I love their food, but their service is HORRIBLE. First, the security denied me from going in, once I got in they took forever to take my order. They took forever getting my food and then rushed me because they were closing. Good food, but horrible service. read more

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

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

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

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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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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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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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

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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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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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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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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Shōtō is a must in Washington DC. We chose to do the premium omakase and every dish was phenomenal -- the best meal I've ever had. The service is attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere of the restaurant is unparalleled. The dress code is very simple: don't wear your gym clothes, a sweatshirt, and flip flops and you'll enjoy the best meal of your life. read more

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Food was amazing a bit expensive, but recommend you sit at the bar. Lads behind the bar were very attentive and were quick to make recommendations and beer refills. read more

Starting with the atmosphere, anywhere you sit here is enjoyable. The bar has great service, the tables in the dining room are spread out enough that you don't feel it is too loud or crammed. Speed of service is great as well. The cocktails were nice. We got the yuzu martini and the passion fruit martini and both were great. To preface, I typically do not eat a lot of sushi, in fact oftentimes I only have one piece to try and don't enjoy more. This was definitely the best sushi I've had. I very much enjoyed all of the dishes, but my favorites were the Yellowtail sashimi and spicy tuna roll. I would recommend this spot to anyone, and especially those who are picky with their sushi. 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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Vibes are 10/10 here! You can easily wait and sit at the bar if it's a small party. Ordered: Edamame- salty really good, overcooked 7.5 Pitikara hamachi maki 9- so good, spicy and fresh and creamy wasabi mayo Hamachi no sashimi ninniku panzo- 10 would eat it for my last supper Pirikara maguro maki - just a spicy tuna roll basic Chirashi maka - 7... it was okay , had green onion in center of the roll which was weird read more

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

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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cool ambiance. expensive. lunch menu with 2 starters and main, chose gyoza and yakitori stick with gindara cod bowl 2 rolls pirikara maki and tokushana along with torched salmon, like roku read more

Shoto has quickly become my favorite sushi spot in DC now. Everything we tried on their menu was an absolute delight. Definitely more pricey than I'd like for a day to day meal, but this hot restaurant is great for special occasions. The interior decor and aesthetic is such a dream. We ate so many great things, but I'd absolutely recommend the tacos, sushi, and tempura rock shrimp. Also I definitely recommend getting sake for pairing with your meal. read more

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First time ever at this amazing restaurant. My wife and I give it high marks across the board. The interior is beautiful, the wait staff excellent (shout out to Tahj) and the food amazing. We loved the way they timed our food over about an hour's time. It was wave after wave of perfection. read more

Shōtō - This is the dessert tray which we devoured. - Japanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The ambiance here is impeccable. Shoto is dark and sexy with tones of black and tan throughout. We were immediately and warmly greeted by the hostesses upon arriving. Our table was nestled against a wall with a beautiful backdrop of sake I believe. Very intimate and lively at the same time as we were also right next to the DJ booth. Our server got us started with drinks and eventually starters once we were ready. And here is the reason I deduct one star. The food and drinks were amazing. The atmosphere is one of the best for sure. Our server however fell off. It was quite a bit of time before we placed our entree orders. Like about 845-9pm and we sat down at 730. We had to let him know we wanted to order as we were starving. He just seemed off after initially starting out fun and attentive. We also had some issues trying to split our bill the way we wanted to due to the limit of four credit cards and we were a party of six. We had it all figured out - two people would pay double the bill evenly split by six. He said the system could only split evenly between the four cards only to find out later from the manager that wasn't correct. Big sigh as now it was too late to fix it as the bill was paid. To be fair there was some fault on our end with reconciling the bill, but that aside he misinformed us on how we could divide the charges and it all just became very complicated for our party. p.s. We also found out later from the manager that we could've used six credit cards. read more

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A nice place for special occasions! Make a reservation for sure to try this spot. We did the tasting menu which was good but not sure if it was completely worth the price. Food was tasty but not anything super special in my opinion but most people seem to love it. We did leave full which isn't something that can always be said from tasting menus- so that's a plus! Next time I would just order a couple individual items. The seared salmon was fantastic. As was the ceviche. Great service too! read more

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I had an amazing birthday experience here. The ambiance was outstanding. We arrived a few minutes before our dinner reservation, but we were seated as soon as we arrived. It was pretty much a full house with both the bar and dining areas filled to capacity. The ordering process was a little strange and the manner in which our food was served was somewhat different. We ordered several dishes, which appeared to be brought out one-by-one. The vegetables were served before the protein and the appetizers after the actual meal. There did not appear to be an organized flow to the process. The portion sizes were a little small for four people, so we had to keep ordering more food to ensure that we were all full. We also had some champagne to celebrate. The restaurant is so dimly lit that it was not conducive to many photos and I also did not want to keep using the flash to draw attention. We ordered the Kane, Nasu and Sake tacos, Mikkusu and Mayoga salads, Gindara, shitake mushrooms and a variety of sushi. Everything was good for the most part, but the serving process was not. At the end of the meal, they brought a dessert to the table for my birthday, I am not sure if it was included or separate. The table shared the treat. The churros filled with caramel were outstanding. The server was nice and knowledgeable about the menu. However, I would prefer to come back for drinks and appetizers instead of a full meal because I prefer my meals more structured. read more

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Had an amazing bday dinner. Great for date nights and special occasions if you're looking to splurge a little. Had 9 dishes, 2 drinks between 2 people and had to take the steak home. Each dish had all the tastes listed and you can taste the seafood. I am still having a hard time determining a favorite dish as they were all amazing. If I had to pick a least favorite it would be the chicken. It was super juicy but if you don't like a mushy/miso top, you might want to try their other dishes. The menu was quite large for a fancy place. Know that there's a dress code for this establishment.the service was super attentive and our waitress Amira was a pleasure!! Definitely make a reservation for Friday or Saturdays. read more

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If you're looking for a super cool restaurant with super delicious sushi, shoto is your spot! The restaurant has a very vibey ambiance with plants covering the walls/ceiling, low lighting, cozy booths, & a DJ. On top of the ambiance, service was great as well. So many different people touched our table - usually a sign of good service - and the food pacing was excellent. Speaking of food, the sushi was absolutely delicious! We tried the sushi tacos (pictured), several rolls, & a couple sushi pieces. My favorite was the scallop sushi with shaved black truffle on top - yum!! For drinks, we stuck to the wine list, but I saw other tables getting cocktails & they looked pretty fun too. I definitely will be back the next time I'm in DC! Food: A+ Drinks: A- Service: A- Ambiance: A+ read more

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

The service was amazing! Our waitress was extremely attentive and checked on us pretty often. She guided us through the menu explaining its best to order everything at once because the team brings the menu items out in courses. We started with the crab ramen, which was pretty good. I think there could've been a stronger flavor with the broth. But it was very creative. Then we had the shrimp and pork dumplings which were really yummy. The scallops were delicious, they were big and cooked perfectly. The sauce was really unique in flavor, a little sour at first but overall good. The maki rolls were my favorite of the meal. The caviar toro and the yellowtail both stood out as my favorites. The yellowtail had a crunch that was super unique and salty which I loved. For my birthday the team brought out churros with my name which was such a nice personal touch. They were fluffy and airy and the filling was too good! I loved my time here and will definitely be back especially for the sushi! read more

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