Best Japanese Restaurants in Friendship Heights

34 restaurants available nearby

1. The Hamilton

4.7

Exceptional(11833)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 168 times today

The Hamilton, nestled in the heart of Washington, DC, stands out for its exceptional sushi offerings amid its diverse American menu. Patrons rave about the quality and variety of sushi available, with one guest exclaiming, "Even the sushi was way better than expected!" The restaurant's dedication to culinary excellence is evident in its daily Sushi Happy Hour, attracting sushi enthusiasts from all over. The ambiance, combined with top-notch service, makes The Hamilton a go-to spot for both casual diners and sushi aficionados. Whether you're enjoying a vibrant dinner or a quiet brunch, The Hamilton's sushi is a highlight not to be missed in downtown Washington.

A photo of Sushiko - Chevy Chase restaurant

2. Sushiko - Chevy Chase

4.9

Exceptional(1856)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Chevy Chase

Booked 34 times today

Sushiko in Chevy Chase stands out as a beacon of Asian cuisine, offering an unforgettable Japanese dining experience. Renowned for its "high quality fish and seafood, prepared creatively, and beautifully presented" (as one reviewer noted), Sushiko excels in delivering both traditional and innovative dishes. Patrons frequently praise the freshness of the sushi and sashimi, describing them as "the freshest and tastiest ... I have ever had" with servings that "just melt in your mouth." Executive Chef Piter Tjan's commitment to using fine ingredients and embracing both new techniques and the artful traditions of Japanese cuisine guarantees a unique dining journey. Whether it's the exceptional omakase selections or the beautifully crafted rolls like the Element roll, Sushiko offers a first-class dining experience that is consistently lauded for its excellence in service and quality.

A photo of Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: Georgetown restaurant

3. Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: Georgetown

4.4

Awesome(13837)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Georgetown

Booked 268 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Georgetown, Washington D.C., Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers offers an exceptional sushi experience that is as authentic as it is delightful. Patrons rave about the expansive menu, highlighting the sushi selection for its freshness and creative flair. One glowing review noted, "Went for Sunday brunch and it was amazing! So much food and everything was good... with hot pizza, sushi, and fried shrimp. Again, all amazing!" This restaurant not only promises a feast for your taste buds but also delivers a commitment to high-quality, scratch-made dishes, sourcing ingredients from trusted farmers and suppliers. Whether it’s the lively atmosphere by the Potomac River or the exceptional service, Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers in Georgetown is a must-visit for sushi lovers seeking a memorable dining experience.

4. Nobu DC

4.6

Exceptional(2273)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Washington

Booked 84 times today

Nobu DC, located in the vibrant heart of Washington's West End, is not just a haven for sushi lovers but also a top-tier destination for cocktail aficionados. This exquisite Cocktail Bar within Nobu stands out for its creative and delicious cocktails that perfectly complement the high-quality cuisine. Patrons rave about the "outstanding mocktails" and highlight the "spicy margarita and lychee martini" as must-try beverages. The atmosphere of the cocktail bar is praised for its "relaxing ambiance," making it an ideal spot for both casual drinks and special occasions. Whether you're there for the Yellowtail Jalapeño or a unique cocktail experience, Nobu DC ensures every visit is memorable with its exceptional service and a sophisticated setting.

A photo of Ocean Prime - Washington D.C. restaurant

5. Ocean Prime - Washington D.C.

4.8

Exceptional(4355)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 63 times today

Nestled steps away from the White House in the historic Colorado Building, Ocean Prime stands out as a premier Steakhouse in Washington D.C. Renowned for its quality and authenticity, the restaurant offers an exceptional array of perfectly aged steaks that satisfy even the most discerning palates. According to glowing reviews, the "food was AMAZING" and the service consistently "stellar," making every dining experience memorable. The 8oz Filet Mignon comes highly recommended, celebrated for its exquisite flavor and tender texture. Ocean Prime's commitment to an elegant dining ambiance and top-notch service ensures that each visit is not just a meal, but a cherished experience, making it a must-visit destination for steak lovers in the heart of downtown Washington.

6. Kyojin Sushi

4.6

Exceptional(420)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Washington

Booked 61 times today

Kyojin Sushi in Georgetown, Washington, DC, offers an exceptional sushi experience that goes beyond ordinary. With Chef Saran Kannasute at the helm, this restaurant blends non-traditional Japanese culinary arts with Thai influences and French techniques, creating a sushi menu that dazzles and delights. Reviewers rave about the freshness and innovative preparation of dishes, with one noting the sushi "literally melts in your mouth" and calling it the "best sushi in North America." The intimate sushi bar setting allows diners to watch as chefs artfully prepare their meals, enhancing the allure of Kyojin's sophisticated ambiance. The consistent high praise for both the inventive sushi and the exceptional service makes Kyojin a must-visit destination for sushi lovers seeking top-tier dining in the capital city.

A photo of Benihana - Bethesda, MD restaurant

7. Benihana - Bethesda, MD

4.2

Awesome(2614)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Bethesda

Booked 64 times today

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.

8. Chaplin

4.7

Exceptional(1581)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Shaw

Booked 56 times today

Chaplin's Restaurant & Bar in Shaw, Washington, is a must-visit for authentic and exceptional Ramen cuisine. With its 1930's Japanese Ramen House vibe, Chaplin offers a truly unique dining experience that transports patrons back to a different era. Executive Chef and Partner, Myo Htun, brings nearly three decades of Ramen cooking experience from Japan, ensuring each bowl is crafted with authenticity and deep, rich flavors. Praised for its "complex and hearty" broth and perfect noodle texture, Chaplin has also earned a Michelin Plate in 2020, solidifying its status as a top destination for Ramen lovers. As one diner raved, it's “the best ramen I’ve ever had,” making it clear that Chaplin is a standout in the D.C. culinary scene.

9. Jônt

4.9

Exceptional(107)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • U Street Corridor

Booked 9 times today

At Jônt, we are a team of young and inspired chefs taking down the walls between kitchen and guests and taking you on a culinary adventure. Immerse yourself in a progressive tasting menu focusing on the simple, yet luxurious, ingredients around the world with deep inspiration from Japanese cuisine.We challenge the seasons, navigate beyond the limits of time and break with tradition— getting playful with process and tricky with techniques at the intersection of place and possibility.Jônt has been recognized with two Michelin stars since 2021.

10. Zeppelin

4.8

Exceptional(733)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Shaw

Booked 25 times today

Zeppelin, nestled in the vibrant Shaw neighborhood of Washington, DC, is hailed as a haven for sushi enthusiasts, offering an authentic Edomae-style sushi experience. Patrons rave about the "excellent nigiri special," where each piece is thoughtfully seasoned to enhance the flavor of the fish, paired with "very good sushi rice." The happy hour specials and the inventive sushi roll combinations like the much-loved Zeppelin Roll make it a must-visit spot. Reviewers consistently praise its fresh, high-quality sushi, describing it as the "best sushi in Washington DC" and appreciate the attentive service and lively ambiance. Whether for a casual outing or a special occasion, Zeppelin promises a remarkable sushi dining adventure.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

G
glenn
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Wonderful Christmas Brunch! Service was friendly and attentive. Food was sublime! The yellowtail is a must! The seared salmon was also great!
More info
Nobu DCPrice: Very Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Washington
•
4.6
S
Scott
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Went for the Christmas Day Brunch and Dinner buffett as something different for achristmas this year. The food was great. Only complaint was that they needed to have larger plates of some of the featured meats so they didn't empty so quickly. They also had items from the kitchen that were walked around and offered by staff frequently. The wait staff and management team were incredibly attentive and friendly. The noise level was very loud, but that should be expected when a place is that busy, especially with a lot of families or groups of friends sitting around several tables. Overall, a great choice as a deviation from a normal Christmas breakfast.
More info
Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: GeorgetownPrice: Moderate• American• Georgetown
•
4.4
C
CharnetteVIP
New York City •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
This was our first time dining here and the food was delicious, the service was excellent, and I enjoyed the music.
More info
Ocean Prime - Washington D.C.Price: Very Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
•
4.8
C
C.VIP
Las Vegas •109 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We were greeted with a big smile at the front stand and promptly seated. This vibrant spot featured fresh, well-prepared sushi and an array of American and Italian selections. Every dish we selected was excellent. Though the place was packed and the noise level was predictably high, I had requested a quiet table when reserving and we were seated in a private booth complete with a door and coat hooks - the closest thing to our own dining room. The star of the evening was was our server Brian S. He was cheerful, informative, professional, welcoming, and everything one wants to insure a good experience when dining out. Kudos to The Hamilton - everyone got everything right!
More info
The HamiltonPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.7
J
Jeremy
Washington, D.C. Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 13 Dec 2024
So delicious, excellent staff and friendly atmosphere. They’re very accommodating to kiddos too
More info
Sushiko - Chevy ChasePrice: Very Expensive• Sushi• Chevy Chase
•
4.9

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Friendship Heights

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Best Japanese Restaurants in Friendship Heights

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34 restaurants available nearby

1. The Hamilton

2. Sushiko - Chevy Chase

3. Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers DC: Georgetown

4. Nobu DC

5. Ocean Prime - Washington D.C.

6. Kyojin Sushi

7. Benihana - Bethesda, MD

8. Chaplin

9. Jônt

10. Zeppelin

See what locals rave about

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