Koryouri Urara has been on my list ever since it first opened last year, and I finally experienced their 10-course tasting menu (which features a variety of Japanese comfort food) this past Friday. Even though I arrived 20 minutes late for my reservation, the staff was incredibly accommodating. I was seated and fortunately arrived before the first course. The interior is simple and without frills, almost cafe-like in its casualness. However, the staff was very hospitable and attentive, and the experience was engaging (with Chef Urara) and intimate. CHAWANMUSHI This was incredibly seaweed rich, which added strong "sea sweet" and umami. The egg was silky and soft underneath an abundant of warm and flavorful broth. Incredibly flavorful, but a bit too salty. Great course to begin with. SEA TROUT SALAD The salad was cool and refreshing, composing of a couple pieces of sea trout sashimi, sea jelly dressing, and cucumber. Flavors were bright and citrusy, also pretty herb-forward from the shiso mint. Very playful salad. SABLEFISH TEMPURA The sablefish tempura was light and perfectly crispy with buttery fish underneath. It was prepared with bits of seaweed for a subtle brininess, served alongside a creamy yuzu kosho sauce. The sauce was bright and lightly sweet with lingering yuzu notes. The flavors of fish and sauce worked harmoniously without being overpowering. This was definitely one of my favorite courses of the night. BLACK SNAPPER FISH The black snapper was clean and delicate, accompanied by blanched crown daisy on the side, which added a lovely earthiness and crunch. Both were topped with a nutty sesame dressing that enhanced the flavors of the fish and the slight bitterness of the greens. HARUMAKI The harumaki featured tender pork belly and crunchy lotus root wrapped with cheese and Tokyo leeks. Served with a side of rice vinegar and karashi (spicy Japanese mustard), it was the richest course thus far -- decadently fried but perfectly balanced by the sauce's slightly acidic tang. The contrast between the tender pork and the snap of the lotus root made every bite delicious and addictive. SASHIMI This course featured pieces of lean tuna (akami), fatty tuna (otoro), topped with uni from Hokkaido. The uni was incredibly creamy and on the sweeter side. While the akami was smooth, the standout was the otoro, which melted instantly in my mouth and was incredibly satisfying. On the side, the dashi-forward greens was refreshing and complemented the umami-rich uni perfectly. WAGYU The A5 wagyu was marinated in a savory red miso sauce and grilled right before our eyes. It was served with a vibrant side of celery and watermelon radish, which provided a nice crunch and a hint of spice. The beef was grilled to perfection -- tender, with a delicate char, it melted in my mouth instantly. The salad's bright, soy-based dressing paired well with the fatty marbling of the beef. MISO SOUP Unlike most restaurant-served miso soups, this version was incredibly hearty, packed with carrots, homemade meatballs, and lots of onions. It was sweet and flavorful, with a subtle acidity from the onions. Much more robust than your typical miso soup, it felt warm and homey. TAKANA MESHI This course was just as homey and unpretentious as the miso soup. The flavors were beautifully mild, highlighting light dashi flavors and subtle umami. Rather than being fried, the rice felt steamed, similar to a claypot preparation. This was a light, delicious conclusion to the savory portion of the tasting menu. The simplicity and homey flavors was so comforting it left me wanting more. Fortunately, there was still some left in the pot, and Chef Urara offered me a second serving -- say less. DESSERT To end the night, we were served green tea ice cream over a red bean base, topped with mochi and a drizzle of brown sugar syrup. It wasn't too sweet, and the green tea ice cream was very smooth and pleasantly tea-forward. The mochi was chewy without the excessive stretchy stickiness I don't enjoy. Very good. As we wrapped up the meal, we were served a warm hojicha, which was the perfect roasty-ness and strength. The courses were delicious and playful, often with heavier bases paired with something bright and refreshing to balance out the rich flavors. Overall, this was a phenomenal experience that I enjoyed on my own, and I would love to come back for a different tasting menu or for their sushi omakase. read more

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This is a review for the Sushi Omakase menu. The sushi was good, but the barebones decor and service and ridiculous alcohol prices mean I can't recommend it over other omakase restaurants (and its location in Georgetown is not as easy to get to). The omakase menu costs $120 per person (+22% tip and 10% tax) and requires an advance reservation with a $50/person non-refundable deposit later applied to the check. We visited on a Tuesday for the 5:30 PM seating with an advance reservation. The ambiance was disappointing. The decor is very sparse and does not feel like a fancy restaurant; it feels more like someone's kitchen. The vibe was very subdued because there were only four guests in the entire restaurant. Service was also a let down. The sushi chef had very little showmanship. He quietly told us the name of the fish he was serving, and that was it. The other server only refilled water and brought one round of drinks. They did not give us a printed menu at the end. The lackluster service was unacceptable for 22% auto-grat. If the decor and service were better, this could have felt like an exciting, intimate experience. Instead, it just felt a bit sad. The alcohol prices are completely out of touch with the restaurant atmosphere and the omakase pricing. No sake bottle was under $100, no glass of wine was under $20, and it was $14 for a basic Orion beer. I normally order at least two drinks at dinner, and we only ordered one per person. It seemed the other couple was similarly holding back. I was shocked at the pricing. The sushi itself was good. There were about 18 courses, including one dessert course that came with some tea. I took photos of many, but not all, courses. They were mostly nigiri and also one soup; one small bowl of fish, roe, and egg; one oyster; and one handroll. The sushi quality might be on par with other omakase counters, but the decor and service is not. Cannot recommend. read more

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One word, Immaculate. The food was flavorful. With every bite there was a span of flavors. I really enjoyed the texture of some the dishes. For example, one dish that stood out was the Toro Tatsuta Age. What stood out was the tenderness of the chicken. I have never in my life had chicken that melted in my mouth. The staff were friendly and informative. I will definitely be coming back in the future to test out the new menu. read more

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I had a wonderful experience with the tasting menu! The staff is very kind and explained each dish properly. They also made sure everyone was full which was nice offering some extra rice for those who still had room. Everything was so flavorful with all the different sauces! I loved the different types of meats and being able to watch the chefs cut and prepare everything in front of you. The inside is small and intimate with both counter and table seating. There's no waiting room so you aren't able to show up to your reservation time early. I definitely want to come back to try their omakase experience! read more

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Love the meal here! I can't say enough great things about the food. The flavors are perfection IMO. We had the chef counter dinner with Chef Urara. This isn't our first experience with her from Kappo so we were excited she opened her open restaurant and to try it. It's a more casual Japanese dinner experience versus a fancy upscale place which was refreshing in the stuffy high end DC food scene. Every dish is executed with perfection in flavors and textures. We decided to not take pictures of our meal to be present and just enjoy it for my husband's birthday but every dish was memorable. Can't wait to return for more with Chef Urara! read more

So good. I really enjoyed our time here. Minimal decor and restroom. Small space, but I loved their tableware. Interesting that they do wine pairings instead of sake, and it's clear they've carefully curated the list. I appreciated their ability to sub out the dessert for me due to my allergy. Every dish was unique, flavorful, and carefully prepared. My personal favorites of the courses: wafu fish and chips, scallops, chawanmushi, curry, and the chilled cream soup. Chef Iwasaki was super welcoming and down to Earth, and service was great. I think the meal is also very reasonably priced, we left pretty full. Excited to come back in the fall for their upstairs sushi omakase. read more

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What an unforgettable tasting experience curated by Chef Urara Iwasaki. I celebrated my birthday here and truly couldn't have chosen a better spot. No regrets at all. The 10-course tasting menu was a beautiful expression of Chef Urara's interpretation of Japanese comfort food, and every dish felt like a work of art. The atmosphere: The space is intimate, with bar seating and a few tables in the dining room. While the decor is minimal, the wall behind the chef's counter is lined with beautiful bowls and plates that add a touch of charm and elegance. The food: I almost cried after every dish because it was THAT good. Chef Urara clearly pours her heart into each creation, and it shows. I especially appreciated how she thoughtfully explained the ingredients and where they were sourced. Personal standouts for me were the Chawanmushi and the Roast Wagyu. Both were absolutely divine. The service: Truly exceptional. The staff was incredibly warm, attentive, and welcoming from start to finish. They made the evening feel even more special. Street parking and nearby garages are available. We had no trouble finding a spot on a weekday evening, though it may be more challenging on weekends. read more

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Incredible omakase newcomer: super balanced, fresh, yet luxurious dishes with a perfect progression from lobster chawanmushi to wagyu beef and grilled fish and eel rice mochi with red bean ice cream. There wasn't a single dish I didn't love. Very friendly, helpful, and laid back service with knowledgeable chefs at chefs counter and a smaller yet excellent wine list (no cocktails or beer). This is a real gem. read more

Koryouri Urara - Japanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Stopped in for a solo date based on a TikTok recommendation and had a lovely evening, however...was super not impressed by the actual food. Now I'm not sure if it was because I had the pescatarian omakase...but was hoping for more sushi and sashimi instead of cooked options. I will say, the staff was great and the space is very very cute and after a few discussions with my waiter, I would come back to try more of their menu w read more

Food 4.5/5.0 Service 3.5/5.0 Value 3.5/5.0 Decor 3.5/5.0 Overall 4.5/5.0 Very nice spot. Food was quite good. Service was good but not very crisp, which in many ways is appreciated. I thought the pricing was very reasonable; you're really not paying much for service and decor here. They deserve to be harder to book. read more

Koryouri Urara is a hidden gem in Washington, D.C. Dining here feels like stepping straight into a cozy restaurant in Japan -- from the warm, intimate atmosphere to the exquisite presentation of every dish. Chef Urama pours heart, creativity, and meticulous care into crafting each course, introducing diners to the soul of Japanese home-style cooking with a refined, modern twist. I visited with friends at 8 p.m. on a Tuesday and, to our delight, we had the entire restaurant to ourselves -- a rare treat that made the evening even more special. Every dish was incredibly fresh, balanced, and bursting with flavor. It's clear that nothing leaves the kitchen without Chef Urama's personal touch. Koryouri Urara now firmly holds a spot in my top three restaurants in D.C., and I'm already counting down the days until I can return for their fall omakase. Arigato, Chef Urama -- we'll be back soon! read more

Koryouri Urara - Super fresh sashimi & Uni - Japanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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When we heard the chef was previously with Kappo, we were a bit concerned as we had left that restaurant not full and therefore had concerns here. Glad we gave it a try as it is certainly not the case! Similar to chef urara's prior establishment, you are seated right on the dot for your reservation - no sooner. Each course seemed to be thoughtfully composed and crafted, and of course, tasted delicious. The duck salad was probably some of the best-cooked duck we have ever had. Also appreciated the wide variety of dishes within the 10 courses. One downside to consider working on would be the timing between courses and wine pairings. Each course does not take long to consume, and the staff is behind setting up the next course's pairing. Guests not drinking must wait for everyone's pairings to be poured before the next course can be served, which is inefficient. Otherwise, a great meal. It was great to see some familiar faces of staff who came from Kappo. We will be back to try another menu offering. We were advised the menu changes monthly. read more

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10-course tasting menu / kaiseki for the first 7 courses, each bite brought me to heaven. some of the best steak i've ever had and the seasonal fish was amazing, paired with ikura. damn. and the uni was indulgent, buttery and soft. miso soup and the eel rice were just alright. the ice cream dessert was incredible too. service could've been better: there was a long wait even though there are only 2 seatings read more

Koryouri Urara - 10-course - Japanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Koryouri Urara is a great addition to the DC fine dining omakase scene. They deserve to be recognized for their tasting menu and creative flair. A few insights: If your reservation is at 5pm which is when they open don't attempt to enter earlier, space is limited and you will be asked politely to come back at 5pm sharp. Parking is sometimes challenging due to the areas limited residential street availability close by. If you want to experience the omakase dinner 18 course sushi experience , you must reserve by emailing them directly instead of booking through Resy. The Resy app only books for the tasting menu experience, which is a 10 course meal with a variety of Japanese delights including comfort foods that was carefully crafted with style. The chawanmushi starter was one of the best I have ever tried, the taste was perfection and you will enjoy the complexity of each flavorful bite. I was engaged after that and really keen on the explanation of each course by chef Urara, she was very accommodating and even was able to substitute a request to deviate from the tastings that was unexpected due to a personal preference, very impressive. Each course was very well plated and I could tell chef Urara has great precision with a distinct palate of taste that I can appreciate. I couldn't help but wonder what was on the omakase menu on the other side of the counter which was going in simultaneously, although our hand picked choices presented by chef Urara was so well executed. We should definitely have to try the omakase menu next and will visit again! read more

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This is the perfect 5 out of 5 Japanese Cuisine Experience. The service PERFECT. The atmosphere PERFECT. The food, heaven in every bite! The chefs were friendly, knowledgeable and experienced! I felt as if I was hosted at their home. Seasonal menu changes will make you want to come back for more ! read more

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The owner chef was willing to take us on late on a weekday night and it was unforgettable. Best sushi is G'town!

I don't know why someone could give less than 5 stars for this place but I guess she doesn't know what she's talking about. Service was impeccable. Food was 12/10. I'm Japanese who grew up in Japan eating Japanese food 7 days a week, and this is the best Japanese food I've had in DMV. Yes, the steak was amazing, and yes the sashimi was just melting in my mouth, so the quality is so high up there, but what I'm most impressed with is the balance of each dish, how you can maintain the taste of the main ingredients but also enhancing it by adding some contrast. I'm sure they will get rave reviews for the beef and fish, but for me, it was the first course, chawanmushi - the delicate balance of the taste and texture was "chef's kiss" (insert chef's kiss emojis here) - Chef was amazing, each dish was outstanding, and the service staff went above and beyond. We are so full from the 10 course meal - couldn't even finish the dessert!! They are supposed to open up a patio for more casual food and beer in July, so I'm definitely coming back for that. Highly recommend this place for memorable evening - we were there for our anniversary dinner, and they definitely made it very special for us. read more

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This is probably just the second review I have posted on Yelp. Chef Urara is incredible. One of the best omakase tastings we've had in the DC area. Even compared to some we've had in NYC, LA, Las Vegas, Korea, and Japan ... Chef Urara is special. Her food is well-balanced, highlighting the flavors from fresh ingredients, and with the best sauces and pairings. You will not regret enjoying a dinner here. read more

Fantastic new restaurant! The experience and food were amazing. Each course left me and my partner wanting more. We got the wine pairing and the service was delightful. The ambiance is nice and quiet as there are only a few seats at the bar. read more