50 Best Japanese Restaurants near Riverdale Park

“I've come to La Fantome multiple times for group lunches, thought I'd try out this kitchen since a lot people from my group order here. I do like the ability to order from your phone, it allows you time to look over the menu & not feel rushed. Customer service was good, only interacted with a server when they delivered my food. Had the California Roll which was good for the price. Will order from here again.“

“Very cute and innovative Japanese-Italian fusion spot! I had the Vongole Ramen, which was very tasty, although also extremely rich so perhaps difficult to finish towards the end.The onigiri was also interesting, although many of them were a bit lacking in filling.“

“Amazing! The sushi tasting menu was exceptional and filling! Delicious and whimsical cocktails. Bar in the back, very hip and chic workout being pretentious. Wagyu beef skewers from the bar was one of the best things I’ve ever had. All the skewers were amazing and the fried chicken and other bar snacks are classic bar foods, but way elevated- can not wait for the rest of the space to open!“

“Believe the hype, this place is outstanding. Service was impeccable and the omakasi was delicious. Yes, this place is expensive and yes it's worth it. They have a fantastic wine list and very knowledgeable staff. Get your reservation in now as it is very popular and it is fairly small.“

“The food and service here are truly exceptional, but I would say this is a special occasion restaurant where you'd be better serviced with better portions at less expensive prices:Pros:Exceptional ServiceFresh and expertly prepared dishesCons:Sushi: although unbelievably fresh, the portions are just not worth the price. Nigiri sizes are incredibly, incredibly small for what you pay.Atmosphere: clubby vibe with very loud music can make it difficult to hear your dining partnersFor me, the price isn't worth the experience. I needed a cheeseburger after spending $200 per person.“

“In a spot where the sushi's divine,Far from Japan, but tastes like its own shrine.The staff, with smiles, swiftly glide,Explaining each dish with knowledgeable pride.A saki selection that brilliantly does shine.Beyond seas, this place holds its fame,With flavors no connoisseur could blame.Here, fish tales are more than mere notions,Served with a flair that stirs deep emotions.A top-tier feast, in every aspect, it came.“

“If you are craving great sushi and great service you have to come here!!!! I got the firecracker roll and the seaweed salad and it was soo good and very fresh!! Jc was my server and he was the best server I’ve had hands down!!! 100000/10.“

“top notch service and food! the interior is beautiful and the servers were knowledgeable. the fish is really fresh and there's a lot of variety. i love the modern takes on the classic dishes. the dragon roll was my favorite, the char on the unagi was perfect. the japanese inspired cocktails are delicious, I especially recommend the sweetheart!“

“Oh… My… WOW! This place was awesome! We went through a variety of recommendations from our waitress, everything was incredible, even stuff I didn’t much enjoy at other sushi places tasted great here! Loved the Tori 3 different ways, the pork special, the wagyu pork buns, and “the Winner” was beyond words. I didn’t like blue fin tuna the last time I had it and the Winner made me audibly go “holy….” It was delicious! Shout out to our waitress for making amazing recommendations and an unforgettable meal.“

“Mita Cafe is super cute! This small cafe offers both Ethiopian and Japanese eats, in addition to breakfast, sandwiches, pastries, coffee, smoothies, and juices. While in the area, we decided to try them out, and ordered: +a Strawberry with Mango smoothie - prepared with mangoes, strawberries, and bananas, made with either your choice of apple or guava juice; we opted for the latter +an order of Spicy Lentil Samboosas - they also have spicy chicken as a filling, too; these are larger than the usual sized sambusas; super crispy, but I thought the filling was way too spicy! +a Tokyo Sushi set - this came with 4 pieces of salmon nigiri, a tuna nigiri, a red snapper nigiri, a roll of salmon maki, and a roll of tuna avocado maki; I really enjoyed the salmon nigiri, and most likely will opt for requesting these only; wasn't really a fan of the maki rolls, as one that contained 'baked salmon' tasked like it was from a tin I'd love to try their paninis next time and get more of their salmon nigiri. I'd also like to try their drinks. Service was very friendly and kind! There are only about 4 tables inside, so most seem to get their orders to go, or there's a queue to get one of the tables. The place is definitely tight and cozy! Street parking is available in the area. +salmon nigiri +tasty smoothies +friendly service! +street parking available in the area“

“If you are looking for a place with great view and atmosphere, look no more. Moonraker is a nice spot in Wharf. The atmosphere is amazing with great cocktails options. The outdoor seatings are not too conjusted so that you dont have to worry about what others might hear of your business dealings.Food is good but not exceptional (not that i was there for), the drinks menu are seriously unique and i cant wait to go back to try the rest.“

“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!“

“CAN I SAY THIS IS SOME OF THE BEST SUSHI I'VE HAD IN ALL OF DC!! The flavors in their Seaweed Cucumber Crab salad, and Rainbow and Unagi specialty rolls were music to my tastebuds, so much that we ordered a third one!! My dirty martini and my sister's plum wine added great spirit to our evening and our server was attentive and flowed with our jokes. They also followed great COVID protocol. You must pay them a visit TODAY!!“

“Akeno is my new favorite sushi spot! Not only is the food amazing, but the people that own and run it are the kindest, most appreciative people I have ever met! We get great service, the ambiance is perfect and we have fun with the staff. If the truffle salmon is on the specials menu, do yourself a favor and ORDER IT! You can thank me later.“

“I’ve dined here a couple times now. The music and the employees’ personalities bring a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Food comes out hot and the wontons are sooo good. Cocktails are really delicious too, I def recommend the penicillin. Manager was sweet for checking in on us and even offered popcorn while we waited for our food.“

“Fantastic sushi tucked away in an unassuming strip mall. I’ve been a couple times because there are so many appealing sushi rolls and they have all been fantastic. The fish is fresh, the proportions are good. I’d avoid the cocktails, they are underwhelming. They can be slow when busy but that should be expected when sushi is being made to order.“

“I want to give a shout out to Mr. Ham, Jobbi, and MJ. I stayed at a hotel near this fine establishment and I visited it quite frequently for dinner. Their omakase is absolutely incredible, and sitting at the bar watching them prepare the food was an awesome experience. They were very kind, and super welcoming. They have an vast understanding of the meals they are preparing for you, and they only use premium cuts. Literally the meat melts in your mouth, it was sooooo good. I will definitely visit them again on my next trip out. I stayed at this hotel for over 2 weeks, and this was the only restaurant I went to eat at more than once. They made me feel like I was family, they new what I wanted when I walked in, and they remembered our previous conversations from nights prior and were very engaging. I would highly recommend to anyone who inquires. Hands down one of the best restaurants experiences in the area.“

“I went here for lunch as I was looking for something a little bit light and this place did not disappoint. Their menu consist of customizable sushi, bowls, and sushi burritos, as well as a variety of drinks and small bites. I got the B5 silver spring roll without the wonton chips and with added eel sauce. The service was very quick and the woman working in the store was very kind and helpful. My burrito was really good and the fish tasted fresh. I opted to eat in my car, but there is plenty of seating within the establishment if you have a small party. This place is located next to the LA fitness in the shopping center. if I'm ever in the area again, I'll definitely stop here for a quick bite.“

“Very nice restaurant. It doesn’t have a lot of tables so the space is small and cozy. You can see how they prepare the food from your seat and the owners are very kind. Good value for money. We especially recommend their boxes. The sushi was also very tasty.“

“Today I was in this place, and my first impression when I saw the beef soup I ordered was that it was very good, abundant and light, we also ordered some wings with the sauces on the side, and the frying of the wings was on point, crispy and juicy inside, it has been a very good experience, pleasant music and very good service. We hope to return soon.“

“Someone shared a review of how they didn't appreciate how the DJ said their song request was annoying. They forgot to mention how they were making the request with their phone and that is very annoying to every DJ. Also, it's called a "request" meaning the DJ can or cannot play if they choose. As far as I've experienced, every DJ at Death Punch has been on point and plays to the crowd and not the individual (there have been so many terrible song requests). This venue is fun and always vibin. To the other poster...go listen to Grammy winning Olivia Rodrigo in your car if you want. The rest of us will dance to whatever the DJs choose to play.“

“Small, quaint hidden gem. Food is AMAZING!!! Reasonably priced. Everything is cooked super fast and brought out to your table. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Mixed croud- young adults and families. Fun pop culture decor all throughout.“

“I come here quite often when I am in the area to grab take out or get a delivery. Everyone working there is very nice and helpful and the food is fantastic as well. The fatty tuna is delicious and reminded me of the ones that I got in Tokyo and at Tsukiji market. This is my go-to place for sushi ? So if you are looking for a quality meal, this is your place!“

“I never have this a fried calamari in some where else. Only Sumo thai served 2 different sauces for it.It makes this dish pop up and so yummy until a last bite. All sushi is very good quality and rice wrapping is very thin. Mango sticky rice is nice presentation in a heart shaped. We will be back again. ??“

“This place is so fun if you love a variety of Asian foods, and this evening I happened to walk in on a fantastic live jazz band playing by the bar. Last time, we had Korean tacos and tempura, this time I’m having croffles, miso soup, and spaghetti. (I know it’s weird but it’s all so delicious)“

“Stopped in for a quick bite while shopping in Georgetown and it was perfect. The 7 dollar sushi rolls were cheap and fresh. The staff was very kind and accommodating. and we got to sit outside and enjoy the sunny day. Will def be back when i’m in the area. Wish there were more sushi spots like this.“

“First time visiting & it was good. Dining in with beer & sake:Takoyaki: exceptional, definitely order them if visiting.Shrimp Shumai: good.Gyoza: tried steamed and probably be better to order fried.Rolls: Philadelphia & Salmon with Avocado - both good.Suggestions: Takoyaki & Shumai, any rolls. Could skip Gyoza.General information: this place is pretty busy, so you may want to make a reservation for a party. Seating consists of dining room & outside patio. Place itself across from Whole Foods. Parking garage is 5 minutes walk.Pricewise: about $85 with 3 appetizers to share, 2 rolls, sake & beer.“

“Yummy food with a great atmosphere! I had the Salman Gohan, which is a bowl with rice with salmon, corn, and other great flavors on top. The ratio was good to mix everything together, with a bit of rice left over at the end. It tasted very good, but it cost $18. The portion was sufficient for a meal, but I would have liked a bit more salmon for the price. The quality is good, but for $18 I prolly would have preferred all you can eat dinner at the dining hall. The service was really good and any questions I asked were promptly and politely answered. I got my food 5 minutes after the time I was told by the automated text message, and this wasn’t good because the person I was with had to catch their bus. The atmosphere is great, with a wood and plant theme. The kitchen is visible and connect to a tabletop with barstools. There is a cool large mural on one wall. I will definitely be back here to try some ramen and onigiri, but for now I give Onikama Ramen Bar 4 stars!“

“Really neat, cozy spot for homestyle Japanese food + interesting wine and a large sake menu. We enjoyed sitting at the bar upstairs, and particularly loved the special black cod with miso, the snap peas, and the fried rice. Everything was made with care and presented in an elegant yet approachable fashion. Looking forward to returning the next time I am in DC.Vegetarian options: There is a section of the menu devoted to vegetable dishes, as well as tofu, vegetable tempura, and vegetarian fried rice or noodles.“

“It's a small sushi restaurant on a busy street but there's a public parking garage a couple of feet away. The workers/owners? were nice and quick with service. Even offered recommendations. Not sure if they get a lot of dine-in customers because my friend and I were the only ones there around 6pm. At the end of our meal the server gave us a small plate of fruit, yum! I would definitely go back for a second round.“

“Absolutely some of the best ramen I ever had. Every element was flavorful. I also enjoyed the pork bun and the cold sesame noodles (the pickled ginger was such a nice touch!). This was my first time eating from her, but it definitely won’t be my last!“

“This place really deserves 10 stars, the food was exceptional and the service was top notch! I have been to Michelin rated restaurants that cannot compete with this place. Me and my wife came here for a wedding anniversary dinner during our visit to the cherry blossom festival staying for an extended amount of time. The first server Maher and the second server Cassie both are super professional, went above and beyond, we never felt rushed. We never had a dull moment over dinner and we never felt pushed. Next time we are in DC we will be back here!“

“Food was okay. The service was friendly and nice. The value of the sushi was decent but I wouldn't likely return. It's a decent sushi spot for the location, but I wouldn't come from any long distance to attend. I think the atmosphere is classic takeout Japanese restaurant .“

“We haven't been here since the pandemic, and it was a wonderful rediscovery of the place. We had the Triple Delight Sushi and the Shrimp and Veggie tempura;they were both very succulent and fresh. The servings were huge, for me at least.Service was excellent, and the service charge was already added to the bill, which is a nice change from having to do the math ?, though we did give additional tip as the service was really good.“

“BYOB.Astonishingly good fish. Some of the best imaginable. The chef opened with cuts of fatty tuna that would be the star at a different restaurant. And the price extremely reasonable for what you get. 6 stars.That said, a little wall art would go a long way for ambience. For now, just focus on the fish.“

“Camouflage! This daytime only, casual looking lunch spot hides great sushi.Decor is utilitarian and reminds me of Tokyo business office worker lunch spots.I've been five times and all the fish has been fresh and expertly prepared.Sushi snob makes going into the office less painful.If fish is not for you, my buddy consistently has the beef Pho and loves it. They have a few other bowls that look great.Let's fill this place up and keep it thriving! Next time, lunch omakase!“

“Recently went to Fuji Japan since most restaurants in the area were closed and my parents and I were craving some type of Asian cuisine.Food is average, but decent given the price. It's a casual restaurant so when ordering you go up to the counter and pay for your food. If you decide to dine-in they'll serve you. Service is fairly quick though so no complaints about that. I had tried their boba which was not the best but not the worst. I don't think I would get it again in comparison to actually boba stores. It's definitely not tea based but I'm just glad it wasn't overly sweet. The tapioca tasted pretty good though! I recommend their miso soup but their salad and tempura you can skip out on.“

“(Moriwase Donburi: A) - I ordered takeout for this Donburi and was quite impressed by the variety, amount of content, and the good execution for each component of this bowl. The chicken was well seasoned and the mentaiko sauce adds some good color and sweetness to contrast the saltiness. The textured crispiness of the shrimp worked well to add some variation in texture. The eel was large and soft and the salmon had some beautiful marbling as well. In addition, there was some wasabi that seemed to be a mix of the root and horseradish as well as some pickled vegetable to provide some much needed contrast to the fried food. Very great execution overall. Highly recommend. Food: +1 Presentation: E Price: +1 Overall: +2 A Insta/Beli: @amei_eats“

“I got the tonkatsu ramen. The broth was rich. The slices of pork were fresh, juicy, tender, slightly sweet, and abundant. There were at least 6 slices in that bowl. The assortment of vegetables and narutomaki added unique, delicious tastes and textures to the dish. Their food presentation is perfect. You'd have to see it to believe it. The ramen actually looks like it's straight out of those food commercials and restaurant food posters. All in all, it's a great place to eat.“

“A true, small independent restaurant. No fancy decor, but very, very good food! Excellent sushi, outstanding ramen, at fair prices (we spent less than $40/person incl. tip).We went on a Sunday early evening and had no wait for our table, fast service, and did I mention the food? SO GOOD!!Tip: there are two parking spots to pull into right before you get to the restaurant on the right“

“Overall, I think Moby Dick Sushi is a great spot in the downtown Wheaton area to get your sushi fix. Actually, it's now my go-to sushi spot. I've visited this place on a few occasions, and I have not had any issues with my food and service. Moby Dick has a pretty extension menu that includes traditional and "fancy" food items. For the things that I have ordered (typically the general sushi dinners and basic rolls), I thought the prices are in line with other decent sushi spots in the area. The restaurant is a bit small with about 5-7 tables, so it probably will not work out well if you plan on dining there with 5+ people in your party. Also, the restaurant seems to be geared toward pickup and delivery orders. For instance, I do not think the restaurant has a restroom for customers. If you decide the dine-in, be aware that you will have people constantly walking past you to make or pick up their orders at the front counter.“

“Diverted here for my birthday lunch as I was planning on going nearby but once I saw Rakuya, I NEEDED IT! I'm so glad we did, the food was delicious and the servers were attentive but not overly so. It was a busy Friday lunch so it was PACKED. The vibe feels authentic (we lived on Okinawa for 3 years) but the tables were SO CLOSE TOGETHER that I felt like I was trying to scooch by down an airplane aisle which also meant that it was so easy to hear the neighbors' conversations.“

“We are from NYC. Had lunch with my family here and left my backpack in the restaurant. The guy in the front found my bag and hold my bag till I contacted him 2 hours later. People make good food and look out for community really touched my heart. Good people are always blessed?? thank you Sakura Express!“

“This place is my go to lunch/sushi place. Such fresh fish and amazing flavors. I always go right when they open to get the freshest pick. I will gatekeep this place and what my order is at all costs but had to leave a review. The staff are so kind and will help you with anything you need. If they don’t have something I always ask if they have it and they make it to order for me!“

“Sushi Hachi is a must-visit for sushi enthusiasts. Their sushi is made with precision and attention to detail, and the omakase experience is truly exceptional. The intimate setting and attentive service add to the overall dining experience.“

“This review is for 2 sushi rolls; I'll update this later if I try some other items. Bento Express opened about a year ago, across the street from my neighborhood. Its fast food Japanese, which is new to me. I was late coming home last night and in a pinch for food so I finally gave this spot a try. I got two salmon rolls, the Salmon Lover and the Spicy Salmon Roll, which were $9.95 and $6.95 respectively. Compared to a normal restaurant the pricing is great, especially given that the fish and ingredients were all very fresh. Downside is that neither rolls had much flavor, which is kind of odd considering they were both drizzled with spicy mayo sauce. Usually I don't need soy sauce for a lot of my sushi but in this case I did. Food Quality: 5 stars Food Flavor: 2.5 stars Value: 5 stars Service: 5 stars Ambience: 4 stars Honestly, despite the lack of flavor in the rolls, the food seemed so fresh that I'd give it another try.“

“Me and a friend went to Nara-Ya for bottomless brunch and we really liked it. The food was good, I think we tried everything from the brunch menu! The view was amazing as we were seated by the window and you could see the water.I didn’t take pictures of the food but I would recommend the steak and eggs, the octopus dish (can’t remember the name) and the tofu skewers.“

“CAN I SAY THIS IS SOME OF THE BEST SUSHI I'VE HAD IN ALL OF DC!! The flavors in their Seaweed Cucumber Crab salad, and Rainbow and Unagi specialty rolls were music to my tastebuds, so much that we ordered a third one!! My dirty martini and my sister's plum wine added great spirit to our evening and our server was attentive and flowed with our jokes. They also followed great COVID protocol. You must pay them a visit TODAY!!“

“This restaurant currently only has takeaway or order. Waiting outside for your takeaway is a bit odd experience but don’t let it put you off. The food is delicious and the portions are huge. I had teriyaki. I hope for this place that they can open completely again.“

“My family and I have been about three times now. Each time we have enjoyed our meals. We have always taken out. It has been a good quick meal that's not too expensive. Which. And be hard to do now-a-days! Service is always pretty fast. No complaints here.@_Unk_RP“