September 7, 2005
Ask DCist: Inexpensive Sushi
I have been wanting to eat some good sushi that isn't too expensive. Do you have any suggestions?
Ah, inexpensive sushi is a bit of an oxymoron isn't it? As Ask DCist's friend bluntly put it, "cheap fish sucks." But we think we can wrangle up a few lesser-expensive, quality options so you can gorge yourself on more frequent sushi dining.
DCist profiled and continues to recommend Kotobuki on MacArthur Boulevard in the Palisades as an excellent destination for really inexpensive and exceptionally delicious sushi. We threw this question out to staff to see what recommendations we got and three of our foodies resounded with strong Kotobuki recommendations. DonRockwell.com posters sing its praises as well.
Another quality option is Matuba, which has two locations -- 2915 Columbia Pike, Arlington, and 4918 Cordell Ave., Bethesda.
Lesser-priced sushi in more metro accessible locations is a bit harder to find. We have yet to check it out, but Tono Sushi in Woodley Park is on Washingtonian's 100 Best Bargain Restaurants list. Also, Cafe Asia (1550 Wilson Blvd. and 1720 I Street NW) has a happy hour special of $1 Nigri sushi from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. every day but Sunday and offers fairly good bar drinks and a wine-by-the-glass selection to accent your sushi feast. (Warning website has an annoying repetitive beat track).
You can always try the pricier notables Kaz Sushi Bistro, Murasaki, Sushi-Ko and Sushi Taro (to name a few) during lunch when the menu is less expensive but the sushi is still delicious.
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Tono Sushi is wonderful for the price. A real gem craddled between to the crappy Indian food restaurants. I enjoy all of their sushi types, and the service is pleasant as well.
You forgot to mention that you can get Sushi-Ko sushi at the Whole Foods next door. It's a little-known secret, but it's super cheap (at least compared to eating there), and it's the exact same stuff.
If cheap is the primary variable, I've been entirely satisfied with the lunchtime sushi specials available at the new Asia Bistro restaurant in downtown Silver Spring. Their dinner prices aren't low enough to attract any special notice, but you can get really solid lunch sushi specials for about $7 any day during the week, including the weekend. Plus any non-sushi-eaters in your party can order any number of Japanese OR Chinese (or faux Americo-Asian) entrees or appetizers. I recommend the Chestnut Chicken Lettuce Wraps particularly.
My fav, inexpensive sushi place is Sakana on P Street near Dupont. Nice atmostphere and good service too...
Kabuki Sushi in Union Station is really good too. It dosent' have the glitz of Cafe Asia, but their combination platters are very affordable (around $7).
I'd second Sakana as a great place for good fish. Also, I believe on Fridays Saki in Adams Morgan does some $1 Nigiri specials and half price on most of their rolls.
Try Murakashi in Tenleytown:
http://www.thebestsushi.com/
Half price sushi from 5-7:30, and it's high quality stuff.
I agree on Sakana and Spices in Cleveland Park has terrific sushi, in addition to all their other stuff (pan-asian). Not too pricey either.
My Japanese boyfriend (from Sendai in the north) says that Kotobuki is the only Japanese restaurant in DC that he has been completely satisfied with. Besides what he makes at home, of course.
And if you know anything about Japanese men, they are impossible to please.
The Thai Chef happy hour is firearms.
Bethesda's Tako Grill has an excellent 3-course lunch special for $7 or $8 and offers a choice between sushi & sashimi.
Kampai in the Glen Echo strip mall on MacArthur and Goldsboro is okay sushi and very inexpensive.
Still, the best option on the table sounds like the Japanese boyfriend. Does he have a sister?
The new conveyor belt sushi place near the MCI Center is good, fun and cheap. Dunno the name -- it's in the alcove near the movie theatres.
Tono Sushi has free parking after 5pm in the garage across Calvert Street, btw, and there's outside seating. Thanks for answering this question, though, I've been on a hunt for good inexpensive sushi for the past 8 years.
Tenleytown's Kuma is a Japanese/Korean restaurant with great sushi. I went with my wife and a WaPo photographer was there, snapping pics of us dishing out at their sushi/korean lunch buffet. I've been there 5 times, yet to be disappointed (though everytime I've been there, the decor has changed). Obligatory kareoke machine is present.
No. Kotobuki sucks. Do NOT go there.
Actually, it's the best sushi I've found in DC, especially in the "affordable" price range. I've been going for three years; I'm just sad that between the Post, the City Paper, and now DCist, it's gotten so much busier that I usually end up waiting for a table unless I go at very off-peak hours.
After nearly 30 weeks in Washington DC, I finally found it. The Holy Grail. Good, cheap sushi. Correction, great sushi that is so cheap I feel like I committed a crime after I leave.
Kotobuki is the only good sushi I've had since I left L.A. At least, the only good sushi where you can get a full meal for under $50.