This was a 10/10 experience. Dining at Sushi Nakazawa for my birthday was something I'll genuinely never forget. From the moment I walked in, the entire staff made me feel welcomed, taken care of, and honestly...celebrated. This was my first Michelin-star dining experience, and they set the bar incredibly high. Every course was intentional, beautifully presented, and unlike anything I've ever had before. You can tell there's real passion and precision behind everything they do. I just want to say thank you to the chefs and staff for making my birthday feel special. The level of service, attention to detail, and overall atmosphere made the night worth every moment. An unforgettable experience. read more

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An enjoyable omakase for lunch - a quicker pace with fewer dishes - that still requires a few add-ons (pushing the price up) to really wow. It's a solid one-star Japanese place sourcing ingredients from around the world, but there was nothing too surprising or impressive about the experience, other than this was "very good." I enjoyed lunch - it allows a look without the full three-hour commitment. read more

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Dining at Sushi Nakazawa is an absolute masterclass in Edomae-style sushi. Tucked inside the grand Waldorf Astoria, the setting is as high-end as the meal itself. If you are a fan of Jiro Dreams of Sushi, sitting at this counter feels like a bucket-list experience. The Highlights: * The Progression: This is a pure nigiri-focused omakase (about 20 pieces). Every single bite was wonderful--the fish-to-rice ratio is mathematically perfect, and the temperature of the rice is spot on. * Standout Bites: The Hokkaido Scallop with a touch of yuzu kosho was a revelation, and the Hand-Carved Tuna courses were incredibly fatty and melt-in-your-mouth. * Presentation: The plating is minimalist and elegant. Watching the chefs' precision is half the fun; their movement is like a choreographed dance. The Critique: * Missing the Small Plates: My only real wish is that the menu included some otsumami (small cooked or raw starter plates) before diving straight into the nigiri. Most high-end omakase experiences at this price point lead with a few seasonal small bites or sashimi to set the stage, and I missed that variety here. * The "Liquid" Bill: Be prepared--the liquor and sake prices are very high. While the selection is encyclopedic and curated perfectly, the markup on drinks can easily double your bill if you aren't careful. The Verdict: Everything about the food and service is top-tier. It is a "perfect bite" kind of place. If you are a sushi purist who wants 20 rounds of elite nigiri, this is your heaven. Just be ready for a spendy night if you're ordering from the bar! read more

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

This is a fantastic spot for an Omakase experience, right off of the national mall near the clock tower and the Willard Hotel. You can expect an intimate experience, with fantastic flavors and a great variety of fish showcased. Make sure to get a reservation because seating is very limited and I'm not sure if they even accept walk ins. There wasn't anything I ate that I didn't love and it was such a journey of flavors either every bite. This is a great place to celebrate and have a very nice evening. read more

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We went to Sushi Nakazawa for my birthday celebration some time last month. We were able to get a reservation a couple of weeks early. We arrived slightly earlier than our reservation time but we were gladly seated at the sushi bar after a few minutes of arriving. The place was quite intimate and wasn't too difficult to find (given that it was our first time to visit). We went handed a simple menu. There was Classic Omakase at $190 and several supplements: we picked the Caviar Monaka ($45) and A5 Wagyu Sushi ($18). We weren't in a mood for an alcoholic drink but we ordered hot tea which the staff served almost immediately. We were first served the Caviar Monaka, then the rest of the omakase - some nigiri we had are salmon, king salmon, trout, sea scallops, squid, blue crab, tiger shrimp, snapper, mackerel, tuna (including otoro), uni, salmon roe, and sea eel. For the dessert, we had tamago and milk custard. They also gave me a birthday candle on top of the milk custard. I'm just glad they didn't serve matcha because I'm not a fan. The service is fantastic and very much what we expected from a Michelin star restaurant. The quality of the sushi was excellent - probably the best one we had. The prices are reasonable and we would definitely go back given a chance. This place needs to be given another star! read more

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Sushi Nakazawa provided a truly unforgettable experience. Located below the Waldorf Astoria, this location impresses from the first step in the door. We were seated in the dining area, and while we did not have a good view of the chefs at work while we ate, their work was impressive and absolutely worth every minute. Each of the 7 courses was exceptionally paired and plated. Our service was excellent, being attended to by multiple individuals that all explained the varied plates to us, made sure our drinks were full, and answered any questions at the drop of a hat. I do not think my words will do the dishes justice and hope that the pictures I captured help to tell the story of delight we experienced at sushi nakazawa. Each bite brought a symphony of flavors and textures together, and built on the last. They found such unique tastes that never felt out of place. Bursts of wasabi and yuzu served to emphasize the perfection already found in each fish. The classic omakase experience was amazing from start to finish and I cannot wait to find an excuse to return. read more

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Unbelievable experience. I can just start to say that, for a 1 Michelin star they absolutely deserved it and if not more stars. Omakase is a favorite for me and I really haven't had it in a long while. So me and my wife decided to spend our anniversary celebration here. We reserved randomly on a Friday for the omakase experience and sat at the bar instead of in the dining room. The place isn't big at all, and I can very well see it getting super busy. But for this Friday afternoon, we were literally the only 2 people in the whole restaurant. That was absolutely special. It was just us, the front staff, and the chef. The front staff was very knowledgeable. We perused the sake list, and boy do they have a lot of sake. We picked a bottle that was the in between of sweet and bitter and we both loved it. It complimented the pieces that the chef made very well. Some of the fish that I had before, will never taste the same after having it here. Yellowtail was definitely an eye opener for me. It was just another level where I didn't know it could taste that good. Sitting at the bar is pricier, but the quality and experience is worth it. You can get the same pieces at the dining table but it comes out on plates, in comparison to sitting at the bar where the chef makes it and you immediately eat it. There is a difference even if it's ever so slightly. Overall, the experience was definitely up there for me. It just makes me yearn wanting to go to Japan. But Nakazawa now has a place in my heart, and I hope they won't go anywhere for a very long time. read more

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We had an amazing omakase experience here. Every course of the 20-course meal (granted it was 1 piece of sushi per course) was beautifully prepared and absolutely delicious. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming. I also really appreciate that they're open for lunch. You definitely can't find that many omakase, or fine dining in general, that will open for lunch on a weekday. I highly recommend sitting at the sushi counter. It's a bit more pricey, but definitely worth it. You'll get to enjoy some pieces and the full chef's experience that you would miss out on in the dining room. Overall, it was a great experience and we'll definitely come again. read more

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

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The restaurant is tucked on the backside of the Waldorf Astoria hotel in DC. It's relatively easy to find the staff was super friendly, knowledgeable, and prompt with refilling water and other beverages. I give this experience a 4.5/5. We sat at the Chef's counter which was an awesome experience being able to watch the chefs prepare the sushi and interact with them. We ended up going for the super omakase which is $310/pp and comes with the supplemental add ons that the original omakase $190/pp does not. The add-ons included caviar, Wagyu, beef, white truffle from Italy, and maybe one other item I'm forgetting. Both menus offer about the same number of pieces they said which is 20 pieces. We split a $200 bottle of sake. We had said we wanted one more so around $100 since we were paying so much for the food and the guy pressured a bit to increase the price point we were comfortable with and then of course when we got our bill it was on the high end. It was good. Neither of us are sale experts. It didn't blow us away but it was very tasty and had a nice velvety mouthfeel. Our favorite bites of the night were the scallop the medium fatty tuna (the second course that had fatty tuna plus the nigiri medium fatty tuna were both excellent), the tiger prawn and red snapper. We also really enjoyed the eel and mackerel, but truly there was no bad bite. I will say the wagyu and white truffle was probably my least favorite. Just didn't do it for me and that was disappointing considering that was 2 of the expensive and supplemental ingredients. The entire course was delicious. The wasabi was amazing. Doesn't even compare to the wasabi one typically gets at a sushi restaurant or take out. Dessert consisted of tomago and then some sort special melon. It kind of tasted like honeydew but was sweeter and melted in your mouth. Really yummy. I will say this restaurant doesn't give you anything besides a card for a special occasion, which is a bit of a letdown especially considering the price of both the original and super Omakase. We've been to multiple other equally and less expensive Michelin star restaurants in DC and for special occasions, they have given an additional course or small bite of something. Ambiance was good. Great for a date night or special occasion. Intimate feeling. read more

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It was just alright. Yes they have a Michelin star but, believe it or not, this at the lower end of price points for Michelin starred omakase. I have been to another 1 star omakase place that was $500 per person and it was obviously much better than this place, which was $190 per person here. Still a pretty penny but of course I can't expect the same experience between the two businesses. My parents were in town and I wanted to treat them to an omakase meal and after searching around, I narrowed it down to this place for our Sunday late lunch. I wish I did not anxiously book a parking spot on Spot Hero ahead of time as there was a lot of street parking around on a Sunday like literally no one was around lol. The service was excellent. I had told the restaurant that it was my mom's birthday so they wrote her a little card and gave her a little candle with her dessert at the end (everyone gets the same dessert though so she basically didn't get anything extra for her birthday). They didn't really do any creative takes on the seafood presented, but again, this could just be me being spoiled by having experienced more expensive omakase where they did more interesting things with each dish instead of your normal slab of raw fish on some sushi rice. With tax and tip, it ended up being closer to $250 per person. I think this place was just average, like you could skip honestly. It was good but not amazing. read more

Sushi Nakazawa - dessert was lovely at least, like a milky pudding - Japanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I have eaten at Sushi Nakazawa at least 4 or 5! times and absolutely love it. Their reservation system only allows you to make reservations for two so I usually need to call and make my reservation for one. Just called a few minutes ago and while trying to make a reservation for myself I was rudely asked if I knew that the cost of dinner was 190$. This woman presented this price like she was quite sure I was unaware and could not afford it. I have never in my life felt so disrespected. I hung up the phone, and can promise you I will never visit this restaurant again. This is not the service I would ever expect from a Michelin starred restaurant, if I am making the reservation then I promise you I know the cost and what I getting into!! read more

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I understand why they have a Michelin star!! Service and ambiance were amazing. Each course tastes so fresh and unique. My favorite was the white fish course and toro course. I'll want to come here again the next time I'm in DC. read more

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Excited to finally try Sushi Nakazawa which is a high end Omakase direct from NYC. It's located on the back area of the Waldorf Astoria so don't go into the hotel. It's not a large restaurant so reservations are recommended although it wasn't that crowded for a weeknight dinner. How's the sushi you ask? Delicious...it's not your typical bites of sushi and you get a good variety of different cuts. My favorites were the Spanish Mackeral, the Toro, and Yellowtail. Top notch sushi at a top notch price. Be prepared to spend a pretty penny. 4.5 stars for the excellent sushi and service...4 stars total when you take into account the total cost. If you have several hundred bucks burning a hole in your pocket go ahead and make the splurge. read more

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This review is four years in the making after celebrating birthdays here in '22, '23, '24, and this summer too. I know there are a handful of well-rated omakase spots in DC nowadays and I haven't tried any others yet. Regardless, Nakazawa is an experience worth having, especially at the intimate sushi counter. The sommelier or manager will help you with a wine selection and add to the overall pleasantness of the evening. Whether opting for the original omakase service or springing for the super, which includes most of the featured add-on's, you're unlikely to leave hungry and more likely to leave stunned by multiple incredible pieces. Nakazawa has become an annual tradition for us. read more

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In D.C. for another work trip and decided to blow several days' worth of per diem on omakase. I've eyed this place on previous trips, finally pulled the trigger. So glad I did. I arrived a little early for my seating and was greeted warmly and immediately offered a comfortable place to sit and wait, as well as a drink menu. Had a drink in my hand not long after. Once seated at the counter - a must if you're going to do this - the experience was incredible. The service was impeccable - when I picked up my first piece with my left hand, it was immediately called to our itamae Bo's attention and he presented each subsequent piece at a different angle "for the lefty". Each course delicious. Bo was skillful and personable and funny and explained the courses thoroughly. Watching the mastery that went into the prep was a lot of fun. I truly enjoyed Sushi Nakazawa. I appreciate the humor in them hanging their Michelin star near the restroom. I really appreciate the purposeful attention to every detail of service and serving beautiful food that earns a place their star. No matter where they hang it. read more

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First time here, and in two syllables: lovely. If you're a sushi lover seeking a truly top-tier experience in the city, the Classic Omakase is a must. Thoughtfully curated and impeccably executed, it's complemented by a generous selection of add-ons that can effortlessly elevate the evening. The sake pairings add just the right touch of flair without overpowering the experience. Service was exceptional--attentive, warm, and polished. The crowd was light yet upscale, creating an intimate atmosphere that allowed the food to take center stage. It's absolutely the kind of experience I'd seek out again in the new year. I wanted to take photos, but honestly, it felt too chic to disrupt the moment. Standout bites included the Spanish mackerel, a beautifully balanced roe-topped set, and one unforgettable piece that tasted as if mezcal and sushi had a baby--smoky, complex, and completely addictive. Chef's kiss. read more

A little hard to find as the entrance is not accessible from inside the Waldorf Astoria. Got the super omakase which I'd do again but be aware if you like doing wine/sake pairings you have to do the premium pairing ($300) as the classic pairing ($150) is not available. So we got a very nice sake instead (forgot to write down the name. The fatty tuna, A5 wagyu with white truffles, egg custard with snow crab, blackjack and Japanese prawns were among my favorites. Sat at the chef's counter and was interesting to chat with them. Was pricey but worth it. They didn't give a menu detailing the omakase so some of my pics are unlabeled as I forgot to write things down. read more

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The food in here is stellar. The fish is clean, delicious, and beautifully prepared. This restaurant is only for omakase and almost entirely nigiri. If you want, you can add in special pieces and also do sake or champagne pairings. Of course they also have plenty of Japanese whiskey on offer. The staff is very knowledgeable and extremely attentive. In the winter, make sure to bring a sweater because the room can be drafty. read more

Sushi Nakazawa - Delicious-ness on rice - Japanese Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Somehow, I managed to snag a last-minute reservation at Sushi Nakazawa for this past Wednesday evening. Upon arrival, I was handed a menu outlining the two omakase options, along with a small selection of alcoholic options and optional supplements (essentially a la carte premium items). I chose the CLASSIC OMAKASE option for 190pp but there was also a SUPER OMAKASE for 310pp which featured more premium items like wagyu, caviar, and truffle. Throughout the meal, I noticed the ginger was surprisingly good --sweet, tart, and really enjoyable. The rice was a bit firm and slightly sticky at first, though I got used to it as the meal continued. 20-COURSE CLASSIC OMAKASE 1. JAPANESE FUJI SALMON - Soft texture, but didn't blow me away. 2. OCEAN TROUT - Nicely smoked and buttery soft. 3. KING SALMON (from NZ) - Lightly torched with a great balance of charred flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. 4. SEA SCALLOP - Lightly citrusy, super tender, and almost meaty. I really enjoyed this one. 5. JAPANESE SQUID - Sticky and chewy, almost glue-like. The citrusy sauce on top and the mint added brightness and herbiness. Texture was not my favorite, but flavors were interesting. 6. BLUE CRAB - Boxy texture and a bit too much rice. The crab was smoky and flavorful, but I would've preferred more crab for a more balanced texture. 7. JAPANESE SEA BASS - More firm than expected, almost stringy with some tough tissue. Enjoyed the delicate flavor, but the texture wasn't for me. 8. GOLDEN EYE SNAPPER - Lightly torched with crisp skin. The salt added crunch and a briny finish. Loved the soft texture of the snapper. 9. JAPANESE MACKEREL - Much colder than the other pieces. Classic briny savoriness with a very soft texture. Paired well with the fresh chives between the fish and rice. A big, fatty, flavorful piece -- usually mackerel is a hit or miss for me, but this one was fantastic. 10. STRIPED JACK (SHIMA AJI) - Delicate, lightly salty flavors and a smooth, buttery texture. One of my favorites. 11. JAPANESE TIGER SHRIMP - Very red, juicy, and clearly fresh. Naturally sweet and elevated with a touch of soy sauce. 12. AMBERJACK (KANPACHI) - Slightly chewy and soft with mellow flavor. Good, but not particularly memorable. 13. AKAMI TUNA - Extremely soft, unlike typical tuna textures. Fresh, mild, and high quality with phenomenal texture. 14. SHOYU-MARINATED TUNA - Slightly saltier from the shoyu marinade but not overwhelming. I preferred this over the akami, though it wasn't as soft. 15. CHUTORO (MEDIUM FATTY TUNA) - Delightful and buttery with a rich fat profile. Very fresh and one of my favorites. 16. OTORO (FATTY TUNA) - Similar appearance to chutoro but melted in my mouth instantly. Pure butter with almost no chew. I think I still prefer the chutoro for the texture. 17. UNI (HOKKAIDO SEA URCHIN) - Sweet, fresh, rich with umami, and not too earthy. This bite made me smile. 18. IKURA (SALMON ROE) - Not overly briny; milder and very fresh. Juicy pops of flavor, though I wish there was a bit more ikura. 19. FATTY TUNA HAND ROLL - Super crispy seaweed (eat fast!) with soft, mushy fatty tuna. Great balance of rice and fish. Fantastic roll. 20 SALTWATER EEL - A denser piece with warm, soft eel and a cake-like texture. Flavorful and surprisingly one of the best bites of the night. FINAL BITES (AKA DESSERT) * TAMAGO - A fluffy, cloud-like cake-looking egg. Lightly sweet. Interesting, though not my favorite. * ROASTED RICE GREEN TEA - Very subtle, almost like thicker water. Barely any flavor. * JAPANESE CRÈME BRULEE - Super crispy sugar top with a custard that had barley or hojicha notes. A bit sweeter than I prefer, but I loved the fragrant tea flavor. Overall, this was a solid experience that grew on me as the meal progressed. It's more traditional compared to other omakases I've enjoyed in DC. For the price, I expected a more intimate and quiet setting. There's an 11-seat omakase counter, but also a dining area (160pp for the classic omakase experience), and the chef was preparing pieces for both, making it harder to interact with him. The restaurant seats around 40 total, so the noise level was on the louder side. That said, the fish quality was fresh, and I left feeling full and satisfied. read more

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Sushi Nakazawa is still one of the greatest in DC for service and quality. From the text communication before arriving onsite to communicate expectations and ask if there was any special celebration to the actual meal itself, it really was top notch. Be prepared if you've never had high end sushi that this is a little different from the usual. There's no wasabi / soy on the side, and it's slow paced. You are presented an Omakase meal of 20 pieces based on Chef Nakazawa's creations. They come out in sets of 2, 3, or 4. You'll be asked to start right to left, and mostly use your hands. In order to cleanse the palate in between there's ginger provided and a plate with damp paper to clean your fingers. The meal ends with a green tea and custard for dessert. My favorite was the Maryland crab roll and you are allowed to have a repeat afterwards if there's a roll or rolls you really liked. We also got a beverage, I got a Japanese whiskey and my fiancee got a chardonnay. The service was very attentive, glasses always full, with multiple waitstaff to handle different facets of the operation. The ambiance was also very well done, from the decor to the plating. Small dings for the length in between courses and the price of everything. I understand this is high end, but every extra selection is going to run you an extra $30-50 a piece. It quickly can balloon to $600 +. Just be aware of that. But I do recommend for very special occasions. read more

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we secured a last minute 9:15 reservation for two. there was a bit of a wait when we entered that being said the actual meal was memorable. over a two hour time period, around 20 courses are brought out with the freshest fish from around the world. specializing in edo-style sushi, each fish is lightly seasoned to bring out its natural flavor profile and texture. read more

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From the moment we walked in the service to the guests was white glove. Top notch experience from beginning to end. I was quite impressed with the Omakase options. Their sake list is one of the best I've ever seen. We had a bottle of the Katsuyama, Den. A chilled full body fruit Junmai Daiginjo. The Omakase service was impeccable, and the supplement offerings were unparalleled to the best I've ever had. The ambience of the dining room was quaint, small and controlled. Great conversations with neighboring tables as everybody was sharing their experience and then anticipating the next delivery. Shaved truffles made my night in addition to the final Unagi tasting. Tremendous experience. I recommend it to anyone that is visiting Washington DC. read more

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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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Impeccable service, very sleek interior, and a wonderfully paced omakase experience. Overall, no issues in terms of quality of ingredients. Some of the flavors that were presented as a light brushing of the fish, for example, felt a bit too subtle for my taste. All of the bites were buttery and melted in your mouth - but, I wanted a bit more flavor with several of the courses. The garlic soy wagyu nigiri was definitely worth the 18 dollar upcharge. Oh man, it was delicious! We were oddly unimpressed by the tomago, different from any tomago I'd had in the past. The sommelier was very helpful and got us to a phenomenal bottle of dry Riesling that was in our price range and was exactly what we wanted. There is a lot of omakase to try in DC, at this price point it may be a one and done for us. read more

Look, we knew going in that this joint was gonna cost some. We recently came and opted for the premium omakase at the bar. We didn't splurge for the sake pairing...we're not that loaded. C'mon. Anyway, the stars should at least equal the dollar signs. Know what I mean? It was ok. I think you should do it once. For East Coast sushi, it was good. Varied offerings all crafted three feet in front of you (with the bar seating). We nabbed a couple of special ales and they were solid. A lot less financially painful than the sake pairing (wow is all I have to say). Service was on point. No empty dish or half filled water glass lingered for more than seconds. Our sushi chef was friendly and explained each item. Place is small and intimate. Maybe a dozen tables and room for about ten at the sushi bar. Located behind, but not affiliated with the Waldorf Astoria. Honestly, being from Southern California, you can get comparable quality sushi at a bunch of spots at a fraction of the cost. But, hey. It's an experience. read more

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Sushi Nakazawa has been a longstanding goal of mine to go. I had the opportunity to celebrate my wife's birthday so we booked a reservation 2 weeks in advance when the spots opened up. I ended up arriving a few minutes past the lunch open due to difficulty finding parking. It is quite hard to find parking so I recommend saving extra time for that if you drive or just go to a nearby garage. Rideshare is probably the easiest way. The staff were very welcoming and professional as we entered. The theme is quite aesthetic with black interior, wooden touches with golden accent in the kitchen, and white marble countertop. They pulled out and pushed in the chairs as we sat down. Gave us hand towels and drinks. In total, they serve about 20 pieces of sushi as part of their omakase. I wish there was more interaction with the chef besides him handing the pieces and uttering the name quietly. For the price difference between dining room vs tabletop seating, you are paying for a few things including interaction, seeing the process up close, and getting the food as soon as it is prepared. The first three serving of sushi part of the omakase were salmon. They were all different, but enjoyable. The fish and rice complimented each other with additional sauce and wasabi that the chef uses. My top 3 favorite pieces were: prawn, Miyazaki A5 wagyu with black truffle, and the red snapper. The wagyu and black truffle piece was an add-on so it cost extra. The chef was very quick at preparing for everyone that participated. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience as some of the pieces really melts in your mouth. Helpful things to note: Sushi Nakazawa is not located in the Waldolf Astoria, but outside of it so don't go into the hotel. The counter seating and dining room seating options are priced differently at $190 vs $160. I might go with the dining room option next time since it is literally the same thing unless you really want that 5 seconds of extra freshness. You can buy yourself a drink or an extra piece of nigiri with the price difference. Arrive early rather than showing up late. I felt quite rushed in the beginning of my meal because I arrived a couple minutes after the whole session got started. I would say that Sushi Nakazawa was worth it as the food, service, ambiance were all great. You can easily spend $500+ for two people here so it would be an easy spend for those looking to meet credit card sign up bonus requirements. read more

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This was by bar the best meal I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing in my life. This omakase had us smiling from ear to ear over and over. Each bite topped the previous. I could not believe that sushi could be this good. The service we received was exceptional as well. Our coats were checks, we had all our questions answered and our server was super friendly! I am already dreaming about eating another piece of that fatty tuna belly. The space is small and intimate. If you can get a seat at the bar, do it, but the dining room is excellent as well. read more

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WOW What an experience. Hands down pretty mind blowingly decadent sushi in various combinations and presentations which are quite well thought out and unique. Price point is pretty high IMHO. This is a once in a while place, not an anytime place. But well worth it if it's a special occasion. read more

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Came here as a surprise for our celebratory anniversary dinner! Highly recommend reserving in advance to get the date and time you need as they get booked out pretty early. We did the omakase at a dining table, which was an excellent experience. Each piece was perfectly prepared and presented. It was probably the most high quality omakase I've ever had. Although one of the pieces I had came with a bone. As soon as we brought it up to the staff, they promptly addressed it and brought me another complimentary piece which was very much appreciated. Service was so attentive and prompt. As soon as I took a sip of water, someone was already on the way over to refill my glass. When I got up to go to the bathroom, a staff member would come by and fold my towel. At the end of our meal, they provided us a dessert with a candle and a personalized card. I would highly recommend coming here at least once to see what they have to offer. It's worth it for a special occasion! read more

Food 4.5/5.0 Service 4.5/5.0 Value 3.0/5.0 Decor 3.5/5.0 Overall 4.5/5.0 It's very good. Chef was on his own on a weekend, and missed on a particular point on service. Staff was very helpful and friendly. Always appreciate the really good, somewhat unique, tamago. read more

Sitting at the sushi counter and eating each piece in a single bite seconds after preparation is always to go with omakase. Sushi Nakazawa doesn't disappoint with high quality ingredients, expertly prepared, and great attention to service. I didn't really have a wow moment but was very happy with the quality and price paid. Parking is a little tricky with street parking having a 2h limit during day. The 3h evening limit is much more doable if you can find a space. Service was almost exactly 2h from start to finish we ended up paying $40 plus tip to park with the hotel valet without having to worry. read more

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Sushi Nakazawa is an one star Michelin sushi restaurant with the prices to boot but IMHO, was worth it. There is an additional upcharge for sitting at the counter where you can watch the chef. Interesting to watch but we've done both and you can save by eating in the dining room. There is only an omakase menu (20 pieces of sushi plus dessert) and there are usually add-ons available for additional charges. Add-ons were pricey for what you get IMHO. Love how each sushi piece is seasoned just right where you don't need to dip in soy sauce (and side soy sauce isn't provided anyhow). So now this is the only way I eat sushi. Pricey but well worth the experience! Service was excellent and deserving of the Michelin star. read more

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Everything I ate here was really tasty. When I usually get omakase and get chef's choice, there's always a few pieces I don't like. That's what I was expecting but my experience left me wanting more. Overall, a very pricey place but it was a good experience. The restaurant only had 6 guests, including me on a Saturday afternoon so you feel like you're in an exclusive high end place. I also doubted that I'd be full at the end but I definitely was. The menu changes depending on what's in season so I'd definitely go back again. I was able to try some yuzu sushi pieces which I will probably never be able to again since it's so unique. I didn't even realize that there was no soy sauce until the end of the meal. It's not even needed since every bite is perfected. read more

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

Exceptional service and food. I believe we got 18 pieces and dessert and i enjoyed every piece. Even items that i don't normally enjoy like eel were fantastic here. I guess quality really does matter. One small thing I didnt like was that they use a butane torch a good amount. Sometimes you can taste the gas of the butane. Also compared to other omakase places of this caliber, nakazawa has become the more affordable option as other places have skyrocketed their prices. 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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We came here last night to celebrate my husband's birthday, and it was such a treat! It's very upscale and classy, but not stuffy. Small, and feels intentionally intimate, in a good way. We sat at the Sushi Counter and both chose the Classic Omakase and were blown away by the freshness, quality, and taste of each piece. My personal favorites were the Aji & Toro, but everything was phenomenal. He tried a few glasses of sake, all delicious, and I tried the Marx-Coutelas rosé brut - divine. The crème brûlée and tea at the end were a lovely way to end the meal. Thank you, Chef, for an incredible experience. 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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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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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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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. Restaurant is very fancy and dimly lit and waiters are very professional. Michelin Star is deserved. read more