Sushi Nakazawa, Washington, DC

Rating:

 4.7

Cost:

$100 – & up

Luxurious, Japanese omakase meals served in cozy, dark wood & gold surrounds, with a sushi counter.

Sushi Nakazawa

Discover Sushi Nakazawa in Washington, DC

Sushi Nakazawa in Washington, DC, stands out as a premier Japanese dining destination, specializing in meticulously prepared omakase meals that highlight fresh, high-quality ingredients. The restaurant features an elegant ambiance with cozy dark wood and subtle gold accents, creating an intimate setting perfect for savoring authentic flavors. Guests can enjoy expertly crafted dishes that emphasize exceptional textures and tastes, drawing from traditional techniques and premium selections air-shipped from Japan. Complementing the meals are thoughtful beverage options like teas and Japanese spirits, enhancing the overall refined experience. This spot is ideal for those seeking top-rated sushi experiences in the heart of the city, making it a go-to choice for sushi enthusiasts exploring local Japanese cuisine.

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What Visitors Are Saying

Visitors often praise the incredibly fresh fish and skillfully made pieces that deliver a satisfying, traditional sushi vibe, making it a standout option for anyone craving quality Japanese fare nearby. While most appreciate the attentive service and engaging atmosphere, especially at the sushi counter, a few mention that the overall experience can feel a bit formal or inconsistent at times. Many highlight the well-planned courses and variety in flavors, noting it's a treat for groups or solo diners looking to indulge in authentic tastes without over-the-top extras. Overall, it's seen as a solid pick for those hunting for the best sushi around, with the consensus leaning toward its value for anyone passionate about genuine, flavorful dishes. If you're in the mood for a reliable sushi adventure, this place delivers a memorable meal that's worth checking out.

Summarized by AI using the Grok-3-Mini model.

Address & Phone

Northwest Washington
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC, DC 20004
(202) 289-3515

Wheelchair Accessiblility

Entrance:Restroom:

Parking Options

Free parking lot:Paid street parking:Paid garage parking:

Payment Options

Accepts credit cards:Accepts debit cards:Accepts nfc:

Reviews

  • Huong Nguyen  5

    The sushi is so fresh. Their fish products are air shipped directly from Japan. It was the best sushi we had in the US. Every single piece was carefully crafted.

  • Quynh Nguyen  3

    I was so excited to try Sushi Nakazawa because of its Michelin star and raving reviews, but I was thoroughly disappointed, to say the least. Out of all the omakases I’ve tried, this was pretty a pretty subpar experience. While the fish was extremely fresh and high quality, and every bite was truly delicious, the positives end there. Once you get to this price point, you’re not just paying for the food anymore, you’re paying for the experience. And spoiler alert, you won’t get that here. The service was extremely lackluster, especially from the moment you walk in. They seriously need to reconsider whoever they have working the front desk. She was extremely unwelcoming and frankly, just outright rude. We walked in and were not even greeted before we received a cold “do you want me to take your jacket.” Really? Our waiter on the other hand was very friendly and helpful with drink selections. Also, the chefs were extremely distant, if that makes sense. For every bite, they would serve you the piece and then mutter the name quietly, leaving you to wonder what exactly you were eating. I paid extra for the sushi bar to get a personal “experience” with the chefs, but honestly I would’ve had the same experience at a table with how impersonal it felt. I’ve had a much more intimate and interactive omakase at places that cost half the price here. And considering it has a Michelin, I think it’s completely unacceptable and undeserved. You leave not learning a single thing about any piece you’ve eaten, not their names, ingredients, or origin. You might get the fish name, if you can hear the chef. One other qualm I have is that, while delicious, I feel like the nigiri here is quite boring. There was nothing truly “extraordinary” or “creative” about the dishes served here. Every piece eventually just tasted the same. Same rice, same sauce, just a different type of fish for every bite. However, I’m aware this may just be more of a “traditional” type of omakase, so I’m not deducting any stars for this reason. Just something to keep in mind. If you’re looking for a contemporary take on sushi or just more creative innovations, look elsewhere, because you won’t find it here.

  • Helen Williams  5

    WOW!!!!! This restaurant is the epidemy of fine dining in DC! The service itself was phenomenal - all four servers manning the dining room very present, engaged and circulated each of the tables with great precision. Each table setting was reset prior to the upcoming setting - used dishes were removed, beverages were refilled and tables were wiped down. Never once did I feel I had to hunt someone down - there was always a server eager to answer a question or assist with a request. The food was also TOP notch! I ordered the classic omakese w/ one added supplement. While there is an upgraded version of the omakase available I thought the classic was PERFECT! The flights were well planned, appropriately spaced out, and delicious. All in all, I fully intended to return to Sushi Nakazawa in the near future. The wine by the glass selection is also amazing - while expensive for the amount poured, the quality of the every wine served in unbeatable. A few tips to share with future diners. Online reservations are not released at the same time for solo diners as are for tables with 2+ diners. Solo diners may make there reservations online about a week prior to their preferred date. Wine portions by the glass are VERY small - each pour may be at most 4 ounces - so if you intend to drink more than 8 ounces of wine/sake I would highly suggest ordering a full bottle instead - it will save you a tone of one at the end of the meal. Personally I would opt for the sushi table experience versus the dining room experience. While yes you do see the staff preparing each piece live, the entertainment value of the sushi table isn't that marginal compared to the regular dining experience.

  • DJ KULADE  5

    Every bite was a masterpiece and as soon as we walked in we were captivated. The ambiance was refined, and the service was impeccable. The curated selection or delicate pieces showcased incredible artistry and a deep understanding of flavor. Each piece was a shocase of textures and tastes. This is sushi culinary genius. This is hands down a top tier sushi experience.

  • E  4

    Excellent Omakase, we sat at the counter which was a fun experience. At $190 for the regular Omakase, we enjoyed a great variety and a very traditional lineup of ~15-20 pieces of nigiri and one handroll. I’d describe the vibe as a little intense, but definitely a treat for sushi lovers — very fresh, outstanding flavors and textures. There is also a Super Omakase option for $310 and other add ons / upgrades like Wagyu beef. The tea selection was great and they appeared to have one of the larger Japanese whiskey selections I’ve ever seen. Thank you!