O-Ku - DC

4.8

1372 Reviews

$30 and under

Japanese

Top Tags:

O-Ku DC invites guests to explore rare and unique dining options -traditional sashimi and sushi, innovative Japanese specialties and wood-fired robata-style dishes from the Kitchen's Binchotan grills. The fish and other ingredients are sourced from the highest-quality purveyors around the world and is committed to using sustainably sourced ingredients when possible.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 6, 2023

11:30 PM

Booked 72 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(202) 888-8790

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Japanese, Sushi, Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(202) 888-8790
Website
https://www.o-kusushi.com/location/o-ku-washington-dc/?y_source=1_ODE4NDQwNTctODYwLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=
Dress code
Business Casual
Private party contact
Sam Edgerly: (202) 888-8790

Location
1274 5th St NE, Washington, D.C., DC 20002
Neighborhood
Washington
Parking details
Street and lot parking in union market. Pay attention to parking signs in the area for more information on street parking.
Public transit
NOMA-Gallaudet metro on the red line is a couple blocks away
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Popular dishes

Poke$16.00
premium sashimi, seaweed, garlic soy, mango, sesame
Tuna Crudo$16.00
togarashi spice, shredded daikon, orange supreme, garlic soy
Yellowtail Serrano Carpaccio$15.00
truffle soy, cilantro, serrano
Salmon Usuzukuri$16.00
pickled wasabi stem, truffle ponzu, black volcanic salt
Scallop Kun$18.00
cucumber, yuzu juice, lime supreme, crispy fried chiles, black volcanic salt
Dumpling Dim Sum$12.00
crispy pork gyoza dumplings, black vinegar garlic soy
Wings$14.00
organic french boned, Korean style, maytag yuzu bleu cheese
Rock Shrimp$15.00
spicy aioli, cilantro, sesame
Garden House Salad$10.00
Chef's seasonal preparation, local vegetables
Cucumber Salad$5.00
garlic, chili oil, szechuan peppercorn
Seaweed Salad$8.00
traditional style
Miso Soup$6.00
red & white miso
Edamame$5.00
tossed with sea salt

O-Ku Dc Makimono Sushi Rolls

Spicy Crunchy Tuna$14.00
scallion, shiso, cucumber, spicy aioli, eel sauce, crunchy onion
Spicy Crunchy Salmon$14.00
scallion, shiso, cucumber, crunchy tempura, spicy aioli
Unagi San$16.00
avocado wrapped, broiled eel, cucumber, serrano peppers, crunchy onion, eel sauce, spicy tobiko
The Herbivore$12.00
carrots, beets, avocado, pickled ginger, cucumber, Asian salsa
Tuna Tataki$16.00
Aburi torched Tuna, avocado, tempura shrimp, sweet soy and spicy aioli
The Harvest Roll$14.00
Fried Sweet Potato, avocado, cucumber, goat cheese mousse, sweet soy, crispy fried ginger
Snow King$18.00
kani crab, Rakkyo, cucumber, avocado, seared king salmon, miso truffle aioli, micro cilantro
Salmon Skin Roll$16.00
crispy fried Salmon skin, cucumber, arugula, avocado, japanese mayo, sliced cherry tomatoes, ikura
Yuzu Fuego$18.00
yellowtail sashimi, serrano peppers, spicy tuna, shiso, cucumber, yuzu glaze
O-Ku Spider Roll$14.00
Crunchy soft shell crab, kani crab, avocado, yuzu tobiko, sesame seeds
Firecracker Roll$14.00
spicy salmon, cucumber, serrano peppers, spicy aioli, sweet soy glaze, crispy fried roll
Scally Wag Roll$16.00
fresh scallops, pickled beets, cucumber, scallion vinaigrette, yuzu kosho sauce, crispy fried roll
Crunchy Prawn Roll$14.00
tempura shrimp, avocado, coated with crunchy rice pearls, sweet soy, spicy aioli
Crab Crunch$13.00
kani crab, cucumber, avocado, yuzu tobiko, sweet soy glaze, crunch onions

Premium Makimono Sushi Rolls

Western Wagyu Roll$75.00
tempura fried Lobster tail, avocado, negiyaki, aburi A-5 Wagyu Beef, fresh grated wasabi, black garlic tare, fried garlic chips
The Emperor Roll$90.00
Hamachi Kama, pickled wasabi relish, cucumber, truffle soy, uni, sturgeon caviar, gold flakes

Tableside Toban Yaki

tableside grill/sizzle for your pleasure

Lobster Kinoko$38.00
8oz lobster tail, assorted wild mushrooms, yuzu miso butter
A-5 Wagyu Beef
highest quality Japanese black cattle; 2oz Minimum
- per oz$25.00

Omakase

Chef's Creative Multi Course Tasting Menu$150.00
inquire about availability

From the Robata Grill

Binchotan Charcoal: Petrified White Oak from Japan

Niku-Dango$8.00
Asian-style meatballs, scallion, garlic, soy
Wild Mushroom$11.00
local selection, mirin soy, sea salt
Citrus Kai$16.00
shrimp, scallop, yuzu-miso butter
Yakitori$12.00
teriyaki glaze
Hanger Steak$18.00
Wagyu hanger steak, grated wasabi
Pan Asian Sausage$7.00
lao style, garlic, lemongrass, galangal

Entrées

Cauliflower Karaage$15.00
sticky Korean style, crushed peanuts, scallions
Chicken Teriyaki$18.00
traditional teriyaki glaze, stir fry veggies, steamed rice
Bulgogi$18.00
spicy fire roasted shaved pork, white rice, Asian slaw
Curry Noodle$16.00
Coconut curry sauce, chili, fresh herbs, winter udon

O-Ku Signature Nigiri

The Big Eye$7.00
lean tuna, miso mustard, chives, togarashi dust
Drop It like It's Hotate$9.00
torched scallop, orange sepreme, crunchy garlic, chili oil, micro greens
Sake Dreams$8.00
salmon, truffle creme, citrus zest, ikura
Kobe Style$9.00
torched wagyu beef, kbbq glaze, shoyu mushrooms, crispy shallots, chives
Creme de La Creme$19.00
Bluefin otoro (fatty tuna belly), sea urchin, fresh wasabi, uni, sturgeon caviar, gold flake
Baller Status$18.00
miyazaki A5 wagyu, black garlic tare

Nigiri Sushi 1 Pc & Sashimi 2 Pc

Anago$6.00
salt water eel
Unagi$4.00
fresh water eel
Shima Aji$9.00
striped jack
Ikura$4.00
salmon roe
UNI
sea urchin
- MP
Hotate$7.00
scallop
Saba$4.00
mackerel
Fluke$9.00
flounder
Hamachi$5.00
yellowtail
Kanpachi$9.00
amberjack
Sake$5.00
salmon
Chutoro
medium fatty tuna
- MP
Bluefin Otoro
Fatty tuna
- MP
Madai$9.00
snapper
Zuke Maguro$7.00
Ginger soy marinated tuna
Yuzu Tobiko$3.00
citrus smelt roe
Maguro$6.00
lean red tuna
EBI$4.00
shrimp

What 1,372 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Washington, D.C. Area
Japanese

Sort by

OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The entire staff is friendly. Jerome the assistant manager is amazing! You can't go wrong with anything you order food or drink wise. Rock shrimp is the best thing on the app menu.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was incredible and the service was somehow even better
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall3food4service3ambience3
Lots of workers and bartenders but the services were so slow.
SR
ScottR
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 23, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
O-ku was a wonderful experience and the kitchen staff were excellent. The wait staff were occasionally distracted but otherwise were still good.
LB
LakishaB
Washington DC
8 reviews
1.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 23, 2023
overall1food3service1ambience2
I have dined at at O Ku plenty of times and this last visit was by for the worst experience I’ve had here. The servers were horrible they were not attentive to us as customers but was very attentive to the customers next to us. I don’t think I would ever want to visit here again, when I pay my hard earned money I expect at the least good service!
J
Jessica
Baltimore
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 22, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience3
The omakase was worth the price! Loved the hamachi collarbone and the wagyu steak bowl. The service was a bit slow.
RC
RickyC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
Miso was horrible to start with. The soup is not even warm/hot. However the rolls, and nigiris were delicious. I need my waitress several times but she were not responsive. At one one point I had to ask a bartender for a drink.
R
Ronnie20
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I came here with a friend and it was great! Everything from the food to the service. I ordered the curry noodle, which is delicious and a little spicy. I also got the crab crunch sushi rolls, which was also great. I will be returning soon.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful we sat at the bar , the food was delicious and staff was kind and efficient
TB
TBKC
Washington DC
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful sushi and ambiance. Fresh product and great service. Popping music and lovely atmosphere Always on point!
SH
StephenH
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is amazing for the price. Service was great as well.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food, sake and service was amazing as usual. We had a person join us a bit later and o-KU could not be any kinder in allowing us to stay. I was visiting and here celebrating my sons birthday. It was my 3rd time and I will come back every time I am in DC!
A
jonothanA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Wait staff was great, very helpful and friendly. Food was good and it made my wife's birthday event wonderful.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tucson
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience4
Sushi bar seating was excellent but music a little too loud for enjoying our conversation without having to shout and it wasn’t busy.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We bad a nice dinner on the rooftop. The food was good, service was great, and the drinks were even better. Our waiter Peter was awesome. Definitely have to go back soon.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
O-Ku gave us one of our best dining experience. I appreciate their effort and attention to detail. They surely made my wife’s birthday memorable
MD
MarthaD
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A cozy chic place with a great menu, great staff and delicious food!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was amazing. Every single thing I ordered was perfect!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
9 year Anniversary date!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 25, 2023
overall3food1service3ambience3
I come here often but today I was unsatisfied. I found a stapler in my cauliflower dish. The manager comped a few of the cheap things on my bill including the cauliflower dish. However, this experience does not make me want to come back. I could have choked on this object- my entire meal should have been free. Please be careful when dining at this restaurant
OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was an amazing experience. Our server Gerome was fantastic. He explained the dishes to perfection while offering his favorites which helped us decide what to order. We had never had Sake and he explained it well so we were able to make an informed choice. It was the perfect amount of food and Gerome made the experience even better! I will definitely be coming back.
N
Nora
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Food was great and the place was very nice. The patio has a nice view.
SF
ShaneF
Richmond
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
The food and service was outstanding! Our server had great recommendations and the flow of service was perfect. A great date night space! We’ll be back.
RD
RayinDC
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service was spectacular. My wife and I where there for our 15th anniversary. Our server made excellent recommendations and arranged a personalized card signed by all of the staff for our special day. Would visit again in a heartbeat.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
O-ku is amazing! We went there to celebrate my boyfriend’s new job and the food was amazing, the staff even gave him a card to say congrats. 11/10
OT
OpenTable Diner
Cleveland
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Thank you 🙏 we arrived late and were so accommodating. They even called to see if we’re still planning to come. Food was amazing. Perfect late night bite lovely ambiance and vibes ✨
T
Thomas
Washington DC
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delightful 1st date! Great food recos from the staff, comfy table, etc.
A
Arshwyn
Washington DC
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 14, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Had the omakase which was very nice. The only thing we really didn’t like was the rice was overpowering the fish flavors. But overall it was a great meal
S
Sarah
Los Angeles
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always love O-Ku! The service is 10/10 and the sushi can’t be beat. Thanks always
E
Emoni
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Mikyiah was a very good host, the food was amazing! I will definitely be back.
SD
StephenD
New York Area
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on April 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was quite good, but the drinks were not very cold, but delicious. I ordered some charred piece of Kobe beef that was served to me at room temperature, I think it should have been hot. The bun was perfect. The curry noodles were really hot and fantastic, really, but hard to eat with chop sticks. The donuts for dessert are a must have and the sauce that comes with them is so good I drank the remaining fluid like it was a cup of tea. I would go there again, the place has some attitude though, so when you go don't look stupid. Walking up the steep steps for my wife was not a joy. Take the elevator. Don't get there even one minute early because they will not be happy with your premature arrival.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I will keep coming back here! Food and drinks are always delicious and priced reasonably for what you are getting
l
lauram
New York Area
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2023
overall1food1service2ambience2
Food not so good and hight prices. The sushi was at the same quality as a normal grocery
NJ
theNJdiner
New York Area
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The server was very knowledgeable and helpful pointing out dishes. The food was amazing!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I took my boyfriend here for an early birthday dinner before he had to travel and we had the best experience. We love sushi and Japanese food and the quality of the cuisine was incredible. I totally loved the ambiance both upstairs and downstairs as well. The music. THE MUSIC!! The vibe was just so perfect. We’re not big drinkers but I had one cocktail and it was very good. Our waitress Stephanie went above and beyond to make the experience special and recommended a few small plates along with a champagne toast on the house. Will definitely be back here as the food and atmosphere were excellent.
f
frangipani
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great customer care and experience. So appreciate the hosts accommodating a 30 minute delay. Lovely
LC
LizaC
Oklahoma City
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The most incredible food made even better by top notch service. O-Ku is such a gem that I almost want to leave a bad review just to be able to get a reservation all the time!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 31, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Fun date night. Service was good and good was great.
CM
ChelseaM
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and great atmosphere. Delicious vegan sushi
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 27, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
It was great! A place to check out for sure. I recommend booking the Counter!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Distancing maintained in common areas

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks

FAQs

O-Ku - DC does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now. O-Ku - DC also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 888-8790.

O-Ku - DC is rated 4.8 stars by 1372 OpenTable diners.

O-Ku - DC does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 6, 2023

11:30 PM

Booked 72 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(202) 888-8790

Other options

1274 5th St NE, Washington, D.C., DC 20002

Dining areas

Additional information

Neighborhood
Washington
Hours of operation
Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Japanese, Sushi, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Street and lot parking in union market. Pay attention to parking signs in the area for more information on street parking.
Public transit
NOMA-Gallaudet metro on the red line is a couple blocks away
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.o-kusushi.com/location/o-ku-washington-dc/?y_source=1_ODE4NDQwNTctODYwLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=
Phone number
(202) 888-8790
Private party contact
Sam Edgerly: (202) 888-8790

Featured in

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

O-Ku - DC

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in DC

Discover the Best Sushi in Washington DC

The Best Bars for Foodies in Washington D.C.

Gift card

Curry Noodle

Crunchy Prawn Roll

Yellowtail Serrano Carpaccio

Small Plates

Poke$16.00

Tuna Crudo$16.00

Yellowtail Serrano Carpaccio$15.00

Salmon Usuzukuri$16.00

Scallop Kun$18.00

Dumpling Dim Sum$12.00

Wings$14.00

Rock Shrimp$15.00

Garden House Salad$10.00

Cucumber Salad$5.00

Seaweed Salad$8.00

Miso Soup$6.00

Edamame$5.00

O-Ku Dc Makimono Sushi Rolls

Spicy Crunchy Tuna$14.00

Spicy Crunchy Salmon$14.00

Unagi San$16.00

The Herbivore$12.00

Tuna Tataki$16.00

The Harvest Roll$14.00

Snow King$18.00

Salmon Skin Roll$16.00

Yuzu Fuego$18.00

O-Ku Spider Roll$14.00

Firecracker Roll$14.00

Scally Wag Roll$16.00

Crunchy Prawn Roll$14.00

Crab Crunch$13.00

Premium Makimono Sushi Rolls

Western Wagyu Roll$75.00

The Emperor Roll$90.00

Tableside Toban Yaki

Lobster Kinoko$38.00

A-5 Wagyu Beef

Omakase

Chef's Creative Multi Course Tasting Menu$150.00

From the Robata Grill

Niku-Dango$8.00

Wild Mushroom$11.00

Citrus Kai$16.00

Yakitori$12.00

Hanger Steak$18.00

Pan Asian Sausage$7.00

Entrées

Cauliflower Karaage$15.00

Chicken Teriyaki$18.00

Bulgogi$18.00

Curry Noodle$16.00

O-Ku Signature Nigiri

The Big Eye$7.00

Drop It like It's Hotate$9.00

Sake Dreams$8.00

Kobe Style$9.00

Creme de La Creme$19.00

Baller Status$18.00

Nigiri Sushi 1 Pc & Sashimi 2 Pc

Anago$6.00

Unagi$4.00

Shima Aji$9.00

Ikura$4.00

UNI

Hotate$7.00

Saba$4.00

Fluke$9.00

Hamachi$5.00