Whether you’re craving warm ramen on a rainy day or looking for an upscale omakase to celebrate a special occasion, Washington DC boasts a wide selection of Japanese restaurants to fill your needs. From an intimate and cozy spot serving classic comfort foods to a super fancy MICHELIN-Starred tasting destination, you can find all types of experiences when you book a table at a best Japanese restaurant in DC.
Gab the night away over grilled skewers at a modern-day izakaya in Penn Quarter. Grab your cocktail and drink in epic rooftop views on the Southwest Waterfront. Or be one of the lucky few to experience a Japanese tasting menu at a two-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant in the U Street Corridor.
Book a table at one of the best Japanese restaurants in DC on OpenTable today.
Read on to discover the 8 best Japanese restaurants in DC right now.
For Japanese comfort foods in the wee hours of the night — head over to Chaplin (Shaw)
Chaplin channels the golden age of silent films with a lively, retro vibe and a killer Japanese menu of ramen, dumplings, and inventive cocktails. Locals rave about the restaurant’s signature ramen, packed with rich broth and tender pork belly, while the gyoza and rich curry bowls keep the flavor coming. The buzzing bar, playful decor, and late-night hours make it a top spot for a casual date or a fun night in one of DC’s best Japanese restaurants.
For shareable Japanese street food paired with sake — don’t miss Umaya (Penn Quarter)
Tucked right behind the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, Umaya brings the vibrant energy of a Tokyo izakaya to DC’s dining scene. The wood-paneled interior sets the stage for masterfully crafted sushi rolls and innovative street food-inspired plates. Don’t miss favorites like spicy miso ramen and crispy kara-age chicken paired with an impressive sake selection.
For light bites and cocktails with gorgeous rooftop views — book a table at Moonraker (Southwest Waterfront)
Perched atop the Pendry Hotel, Moonraker brings high-end Japanese dining to Washington, DC. with breathtaking rooftop views of the waterfront. This sleek, modern lounge specializes in small bites, including expertly crafted sushi, fresh sashimi, and signature rolls. The cocktail program shines with Japanese whiskey and sake selections, making it a go-to for date nights or stylish gatherings.
For upscale French-Asian mashups from award-winning chefs — check out Le DeSales (Downtown)
Le DeSales is a destination for its contemporary American-French-Japanese cuisine thanks to the teamwork of MICHELIN-pedigreed chef Raphael Francois and award-winning sushi master Noriaki Yasutake. Duck pâté sits alongside fresh hamachi crudo on the menu. Order a flawless roasted chicken with signature sushi rolls to start. A robust cocktail and wine menu, including lots of Japanese whiskey, round out the high-end experience.
For major Japanese night market vibes at a best Japanese restaurant in DC — go to Daikaya 2F The Izakaya (Penn Quarter)
While the popular first-floor ramen bar is for walk-ins only, you can book a table at Daikaya’s Izakaya on the second floor. A tribute to Tokyo’s bustling night markets, the moody dining room and bar are just begging for a romantic night while enjoying umami-filled pasta, grilled meat and vegetable skewers, and Okinawan-inspired rice balls. Toast with glasses of sake. Just note if you’re dining at the Izakaya, you can’t order ramen from below.
For a pre-nightclub dinner in a best best Japanese restaurant in DC — hit up Tokyo Pearl (Dupont Circle)
A sleek hotspot in Dupont Circle, Tokyo Pearl brings vibrant Japanese flavors and a lively vibe to D.C.’s dining scene. Known for playful, creative Japanese-inspired starters like tuna nachos, sushi rolls, and expertly crafted cocktails, this stylish bistro and cocktail bar blends tradition with a modern bend. The expansive outdoor patio is made for warm summer nights, while the neon-lit bar keeps the energy high so you can head next door to their nightclub to dance the night away.
For a fancy MICHELIN-Starred tasting menu at a best Japanese restaurant in DC — book a seat at Jônt (U Street Corridor)
A two-MICHELIN-Starred gem in D.C., Jônt provides an unforgettable omakase experience with precision and artistry, making it an ideal spot for special occasions. This intimate, 17-seat counter showcases Japanese- and French-inspired tasting menus with the finest seasonal ingredients, from Hokkaido uni to A5 wagyu. Every dish from chef Ryan Ratino is a masterpiece, blending technique with innovation for a true culinary journey.
For a tasteful lunch break with all your Japanese favorites — try Toryumon Japanese House (Downtown)
A go-to for Japanese comfort food, Oryumon Japanese House brings genuine flavors to Downtown DC. This cozy spot is where you go when you crave Japanese classics like tempura, savory rolls, katsu, and Tokyo-style ramen, with some playful dishes like bulgogi buns. Thanks to its Golden Triangle location, it’s a big lunch spot with the 9-to-5 crowd.
Sushi flown in straight from Japan, handmade dumplings, and extraordinary tasting menus are just some of the top-notch dishes you’ll find at DC’s top Japanese restaurants. Just remember, the best places—especially those with limited omakase seatings—book up well in advance, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Reserve a table at one of the best Japanese restaurants DC has to offer by booking on OpenTable today.
To discover more awesome dining options in DC, check out these guides:
- 11 must-book Black-owned restaurants in DC
- 13 romantic restaurants ideal for date night in DC
- The 11 most beautiful restaurants in DC right now
Esther Carlstone is a travel and food writer based in Los Angeles. Her work has appeared in publications such as Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet, Forbes, Tripadvisor, Insider, and more. Follow her on Instagram @familyfieldtrip.
