Can you really say $500 with alcohol and tip is worth it? Yes you can! The chef's tasting menu is the only true way to experience all the flavors and specialities and it's fully worth it. The A5 wagyu? The fatty tuna belly? The special tree that only grows one melon a year for me? Yes please! I'll be back! read more

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Fantastic place for omakase in DC by the Waldorf. 20 courses plus dessert? Yes. Hospitality at its finest, like I felt like I wasn't allowed to pour my own tea. My wife and I went to the counter experience and that was awesome. The chef explained to us what we are eating as we eat while he makes it in front of us. This is a must go and a must try. Favorite is the hay smoked salmon! read more

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Simply just, WOW!!! The food was incredibly good. Every piece of sushi was unique and different in ways I've never eaten before. The fish was so soft and fresh. I can't say enough good things. The service from staff was also top notch. They were filling my drinks every chance they saw and were always courteous to ask how the service and food was going. The menu is pricey, but well worth every dollar! read more

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Celebrating at Sushi Nakazawa: A Young Guest's Honest Take We visited Sushi Nakazawa in D.C. to celebrate my sister's incredible achievement--graduating at the top of her university class. While the overall dining experience was excellent, there were a few nuanced elements worth sharing for future diners. First, the sushi itself is hands down the best I've ever had. Every piece was incredibly tender, flavorful, and served with a level of finesse that truly speaks to the chef's mastery. There was no need for soy sauce or wasabi--the fish and rice stood confidently on their own. The meal was well-paced, and I left feeling satisfied but not overly full. It's easy to see why this restaurant holds such a high reputation and why their reservation policy is so strict. The quality absolutely lives up to the hype--10/10. Service-wise, I have to commend the staff for their attentiveness. Our water glasses were never empty, and the transitions between courses were smooth and seamless. We felt well cared for, and it was clear the staff operates with precision and professionalism. It's the kind of service that makes you feel justified in tipping generously. Where I felt a bit of disconnect was in the customer experience side. While the service was technically flawless, it lacked a certain warmth in our case. As guests in our early 20s, we couldn't help but notice a difference in how interactions played out between our table and others--especially older diners. Other guests were often engaged in more extended conversations, given more context, or even shared lighthearted banter with staff. In contrast, our interactions felt more transactional: a quick explanation of each dish and then onto the next. To be clear, we were not treated poorly--just differently. And as first-time guests who made a point to express our excitement and curiosity, we hoped for a bit more engagement. Given the caliber of the restaurant, it would have been nice to feel that same level of attentiveness in the customer connection--not just in the mechanics of service. Additionally, while we understand that the restaurant primarily celebrates birthdays or anniversaries, as seen by surprise gestures for tables near us, we were a little surprised that our reason for dining--a major academic milestone--was acknowledged politely but not celebrated in any meaningful way. It was a small letdown in an otherwise wonderful evening. All of that said, I would still absolutely recommend Sushi Nakazawa. The food is extraordinary, the service professional, and the setting refined. I would happily return. I just hope that as the restaurant continues to grow, it also considers how small gestures and genuine connections can make a memorable experience even more unforgettable. read more

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Decided to venture into the city for our anniversary & we opted for the omakase at the Chef's counter. We added an upgrade of caviar & wagyu. I'd rate the food a 5/5 & the service & experience a 4/5. As avid sushi lovers, we were skeptical on how impressed we'd be since our favorite sushi restaurant down the street imports their fish from Japan, but wow. It was truly the best sushi I've ever had. The quality is outstanding & the pairings with their sauces, Wasabi, mustard, EVERYTHING just elevates the already divine, fresh fish. My favorite bites were the eel, golden eye snapper, mackerel, & seared fatty tuna. The caviar upgrade was good, but certainly not worth the $45 price tag. Alright, now onto the service & experience. The restaurant itself is very small & we felt there was just an overwhelming amount of support staff bustling around for the size of the place. So keep in mind, if intimate & private is what you're going for, this isn't it. The counter is pretty packed & while the chairs are comfortable, they're just not practical. You can't easily get out to use the washroom, someone has to pull your chair out & push you in while you stand on the foot bar attached to the counter. There's another person that comes behind you & looms over your shoulder to talk about the dishes from time to time. It's honestly a bit startling as they can only come from behind due to the cramped space. Our sushi chef was definitely experienced, however just did not seem as friendly as the other ones (totally okay with us!). My husband had left for a moment to go to the restroom & our chef had placed the next dish, prawn, on my plate. I was waiting for my husband to come back so we can enjoy it at the same time but as I was waiting, the chef told me it was time sensitive & for me to please eat it. It honestly threw me off. I get some are meant to be eaten warm, but I feel like he should have waited until my husband was back to prepare it for the both of us. It takes all of 10 seconds for it to be prepared. He added candles to our dessert which was a nice touch. It's amazing watching the sushi chefs work. They're amazingly skilled. Overall, we feel like the chef's counter was great to experience once. The dining room looked very intimate & cozy & we'll definitely try that next time. read more

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I never wrote a review from a year ago. The only reason I remembered was because I'm going back to DC and looking for nice restaurants and came upon this one again and saw it had a Michelin star. I literally had no idea although the hefty price tag would have been the first clue. I just assumed because it was in the same building as the Waldorf Astoria that the real estate was high. Such nice people there and of course the food was phenomenal. read more

Sushi Nakazawa - My one picture - Japanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Wow! My boyfriend took me here on Valentine's Day, and I had an incredible time trying new things and consistently having my mind blown. We sat in the dining room and had 11 courses. I don't have the exact names but here is my best recollection: 1. Caviar from Germany with uni and sweet shrimp- my least favorite dish because the caviar was too fishy for me. It may be because I don't like caviar 2. Smoked Fatty tuna, Meddai with dried cherry blossom, Agesd Yellowtail-- smoked fatty tuna was INCREDIBLE 3. Cod milt-- I thought I wouldn't like it because it's the reproductive organs of a cod, but surprisingly good 4. Various cuts of salmon-- To die for 5. Scallop, big fin reef fish, tiger prawn, Maryland crab-- sweet and delicious 6. Sea bass, snapper, mackerel -- my first time having mackerel sashimi that wasn't fishy 7. Lean, medium, and fatty belly Tuna-- YUM! 8. Black truffle wagyu-- Top 5 favorite for sure 9. Uni over sushi rice with salmon roe-- So comforting!! 10. eel and tamago-- MMMMmmmm 11. Fruit and tea-- a wonderful end read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Sushi Nakazawa is a very upscale sushi restaurant that offers a sushi counter experience where you can watch the chefs make your dinner.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Sushi Nakazawa - Japanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Five years later I am back to Sushi Nakazawa - it has moved and gotten a Michelin one star for a few years. Tried the regular menu in the summer and the premium menu in December and now there is no going back. Wholeheartedly recommend the premium menu - not for the fancy cavier, toro, uni and wagyu beef dishes - but the added sashimi pieces. I would say it is a great bargain for the number of additional sashimi pieces you would get. They are just sooo good, all seasonal pieces and they bring out the chef's best techniques beyond the regular menu that pretty much stayed constant over the years. Also for the premium menu they get rid of some of the okay pieces in the regular menu (the blue crab piece and the cuttlefish piece for example - those are okay but I don't miss them that much!) Service is still very nice and you are allowed to add more pieces at the end of the meal as well. Steep price tag but well worth it! It was lovely chatting with the chef as well. read more

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Wow! What an amazing experience. I recently watched the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi about the foremost master sushi expert and was pleased to find one of his apprentices launched Sushi Nakazawa. I needed to see if it lived up to the craft showcased in the documentary and it did not disappoint. I came for lunch - joining one of their two seatings (11:45/12 and 1:45/2). The restaurant connected to the Waldorf Astoria had 12 seats overlooking the chef. Lunch was quiet, there was only one other guest, which gave me a great opportunity to enjoy the meal, learn from the chef, and truly appreciate his craft. It was amazing to witness the art and preparation right in front of my eyes. The ingredients were some of the best from across the global - a mix of domestic, Japanese, and other of the highest quality flavors and ingredients. They had an extensive drink menu (no cocktails) with a great selection of Japanese whiskey, sake, and wines from across the globe. Over the course of the 90 minute lunch, I learned about each dish, had 21 pieces of sushi, and was blown away by the flavor and ingredients. They offer a seasonal menu based on the prime seasons for the highest quality ingredients. I'm hopeful for a return visit for dinner and to try another menu. read more

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My expectations going into this dinner were high, as this was a Michelin star experience. The restaurant is very small, and nothing fancy inside. The sushi counter is the better option, because the chefs are able to curate the omakase to your preferences right in front of you. The add ons are not worth the price in my opinion but they do add some variety so you are not eating only nigiri. That being said, the normal omakase is 20 pieces of nigiri. The fish is all diverse and clearly fresh. The portion of fish you receive is quite generous. They require you to eat it with your hands and in one bite, and will scold you for straying from this. I appreciate the attention to detail but it was a bit much at times. Also each nigiri is LIGHTLY dressed with soy sauce or salt or something else but majority of the flavor you get is the fish. I wish there was an option to dip in soy sauce or another sauce, because after about 12 pieces of fish, it all became very fishy tasting and was hard to enjoy. Especially the chewier fishes. The dessert courses are very mediocre. If you're a huge fan of fish & don't mind a fishy taste after a while, this would be for you. I would appreciate more flavor profiles or mediums than just nigiri. I felt like the service was top notch. They are very attentive and not overbearing. Watching the chefs and having them explain each course is a true treat. read more

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Did the $310pp super omakase at the sushi counter and had a phenomenal time! Every course was excellent, with my favorite being the opening caviar + toro cracker and monk liver. Our chef also made sure we were taken care of, making it a night to remember with his energy and care read more

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I'll start off by saying the sushi was the best I've ever had before. Flavors were wonderful. However, we opted for the chefs tasting over the regular tasting and I was quite disappointed at the end when they told me that the crème brûlée was only offered to those that do the regular tasting. So, you're telling me I paid almost double the money to end my night with 3 pieces of melon? That threw me off. Overpriced. Save yourselves money and just do the regular tasting, maybe opt to do the additional wagyu for $18 maybe with the truffle as well but that's all I'd recommend outside the regular tasting. You'll end the night off much better and your pockets will thank you as well. read more

Sushi Nakazawa - Japanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Life is a series of milestones. Some are personal and others are professional. Regardless of reason, it is an intrinsic human characteristic to gather and celebrate these milestones. Such was the occasion that found us gathering for a meal at Sushi Nakazawa. The night we decided to go was marginally impaired by significant traffic congestion owing to massive protests in the area. Thankfully, between adequate police presence and fundamentally peaceful gatherings of people, our cab successfully navigated us to the main entrance of the Waldorf-Astoria DC...which is, of course, the one location that offers no internal path to the restaurant. Fancy shoes be damned, we huffed it around two corners of the stately hotel in stiff winds, but our spirits could not be dampened. Once we passed through the airlock-like pair of doors at the below grade entrance, serenity and peaceful purpose overtook us. A phalanx of quiet and pleasant staff met our windswept countenances and we confirmed our reservation for the evening. We were immediately guided to a private table at the back of the restaurant with a side-facing view of the sushi bar. Delicate amber light suffused the table and hushed tones of fellow diners wafted gently about us. A deceptively simple sheaf of hard card was placed before us (the menu) along with a rather imposing binder of various libations on offer. Wines and sakes, ordered by region, promulgated in imposing columns throughout the book. Sakes were all of the highest quality (Junmai Daiginjo) and specifically the restaurant only serves cold sake as the chef feels those best complimented the sushi. After my meal, I am highly supportive of this premise. We opted for what we considered was a decent bottle of sake at $315 (they had bottles up to $14,000). It was floral with an absolutely water-like finish and we found it to pair very nicely with the evening's meal. The good news is our $315 dollar bottle at the restaurant can be sourced online for $81. Splurge, folks. I regret nothing. Service was attentive but never obtrusive. They noticed, after the first flight of sushi served, that I ate with my left hand. Upon arrival of the next trio of sushi, the wait staff arranged things so that I was not reaching across my body. I didn't have to ask. They simply accommodated. Sublime. I wish that I could speak to each and every bite but that would have demanded my attention away from my company. That would have been disrespectful. Secondarily, it isn't important the exact items I ate. What matters was the care and attention to each and every bite. The chef encouraged us to eat as soon as the food arrived and to eat right to left (they flipped my plate so I could dine left to right). Each piece and the flavor it presented was meant to build to the next bite. Flavors were exquisite. A symphony of texture, acid, umami, sweetness, and saltiness were divinely played out in epicurean splendor. Nothing was left to accident. While some bites had us positively giddy with enjoyment, even items that perhaps were not to my taste still felt exceptional in their care of preparation as well as execution of presentation. At the end of the meal, we all felt sated but not stuffed. The Omakase was crafted by a chef who truly understands what it is to entrap senses and guide them to new heights. At roughly $1,500 for three, I cannot say it was a meal that should be a weekly occurrence but it was a fine occasion to celebrate a milestone of life. I certainly plan to go back for lunch where the focus will be on the fish and water can play an adequate companion to the meal. I cannot entreat you strongly enough - make this restaurant a place to mark your own milestone...even if it is simply to dine in an incredible sushi restaurant under one of the most talented chefs of the modern age. Sushi well my friends. read more

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I came here for my anniversary and it did not disappoint. I have been to Japan and this sushi was genuinely better than the sushi I had there. Chef is very professional and the performance he puts on in front of you is amazing. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Restaurant is very fancy and dimly lit[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and waiters are very professional. Michelin Star is deserved. read more

Amazing food and service! Came here with my boyfriend for a date night and had a wonderful time. The wait staff were very attentive and friendly during our time here. The seafood was extremely fresh and rice was well seasoned. Our favorite piece was definitely the melt in your mouth otoro. We got a pot of hojicha and it was a good palate cleanser between pieces. The handroll was very well thought out with a piece of seaweed at the end to prevent an overflow of filling whilst eating it. I enjoyed the tamago and creme brulee at the end. The 20 course meal was extremely filling and we both left very satisfied. Thank you to the staff and our chef John for the incredible experience! read more

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This one is an experience! This is my first omakase and it really elevated my standards for sushi. The food was meticulously prepared and presented and the sushi chefs were moving like a well oiled machine. It was a spectacle to watch. While they were preparing each course, the manager walked around with fun facts and conversation starters to fill the void of time and it was a nice touch. It elevated the experience. The touch of personalization at our table and the congratulations from everyone we interacted with made our night feel special. The ambiance is romantic. It's dark, but not overly dark. It's a tight space to navigate, but doable. Food ... you just can't go wrong. It's all prepared and scheduled to mesh together. No thought is necessary. If you can I highly recommend the sushi counter. It makes it worth while. read more

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I came in for my special occasions and I accidentally found it because I stayed at the Waldorf which is the upstairs of where this restaurant is located. Originally I thought I could use my hotel credit here but the place ran separately, just promoted in the hotel website. But I love the food soooo much. I got premium omakase at the dining table which was still excellent. But next time I will probably try the bar area because it seems like the food at the bar table is prepared differently. Drink selection was absolutely fantastic, I mean the tea selections. There is one person overlooking the whole area so that foods gets served accordingly without any delays. Worth of every penny, will come back on another special occasion!! read more

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This was by far the most expensive meal I have ever had solo. I knew going into this exciting omakase experience that I would spending at least $180 (the price of traditional omakase). I booked two weeks to the day at the exact time reservations opened, so I was finally going to a yelp bookmark from long ago. This was my first trip to DC since 2018. I was greeted at the host stand, and the host took my coat. I was seated at the sushi counter in front of Chef John, and given a hot towel for my hands. I reviewed the drink menu, and ordered a glass of champagne (rose). Service was exquisite, with constant clearing of plates and swapping of little damp finger towels when eating with our hands. I was seated next to another solo diner who was also in DC for work, and we had a nice chat while enjoying the experience. I was asked if I wanted to traditional omakase or the "super" omakase, a $300 meal with additional cold dishes plus wagyu, truffle, and caviar courses. I felt like this was a YOLO moment, so I went for super. My dining friend next to me told the server he felt like he had to go super with me, so we got our courses at the same time. 1: A crisp flower-shaped edible cracker (that tasted like a cake cone) filled with toro and topped with caviar 2: Buri sashimi with sesame ponzu and chive 3: Shirako: male cod reproductive organs, bonito sashimi, and candied madai sashimi (I told Chef John the shirako reminded me of ankimo, and then....) 4: Red-wine braised ankimo topped with yuzu zest 5: Chawanmushi with uni and ikura (I was SO happy to see this) 6: King salmon belly nigiri 7: Ocean trout nigiri 8: Hokkaido scallop with yuzu kosho nigiri 9: Seared kinmedai nigiri 10: Aji nigiri 11: Buri nigiri 12: Akami nigiri 13: Chutoro nigiri 14: O-toro nigiri 15: Cooked spot prawn nigiri 16: Wagyu nigiri topped with shaved burgundy truffle 17: Uni "sundae" - uni and ikura on top of raw prawn topped with caviar served with mother of pearl spoon 18: Toro temaki 19: Anago nigiri 20: Tamago "cake" 21: Crown melon served with genmaicha Somewhere along the way I ordered another glass of my champagne. This was truly decadent, high quality, paced well, and informative. Because I am a sushi nerd and Japanophile, I seemed to impress both Chef John and my dining buddy with my knowledge of Japanese words for fish and the flavors I was tasting. It was a nice validating experience. This was truly special and I am so glad I was able to enjoy this, especially on a random Monday night (where I live, most restaurants are closed on Mondays). I am lucky my conference ended at 6 PM every day and that this was walkable from my hotel. Itadakimasu! read more

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I was so excited to try this place and thought Christmas Eve would be the perfect day to do it. Upon entering, everyone was super friendly and helpful. The service was immaculate and was as you expected from an upscale restaurant like here. Each piece of sushi was delicious and well made. The tiling between each course was also perfect. I will say, I am a sushi lover and so have gone to many omakase/sushi restaurants in the area and around the U.S. For the price, I felt like Nakazawa was a bit on the simple side. While each dish was delicious and fresh, I wasn't wow'd by any of them like other omakase places. For the price, I don't think it was quite worth it. I'm glad I got to try it but don't think I would be coming back again. read more

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I had a very enjoyable experience here. I want to mention that my fiancée and I were supposed to dine here on NYE at a table, but I got sick and couldn't make it. I contacted the customer service team and they contacted me back right away. The lady let me know that I'd still be charged $300, but that the credit would apply on my new reservation. She was very understanding and said if I was going to spend the money she would want me to be able to taste the food. I also got her opinion on table versus sushi counter. She told me since it was my first time, she highly recommended the sushi counter. We went two weeks later and I was in much better shape. It was extremely cold that night, saved my appetite for this meal and was looking forward to the experience. The restaurant is located on the right side of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. We entered through the first set of glass doors, then saw a hostess motion to us close the doors behind us so we could avoid the cold draft from entering the restaurant. We checked our coats and were seated at the sushi counter. We arrived a little late, but I'm glad we didn't keep the other guests waiting from being served. The space was clean, modern, cozy and chic. Instead of writing about every single course, I will just summarize. We had a very good and memorable experience here. We opted for the classic omakase ($180pp). Next time, we would consider ordering the super omakase ($300pp - includes 15 of the best pieces from the classic omakase plus A5 Wagyu, caviar, white truffle, black truffle, the whole 9). We were served 20 pieces of nigiri sushi and one piece of tomago. We were also gifted a genmaicha and milk tofu crème brûlée for our anniversary celebration. My fiancée also had a mocktail. Our chef was very nice and it was definitely worth the extra money to witness the artistry firsthand. This is a list of what was served in order. Our favorite bites are starred. 1. Chum (Hokkaido white salmon) Salmon 2. Smoked Ocean trout 3. King salmon New Zealand Japanese mustard 4. Japanese sea scallop yuzu chili sea salt* 5. Japanese squid 6. Maryland crab 7. Japanese butter fish 8. Golden eye snapper 9. Japanese sardine* 10. Yellowtail* 11. Japanese tiger shrimp 12. Black skipjack* 13. Akami blue fin tuna 14. Soy marinated akami 15. Medium fatty tuna, shu toro 16. Fatty tuna, otoro* 17. Uni 18. Ikura Salmon roe 19. Fatty tuna hand roll - Sushi fatty tuna roll with the best seaweed from Japan* 20. Salt water Eel 21. Tomago egg cake read more

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If you get the honor of securing a reservation (which, do yourself a favor and make a reservation. Don't try to walk in) prepare for some of the best food of your life. You absolutely must make a reservation at the sushi counter, and you have to splurge for the super omakaske. (A sushi counter exclusive) Having some of the best sushi chefs in the world lovingly craft pieces of sushi and sashimi in front of you with some of the best fish in the world? Need I even say more? This is an experience. An event. A place where you will forget time is passing and you will be focused on the here and now, your company, your chef, and the food in front of you. It's dim, is cozy, and serene. You need only to eat, drink, sip, and enjoy. I cannot wait to come back. read more

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Having dined at the NYC location, was excited to try the DC location, both having Michelin stars, but left disappointed. The seafood was of high quality, with 20 pieces coming standard. About 80% of the sourcing is stated to be from Japan. However, the sushi rice was a little dry, noticeably so for some pieces. Also, the lunch setup at the sushi counter is suboptimal and detrimental. The counter is one long piece, without a wraparound. For lunch, unbeknownst to me beforehand, there is only one chef preparing sushi for the entire counter. So unless you get seated towards the center, you will not get a great view of the chef preparing the sushi. For celebrating a special occasion, getting seated towards the ends of the counter is not that enjoyable. We were the 2nd party to arrive, celebrating both a birthday and Father's Day, but were inexplicably assigned seating into the corner at the end, ie as far from the chef as possible. The pricing for the lunch and dinner sushi counter are the same ($190 pp), but for dinner you get a more front and center view as there are multiple chefs at the counter, so if you want to have a better experience for the same price, strongly recommend coming for dinner instead. Had this information been made known, I would have definitely picked a dinner over a lunch reservation, especially as there was more availability for dinner sushi counter spots for today compared to lunch. The restaurant should really consider noting on their website or their reservation system about this lunch setup condition. Either that or consider pricing the lunch sushi counter lower given the less than ideal viewing. Doesn't make sense to upcharge the same for a different experience and is misleading to the customer about what the sushi counter experience will be. Also, it is quite illogical to have the 2nd party to arrive to be seated in the worst area possible. We arrived on time, even before the counter was ready for seating, yet were seated in a worse viewing position compared to those who arrived significantly later. The staff were not helpful or responsive to this issue. That being said, service is attentive and chef does a nice job with preparing the food. Having more descriptions about each piece, eg where the seafood is from, what sauce/seasoning is, could be improved. Overall, would not recommend lunch at this location. read more

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Great sushi, a bit hurried, and the best place to feel really poor when shelling out a lot of money for dinner. I knew the omakase was going to be $190 per person at the sushi counter. I knew that the beverage pairings would run $150 per person for classic, $300 per person for premium, and $600 per person for premium sake. But being presented with a sake menu with price ranges from "$100 to $16,000" was crazy. $100 for a bottle of sake is objectively expensive. That being the cheapest option was something. Our sushi chef was wonderful, but hurried us along and chided me when I didn't eat the sushi fast enough. The sushi for the most part was amazing and I was full by the end, but definitely not a place I expect to visit again. A once in a lifetime experience. read more

First of all, my kids made us do it. . . and we celebrated my husband's birthday, all of which is great. I have to admit that part of my experience was marred by my grumpiness, because as a pre-diabetic, sushi just is always a bad choice - no matter how much I LOVE white rice. I told the chef this, and he made me my own littler nigiri with less rice, which I really appreciated. And the sushi was very very good, as was the service. We got to sit at the bar with the executive chef serving us. We had the omakase cheaper version which is still EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE. Their website doesn't make it clear that there's also the expensive version at $300/person, which I just wasn't willing to spend (remember my grumpiness and the kids being the instigators). I wish they'd put all the options on the website so you know what you're getting into, and don't feel like you're miserly by not splurging. . . But if you don't mind splurging and love sushi - this is your place! read more

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Was really feenin for some sushi while in DC and saw that there was a Michelin star sushi spot. OpenTable didn't have any reservations but was able to snag a table for two last minute by calling in. Note that even though this is in the same building as the ritz Carlton, the entrance is in 12th across from the federal triangle metro station. Our Uber dropped us off at the hotel entrance and the restaurant is on the opposite side of the building. The restaurant itself wasn't huge, but very clean and modern. Staff was excellent, very personable. We had the omakase and added a5 wagyu with caviar. I missed taking pictures of the first flight which was salmon. The difference with this omakase is that you get flights of fish that are similar such as salmon, tuna, "whites", etc it makes you eat a little faster vs one at a time I think it may just be the difference of having a table versus bar, But it wasn't as personable. We did bind with our server over our love of uni and she said to try the bar next time (implying better custom items). The a5 wagyy with caviar was my favorite, followed by the otoro. Chu toro is usually my favorite so I was surprised they didn't serve it. The eel just disintegrates in my mouth, very different from unagi. The Hokkaido unagi wasn't as sweet as other times I had it. The uni was good, but the uni foam I had in San Francisco just overshadows this. Overall it was a good meal but very traditional. read more

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Yowza. What an experience. This omakase will blow your mind. We splurged for the $300 a person course - probably the most I'll ever spend for dinner. But I get it: premium, fresh, succulent nigiri, generous caviar, melt-in-your-mouth uni - it adds up. Shout out to the entire team for great service all around, and I loved the intimate space and bar - it was busy and lively but not too loud or crowded. My sushi-loving spouse was very pleased to have celebrated his birthday here. Would love to come back but might need another special occasion to justify the very high cost. As I'm sure others have noted, remember that the entrance is not accessible inside the Waldorf Astoria. It's in the back of the building with its own entrance, and you can't even cut through the hotel to use the closest exit. Get dropped off on 12th St between Pennsylvania and Constitution. read more

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I had the classic omakase experience, the classic drink pairing, and ordered a special uni. I think it wouldn't be a surprise to say the food was undoubtedly delicious, but for paying extra to sit at the counter, I would've liked to know what I was eating. I was served sushi without a clear explanation of what I was eating, and it was very hard to understand what the chef was saying. But my biggest takeaway is that I left the place still hungry afterward. read more

Starting the omakase with fatty salmon felt unbalanced. The needlefish and tuna both had noticeable sinew, the eel was full of bones, and the course lacked variety with almost all nigiri and no proper palate breaks. The dessert was also disappointing. Overall, the execution did not justify the omakase format. read more

Sushi Nakazawa - dessert eel - Japanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

AMAZING SUSHI!! Sushi was exceptional, and as the server said to use before the meal, ~"...will never taste sushi the same way" Granted this was my first expensive omakase experience, but I thought quality was great. Each piece tasted great, especially the fatty tuna and mackerel. The egg dessert and soy bean custard (?) at the end was also very tasty. It was an intimate experience as there were only 10 people at the bar while the chef made the sushi Service was exceptional as well. read more

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It was an absolute joy to return to Sushi Nakazawa, especially for the occasion of celebrating our marriage and dining with good friends. The culinary experience was as remarkable as always, and the Standard Omakase menu proved to be the perfect choice and size for my palate. I could not eat any more by the end of dinner but there were so many delicious options I would love to try at some point. My only regret was opting out of the drink pairing as I observed my husband savoring his pairing. Service is also as great as last time. This time we had a pleasure meeting Sommelier Jeremy Halker. His passion and knowledge were evident as he selected superb wines to complement the menu, and our engaging conversation with him highlighted our dining experience. And we promised to be back in October :) read more

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One of the best omakase I've had. The food was amazing as everything just melts in your mouth. I sat at the counter with my wife. They pull your chair out for you to climb up and sit, ask what kind of water you'd like and tell you about the menu of the night, etc. They only have a like 8 seats or so for counter but its cool to see the chef doing their thing, prepping for your meal. Food and service is great, the restaurant is small and attached to the hotel but has its own door kinda hidden away. So it was a bit hard to find at first. My only negative is price really. Its quite expensive compared to others as a whole when thinking of omakase. It may not be 100% fair to compare to Japan but omakase could be $50 there. Paying $180/pp plus tax and tip is pretty steep imo. Theres other $50 omakase in DC as well, that I would really only dine here for an occasion, unless I had deeeeeep pockets lol read more

Outstanding service!! Wonderful atmosphere!! But nowhere is sushi worth the price we paid to eat here. We knew it was expensive, and although good, it was not worth the cost. read more

(Went for my birthday!) Make a reservation!!! Books open two weeks in advance. Splurge and sit right where the amazing action happens. Not only are you there for the food, but for the experience and concept the restaurant is going for. From entering and leaving, I felt like I was a celebrity by the way they take care of you! You are always serviced during this experience if you need anything at all. Excellent service. There was also someone who says hello and introduces the menu and recommends any other pairings and drinks. Very knowledgeable and knows his stuff. There were 4 omakase chefs at the counter, and each had their share of guests. Their menu consists of 20 pieces of nigiri from around the world, but mainly from Japan. Each piece you were given the name of it and where it was sourced. I appreciated knowing where it came from!! I would have loved to know more about each fish and the preparation!! I loved all the Salmon and tuna pieces. The pieces that are torched..omg..close your eyes when you eat it! The eel nigiri was amazing too. I surprisingly loved the sea scallop and marinated crab. This is just a preference for me, but the squid nigiri was my least favorite BUTT it's a texture thing for me haha. I enjoyed the taste but would have preferred another one made that I enjoyed more. It was awesome to try though and I'm so glad I did! I loved watching the hands of the chefs and how intricate and beautiful it is to watch them make it. Thank you Sushi Nakazawa for this wonderful experience, I truly appreciated the kind service and food. Some other things I observed: - The chairs!!! I know it's for design but it's such a hassle and I felt bad for the host/servers who push you in every-time. - bathroom: it wouldn't hurt if the bathrooms could have ambient lighting rather than overhead light to fit with the bathroom amenity decor and with the rest of the restaurant lighting. read more

It's disappointing for me to write this review, as I've been a long-time fan of Sushi Nakazawa. I've dined at the DC location three times and at the NYC location once, but my last two visits to DC have fallen short of expectations. The quality of the fish remains exceptional--always fresh and expertly prepared--but the service has been among the worst I've experienced at a restaurant of this caliber. During our most recent visit a few weeks ago, we had a reservation at the sushi counter to celebrate a special occasion. Upon arrival, the hostess asked about the occasion, which we confirmed. However, once seated at the bar, the chef looked directly at us but said nothing. It was awkward enough that I felt compelled to initiate the conversation, greeting him and mentioning how glad we were to be there. His response was barely noticeable, setting a cold tone that persisted throughout the meal. No one smiled, and the atmosphere was far from welcoming. We opted for the Super Omakase experience ($300+ per person). Early in the meal, we discussed a fish add-on with our server, who suggested waiting to decide. We agreed but were never asked again. Each course was plated with only a brief mention of the fish type--no details about sourcing, preparation, or regional background. Strangely, the same chef who was disengaged with us was considerably more personable with the couple seated next to us, engaging in conversation and creating a stark contrast that did not go unnoticed. As the meal ended, the server placed the bill down without checking on the fish add-on we had expressed interest in. The chef served dessert and immediately began cleaning up. Despite the initial acknowledgment of our celebration when we arrived, no one mentioned it again, nor did anyone congratulate my partner. For a Michelin-starred restaurant charging over $300 per person, this level of service is unacceptable. We felt like an inconvenience--especially with a later reservation at 9:30 pm, where it seemed clear the staff just wanted to close up for the night. I provided this feedback through Rezy the following day but received no response. A close friend of mine, who is Japanese and a fan of Nakazawa, shared that he had a similarly disappointing experience and was equally surprised at the lack of hospitality. Upon leaving, he even told the server, "I hope the service team has a better day." Exceptional food is only part of the dining experience--service and hospitality matter just as much, especially at this price point. Unfortunately, after repeated disappointing visits, we will not be returning. read more

We went for a celebratory dinner and it did not disappoint. The menu is very straightforward: classic omakase or chef's omakase. They have an extensive selection of sake, as well. The sake sommelier guided me to a fantastic selection. The quality of the fish was incredible. The smoked salmon was my absolute favorite. I'm grateful for the opportunity to dine here and would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys good Japanese food. read more

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We celebrated our 10 year anniversary here and are so delighted we were able to score seats at the Sushi Chef's counter. The quality, taste, and layer of flavor was beyond anything we have known for sushi. My most fond memory is the staff. The service made this evening even more special. Our Somm, front staff, main attendant and support staff were always attentive to our needs. We are so grateful for the whole team who elevated this experience to a unique memory. read more

Sushi Nakazawa - Japanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Dining at Sushi Nakazawa was a good experience. The quality of the fish was excellent and everything melted in the mouth. Aside from the omakase, the sake pairing was the highlight. It elevated the whole experience. Highly recommend to try one of the sakes. It won't disappoint! Although the omakase was good, the service was a bit confusing. We started off with one waiter, but after the first few plates another waiter took over. Although we didn't mind the new server, it was just a weird experience and almost felt a bit discriminating. Hence, I gave a lower rating. I would only recommend the place for special occasions as the price point is quite high and I've experienced more attentive service elsewhere. read more

We had an awesome time at Sushi Nakazawa at the chef's counter. We opted for the super omakase serving, which featured additional non-sushi specials. This included an uni tasting, monk fish liver, crab chawanmushi, and several other offerings in addition to the traditional 15 sushi pieces. If you are an adventurous eater, I would recommend the super omakase ($300). But if you are new to sushi/raw fish or more hesitant with new foods, go for the regular omakase ($180). The service was great. We were seated at the counter promptly, and our waiter explained our options. The sushi chef was friendly and smiley. He explained every dish to us and told us his favorites. We opted to do one sake pairing and a green tea. My husband loved the sake. They paired with the pieces delightfully. Here are my thoughts on the additional courses and the sushi: Toro Caviar Monaka- delicious and light. Very mild flavor. Nice crisp to the wafer. Black Skipjack Sashimi- flavorful and fresh Seabream with Karasumi- so tasty and refreshing. Icefish- loved the unique taste; I had never had anything like this before. Cod milt- very creamy; not my favorite texture. Monk fish liver- very unique. This was rich and melt-in-your mouth creamy. I was not a big fan of this, but it was cool to try. My husband liked it! Blue crab chawanmushi- this had a very mild flavor but the texture of a soup and flan combined. I did not particularly enjoy this one. The three types of Uni- Uni is not my favorite, but I tried all three kinds. They were all pretty good. The sauce and the sprinkled salt really added to the flavor. I liked the Maine uni the best. The sushi itself was the best part! I would have been just as happy doing the regular omakase and skipping the extras. The sushi was exquisite. I loved the chum salmon, tiger prawn, bluefin tuna (all three fat levels), and the half beak. Every single piece was perfected. The ginger between the bites was the perfect palate cleanser. The sushi was served pretty rapidly, and it was so fun to see it made right in front of us. The chef also encouraged us to eat with our fingers! The dinner lasted about an hour and a half total (pretty quick), and we enjoyed the experience so much! I would definitely come back and do the regular omakase next time. One downside: they do not have many options for non-alcoholic beverages (just tea or water). read more

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This is my 2nd visit to @sushinakazawadc and I was not disappointed. You're presented with about 20 bites. Here is a glimpse of a few of my bites. My favorites were the Amabuki Sake & summer truffle!!! The service was great and I loved the lay out of the restaurant. I can't wait to return!!! read more

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