Ryu Izakaya — Restaurant in Arlington

This is a solid choice with a decent menu and good flavors. There’s also a nearby parking garage with free parking for the first hour, which is always appreciated. The service is pretty good and the atmosphere is very interesting. You can tell it’s a local favorite for some and it’s casual enough for everyone to enjoy. On this go around we had the brussel sprouts for an appetizer. They were fairly good but would have been better with a spicy mayo or something. It’s sort of funny to have them as they don’t strike me as a very traditional Japanese dish. I ordered the Japanese curry with chicken, which was good, although I found the flavor somewhat light. I did love how much pickled ginger came with the dish. My wife had the unagi (eel) donburi, which she enjoyed and my sone the poke donburi, which he enjoyed.

Food here is good, although my one criticism is the waitress got my order slightly wrong. Still, I will go back. There’s free parking nearby and it’s a casual place to go with friends. This time I ended up with drunken noodles instead of udon, my wife had sushi, and we had edamame and gyoza for appetizers.

This is a hidden gem that I recently discovered. What's better is there is a free parking garage nearby that I nevern knew existed. I used to avoid eating in that area because of parking but now I can go there more. How awesome is that?! I knew my wife wanted Japanese so I looked and found this this place. Service was very good in a place with a "friends come here to spend time together" feel. Food, which is what I care about, is great. I absolutely loved the pork belly bao buns (a "must try"). My wife had the Japanese curry with shrimp tempura while I had to try the drunken udon noodles, a unique take on a Thai...

I would like to express how much I enjoy the food at your restaurant. The dishes are truly delicious, and the assorted sushi has become one of my favorites. I've visited your restaurant multiple times because of the quality of the food and the pleasant ambiance, which makes it a great place to relax, drink, and enjoy a meal.

However, I have noticed an issue that has significantly affected my dining experience. On several occasions, the waitstaff has hurried to present the bill without asking if we were ready, or offering any additional items. This rush to close the bill and collect tips feels quite pushy and detracts from the overall experience. I find this unacceptable and, unfortunately, it has led me to decide that I will not be returning.

I hope you can address this issue for the benefit of...

Ryu Izakaya is an absolute gem for anyone who loves Japanese cuisine! I stopped by during their $1 sushi special and was blown away by the quality. The sushi was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented—such an incredible value for the price.

I also tried their yakitori, which was perfectly grilled with just the right amount of seasoning. The smoky, savory flavors made it a standout dish that paired wonderfully with their drink options.

The ambiance is cozy and inviting, and the staff were attentive and friendly throughout the visit. If you’re looking for a spot to enjoy delicious Japanese food without breaking the bank, Ryu Izakaya should definitely be on your list!

Highly...