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Diners' Choice: Japanese restaurants in Washington, D.C. Area

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Updated February 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Japanese cuisine in Washington, D.C. Area? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Gyu San Japanese BBQ restaurant
4.6
4.6 (90)
$31 to $50
Japanese
Arlington
About the restaurant
At Gyusan Japanese BBQ, offer high-quality cuts of meat, that are known for their tenderness, flavor, and overall premium quality, which include cuts such as Wagyu beef, dry-aged beef, prime rib, and other premium cuts of beef, as well as premium cuts of pork, lamb, and other meats.Wagyu beef, for example, is known for its high level of marbling, which gives it a rich, buttery flavor and a tender texture. Dry-aged beef is beef that has been hung in a cool, dry place for several weeks, which helps to intensify its flavor and tenderize the meat.Our focus is often on using the highest quality and freshest ingredients, including premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood, and organic vegetables.From salad to sashimi and yakiniku to noodles, your friends and family are bound to find something to enjoy together.
Top review
Camellia
Dined on Jan 9, 2025
On a delightful outing, I ventured in for a quick meal with a family member who had just flown in from out of state. Eager to sample a bit of everything, we opted for the all-you-can-eat option, and it certainly lived up to its promise. Our experience was a feast for the senses, from the enticing display of dishes on the table to the engaging cooking experience right before our eyes. The restaurant buzzed with a constant flow of delicious food, making it feel like a celebration at every turn. Our attentive waitress ensured we were well taken care of, adding to the warmth of our dining experience. Overall, this was a charming and memorable outing we highly recommend to anyone looking to indulge in a culinary adventure. Dr. Cam
A photo of O-Ku - DC restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1721)
$30 and under
Japanese
Washington
About the restaurant
O-Ku DC invites guests to explore rare and unique dining options -traditional sashimi and sushi, innovative Japanese specialties and wood-fired robata-style dishes from the Kitchen's Binchotan grills. The fish and other ingredients are sourced from the highest-quality purveyors around the world and is committed to using sustainably sourced ingredients when possible.
Top review
Juliana VIP
Dined 6 days ago
O-Ku never disappoints. Food and drinks were delicious as always, and our server was super friendly and attentive. The Toro tartare and the dumpings were a 10/10.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Arlington, VA | Clarendon restaurant
4.8
4.8 (701)
$31 to $50
Japanese
Arlington
About the restaurant
Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.

Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!

Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!

Top review
Alexandra MaximusVIP
Dined 2 days ago
About our 4th time here. The first one reeled us in with their amazing lunch deal, and it was so good we came back for dinner a month later even though it was significantly more expensive. The price is worth it, and will happily keep coming back. We particularly enjoy the garlic fried rice, soups, desserts and the meats. Typically go a la carte with the meat options (as we don't need all the extras). The marinated meat, flank steak, fillet mignon, salmon, etc are all great.
A photo of Chaplin restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1597)
$30 and under
Japanese
Shaw
About the restaurant
Chaplin's Restaurant & Bar is a 1930's style Japanese Ramen House and cocktail bar. Chaplin's Executive Chef and Partner, Myo Htun, is originally from Burma, but was cooking ramen in Japan at a young age. Myo received a blessing from his mentor in Japan after nearly 30 years of cooking in Japan, to come to America and continue to showcase his authentic Ramen and traditional Japanese cuisine. Chaplin's Restaurant demonstrates the aesthetic of a bustling ramen house in Japan in the 1930's silent film era. There is also a large outdoor dining area that is dog friendly. Chaplin's is located in the heart of the Historic Shaw neighborhood. And it is open until last call 7 days a week. Chaplin's received a Plate certification in the Michelin Guide in 2020. And it is located steps from the convention center and popular Logan Circle, 14th street and City Market.
Top review
DavidVIP
Dined 7 days ago
Fabulous food & service!! We celebrated our birthdays here, and our server (who also managed the bar) was VERY attentive & accommodating.
A photo of Nobu DC restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2302)
$50 and over
Japanese
Washington
About the restaurant
Situated on the ground floor of the new Residences on M Street, in the heart of the West End just steps from Georgetown, Nobu Washington DC brings Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s genre-defining cuisine to the nation’s Capital. With more than 11,000 square feet of space including the Bar & Lounge, Dining Room and Sushi Bar, and multiple private event spaces, Nobu DC presents the ideal setting to enjoy signatures like Black Cod with Miso and Yellowtail Sashimi Jalapeño alongside DC-inspired dishes and cocktails.
Top review
Heather
Dined 3 days ago
Group of 8. Great good and drinks. Dessert was incredible
A photo of DAIKAYA 2F THE IZAKAYA restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2132)
$31 to $50
Japanese
Penn Quarter
About the restaurant
Please be advised that the reservation is for the Izakaya on the second floor and not the ramen shop on the first floor. The ramen menu is not available at the Izakaya. The Izakaya, located on the second floor of Daikaya, is a casual restaurant that serves Japanese comfort food to accompany a diverse selection of bar offerings. The izakaya experience is perfect for after work, before a big night out, as a full supper, or for late-night bites with friends. The cuisine is freestyle and adaptive in nature. 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.
Top review
Eric
Dined on Feb 6, 2025
Delicious food. The egg and wasabi appetizer is incredible, as is anything they do on the charcoal grill. Good cocktails too.
A photo of Moonraker restaurant
4.5
4.5 (370)
$50 and over
Japanese
Southwest Waterfront
About the restaurant
Welcome to Moonraker at Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf, a signature rooftop hideaway with a Japanese inspired menu of light bites and sushi alongside handcrafted cocktails, a curated selection of Japanese whiskeys, and more. All set around a stunning central bar boasting panoramic views of the waterfront. A laidback lounge by day evolves into a buzzy nightlife scene alongside a handsome bar that sets the scene for intimate soirées and nighttime meet ups, all by the Potomac.

Introducing Capitol Brunch. Meet us at Moonraker for an all-new weekend brunch menu, featuring everything from bottomless brunch cocktails to Japanese-infused breakfast classics.

Please note the following for your reservation:
Reservations are limited to (2) Hour Dine Times.
Our Culinary Offerings conclude at 10:00 PM weekdays, and 11:00 PM weekends.
Moonraker does not have a dress code but does recommend appropriate casual wear.

Top review
Dara
Dined 7 days ago
Best bar in DC. Gorgeous rooftop, attentive and personable bar and wait staff - 5 star experience
A photo of Benihana - Bethesda, MD restaurant
4.2
4.2 (2639)
$30 and under
Japanese
Bethesda
About the restaurant
Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.
Top review
Renee
Dined on Feb 2, 2025
My family had a blast, celebrating my mother’s birthday. Thank you
A photo of Kabuto Hibachi and Sushi restaurant
4.3
4.3 (449)
$30 and under
Japanese
Rockville
About the restaurant
Kabuto Hibachi Grill & Sushi is a beautifully designed new restaurant in the heart of Rockville town square. We have amazing Sushi & Hibachi items that is sure to satisfy every guests desires & palate. State of the art hibachi tables, beautifully design space combined with amazing food and service will make your experience at Kabuto a memorable one.
We look forward to serving you and making Kabuto Hibachi & Sushi one of your favorite places to dine out.
Please keep us in mind for your special gatherings as we have beautiful private dining room options available.

Thank you!



Top review
JenniferVIP
Dined on Feb 1, 2025
This hibachi dinner was so much fun! Staff was great and the kids loved it!
A photo of Umaya restaurant
4.0
4 (769)
$30 and under
Japanese
Penn Quarter
About the restaurant
Umaya, where East meets West in a plethora of Japanese inspired small & large dishes. We focus on drawing from the simplicity of flavor in fresh ingredients, while giving it a Western flair. Specializing on the popular Japanese ‘street food’ - think small 'tapas' style dishes that are easy to share amongst friends & family. Our Izakaya grill features a one of a kind charcoal brick that is imported from Japan & allows for the natural flavors of the proteins & vegetables to radiate.

Umaya elevates the typical 'beer garden' concept with hard-to-find Asian dishes. Our menu promotes friends, coworkers, family to enjoy their time together. We carry a wide array of Asian beer, sake & Japanese Whiskey, complimenting the tranquility of the restaurant. The menu will feature seasonal highlights; however, the time-honored staples will always be available. ‘Umaya’ directly translates to a ‘place that tastes good’ in Japanese; it is a place where you can go

Top review
Robert
Dined 2 days ago
Highly recommend for comforting ramen. Everything tasted great. This is a good "every day" restaurant without being overly expensive or fancy. Definitely worth the visit.
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