Nagomi Izakaya - Washington DC

We arrived on time, but it took about 30 minutes for our orders to be taken. I specifically wanted to order something—just about anything—that didn't contain pork. However, the waiter repeatedly brought us three different dishes, all of which had pork in some form, despite my request each time to switch them out. It seems like everything on their dinner menu must include pork. The food itself was bland, and while the staff was trying their best, they were clearly understaffed. Overall, I wasn't impressed with the experience.

Overall, this hidden gem of a Japanese restaurant deserves a perfect 10 stars. I spent a good amount of time this morning reading reviews, looking at pictures, and studying the menu before deciding to stop by for lunch today. If I hadn’t had a flight to catch, I would have come back for dinner! It makes me really sad that I don't live in DC; I wish I could just drop in whenever I wanted. I had never tried toro or a negitoro bowl before, and it certainly exceeded my expectations! I ordered a side of spicy sauce, which was excellent—not the typical spicy mayo or sriracha, but more like a flavorful chili oil. The salad dressing was made with fresh ginger, adding a nice touch. As a petite Asian, I also appreciated the generous portion sizes. If you're thinking about eating here, just go for it!

I visited for an early lunch on Friday and didn't have to wait for a table. I ordered the spicy seafood don, and it was absolutely delicious, though I wouldn't personally describe it as spicy! My friends had the mackerel and the unagi, and they really enjoyed their meals. I could tell they loved the atmosphere of the place. Just a heads-up: the bartender wasn't there for lunch, so keep that in mind if you're thinking of ordering a cocktail.

Cozy and inviting Japanese restaurant located in downtown DC. My dinner was both delicious and reasonably priced! I highly recommend the spicy salmon don; it’s perfect if you enjoy sushi but prefer less seaweed or want a little extra with your sashimi. On the Tuesday night I visited, my server, bartender, and host, Shinge, was attentive and handled everything seamlessly. Their goal is customer satisfaction. A pro tip: they keep the Suntory whiskey in the fridge, making it exceptionally smooth—definitely consider ordering a double!

Delicious Japanese pub-style dishes. The Hokka fish was definitely a highlight, as it's not commonly found in many restaurants. The atmosphere is small and cozy, without any frills. It's a fantastic spot to unwind after work with some drinks and a meal with friends. My only suggestion would be to offer a wider selection of Japanese craft beers.