1503 17th St NW.
Washington, DC 20036
202.462.8999
website
Washington DC is a world city, so it makes sense that it’s going to attract some of the best chefs in the business to try new ideas. Sushi Taro, built into a loft on 17th Street near Dupont Circle, offers an uncanny look at Japanese cuisine. Chefs Nobu Yamazaki and Masaya Kitayama are intensely meticulous about the way they serve their food; the small-format restaurant is open a select few hours, always requires a reservation in advance, and serves a broad menu of sushi, bento boxes, salads and seafood so wonderful it’s landed a legendary Michelin Star. Be prepared to be amazed.
The menu is intensely meticulous, and always shoes forethought. Some of the best things to try:
- Seaweed Salad: In truth a combination of nori and arugala with tomatoes, served alongside a dressing of your pick, in this case the creamy sesame option adds a lot of bright umami. A quick hit.
- Sashimi: Simplicity like this – raw cuts of fish – is all about the freshness of the ingredient, and in this case the fish is impeccable. Just a little dip in soy sauce is all you need.
- Tempura: These make for a good crunch that adds a little dimension to the fresh fish, and in this case, fried shrimp and potatoes, lightly battered and crisp.
- Grilled Mackerel: A huge cut of fresh fish lightly grilled and served skin-on, letting some of the fatty layer seep into the meat and bringing the whole dish a very satisfying slight bite. Mild fish speaks for itself.
- Bento Box: These lunch options offer a chance to try a few different dishes together and the end price isn’t too crazy.
The restaurant’s small format allows for a chance to try these fishes in an intimate, friendly setting, and the staff is intensely meticulous about being back and making for a good experience, even when that can be difficult sometimes because the limited hours of the restaurant mean it’s full when it’s open.
The price points don’t matter if the quality of a restaurant is there, and in this case, this is easily one of the finest sushi restaurants in the country with a reputation that is well earned. Whatever the experience you have here, it’s almost certain to be very worth it. This is truly an exceptional restaurant to try. And it’s worth a special trip.
Recommendations
- Reservations are absolutely a must; this place is only open a set number of hours and it’s small, so when you go you’re going to be in a full place.
- Want to try the food but not blow a lot of money? There are lunch specials on both sushi and bento boxes that allow cheaper eats.
- Good for a date or a very small group of friends, not recommending maybe more than four people in a group.
Another Food Critic 