I had come here as a recommendation from a classmate who usually comes here to get her Japanese food fix in DC. I was a bit skeptical because I haven't had decent Japanese food in the city since moving here, but I thought I'd take my friend visiting from NY with me since she wanted Chicken Katsu.

Sakana is located in DuPont Circle area and we were seated as soon as we walked in. A bit small and cramped, but it's typical for a DC restaurant in the area.

There was so much to choose from, so I decided to go with the Sushi Bento Box and my friend ordered the chicken cutlet (Katsu).

Bento was great! It came with like 5 pieces of sushi, shrimp and vegetable tempura, rice, picked veggies, a fried fish. It was also suppose to come with yakitori chicken, but I opted for grilled teriyaki salmon instead and I was happy I made that choice! I was really satisfied with the meal! The rice was cooked perfectly, the sushi was great, tempura was crispy and hot, and the grilled salmon was delicious, exactly what I'd expect at a low-key Japanese place. It kind of reminded me of a place I often go to back in Hawaii, just a simple mom and pop Japanese restaurant, nothing fancy serving home-style cooking. My favorite. The only complaint I have is the miso soup wasn't included and I had to order it on the side.

My friend's chicken katsu was delicious! Crispy and came with katsu sauce and also served with rice and some veggies. The only thing that I found odd was that it was chicken breast and not the typical chicken thigh meat. I guess because it's catered more toward DC folks, Chicken breast is what sells right?

Service was great. I'm not quite sure if the owners were Japanese or not, I had a hard time pin-pointing which type of Asian they were....still haven't figured it out lol.

You can't compare this to Nobu's, it will be like comparing Denny's to Ruth Chris Steak House. Overall, the place was great for a quick easy laid-back Japanese meal. I'd definitely come back again and next time try their sushi rolls!

Thanks for the...

Sakana Japanese Restaurant in Dupont Circle is a hidden gem that will transport you straight to Tokyo. But before we dive into the food, let's talk about the history of Dupont Circle itself. Did you know that Dupont Circle was once a rural area known for its farmland and orchards? It wasn't until the late 19th century that the area began to develop into the bustling neighborhood we know today.

Now, back to the food. Sakana Japanese Restaurant is a small, unassuming spot that packs a big punch when it comes to flavor. Their menu is full of traditional Japanese dishes, from sushi to ramen, and everything in between. But what really sets them apart is their commitment to using only the freshest ingredients. They source their fish from the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, which means you can expect some of the highest quality sushi outside of Japan.

Their sushi selection is impressive, with over 20 different options to choose from. But if you're looking for something truly unique, try their Omakase experience. For $120, you'll receive a carefully curated selection of sushi, including rare and exotic fish flown in directly from Japan. It's a true culinary adventure that will leave you feeling like a king (or queen).

But Sakana isn't just about sushi. Their ramen is also top-notch, with a rich, savory broth that's simmered for hours to perfection. And their tempura is light and airy, never greasy or heavy. Plus, their service is always friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home.

In short, Sakana Japanese Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone who loves Japanese cuisine. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or just looking for a new culinary adventure, this little gem in Dupont Circle is sure to impress. So next time you're in the area, stop by and experience a taste of Japan in the heart of...

The short version: This a great little restaurant. The aesthetics create a cozy area to dine in with whomever you choose. The food is delicious and the staff are attentive and friendly. It's a small place so call ahead of you have more than four people in your party.

The Long Version: I went with three friends and they all got various things but for the most part seemed to like what they ordered. The plum wine is recommended.

I got two of their vegetarian dishes. The tempura sushi was delicious! I also got the vegetable ramen. At first, the mushroom broth in the ramen threw me off. I didn't like it. But I went back at it a few minutes later (after the waitress asked me if I wanted to try it with some spicy sauce), hoping it would be different, and it was! I had also added some soy sauce and the some of the pickled ginger that came with my sushi and it was great! The shiitake mushroom broth may take some getting used if you've never had it (in my case) but I do recommend the vegetable ramen.

The only unsavory critique is that my friend had sea urchin and she didn't like it.

And lastly, they were busy when we arrived, but we only had to wait a few minutes before being seated. The staff weren't too attentive at first but as I mentioned they were busy (and there are only a few of them). But as the evening went on, they were kind enough to answer questions, bring anything we asked for and just tried to make sure we were enjoying our meal. We even asked them for photos and they obliged. The elderly women who works their is so sweet and the staff are actually quite friendly. Definitely recommend this restaurant! Happy...