Washoku Guide
Cities/Washington D.C./Izakaya/Daikaya 2F (The Izakaya)
Washington D.C. · Izakaya · a la carte

Daikaya 2F (The Izakaya)

Japanese izakaya tavernJapanese-ownedChinatownJapanese whiskyCreative small plates

The second-floor izakaya above Daikaya's ramen shop is a Japanese tavern in the truest sense: eclectic small plates, an encyclopedic sake and Japanese whisky selection, craft cocktails, and a convivial atmosphere informed by Tokyo-born owner Daisuke Utagawa's personal taste.

Price
¥¥¥
Area
Chinatown / Penn Quarter
Since
2013
Chef
Katsuya Fukushima
Owner
Daisuke Utagawa & Katsuya Fukushima
Daikaya 2F (The Izakaya) — authentic japanese izakaya tavern restaurant in Washington D.C., Chinatown / Penn Quarter
Plate № 43
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About
While the first floor of 705 6th Street is a high-energy ramen counter, the staircase leads to a completely different mood: a dim, curated izakaya where the emphasis is on drinking well alongside inventive Japanese-inspired bites. Owner Daisuke Utagawa — who purchased Sushiko in 1988 after Japanese culinary training and is one of the Japan-America Society's most prominent members — designed the space around his own Tokyo-rooted vision of the perfect neighborhood sake bar. The menu features house-made pickles, tuna poke, grilled avocado, beef tongue, and rotating seasonal specials, supported by one of DC's finest Japanese whisky collections. OpenTable reservations are accepted for the izakaya; the ramen downstairs remains walk-in only.
Neighborhood & visiting

Daikaya 2F (The Izakaya) sits in Chinatown / Penn Quarter, one of Washington D.C.'s neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused izakaya counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • Authentic Tokyo-born ownership brings real cultural depth to every menu decision, from rare sake to house-made tsukemono.
  • One of DC's premier Japanese whisky and shochu collections — serious drinkers make special trips for the pour list alone.
  • Live DJs on weekends give the izakaya a late-night energy uncommon among serious Japanese restaurants.
  • Creative small plates change seasonally, making return visits consistently rewarding.

Confirmed authentic: Japanese-owned (Daisuke Utagawa, Tokyo-born) and Japanese-heritage kitchen leadership. Same address as Daikaya ramen (2F). Founded 2013. OpenTable reservations.

Links
Reserve →Website →Map →Yelp →

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Frequently asked

About Daikaya 2F (The Izakaya)

Is Daikaya 2F (The Izakaya) an authentic japanese izakaya tavern restaurant in Washington D.C.?
Yes — Daikaya 2F (The Izakaya) is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese izakaya tavern in Washington D.C.: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
Where is Daikaya 2F (The Izakaya) located?
Daikaya 2F (The Izakaya) is located at 705 6th Street NW, Floor 2, Washington, DC 20001, Washington D.C., USA in the Chinatown / Penn Quarter neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Daikaya 2F (The Izakaya)?
Daikaya 2F (The Izakaya) accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
What is the price range at Daikaya 2F (The Izakaya)?
Daikaya 2F (The Izakaya) sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for japanese izakaya tavern of this format in Washington D.C..
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in Washington D.C. →Izakaya in Washington D.C. →Authentic izakaya worldwide →All cities →