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    Aji-Nippon Restaurant

    3.7 (95 reviews)
    ModerateJapanese
    Closed 12:00 pm - 8:30 PM

    Aji-Nippon Restaurant Photos

    AJI-NIPPON RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Quiet
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Aji-Nippon Restaurant

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    Crab mountain roll and 2-pieces of Ikura

    Always guaranteed fresh food! Great food and great service. We've been coming here for years!

    Shrimp tempura appetizer

    Excellent service Had the shrimp tempura appetizer and unagidon which was delicious! I enjoyed the softshell crab the best. The fried tofu was tasty as well. Will return again.

    Chicken Teriyaki, no rice, with extra veggies

    Came to this place for the first time because it was located near me. I got a togo order ... I asked if they could replace the rice for my teriyaki chicken meal with extra veggies. Upon leaving I noticed my container felt empty... when I opened it I had 1 carrot and 1 broccoli... I was told that was considered "extra" ... the chicken wasn't even cooked all the way. Wouldn't recommend this place if it were a LAST RESORT. Eat else where.

    Udon
    Marichu Joy S.

    My family and I were in town and we're craving sushi. We decided to come here because we wanted a place that offered sushi, udon, and other options. My son and daughter ordered the udon and they ate it up. I had to order another bowl because my son wanted more. My husband and I shared the sushi and sashimi special, and since they had uni, I ordered that as well. The fish was fresh, but I was a little disappointed because they put a lot of red snappers. I would've wanted a few hamachi sushi. Since it was "special" I was expecting either more variety or a few special pieces. The uni wasn't as sweet as I would like it to be. It had a bad aftertaste, not sure if it was going bad or just the type. The main thing is that the sushi was fresh, which is a big deal for us. My cousin ordered kalbi, which came boneless on a sizzling platter. She said it wasn't as flavorful as she hoped. Overall, the service was great and our server was very sweet. It looked like there was only our server and the sushi chef. We arrived around 6:30 pm, and we were the only dine-in customers, but they had about 4 take-out orders during the time we were there. We are glad to have tried this restaurant and love supporting small businesses especially one that has been in business since 1986.

    Two shrimp do not constitute a dinner
    S. S.

    S-L-O-W service with a snarl. This cozy little restaurant offered the perfect setting for our extended family get-together and the menu offers a nice variety of Japanese and Korean choices. Unfortunately, the service was unbearably slow and inefficient and our server was in a horrible mood. One member of our party started to ask whether a different roll could be substituted for the California roll that came with the bento box. The waitress cut her off in mid-sentence with a harsh, "No!" We all laughed about it, but when we were waiting forever for food to show up, no one was laughing anymore. When food finally arrived, it was for only a few members of our party of 10. More than half of our party was left waiting for an inordinate amount of time. One of the young people finally gave up. He left, picked up a to-go order from Cava and brought it back with him--half our party was still waiting for their food when he returned! Our angry waitress bluntly informed another member of our party that her order was canceled because the kitchen had run out of an ingredient. No menu was offered, so she requested a shrimp dinner. A while later, a plate was delivered with exactly two pieces of shrimp on it (see photo). Two shrimp hardly constitute a dinner! I had ordered a teriyaki salmon bento box. The salmon was delicious and the box included a nice variety of tempura items but never in my life have I seen such a tiny California roll! Truly, a stingy portion for the price. Adding insult to injury, the avocado was either overripe or not fresh. Greenish-brown mush. Our family enjoyed the cozy atmosphere, but the food and service were definitely a disappointment. We were a large party, but I had made the reservation 3 weeks earlier, so they had plenty of advance notice. If you have a small group, this restaurant might offer a better experience, but if you have a large party, I recommend looking elsewhere.

    Lilianne N.

    Fresh delicious food! Clean and comfortable, good service! One thing that doesn't encourage me to go back was the portion of the food being served! We order two main dinner combinations of sashimi and tempura, which was very small! Tempura was under cooked and tasted like batter ! I am a regular at a different sushi restaurant, but I thought let's give this small restaurant a chance ! It was not impressive for us! The combination dinner entrees usually comes with soup, salad and rice! But not at this restaurant We spent close to $100 and were not completely satisfied

    Chirashi
    Jerry S.

    Serene, small space with framed prints on the walls. Very nice service. As usual, Kirin and chirashi. Miso soup was standard, a bit salty. Salad was mostly iceberg, but I tasted toasted sesame oil in the dressing, and it did not have the usual cloying sweetness and ginger overlaod. Best surimai ever - there wasn't any! Tomago properly sweet and firm. I wonder if anyone but Jiro gets that little caramelized edge I saw in the PBS show. Rice correct in flavor and temperature. The only vegetable was a healthy dollop of shredded seaweed salad. Snapper, white tuna, yellow tail, salmon, tuna all excellent in texture and flavor. Very good portions, especially at a reasonable $17.95. The house made green tea ice cream was better than Häagen-Dazs. Five stars for excellence of fish, despite my quibbles on the accompaniments. On Sundays, the church bells drive Betheelzebub, the parking demon, back into its lair. Otherwise, see the photo of the sign on the front door for the location of validated parking. Also, it's a short walk to the Elm Street municipal garage.

    Cantaloupe w/cheque.
    Ruth C.

    There are nine other sushi spots in the downtown Bethesda area, and their strongest edge is in friendly service and tea; on fish quality and location, they aren't quite able to compete. A little warm inside after dark, but we stopped in with just enough time left to dine in. Miso soup was okay, but the salad was pretty wilted on the bottom. Japanese chirashi is a little limited for the price: less than a centimeter layer of rice under five sushi types and a twirl of seaweed salad. Salmon was freshest, and the subtly sweet tamago was my next favorite. White tuna was okay. Tuna was cut extremely thin, and yellowtail was a little chewy. I guess they no longer include snapper in their chirashi! Spicy Mindy roll showcased an aggressive level of sriracha mayo, so thankfully a slice of cantaloupe was served with our check. I don't think I'll be back to try their Korean chirashi.

    shrimp tempura bento box
    Alicia G.

    A co-worker and I visited this charming little spot for a Japanese lunch, after discovering (and not having done the research to realize) that Ren's Ramen is closed on Mondays. There was actually a decent crowd seated in the small dining area - several booths on the right and tables on the left. The lighting is dim and there is minimal decor but there is still a cozy feeling about the place. A single server quickly attended to the dining room and immediately seated us in the far booth. Upon entering, we noted the specials board and my co-worker took full advantage by ordering the spicy pork rice bowl (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/1vVDBE3YoSLzVhtQ4PA_zg?select=fqTrhDvMPRoL66jVFy0UOQ). Wanting something more, I opted for the shrimp tempura bento box (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/1vVDBE3YoSLzVhtQ4PA_zg?select=OK5RdLBYKOyL-q68JRjRrA). Both of our selections came with miso soup and a salad with a gingery dressing. My bento box was filled with crab shumai, california roll and the shrimp and vegetable tempura. It was tasty enough but if we're doing a price/quantity comparison to the bento boxes up the street at Raku, it doesn't seem like it's enough for the cost. My lunch companion seemed pretty satisfied with his lunch choice, however so it really kind of varies dish to dish. Would I return? Possibly. But it is far from the top of my list for Japanese in Bethesda.

    Crispy shrimp and regular shrimp
    Ashley S.

    Aji-Nippon is a hidden sushi gem that caters to great service and taste. Even though the restaurant is small, it's quaint and feels very cozy. The miso soup and salad begins your tastebud journey! Then we had the shrimp and the crispy shrimp was THE BEST PART! It's the most savory and satisfying crunch. Then, we had the tempura udon and the broth was delicious. I made every slurp count. The restaurant is run by the nicest family and they treat their guests with great accommodation. Their smiles and hard work really heighten your experience. It's not loud here and definitely is a great place to stop by. You and your stomach will not be disappointed.

    Overpriced Fish-katsu

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    6 months ago

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    6 months ago

    Got the sashimi and the fish was fresh and good quality. Additionally the service was fast and friendly!

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    6 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Perfect lunch. Totally solid sushi. Beyond lovely service and ambiance. Coming here really made my day

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    4 years ago

    Love this place! Special adventure and treat for best sushi in the greater D.C. area!!!

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    Shibuya Japanese Eatery

    Shibuya Japanese Eatery

    4.3(29 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    Family-owned & operated
    Vegetarian friendly

    I used to be a bouncer for one of Chef Darren Norris's spots!! He's a famous chef known for his…read morefine dining Izakaya style cuisine. Now he has a high quality Japanese comfort food spot...I pulled up!! . Where I am: @shibuyaeatery . Location Reviewed: 4461 Willard Ave., Chevy Chase M.D. . Items Reviewed: STAMP!! Their Drinks ($3 each Strawberry Watermelon, Ginger Pear, & BlackBerry Lemonade). All of these are FRESH, super tasty, & refreshing!! STAMP!! Their Oyakodon Chicken Donburi ($19 a rice bowl with grilled chicken, soy simmered mushrooms, edamame, bean sprouts, soft egg, scallion oil, crispy leeks, & garlic chives). Bursting with flavor, hearty, tasty, & fulfilling!! STAMP!! Their Mazemen ($19 a brothless ramen with a crunchy chicken Katsu with a curry sauce, broccoli, kimchi, pickled ginger, & a crunchy rice cake). Again, without the broth, super flavorful, with crunchy sweet'ish curry chicken Katsu!! LIKE THAT! Their Pork Mazeman ($19 brothless ramen noodles with ground pork, scallions, edamame, pickled ginger, soft egg, & grilled corn). A nice meaty pork, warm noodles, & tasty corn on this one!! STAMP!! Their Spicy Tuna Rice Cake ($8 a rice cake with spiced up cooked tuna on the inside). This caught me off guard!! Spicy, meaty, & well seasoned!! STAMP!! Their Sapporo Ramen ($19 with miso pork broth, miso pork, miso corn, soy simmered mushrooms, & bamboo, black garlic oil, a soft egg, scallions, & nori). THIS!! A nice & spicy broth, tender pork, meaty mushrooms, & garlicky!! STAMP!! Their Matcha Panna Cotta with Black & White Sesame Sauce ($7 a creamy gelatin infused with Japanese matcha green tea powder). Creamy, sweet, & outright tasty!! . Customer Service: On Point!! . Parking: Rough. There is a garage in walking distance though. . Recommendations: Get that Miso Ramen, try the broth less ramen!! 5 Stars=STAMP 4 1/2 Stars=LIKE THAT 4 Stars=DELICIOUS 3 Stars=DECENT 2 Stars=PASS 1 Star=NAH #Bigschlimsreviews

    Solidly mid Japanese slop bowl. There's better (and cheaper) Japanese just a few blocks away. I…read moreprobably won't be back.

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    Shibuya Japanese Eatery
    Shibuya Japanese Eatery - Rice Cake

    Rice Cake

    Shibuya Japanese Eatery

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    Sushiko Chevy Chase - Lychee martini

    Sushiko Chevy Chase

    3.8(462 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    SUSHIKO was a favorite waaaaay back when it was located in Upper Georgetown on Wisconsin Avenue…read more Tried it again, a few times, when they moved to Friendship Heights and, at that time, we found the prices too high for what we got. So, we stopped going. AND NOW, WHAT A DIFFERENCE! Highly recommend SUSHIKO to all who know the value of fresh, VERY FRESH sushi! Yes, it is pricey. However, never has the old adage, "you get what you pay for" rung so true as it does at now at SUSHIKO. Along with what is the freshest tasting sushi EVER, the portions are incredibly generous. On our last visit, my husband and i shared a Bento Box along with an order of their different and fabulous PORK RIBS. Not one hunger pain remained for either of us. Not only is the food fresh and beyond delicious, the wait staff are attentive, responsive and polite. Honestly, neither my husband nor I can think of one negative when it comes to SUSHIKO. My daughter was visiting from the San Francisco area and we took her to dinner at SUSHIKO. She can't wait to get back there. It will probably become a condition of her visits with us. Oh, for all of your friends or family members who won't eat SUSHI, there are wonderful menu items available such as Wagyu beef, Pork ribs, and lots more. Bottom line? We recommend SUSHIKO WITHOUT RESERVATION! However, it's best to make one. One more thing, hats off to Manager Chef Peter does a remarkable job. Thanks Peter! SHUSHIKO wouldn't be the same without you!

    Representing a runner-up to out of town pick for a local DMV place representing 2019, S is for…read moreSushiko. I visited twice in February 2019 & December 2019. Both times were after a movie at AMC Mazza Gallerie on the DC side of Western Ave NW, and both times were with the same woman. Feb. 2019, she was friend & became a girlfriend in June 2019. Experience was pretty good the first time, and I was game to go again when my girlfriend suggested it in December 2019. I was underwhelmed on the 2nd visit. I felt like it was overpriced compared to other places, and sushi was subpar in my opinion. I've had other sushi that I enjoyed more at a lower price. The place is fancy with the table settings & atmosphere, but it's just not worth the price. My g/f of the time agreed with me, that she was underwhelmed too, and she would've be vocal to tell me if she thought I was wrong, but we were on the same page on this one.

    Photos
    Sushiko Chevy Chase
    Sushiko Chevy Chase - Sesame ice cream

    Sesame ice cream

    Sushiko Chevy Chase - Dining area

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    Dining area

    Maki Bar - M22. Love at First Sight Maki (excludes sauces because my date was weird)

    Maki Bar

    3.9(128 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    I genuinely enjoy the food at Maki Bar -- it's always fresh, flavorful, and consistently good. The…read morespicy mayonnaise is especially delicious, and that's honestly one of the reasons I kept coming back. I used to dine in once or twice a week because I like the food that much. Unfortunately, every time we go, we seem to have the same waitress, and the service experience has really changed how often we come in. She consistently acts like she doesn't want to be there and seems visibly annoyed if you ask for anything. It makes you feel like you're inconveniencing her just by ordering or requesting something simple. Because of this, I've completely stopped dining in and now only order carryout. It's disappointing because the food deserves a great in-restaurant experience to match. I truly hope the owners take note, because with warmer service, this place would easily be a go-to spot again for us.

    Very cozy place. Nothing grand, but just enough to catch the eye and make you feel like it's a well…read morekept establishment. The exact kind of place I prefer to get sushi from. Service was efficient and the workers were friendly. The prices weren't the cheapest around, but they weren't on the higher end either. Based on the quality of the sushi I received, they were justified. All rolls were tasty! They had a good range of speciality rolls and the classics. Both were executed splendidly. The fish was fresh and the rolls I ordered were a good balance of sauce and other ingredients. I was extremely pleased with this spot and would absolutely go back!

    Photos
    Maki Bar - The only place that is open for sushi early in Bethesda!

    The only place that is open for sushi early in Bethesda!

    Maki Bar - D1. Tuna Poke

    D1. Tuna Poke

    Maki Bar - Cute decorations

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    Cute decorations

    Raku - Calamari

    Raku

    3.6(584 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    My partner and I dined there on Friday, definitely get a reservation because it's very busy! Our…read moreserver, Nat, was so helpful, knowledgeable, and attentive. The entire staff and service were very consistent in accommodating everyone and making sure the restaurant ran smoothly. Food was delicious and served quickly too, we had the pork bao buns (special) and sushi. The checkout handheld only gave us 15 or 20% tip options, but Nat deserved more. I'd recommend Raku as long as you don't mind a crowded place!

    I'm updating my review now. I went to this Raku several times for lunch and dinner more than…read moredecade. It's convenient location while you're in Bethesda Row area. Raku is an Asian fusion restaurant and have some verity of Asians menus that's nice things about here. Their popular coconuts curry noodles soup is from Thai or Vietnamese coconuts curry, and not as spicy as authentic Thai or Vietnamese ones so It's easy to eat. You can choose from 3 type of noodles and different soup - curry or simple broth. It's probably better choice here than their sushi for my preference. If we just want Sushi in near Bethesda area, Sushiko in Chavy Chase is good. When we crave for Authentic sushi we just go to authentic Japanese restaurants ( some Michelin stars "Sushi Taro" in DC ) that is truly authentic quality. I also go to other one for sushi ( "Love Sushi Makoto" in DC ) I know that's not even comparable category as those restaurants offers authentic real foods by Japanese owner and chef, and ingredients are real from Japan. I know It's not fair to compare to Asian fusion restaurant like Raku or typical local sushi places that other Asian or American own the place. Raku is very reasonably priced as it should be for actual ingredients. Price stays reasonable that makes this place a popular spot too. I have to be honest their miso soup tastes no real authentic favor to me. But Raku is definitely better choice of quality foods overall compare to other Asian restaurants in Bethesda. Sushi chefs and waitresses are asian and none of them are Japanese and that is ok as most of Sushi chefs and Sushi restaurants in USA the workers are not Japanese anyways. It is actually hard to find Sushi restaurants that owned by Japanese with real Japanese chefs and waitresses and staff in USA. They sometimes says welcome "irasshai" in some Japanese greeting ( that's only used in restaurant setting ) with their wrong accent that is cute to me:) Bethesda is a cute little town and Bethesda row is just like a corner cute village with surrounded by basic restaurants and cafes, normal shops, nothing luxury really, but safer and quiet, clean little town. Neighbors enjoy to go out to restaurants including this Raku as easy to access from near suburbs housing area, so my friends does and walking distance from their houses. This restaurant set small tables very close to next seat and there's very small bar that space is limited, that's as why it's always filled up and crowded. It's uncomfortable and no privacy, I wish they make space between next seats. Except winter, they offer outside seats and dog friendly that's a bonus for dog lovers.

    Photos
    Raku - Table seating

    Table seating

    Raku - Coconut Red Curry Noodles Seafood Soup Dinner

    Coconut Red Curry Noodles Seafood Soup Dinner

    Raku - Crunchy Avo-Q Roll

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    Crunchy Avo-Q Roll

    Zao Stamina Ramen

    Zao Stamina Ramen

    4.2(186 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    I love the Tan Tan Men here -- it's so creamy, rich, and full of flavor. If you like spicy food,…read moretry the Gekikara Miso Men at the highest spice level, but be careful because it is really spicy! The restaurant uses a self-pay machine at the entrance. You order and pay first, then take your number and choose a seat yourself. It's simple and convenient. The owner, Pason, is incredibly kind and welcoming. He's Japanese, and his wife makes the noodles in-house, which makes the ramen even better. The noodles have a great texture and taste amazing. To finish, I had the crème brûlée and a matcha oat milk drink -- both were so rich and delicious. I will definitely be back again!

    Ordering is simple. In the front there are 2 touchscreen iPad-like devices you can place your order…read moreon and pay up front. If there issues a staff member will assist. If eating in grab a number and enter it in with your order. Dining room has plenty of tables for eating. Water and cups are at the bar area for self serve. Food cans out quickly. My companion liked his vegan tan tan ramen. I got the classic menri dashi shoyu ramen. Hard to say what the star ingredient was, both the broth and noodles were excellent. The noodles were hand made and had a great texture and chew. The broth was rich with a depth of dashi chicken and kombu. Taste was clean. Tender thinly sliced chashu, seaweed and greens rounded out the bowl.

    Photos
    Zao Stamina Ramen - Miso Ramen with pork belly extra

    Miso Ramen with pork belly extra

    Zao Stamina Ramen - Tom Yam Ramen with corn extra

    Tom Yam Ramen with corn extra

    Zao Stamina Ramen - Gyoza

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    Gyoza

    Aji-Nippon Restaurant - japanese - Updated May 2026

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