Machi Sushi's food, service, and ambiance are a great addition to Georgetown's food scene…read more
Let's begin with the food.
I've only tried the AYCE, but I have been joined by folks who tried the à la carte options, such as the bento boxes. The rolls are divided into two major sections on the menu: raw and cooked. I've tried several from each and am pleased with everything I've tried.
The most important thing to note: ALL sushi is made TO ORDER.
This means you will not be eating something that was made 10 or 20 minutes ago and picked on by passersby (like on a traditional buffet). These rolls are prepared by their chefs as they're ordered. Another important thing - the rolls and the nigiri are not huge balls of rice with your choice of topping. The rice ball is modest, well seasoned, and served at the expected temperature (not chilled).
My favorite roll is the Skinny Girl. It is a roll of black pepper-crusted seared tuna and rice. The contrast between the subtle sweetness of the rice and the black pepper, and the rare interior tuna vs. the seared outer tuna, is just delicious. Another favorite is the Dragon Roll ,hich is grilled unagi (eel), avocado, and rice with eel sauce drizzled atop. The unagi is tender, but also crisp along the edges. The sweetness of the sauce complements the toasty bits perfectly. Like BBQ.
I've also tried several appetizers such as calamari, sesame balls, udon noodle stir fry, and fried rice with various proteins. I'm a fan of Japanese-styled fried rice. Machi's is no different. It's great. The udon noodles are sauced a bit heavy, but are deliciously chewy and well seasoned. The calamari is usually perfectly fried, yielding a tender morsel of calamari contrasted against the crunchy exterior. But sometimes the calamari can be a bit overcooked, leading to a chewier ring - delicious, but not as much as when it is fried just right. The sesame balls are a mainstay for Asian AYCE for me. I love them. Machi's are good - but only so. They tend to be a bit oil laden which means the oil was probably not the right temperature when they plopped in. I don't know why, but they are served with a chocolate sauce. It's an interesting addition, but unnecessary, and it detracts from the lightly sweetened red bean paste interior.
I've also tried an assortment from their nigiri fish/rice only menu. I always ask for white tuna, tuna, red snapper, and salmon. The pieces are a bit smaller than you might be accustomed to, but they're great, and you can order quite a number of them (up to 20).
Next, let me talk about the service. We've been on several occasions now. Random impromptu first time at lunch, then another at lunch time when a friend joined us last minute (we were already seated and receiving food), and even dinner and weekends. Each time, the servers were prompt and courteous. Sometimes things pick up rather suddenly, and despite the apparent plethora of staff, they get a bit bogged down. Just plan accordingly. Order your drinks and appetizers, and your other starters, such as fried rice, etc. Plan to place your order for entree items when they bring the initial order out, etc. This makes optimal use of your time and theirs. Reminder: they are preparing the food as you order it. Imagine grocery shopping. If you make a list and shop once, it's one trip. If you keep forgetting stuff and have to go back, each trip consumes time. This is the same with this format service. If you need something mid-chow-down, just look for the nearest waitstaff and wave your hand - they can take your order or beckon your waiter for you. It's not a big deal.
Finally, let me say a few words about the ambiance. For Georgetown, and particularly an AYCE, I feel like Machi's is well done. It feels cozy, but also a bit sophisticated with its wall paneling, lighting choices, and pergola-styled booths. The sushi kitchen is in plain sight and has a nice paneled backdrop that adds visual interest. Machi can be a casual date night or simply lunch/dinner with friends and family. Don't forget the cocktails!
All in all, I'm happy we kept an eye on Machi's space over the months. We know that service and the experience will improve as the restaurant matures and patrons learn the format.
This is a weird thing to say, but it is an important caveat: this isn't a 5* sushi joint. I've had some really expensive experiences, including non-AYCE options in town that elicited at most a "meh." Machi is just a modest and casual experience that is accessible, has great food, and is well done.
Two final thoughts:
Their soy sauce seems very thin. It isn't tamari. I'm not sure if it's just a reduced sodium soy sauce, or what.
Their restrooms, thus far, seem well cared for. Thank goodness! Nothing like going into a bathroom to blow your nose or wash your hands and be horrified.
