Sushi Hachi — Restaurant in Washington

This has become one of my favorite places to eat in the DC area. I absolutely love the sushi here, it's incredible.

You know how some meals are just magical, transporting you to another place mentally? After that special bite you might look around to see if anyone noticed that you weren't there for a few seconds. You were in that other place of euphoria, transported by the food you just consumed. That is what eating at Sushi Hachi has been like for me.

I typically order veggie tempura for my kids along with the vegetarian rolls, of which they have two options. Their sushi rice is also shockingly good. I know what you are thinking, how can rice be good or worth mentioning? It is.

My main order is a mix of their rolls, nigiri and sashimi. Like everyone else, I love yellowtail, tuna, and especially scallops. The rolls are good, but they are a sideshow to the incredible sushi. I mean, you read what I said above and I stand by it.

The drinks are fine but I rarely drink much alcohol. I'm kind of a sake and beer guy...if I even order a drink. Service is on point.

A sad thing about Hachi is that it is usually pretty empty, maybe up to 8 couples dotting tables and the bar. I feel like the bar customers, who sit at a drinkin' bar and not a sushi bar because this restaurant does not have a sushi bar, are regulars who know the special nature of this restaurant.

Overall the atmosphere is quiet with ambient music. The front door has a steady flow of to-go orders.

For me this is truly a gem. I wait to go here for special occasions. I know there are more expensive, maybe more marketed sushi restaurants in DC; and Barrack's Row seems like a sleepy strip in Capitol Hill. But this is worth it. There's almost always parking nearby on the street or under 395 to make Hachi so convenient.

I cannot praise Sushi Hatchi enough. I truly enjoy the departures they've made from some traditional sushi restaurants and the experience they provide in Capitol Hill in DC. It is my pick for the best sushi...

Given the positive reviews, I had such great hopes for this place. Unfortunately I left very disappointed.

Positives: the food was terrific. I ordered omakase and the chef did a good job providing a diversity of dishes that all complemented each other. The fish was fresh and flavorful. Ambiance was a little loud but otherwise enjoyable.

Negatives: SERVICE, SERVICE, SERVICE. Although we had a 7pm reservation, we were left waiting for 15 minutes, until 715, despite seeing several open tables. This would ordinarily not bother me, but I witnessed several parties of the same size (2 people) who came after us were seated before we were. I was told twice that they were cleaning our table as we waited, no apology.

After being seated, everything was going smoothly until the smoked sashimi dish. We finished the course and waited 20 minutes until I had to flag a waitress that we hadn't receive our next course. She skipped the nigiri dish and brought out the soup. I informed her that the dishes were out of order, received no apology, she took back the soup, we waited another 10 minutes, finally got the nigiri, then she brought out a soup that was cold, which I assume was the original dish brought out by mistake... again no apology.

I'm usually very understanding when mixups happen but this was over the top. I won't be going back, which is a shame because the good itself was excellent and I love supporting...

Excited to see a classy new sushi joint on the hill! This would be a good place for a date but do check out the menu in advance as the options are pretty limited.

I arrived after 2:30pm when many restaurant kitchens are closed. These guys stay open all day and the place was as empty as you would expect. Waitress seated me, poured some water and answered a few questions. I ordered a green tea, the chicken karage and spicy tuna sushi then ended with matcha green tea ice cream. My bill was $33 including a 20% tip.

The spicy sushi was ok - not very flavorful but it was fresh and pleasant with ripe avocado and good, sticky rice. The chicken karage is fried in a light flour batter and frankly would have been better in a panko crumb but hey maybe that is how karages are made everywhere?! The thick creamy sauce combined with the oil from the fried chicken was a little much for me. Of course, I still had dessert. The green tea ice cream comes with three scoops and it’s really creamy, not bitter like matcha can be. This is that rare opportunity when eating the Maraschino cherry makes sense.

Enjoy the easy listening versions of great metal and funk classics that they play in the background here. Thriller, Daddy Cool, Sweet Child O Mine, Live N Let Die and more sung breathily by a very sweet sounding young lady supported by a cast of pan pipes and...