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Have It Their Way: Where to Find Omakase Menus in D.C.

Let the sushi chef make the decisions.

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Sushi connoisseurs know that an omakase menu is the way to go when price is no object. With omakase, diners put themselves in the hands of the chef, who chooses dishes that showcase the freshest and finest ingredients available.

In this update to Eater's omakase guide, featured newcomers includeO-Ku, Namaby Michael Schlow, and the polarizing (yet highly acclaimed)Sushi Nakazawa.There have also been some changes to previous favorites, including the closing ofMakotoin the Palisades.

More interested in a la carte offerings? Check out the hottest sushi destinations in D.C. righthere.

—Updated by Travis Mitchell

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Sushiko

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在restaur Sushiko品嚐菜單的餐廳ant, Kobo, is currently not taking reservations. In its stead, the main dining room offers two omakase experiences. A flight of six pieces of nigiri runs $30, and a selection of fresh sashimi is $45 per person.

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Perry's Restaurant

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Perry’s offers an omakase meal won’t break the bank. Chef Masaru Setsuraku’s 10-piece nigiri experience is $38, and the 20-piece sashimi option is $60.

Sushi Ogawa

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This sister restaurant to Sushi Capitol serves omakase starting at $100 at the sushi bar and $80 at a table. The typical menu includes 12 to 14 courses from chef-owner Minoru Ogawa, who trained under his sushi master father in Japan.

Sushi chef Minoru Ogawa
Sushi Ogawa [official]

Sushi Taro

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The Michelin-starred omakase counter at Sushi Taro rates among the best D.C. has to offer. It begins with a handful of small dishes followed by fresh sashimi and sushi. There is no fixed price, which allows the restaurant to be flexible with its ingredients and lets guests shape the pace and amount of food. Charges start at $180.

O-Ku DC

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The Union Market location of O-Ku’s small chain offers a modern approach to sushi along with a large selection of Japanese whiskey and other beverages at its upstairs bar and rooftop. Make an evening of it with the chef’s $100 per person progressive omakase. The restaurant also has locations in Charleston, South Carolina, Atlanta, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Nobu Washington D.C.

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This international sushi powerhouse is a place to see and be seen over bites of raw fish. The base-level classic omakase is $120 a person, and the upgraded chef’s tasting is $150. Vegetarians can take advantage of a custom meatless menu for $80, and couples can order the $125 omakase for two during dinner Sunday through Thursday.

Yellowtail with jalapeno
Nobu Washington DC/Facebook

Nama蘇shi Bar & Restaurant

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Chef Michael Schlow, known in D.C. for vibrant hangouts including Tico and Alta Strada, has brought his take on sushi to Mount Vernon Triangle. Take the guesswork out with chef’s selections priced at $30 per person for nigiri or $35 for sashimi.

Kaz Sushi Bistro

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Kazuhiro Okochi, or “Chef Kaz,” offers a variety of omakase options. Try the traditional tasting menu, which starts at $90 for six small dishes, a sushi course, and a dessert. An upgraded $120 deal is available, as is a full-on sushi experience priced a la carte. Diners are served a few pieces of premium fish at a time and can let the chef know when they’ve had enough.

Sushi Nakazawa

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Few restaurants are as highly acclaimed and polarizing as Sushi Nakazawa. Critics praise the world-class omakase from chef Daisuke Nakazawa and his D.C. protege Masaaki Uchino, where rounds of expertly-prepared fish wow sushi counter diners for $150 (the menu is available for $120 in the dining room). The location at the Trump International Hotel discourages some diners from setting foot there no matter how good it is.

Sushi Capitol

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Omakase at the popular Sushi Capitol is priced at $50 for the chef's choice of sushi, sashimi and rolls. An advance reservation is required, with a minimum order of two.

Yume Sushi

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Chef Saran Kannasute opened this restaurant at the tail end of 2018, bringing another omakase counter to Northern Virginia. The $85 menu is served at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Takumi

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Out in Falls Church, Takumi’s menu adapts to the day’s delivery of fresh seafood. it’s a flexible spot for different appetites and budgets. A tasting of six pieces of nigiri and a roll starts at $22, while 17 pieces of sashimi can be had for $40.

Sushi Hachi

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Sushi Hachi is feeding Southeast D.C. with a seven-course chef’s choice. Settle in with bites ranging from premium sashimi to smoked American wagyu beef for a relatively affordable $52 per person.

Sushiko

在restaur Sushiko品嚐菜單的餐廳ant, Kobo, is currently not taking reservations. In its stead, the main dining room offers two omakase experiences. A flight of six pieces of nigiri runs $30, and a selection of fresh sashimi is $45 per person.

Official

Perry's Restaurant

Perry’s offers an omakase meal won’t break the bank. Chef Masaru Setsuraku’s 10-piece nigiri experience is $38, and the 20-piece sashimi option is $60.

Sushi Ogawa

This sister restaurant to Sushi Capitol serves omakase starting at $100 at the sushi bar and $80 at a table. The typical menu includes 12 to 14 courses from chef-owner Minoru Ogawa, who trained under his sushi master father in Japan.

Sushi chef Minoru Ogawa
Sushi Ogawa [official]

Sushi Taro

The Michelin-starred omakase counter at Sushi Taro rates among the best D.C. has to offer. It begins with a handful of small dishes followed by fresh sashimi and sushi. There is no fixed price, which allows the restaurant to be flexible with its ingredients and lets guests shape the pace and amount of food. Charges start at $180.

O-Ku DC

The Union Market location of O-Ku’s small chain offers a modern approach to sushi along with a large selection of Japanese whiskey and other beverages at its upstairs bar and rooftop. Make an evening of it with the chef’s $100 per person progressive omakase. The restaurant also has locations in Charleston, South Carolina, Atlanta, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Nobu Washington D.C.

This international sushi powerhouse is a place to see and be seen over bites of raw fish. The base-level classic omakase is $120 a person, and the upgraded chef’s tasting is $150. Vegetarians can take advantage of a custom meatless menu for $80, and couples can order the $125 omakase for two during dinner Sunday through Thursday.

Yellowtail with jalapeno
Nobu Washington DC/Facebook

Nama蘇shi Bar & Restaurant

Chef Michael Schlow, known in D.C. for vibrant hangouts including Tico and Alta Strada, has brought his take on sushi to Mount Vernon Triangle. Take the guesswork out with chef’s selections priced at $30 per person for nigiri or $35 for sashimi.

Kaz Sushi Bistro

Kazuhiro Okochi, or “Chef Kaz,” offers a variety of omakase options. Try the traditional tasting menu, which starts at $90 for six small dishes, a sushi course, and a dessert. An upgraded $120 deal is available, as is a full-on sushi experience priced a la carte. Diners are served a few pieces of premium fish at a time and can let the chef know when they’ve had enough.

Sushi Nakazawa

Few restaurants are as highly acclaimed and polarizing as Sushi Nakazawa. Critics praise the world-class omakase from chef Daisuke Nakazawa and his D.C. protege Masaaki Uchino, where rounds of expertly-prepared fish wow sushi counter diners for $150 (the menu is available for $120 in the dining room). The location at the Trump International Hotel discourages some diners from setting foot there no matter how good it is.

Sushi Capitol

Omakase at the popular Sushi Capitol is priced at $50 for the chef's choice of sushi, sashimi and rolls. An advance reservation is required, with a minimum order of two.

Yume Sushi

Chef Saran Kannasute opened this restaurant at the tail end of 2018, bringing another omakase counter to Northern Virginia. The $85 menu is served at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Takumi

Out in Falls Church, Takumi’s menu adapts to the day’s delivery of fresh seafood. it’s a flexible spot for different appetites and budgets. A tasting of six pieces of nigiri and a roll starts at $22, while 17 pieces of sashimi can be had for $40.

Sushi Hachi

Sushi Hachi is feeding Southeast D.C. with a seven-course chef’s choice. Settle in with bites ranging from premium sashimi to smoked American wagyu beef for a relatively affordable $52 per person.

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