The Kusshi team has done it again with a brand DC new spot and rolling out the red carpet for sushi enthusiasts with a quaint and cozy dining atmosphere that's as inviting as a warm bowl of ramen. With about 10 tables and an additional 10 seats around the sushi bar, this new neighborhood gem offers an intimate setting perfect for savoring some of the city's finest sushi and Japanese dishes.
Starting with the appetizers, the Agedashi Tofu was a symphony of textures, combining the crunch of fried silken tofu with the umami depth of dashi and a sprinkle of bonito flakes--definitely a to-fu-tastic start! The Sashimi Salad was a vibrant dance of diced salmon, ponzu, and sesame oil, perfectly paired with seaweed salad. Each bite was a refreshing dip into the ocean of flavors that Kusshi masters so well. The Kusshi Tartare, featuring decadent A5 Wagyu with cucumber and masago doused in ponzu, was a melt-in-your-mouth experience that had us wagging for more. Ika Geso's crispy fried squid tentacles, served with a side of spicy mayo, were a tentacular delight, and the Chicken Karaage, with its double-fried perfection and creamy garlic aioli, was nothing short of clucking awesome.
The pièce de résistance, however, was the Hamachi Kama. This broiled yellowtail collar, nestled atop a bed of seasonal veggies and dressed in ponzu, was so good that I'd come back just for this dish.
On the sushi front, Kusshi wowed us with a parade of rolls. The Got Beef roll was a carnivore's dream, layering katsu and seared A5 Wagyu with a medley of mushroom, avocado, and a touch of kewpie mayo, topped with kizami wasabi and tobiko for that extra oomph. The Samurai roll was a fierce contender, too, boasting a dynamic combination of lump crab, salmon skin, and a smoky finish thanks to the smoked salmon and eel sauce.
The Cherry Blossom roll was a beautiful bouquet of flavors, blending yellowtail, salmon, and tuna with avocado and seaweed salad, all tied together with a wasabi aioli that bloomed with every bite. Meanwhile, the Norfolk and Firecracker rolls continued the explosive theme, packing a punch with ingredients like lobster, softshell crab, and a dynamite blend of spicy tuna and salmon.
For those inclined towards the finer things, the A5 Miyazaki Wagyu topped with quail egg (served as nigiri) was a luxurious indulgence, while the Scallop Sashimi and Chutoro (medium fatty tuna sashimi) were so buttery and smooth, they practically swam down our throats. The Seared Fatty Salmon nigiri was also highlight. The salmon was expertly seared, bringing out a rich, buttery flavor that melted on the tongue, served over perfectly vinegared rice that complemented its lushness without overpowering it.
Kusshi in Glover Park is a delightful splash in the DC dining scene, offering meticulously crafted Japanese cuisine with a side of great service. Whether you're a sushi novice or a seasoned sashimi samurai, this spot is sure to impress with its quality, creativity, and charm. It's a place where every dish is a journey to Japan, no...
Read moreHonestly this was the worse experience I have ever had at a restaurant, and it was so disappointing. I’ve worked in the service industry for a long time and even to my rudest customers would’ve never treated them the way this server treated me. I just moved here (two days in) and started work down the street from this place that was recommended by my coworker. So I came in during my 30 minute lunch break. I came in, sat down and saw they had lunch specials for a bento box. So I ordered it, and it took about fifteen minutes for the bento box to come out. Meaning I only had about fifteen minutes to eat it. No big deal. I planned to just eat there up until five minutes before I had to go back. However, I didn’t want to be waiting for my server to bring my check at the last minute so I asked up front for the check and to go box so I could leave quickly when I was done. The server then immediately gave me attitude and said that he couldn’t give me a to go box because they don’t have the lunch specials on the to go menu and if he let me do that then I would “think I could get away with it”. At this point I have already eaten my soup there and still planned to eat at the restaurant until I had to go back to work. He then proceeded to say “I know what you’re trying to do.” I tried explaining that I had never been to this restaurant and obviously didn’t know the policy. There were no signs anyway. He said “that’s why I even said we don’t do that to go on the phone”. I realized he thought I was someone else who he must’ve spoken to earlier on the phone — but it was NOT me. The ladies next to me were just as shocked as I was that I was being talked to like this. They stepped in and basically said he needed to give me the to go box. Eventually he gave in (again I had been eating at the restaurant — I WAS dining in). I guess he thought I was someone else trying to rig the system when really I just wanted to eat at the restaurant and get back to work in a timely manner. But to just assume I was someone else and then to immediately begin snapping at me and accusing me — I have never felt so humiliated. And I STILL tipped 16%, but I usually tip 25%. I get people try to rig the system and he wanted to follow policy. But it was unnecessarily rude and...
Read moreLoved dinner at Kusshi! My wife and I went to check it out a few weeks ago after seeing the spot changed hands and even though we liked Sushi Keiko I feel like everything improved now that it's Kusshi.
We ordered several specialty rolls to try different combinations and everything tasted incredibly fresh, and all were prepared and presented quickly and beautifully. I particularly enjoyed the Lava Roll! It was unique to me with it being broiled and the awesome combination of flavors almost made me regret not getting a 2nd one. It'll be a staple reorder every time. For the size and amount of food we got, I feel like the portions are very good for the price compared to other sushi spots, and the quality of the ingredients was on the upper end for sure.
The vibe is slightly more lively than Sushi Keiko, which isn't saying too much because it used to be very quiet there, but music and feel is a bit more upbeat despite still being pretty chill.
Can't complain about service one bit as we were checked up on frequently and the manager came by and talked to us afterward and was incredibly friendly. We had a nice conversation about their future plans to improve the location as well as asking for feedback which I very much appreciated! I'm looking forward to seeing these ideas come to fruition.
Fellow GP residents, be you longtime or recent, give Kusshi a try! This is definitely one of the better places we've gotten in recent years and deserves...
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