and food was quickly delivered.

Atmosphere: nice but a bit dated. Many of the tables are uneven and no longer sit together flush. Ambiance was nice, Thai decor all around and wooden vibe.

Final impression: very good for a quick lunch in downtown DC and head back to the office. Might be added to a regular rotation in DC lunch adventures.“

“This little place is a hidden gem!! It is not a Michelin star affair. It is a mom and pop place that offers simple, delicious food. It will be on my list everytime I'm in the city! If you're expecting fancy, this isn't it. It's straight up comfort food!“

“Great food and fantastic staff“

“I was blown away when my husband took me to this incredible restaurant! The sushi was truly top-notch, with exceptionally fresh and high-quality ingredients. Although the prices are on the higher side, it's clear why this place is considered the best sushi spot in the DC area.“

“You can't beat the location of Pantry, right at the Petworth-Georgia Ave Metro station. I've been a loyal customer here since around 2014, back when it was Sah La Thai, and the quality has never dropped. The service is always good, and the food is consistently fresh. My son and I agree: the rice dishes, noodles, sushi, and wings are all absolutely yummy and our go-to favorites. A true neighborhood staple.“

“Great restaurant and service.“