Japanese Restaurant in Washington, DC

For those looking to save, it's always advisable to check the major third-party delivery services that RAMEN BY UZU partners with, such as DoorDash, Seamless, Grubhub, and Postmates. These platforms frequently offer promotions like discounts for first-time users, free delivery on orders above a certain ramen amount, or seasonal deals that could apply to RAMEN BY UZU’s menu. Residents should enable notifications from these apps or regularly browse their "deals" sections. This newish-to-the-scene food hall boasts classic renditions of shio and miso ramen (plus a vegetarian riff) as well as one of the harder-to-find ramens in the D.C. Join us for Tanoshi Hours to experience Nobu signature cocktails with curated bar bites.
Whatever you’re looking for, these are the spots you should go when you’re ready to put your instant noodle days behind you. Sushi king Kazuhiro Okochi made his mark at Sushi-Ko, successfully melding Asian and Western ingredients, before bringing the winning formula here. The sushi itself is top-notch, featuring fish that is gorgeous and glistening, while the rice has a touch of sweetness unlike any you’ll find elsewhere. But should your tastes not include raw fish, there’s also a bounty of wonderfully cooked items on offer, including grilled baby octopus, coriander-crusted calamari and Asian-style short ribs. RAMEN BY UZU is an exceptionally suitable dining choice for locals in Washington, D.C., offering a compelling combination of authentic flavors, a welcoming atmosphere, and convenient accessibility.

The area is well-served by public transportation, including metro (the NoMa-Gallaudet U station on the Red Line is a walkable distance) and various bus routes, making it easy for D.C. For those driving, Union Market offers designated parking lots, though as with any popular D.C. Destination, it's always advisable to consider peak hours. The vibrant energy of Union Market itself contributes to the overall experience, allowing diners to enjoy their ramen and then explore other vendors, shops, and art installations. This prime location within a community hotspot ensures that RAMEN BY UZU is not just a place to eat, but a part of a larger, engaging outing for Washingtonians looking for a dynamic urban experience.
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.

Rather than adhering to any sort preconceived notions, the owners mix and match ingredients and flavors they find interesting and are constantly experimenting, and encourage their customers to do the same with their bowls. Chaplin has been open for holiday service, guests report Christmas Eve and holiday dinners there, but holiday hours can vary. Because hours and staffing may change for special dates, call the restaurant ahead of time to confirm service on a particular public holiday. Takumi draws raves from the suburban set for dishes like seared scallop with yuzu salt and a delicate chirashi bowl. Don’t be turned off by the unassuming strip mall location and neon signage; the restaurant is frequently bustling, and the chalkboard specials on the menu outside are worth trying.
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 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.

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.
Along with standard items like tonkotsu and spicy chicken ramen soups, Kaiju is enticing customers to ball out with a wagyu option, stocked with beef, chicken, pork, egg, and gold flakes—priced at $65.95. Satisfy those cravings and tantalize those taste buds by enjoying the best of Japanese cuisine at these must-visit restaurants in D.C.. From traditional sushi creations to hearty ramen bowls, keep on scrolling for some of the absolute best Japanese restaurants in and around D.C.. Founded in 2019, Zeppelin Restaurant & Bar serves up sushi and Japanese charcoal-grilled yakitori, paying homage to the Golden Age of the Great Passenger Airships. The restaurant features traditional Edomae-style nigiri sushi and an omakase bar led by Chef Minoru Ogawa — a Tokyo native, second-generation sushi chef, and owner of Sushi Ogawa. Trained under his master-chef father in the Nippori section of Tokyo, Ogawa carries on a family legacy that spans over 50 years, with both his father and brother renowned as master sushi chefs in Japan.

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours, to ensure the best experience at this culinary gem. From the moment you enter Oki Bowl, it’s clear that this restaurant is a little different from the typical ramen joint. The dining room is softly lit and  decked out with all kinds of decor, from flowers to old lamps. The menu breaks from the standard mold a bit as well—alongside miso and kimchi ramen bowls, there’s also a spicy Tom Yum option with fried shrimp, mushrooms, and bean sprouts. Pork belly, fried chicken, eggs, and vegetables are all available as add-ons (and when there is an option to add pork belly to anything, you should probably take it). If you’re a ramen-lover, then you’ve got to check out the bold and the brothy, Toryumon Japanese House.
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.

The Udon Carbonara is ideal for twirling and savoring with its creamy sauce, and the Dashi Fried Rice gets a savory depth from umami-rich broth. Don’t skip the Sushi combo for Two, so fresh the fish practically melts off the rice. Hearty dishes like the moist chicken-topped donburi or the well-seasoned salmon and eel bowl are straightforward and delicious, and the consistently fresh ingredients warrant a return visit. Tempura, mesclun salad, vegan stir fry, spring roll and sushi.
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.