Takohachi Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Arlington

I won’t admit I wish I’d ordered $1 nigiri too. But, let’s just say it’s another reason why I’ll be back.

Came to celebrate a friends birthday Friday night and was excited to as I’d never heard of Takohachi. As a Japanese fan, I definitely combed over the most recent online menu I could find prior to my visit. Still, though, it was hard deciding what I wanted to try first. See, instead of just relying on rolls and sashimi, you have additional fare like Karage, Takoyaki, Yakitori and various noodle dishes to include the ever-so-stapley Ramen and Soba but also Nabe Yaki Udon (which find to be more rare than common).

Since I’d eaten a light lunch, I wanted to order something I knew would be satisfying. Enter Saba Shioyaki. It’s grilled mackerel rubbed in sea salt served with a house salad (ginger dressing served on the side), steamed rice and miso soup. PERFECT Exactly what I needed. The fish meat flaked off the bone effortlessly and was a generous portion for the meal price ($12.50). Nothing special about the soup nor rice but the salad greens were fresh/crisp and dressing not too oily.

I can confirm that everyone in the party went the sushi/sashimi/nigiri route. Each order arrived picture perfect, almost Instagram curated. I held back the urge of taking pictures but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wanted to. Resounding hit from these orders? Salmon. Universally salmon. Anything that had salmon in it was praised/recommended. There were also ZERO complaints on roll ingredient sizing nor Takohachi being heavy-handed with the rice.

Glowing food praise aside, I would be remiss if I did not address the service. Yes, we were there on a packed Friday during dinner service. However, things like receiving our meals before drink orders, let alone water (we ALL ordered alcohol), then having to actually wait for sake glasses so the hot sake is no longer (yes, long enough to defeat the purpose unfortunately). Meal orders were staggered and we assumed as much going in, yet the wait was aggressively long and could easily see this preventing patrons return.

I say that to say this: EVERYONE was polite, friendly and genuine in everything from greetings to service to goodbyes.

Bring your patience and you’ll be rewarded with delicious, authentic Japanese food. Furthermore, going to Takohachi at likely any other time will yield even better results. Take my word for it cause like I said,...

I am going be honest and blunt as possible. The sushi is not as expensive compared to other restaurants in the area that offer sushi. Takohachi recently moved to a new location, which is down the street from their old location. Visited them at their new spot and was really excited to have sushi for dinner. You know how it goes, when you are stoked to go out after a long day and just eat something that hits the spot. Walked in, up to the sushi bar/counter, was greeted by the friendly staff and placed my order. BTW, try to not order through Ubereats, the prices on the menu are more expensive then what the prices are at the restaurant. I noticed the total was a lot more then what I had calculated. After receiving my change, I asked the employee for my receipt and headed outside to wait for my order. I took a look at the receipt and noticed I was almost charged double. Didn't understand why the receipt wasn't itemized or why I was charged 10% percent tax. I went back in and after talking to the same employee, the issue was resolved. I had to wait 25 minutes longer then what I was told for a take out order, I get it, it's a Friday and they were pretty busy. Whatever, I can burn time on my phone like most of us do, it's all good. The employee brought me my sushi, while I was sitting at the bar/counter. Upon leaving the restaurant, I checked my sushi and immediately noticed the sauce on one the rolls was smeared on the inside of lid, whatever it will end up in my stomach anyway. I took the sushi home, ready to pig out with my wife. One of the rolls of sushi, the salmon just had an unpleasant smell. I tried to eat it but couldn't get past the smell, no way. The other rolls were alright, tbh, their quality of food has declined since they have relocated, in my opinion. Would I recommend this spot anymore, not really. I am sure other's enjoy it, as I once did and besides I haven't tried anything else other then their sushi on multiple occasions. It's honestly not the same as their old...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Tacohachi, a Japanese restaurant in Northern Virginia, and let me tell you, it was an absolute culinary delight! The service was prompt and attentive throughout the meal, and I wish our server had made some recommendations, as it would have helped with more business.

The Aji fries, takoyaki, and grilled chicken skin were all mouth-wateringly delicious and the grilled chicken skin was a true standout – it paired perfectly with a cold beer. For the main course, my dining companion and I both ordered the Bento boxes, which offer a variety of options from their menu. The sashimi 🍣 and tempura shrimp 🍤 were both out of this world and I couldn't stop raving about them! Although the delivery of our food was a bit lacking – our appetizers came out after our main course.

The desserts, however, were the cherry on top of an already amazing meal. The dango and ice cream, as well as the tempura fried banana and ice cream, were the perfect end to the meal.

Tacohachi is truly one of the best Japanese restaurants I have ever had the pleasure of dining at. I cannot recommend it enough, and I cannot wait to go back and indulge in their...