Absolutely loved loved loved Shoto! Came here with a friend where we partaked in the omakase premium experience. Firstly, the vibe of Shoto is unmatched. It feels very intimate and the restaurant is very spacious. The Omakase experience is one I had always wanted to experience and I'm so happy I got to experience it here. All the food items that came out were delicious and I was so full by the time dessert came out. Service was amazing and our server was pleasant. She made sure we understood all dishes that were coming out and everything came out fresh and prompt. This is the best restaurant for a date night or an intimate birthday dinner. I can't wait tomorrow to come back. read more

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Amazing food Amazing service Amazing ambiance I had the sake tacos which was salmon small bite size tacos. Definitely recommend getting two or three for your appetizer. The beef tenderloin (forgot what they called it) with the potatoes on the side. The beef tenderloin was cooked medium well and tasted so good, don't let it it sit because it can get a little cold quickly. The potatoes were soft fried and had a nice kick with the sauce. I want to try the spicy lamb next time. Paired it with the kemuri cocktail, a mezcal that hints of smokiness but sweet. Ended with one scoop of mango sorbet. My date got the chicken skewers and the grilled salmon well done, it was good but a little dry. Ended with the chocolate fondue with vanilla bean that just melted in your mouth. Parked it all with a Long Island ice tea top shelf. Thank you TJ for serving us and being attentive. It's located right y the street so you can't miss it. You walk in and they have a display of all their whisky. It's intimate but they have plenty room for group settings. Loved the decor especially the fire windows. Can't wait to come back! read more

We had such a great time exploring Shōtō. We started with sushi and California maki rolls. The sashimi was very fresh, and the hamachi was my favorite. From there, we moved on to the skewers, chicken and pork, then grilled steak and scallops. And of course, there's nothing quite like the feeling of Wagyu beef melting in your mouth. It was a lot of food, but everything tasted so good that at some point, you just stopped setting boundaries and kept exploring. You can tell how adventurous everyone was by the variety of desserts we ordered. Some had a perfect Japanese twist, especially the matcha tiramisu and yuzu cheesecake. The interior and ambiance are nice, stylish without being over the top. I think it's a great place for team building or business dinner. read more

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Top notch elevated sushi dining experience. Came her with a couple of friends for a birthday dinner. The drinks were phenomenal including the nonalcoholic Habani which comes in a cute puffer fish cup. My friends enjoyed their martinis. We started with the hamachi crudo and pork belly skewers and shared three rolls between us. This was great for each of us to have some small bites but if you're hungry, go for an entree. The service was very attentive and our waiter took care of us for all it birthday girl (dessert with a candle). And the ambiance is definitely upscale and sexy. Dress up for this one! read more

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Came here on 6/28/26, had a reservation at 8pm and were seated immediately. The space inside is gorgeous but cramped and LOUD. This is not a space to grab food if you're trying to have a conversation. We often found ourselves yelling across the table and when selecting items to share we crammed ourselves on one side of the booth squishing other patrons. Otherwise this would've been a 5 star review. Our waiter was amazing, albeit a bit distracted at times because of his service area, and helped advise us on the items we were interested in. We had: Koika No Karaage - their version of calamari - 10/10 - lightly fried with the most amazing texture and paired with a yuzu mayo. For the price I wish the serving size was larger but that's my only gripe. Kani - 10/10 - snow crab with spicy mayo - 2 came with the order and they were amazing. The Japanese crest was the perfect contrast to softness of the snow crab. It was also seasoned well. Hotate Toryufu - 10/10 - the scallops melted in your mouth. Amazing. No notes. California Maki - 6/10 - my least favorite thing here. It wasn't awful but it didn't compare to the other things we had. Drinks - I WISH I could remember the name of the drink I had. Hands down one of the best drinks I've ever had and was paired with sparkling sake. Bathe me in sparkling sake, put a bottle in my casket, I want it with me forever. I would come back for sure but would opt to sit at the bar. It would definitely be easier to speak to someone sitting next to you than across from you. For the price you will not get full here but if you want to share some small bites of new food this is absolutely your spot. read more

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Always a pleasure to visit Shōtō whenever I'm passing through DC. I remember when they first opened and they have remained consistent since then. Top Tier food and excellent service per usual. The Miso Cod remains my favorite. read more

Shōtō - Japanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

My favorite dish there is the ceviche and the caviar. Goes perfectly together as an appetizer. Always ask for more Bellinis read more

Shōtō - Ceviche with caviar - Japanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is arguably one of my most favorite restaurants in the city. Let's come once or twice a month please! Date Night me here over and over again! Shōtō is one of DC's most striking Japanese dining experiences, equal parts upscale restaurant and high‑energy nightlife spot. The moment you walk in, you're hit with dramatic lighting, a sleek volcanic‑stone aesthetic, and a buzzy crowd that's clearly here to make a night of it. If you're looking for quiet, this isn't your place; if you're looking for a vibe, you've found it. The food is genuinely impressive. The robata‑grilled dishes are the stars, especially the short rib with chili‑soy glaze and the wagyu cuts that arrive perfectly caramelized. Sushi is clean, fresh, and beautifully presented; the hamachi and tacos are crowd favorites for a reason. The omakase is high‑quality, though ordering à la carte gives you more freedom to explore the menu's highlights. Don't skip the lobster tempura or the black cod gyoza. These are two of my absolute favorites! Service is polished and knowledgeable, though it can be a bit inconsistent on busy nights. The dress code is enforced, so come prepared...this is not a sneakers‑and‑hoodie kind of spot. Glam up! Prices are undeniably steep, and portions lean small, but the overall experience, food, atmosphere, and presentation, makes it feel like a worthwhile splurge for celebrations, date nights, or anyone who enjoys a lively, modern Japanese dining scene. If you want a quiet, traditional meal, look elsewhere. If you want great food wrapped in a high‑energy, beautifully designed setting, Shōtō delivers. Yes to this place! Over and Over AGAIN! read more

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We loved everything about this experience, from the knowledgeable staff to the each delicious bite. There's an entire wall of mini fire places and the entire restaurant has high ceilings with a mostly open floorplan. It's gorgeous. The seats are well arranged, close but angled and not overly intimate. We ordered the tuna & salmon tartar, ceviche, a pair of salmon belly tacos, an eel roll, two cocktails, and they gifted us a celebratory small sorbet dessert. Every moment felt perfectly curated and thoughtful. Every member of the staff was kind, swift, and knowledgeable. The prices are high and the portions are small, so be warned. Definitely will feel a bit of sticker shock but it's excellent for a celebration. Above all, the tartar was a crowd favorite and we cannot wait to return! read more

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Wow. This meal is absolutely perfect. It was so delicious, and the staff were fantastic. The restaurant is decorated perfectly and makes you feel like you are no longer in DC, but somewhere far away and beautiful. I definitely look forward to coming back soon. read more

INCREDIBLY good food but also extremely expensive! This is a great place the truly celebrate and indulge. read more

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We came here for a friends birthday dinner and everything was amazing! We were a group of 9 so everyone had to spend $150 pp. They have a chef options which serves cold and hot plates and you can do al la carte as well. There's a DJ that plays music. The ambiance is beautiful and not too dark inside. The drinks and mocktails are great! Our server was amazing as well! read more

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We went to Shoto for Valentine's Day and everything from the service to the food was absolutely incredible. We ordered the tuna tacos, wagyu tacos, shrimp tempura roll, beef ribs, scallops, sea bass, and wagyu gyoza and honestly, almost everything was perfect. The tuna tacos completely stole the show, easily one of the best bites I've had in a long time. My fiancee now calls this her favorite restaurant and wants to come back. Yes, it's on the pricier side, but the quality absolutely justifies it. Every dish felt intentional, flavorful, and beautifully done. The only thing I wouldn't order again is the California maki roll, but aside from that, the menu seriously delivers. read more

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I went to Shoto to celebrate my birthday, boyfriend's pick and it did not disappoint! The food, service and ambiance were amazing! I started off with a shot a tequila and the Shoto Toddy! Their version of a hot toddy but with hibiscus and tequila! So good, and I've been wanting more since! 5/5 We ordered the skewers (not pictured) and wagyu tacos, and spicy tuna rolls! All were 5/5, and the wagyu tacos were out of this world. So mini but mighty flavor and texture! Worth every bite! He ordered the salmon, he rates 4/5 , which was okay to me, but I enjoyed my Chilean sea bass 5/5! There was definitely feel and taste the jalapeño kick, but it's not spicy spicy! They topped the evening with a birthday churro 4.5/5 ensemble. Will be back for that toddy and tacos! read more

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My boyfriend took me to Shoto for our anniversary, and it was my first time going. I'm honestly still speechless. From start to finish, the experience was absolutely incredible. We were treated so well, and every single person who assisted us at our table made the night feel extra special. Our server, Ms. Thao, was phenomenal. She was knowledgeable, attentive, and took the time to explain the menu in detail, answering all of our questions with confidence and care. At her suggestion, we both had the Premium Omakase, and it was absolutely outstanding. Every course was thoughtfully prepared and truly an experience. You could tell she knew exactly what she was talking about her customer service was top-tier and made the night unforgettable. Cassandra was also amazing so welcoming and warm. From the moment we arrived, we felt we were in great hands. Thank you, Shoto, for such a beautiful anniversary experience. We'll definitely be back! read more

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The food here was amazing, we loved everything we ordered. The skirt steak was cooked perfectly and the sea bass had a lot of flavor. The yellowtail was also great. All of our cocktails were good and the servers are very attentive. Would highly recommend! read more

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My first visit to Shōtō was amazing! The restaurant itself is absolutely beautiful, but the person who truly stood out was BRANKO. He was attentive, funny, kind, and honestly made the entire experience unforgettable. I can't say enough good things about him. He made our first visit feel special from start to finish. The food was incredible. From the sushi to the sea bass and the lobster, everything practically melted in your mouth. Every recommendation BRANKO gave us, including the drinks, was spot on and so good. You can tell he really knows the menu and cares about giving guests a great experience. I will definitely be back! read more

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This place has a great vibe to it and there is a dj on the weekends. Aside from being beautifully decorated their food also has great presentation. It is priced on the higher end but it is an experience. On the handful of times I've gone it is reservation strongly encouraged. The bar tends to be packed and tables as well. read more

Shōtō - Japanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I had a wonderful experience at Shōtō! The service was excellent from start to finish -- attentive, friendly, and professional. The food was incredibly fresh and beautifully presented, with every dish full of flavor and creativity. The drinks were perfectly prepared and complemented the meal nicely, showing the same attention to detail as the food. The modern atmosphere and stylish decor make it a great spot for a special night out or a nice dinner with friends. Overall, Shōtō delivers on quality, service, and experience. I'll definitely be back! read more

Shōtō - Japanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We did the premium omakase at Shōtō DC, and honestly... it blew us away. Every single bite felt next-level. From the moment they brought out the first course, we knew this was something special. The pacing was perfect, and the chefs explained every course with so much passion. The fish quality and presentation were unreal, you could tell every detail was done with care. Between the flavors, the atmosphere, and the service, this was hands-down one of the best omakase experiences in DC. Pricey? Sure. Worth it? Absolutely. Can't wait to go back! read more

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Took my girlfriend here for her birthday and it was the right call. The edamame was a simple, well-executed starter -- nothing fancy, but it set the tone before the real highlights arrived. The toro tacos were a standout -- rich, buttery toro paired with a crisp shell, the kind of bite that balances luxury with a little bit of fun. We rounded things out with several maki rolls, all fresh and well put together, each one distinct enough that ordering a few felt worth it rather than repetitive. Beyond the food, the service made the night -- attentive without being intrusive, which is exactly what you want for a birthday dinner. The ambience matched too: romantic, trendy, dim lighting that made it feel like an occasion without trying too hard. Great pick for a celebration -- between the toro tacos, the maki, and the overall vibe, Shoto delivered on every front. read more

At first, I was put off slightly by my experience. I was dressed casually and a really great valet attendant said my athletic wear wasn't appropriate but my hotel was only 2 minutes away and I changed into a suit. When I returned, I had the impression that we all get from time to time and that's snooty hostesses that seem to get a power trip by telling people no tables are available and they make this declaration with no courtesy and a sense of joy and pleasure - it's one of the most off putting things and I note it often at higher end and hip restaurants. It is aggravating because I know their job is to be a host - and a host is supposed to make people feel comfortable. To their credit though, they watched me wait patiently and they eventually came back over to me and offered me a great seat at the sushi bar. Perhaps I was too quick to judge or I simply misinterpreted my initial experience. In any event, the meal was really great. The music from the DJ was spirited and it gave the place a really great and upbeat vibe. The restaurant is beautiful and modern, so I was immediately comfortable. The staff was awesome too. The dishes I ordered were beautiful, fresh, and for such a swanky place, it was a really good value. I certainly put the experience on par with Nobu and I am glad I went, changed into a suit, returned, and waited a bit after being told I wasn't getting a seat. I especially appreciate the door fella. He even came into the restaurant to check on me and that was really first class. As a recent appointee to serve as the Director of the United States Mint, I am trying to build a roster of great restaurants to bring visiting friends, family and guests while in DC and I will certainly keep this restaurant on my list. Being from New Orleans, I am spoiled with world-class restaurants at home but DC has become a great foodie city as well. Finally, what impressed me the most was at 11pm, when the kitchen closed, I got to see the exceptional work ethic of the kitchen team convert from preparing beautiful meals to a highly disciplined cleaning crew that took pride in making sure the food preparation area was gleaming and spotless. They were as prideful as they were thorough in tending to their nightly ritual and it was a privilege for me to watch them in action. Overall, an interesting night and a really great restaurant that I look forward to returning to in the near future. read more

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Had a lovely dinner at the bar when we stayed in DC for a night. They have beautifully crafted cocktails and great selection of wine to be paired with the perfect menu for sharing small bites. Enjoyed everything from Eel rolls and skewers to sushi and mini tacos. I think the price is little too bit of high side compare to the quality. read more

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Management staff very rude they don't know hospitality and hostility Walked in looking for a friend tried to talk to staff to ask them if there was more restaurant didn't get a response manager walked up to me told me i wasn't in there dress code that i needed to come back to the front to look for my friend followed me around the entire restaurant instead of helping me look for my friend was being rude hovering over me honestly the food is overpriced the experience is mid its crowded you have management staff behaving like they received a hospitality degree from a cereal box read more

My favorite restaurant of all time. Love this place for the vibe and aesthetic, but love the food way more. The consistency for the amount of times I've been here is the reason I come back everytime. Must try's; wagyu taco, miso scallops, skirt steak, and can't forget the lychee martini! read more

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Shōtō is a scene! It's elegantly designed and takes on a lounge vibe. Many people were dressed ready to hit the clubs after (and with a dj booth in the restaurant, it looked like Shoto could become a club. While pricey, the food was very tasty and they also a great selection of cocktails and whiskey. read more

The atmosphere is stunning in here! We really enjoyed the menu as well. Every dish we had was delicious and very creative. The only downside is the same as others have said, the service is slow although it does help you not feel rushed. We definitely will be back! read more

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I have been to Shoto a few times now and it never disappoints! The restaurant itself is super cute and trendy and offers a great ambiance -- perfect for date night or a night out with friends! Service is also outstanding! The servers are clearly trained exceptionally well and are so knowledgeable if you have questions. Now, how's the food?? AMAZING! The fish ceviche is some of the best I have ever had! It's so acidic but in a delectable way! The pork belly skewers are another A+ dish! They are so tender and the sauce is amazing. If you want a good drink, I highly suggest the lychee martini! read more

Shōtō - Seared salmon belly special sushi - Japanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Food - average sushi with fancy names and higher prices. Service was good, for a walkin Saturday night, they did well. Ambiance was vibes, cool, elegant but youthful and bustling. All in all, I wouldn't go back, and probably not recommend for quality of the sushi. Kyojin is much much better. read more

This place was awesome. Every part of my experience was perfect. There were huge ceilings with volcanic rocks strung up as a chandelier, a house DJ with some hard-ass beats as ambiance, super comfortable chairs and booths, and I haven't even started on the food. I've never been to what I would call a fancy sushi restaurant. I've been to medium scale places, like local spots that serve good sushi and decent sake, but they were not close to this place. I went with my family, including my cousin who reviews sushi on Tiktok. One day I'll be a famous food journalist just like her. I started with some tequila cocktail called the katana. It was sweet and cold and refreshing, with a bunch of different fruit juices and some japanese cola. We started with some edamame. I would not order this on my own because it tasted like all the other edamame i've ever had. It's kinda hard to make it taste any better. I guess the green beans may have been slightly fresher than what I'm used to but it didn't make much of a difference. Still good, just $10 more than Tokyo Grill in Memphis for the same food. My table mates got some of the Shoto tacos, which I knew wouldn't be great. They were tiny and apparently the taste was not worth its price tag. In terms of sushi, we got the Chirashi maki which was a mix of tuna, salmon, and yellowtail with avocado and salmon roe. We also got the spicy tuna. I remember liking both of them equally, and they were both 10/10. We also got tempura vegetables which were another amazing meal. I got a sweet potato and some enoki mushrooms which were so crispy and not too salty. Finally, we got miso black cod as requested by my grandmother who doesn't eat raw fish and the skirt steak. The steak was amazing and so tender. The sauce it came with was quite yummy, and it was way above my expectations for a sushi restaurant steak. The cod was fine but i don't really like cod much anyway. Overall this was the best restaurant I have been to in months. 10/10 would recommend read more

Love Shoto. I have been lucky enough to have been here a number of times and I always have a great experience. The food is terrific. It's certainly an upscale place but for what you get, the regular omakase is well priced. You really get a ton of all kinds of different food. It's not a traditional omakase. It has steak. It has sushi and sashimi of course but it has lots of other lovely, creative dishes as well and you leave feeling full in a good way. The cocktails are super fun and the service is among the best in DC. Jorge and his team took great care of us. You may have heard about the dress code, but it's not onerous. I personally like to be comfortable and I've never found it to be a problem. In addition, it's a chic place so you'll feel better if you're dressed up a little. Enjoy! read more

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Great dining experience! The restaurant is absolutely beautiful. I went for an early evening dinner on a Sunday. It was not crowded but I would still recommend making a reservation online. Service was great! Our server made some excellent recommendations. We loved our food. The seafood was very fresh! The only thing I would not recommend is the broccoli. Menu is pricey but consistent with DC dining. Allow time for parking. Overall, I would definitely return! read more

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The ambiance here on a Friday night is 10/10. We made a birthday dinner reservation and sat in the main dining room with the DJ that starts at 7pm. The vibe is classy and elevated. The service was very good and we never felt rushed. The cocktails were superb. However, we did feel the sushi was subpar compared to other establishments we have experienced. Especially their specialty roll was not anything special for the price ($$$$). Overall a great special occasion place or date night out for the atmosphere. read more

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Rushed, overpriced and underwhelming. Service was good, environment lovely. Seems designed more for the clubbing crowd -- small expensive plate and very expensive drinks (wine bottles marked up 6-7 times retail.) Our group strongly encouraged to all do Omakase, which allowed restaurant to put everything on group plates. It's really kind of Japanese fusion, not worth writing home about. Fish dishes mostly all pretty good, others lacked taste. A ceviche was just white fish in vinegar with bits of tasteless avocado. Could have been so much more, but was just -- less. Several with sweetish mayo-like dipping sauces. Almost tasteless meat brochette. Could have been so much more, but was just -- less. They served boring basic roast potatoes that made us want real patatas bravas. Could have been so much more, but was just -- less. Bothersome was that they kept the food coming without a break, not overloading the table but never easing off, so you always felt a little rushed to eat. Waiter immediately brought the check at the end without offering after dinner drinks, coffee, another rush. Check also adds 4% "operations fee" without any forewarning. Just more restaurant industry bullshit. Why would an "operations fee" be tied to the size of the check rather than per diner? read more

This was our first time dining at Shoto in D.C., and unfortunately the experience was disappointing from the start. We made our reservation nearly three weeks in advance and were still seated in a back room rather than the main dining area, which completely changed the atmosphere of the experience we were expecting. When we politely spoke to the Italian manager about it, he came across as extremely passive aggressive and dismissive. It genuinely felt like he didn't care at all about our concerns. He said he would "check" to see if we could be moved, but it honestly didn't seem like any effort was made. The food itself was good, but hospitality and customer experience matter just as much -- especially at a restaurant with this reputation and price point. Really disappointing overall. read more

I came here with two friends on a Friday night visiting DC and it ended up being such a fun spot! We had a later reservation which actually worked out perfectly, the energy was great, good music, and just a really fun vibe without feeling too crazy. They have three kitchens so everything came out fairly quickly. All of the sushi was phenomenal, you could tell the fish was really fresh and everything just tasted incredible. I would definitely come back here again when I visit! read more

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We really enjoyed our seasonal drinks at Shōtō! The cocktails were expertly crafted and the overall vibe was on point--definitely upscale but quieter than your typical spot, which made for a chill and relaxing experience. The decor really elevated the ambiance (I'm a sucker for a fake fire to set the mood--love that!). Only heads-up: there's a $100 pre-authorization hold on your card if you sit at the bar. Our tab was only about half that, so it was a surprise at first, but when we called, the manager was super gracious and explained everything. Just something to be aware of before you order a drink or two. Still, the service and setting made it a worthwhile visit. Would definitely return! read more

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Came here with a friend for my birthday dinner. The experience exceeded my expectations the moment I stepped foot in the door down to my last bite. Our waiter was Informed and attentive. Each dish was immaculate. My pornstar martini was perfect. The menu is extensive so will definitely have to come again to try other items. read more

Shōtō - Lobster - Japanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The sushi from this restaurant was simply awesome. I'm not a sushi conosour by any stretch, and I've really started eating sushi regular since last year. This restaurant has al different varieties, and I didn't follow everyone else's lead, instead opting for the sushi that I'm most familiar with. There were five of us, and everyone seemed to know more about ordering sushi than I did. The Clifornia Rolls was the most familiar option to me, and I ordered the large platter. The service was really great also, and our Server was focused on the details, and came by our table a couple of times to make sure we were alright. To drink I ordered their Tai tea and I even ordered a second tea halfway thru the dinner. The ambiance is perfectly subdued and there was nothing busy about this restaurant. I whole heartedly recommend the sushi here. read more

Shōtō - Japanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

First I know how pricey this place is but it is absolutely worth the hype. Everything we ate was amazing all hits, no misses! We sat at the bar and service was pretty good there. I love the atmosphere in there pretty elegant, feels grown. My favorite meals were the waagyu tacos, ebi no tempura, gyu to shishito no kushiyaki skewers. Wine was pretty good too read more

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