Authentic Japanese Ramen

You will find packs of seaweed, furikake seasoning, quality rice, and more! Since sushi is a popular food for social gatherings in America, the Tanabe’s wanted to introduce these materials and ingredients to people of different communities, including the wider Asian-American community. This neighborhood Japanese restaurant in Falls Church has soba in several formats, including a tempura soba dish (both a hot and cold take), yakisoba, and an Okinawa-inspired version with pork. It’s long since past the time when you needed to clarify whether or not you were referring to freeze-dried bricks of noodles resembling '90s era-Justin Timberlake when discussing ramen. Ramen has passed out of novelty and entered the daily culinary vernacular of DC’s dining public, but hasn’t quite reached the ramen near me saturation of a city like New York.
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.

Priced at $80 per person, brunch is available every Sunday from 11am to 2pm. Well-made drinks, an impressive listing of Japanese whiskey and a range of succulent Japanese fare highlighting robata-grilled preparations and sushi are the order of the day. Start off with the Toki old fashioned to accompany dishes that includes prawn and black cod gyoza, skewered chicken wings, soft-shell crab maki and yuzu cheesecake. The streets of Chinatown have been buzzing since the arrival of Japanese-Italian fusion spot Tonari on the block. And it’s warranted—the upstairs dining room feels like a lively celebration space and dishes run from unagi BBQ eel pizza to Korean garlic bread, many with a creative spin. A single, airy corn pizza comes with Japanese flour crust, crisp Detroit style puts ordinary pies to shame, and that garlic bread is rich with flavor.
This DC-based Asian spot is known for its busy takeout operation with the phone ringing nonstop, and after one bite of sushi at their Washington location, we understand the popularity. An unmissable gem in the bustling neighborhood of Adams Morgan, Sakuramen offers an extraordinary take on traditional ramen. Their menu boasts an assortment of ramen, including the fiery ‘Spicy Miso’ and a delightful ‘Shoyu’, each brimming with unique flavors.

Named “America’s Best Ramen” by Travel & Leisure, the small but fierce—think hipster vibe—storefront serves up Taiwanese-style Ramen dishes along with some tasty toppers and additional small plates. Other dishes of note are the Belly Steam Buns and the Kimchi, while specialty cocktails and sake complete the meal. The hours are currently a bit limited—understandable given its intimate scale—but this is Japanese food worth planning around, especially with that delightful homemade mint lemonade after a hot day. The pristine display of glistening fish behind the counter should tip you off—this affordable Japanese spot in Washington, DC has a serious fixation with freshness. After a complimentary bowl of miso soup to start, servers glide between tables offering dishes that showcase their daily catch (including the most generous salmon sashimi we’ve ever seen). KAZ Sushi Bistro has been a staple on our Japanese restaurant list for ages, but one thing it’s never been is pretentious.
Their flavorful bowls will warm up the soul, featuring the freshest ingredients, delicious noodles, and some standout toppings. You can expect a calming and welcoming atmosphere that’ll make you feel like you’re eating at an enchanting restaurant in the heartlands of Japan. As well as the ramen, we recommend getting something from the sushi menu, from avocado and tuna rolls to nigiri and sensational sashimi. At Ichiban, a mix of traditional Chinese and Japanese cuisine are prepared and served — alongside fresh, innovative sushi rolls — in a bright, modern space.
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.

Head to Daikaya in Chinatown when you're craving lighter, more traditional noodles. Hana Market is a beloved Japanese grocery store located on 17th St NW Washington D.C. Store owners Yoshio & Ikyuo Tanabe provide eager shoppers with various Japanese food, snacks, drinks, ingredients, and more!
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.

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.
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.

You can’t visit Hana Market and not try their housemade omusubi rice balls, a local favorite. Each rice ball is filled with flavors like salmon, tuna, chicken, and ume. Turn around the corner, and you’ll find the premade meals, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner at home. Take a closer look, and you’ll find yourself unable to decide which of the mouth-watering Mochi flavors to try first. We also recommend you try their premade food and frozen dumplings like gyoza and shumai.
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.